I can't be bothered to read the whole thread. People are attacked hiking/ camping all the time. Because of what I know can happen even to a wary and prepared male, I only hike by day 'solo' for nothing longer than a day hike. You can't beat the buddy system , though a pair of ladies were killed in Shenandoah Park not long ago. Bottom line is that only a trained ATTACK dog can be of help against an assailant. Sad.