I hiked much in Montana. My go to was the Ruger Single Six when I wanted blue grouse for dinner. Otherwise the Ruger Blackhawk in the weak and under powered .357. Seeing Grizzlies up close on occasion made me wish I had stayed home. I used a Bianchi shoulder holster and it carried well. I did kill a small bear and a mountain lion with it .Also grouse and deer. The previous threads mentioned the LCR. These shoot well enough to be used as a kit gun. My shot placement was best with the Single Six due to upgraded sights. It was less hike friendly than the Blackhawk. Now I have another great Smith and Wesson 686 plus with the tiny 4 inch barrel. I have a Simply Rugged holster for hip or cross draw. I am loading up some heavy ammo for shooting plates. The previous Blackhawk hit steel at 110 yards! I had a Smith and Wesson Mountain Gun in .44 Magnum. I regret selling that one.