Well, I see were talking pistols- I daily carry either kel tec 9mm or kel tec .380 depending on weather and attire, but if Im in the woods I usually have some sort of long gun with me. 12ga pump, .308, .223 AR, or a .22 in addition to whatever pistol Im carrying. My Ruger SR9 sits on the bedside table and only goes out to shoot targets. If I were in really thick woods I would choose 12ga with slugs and buckshot as back up.