I spend over 100 days a year in the woods, and I pack a 6inch S&W 686 .357 7shot revolver in the wilds here in Idaho. I have 45 autos also, but I seem to get better accuracy and range from my .357. I also like the ability in the field to be able to pull out the pistol and have it go bang without racking slides or messing with safeties. If a cougar lands on your back, you won't have much time to get your gun into play, and with a missfire on a revolver you just pull the trigger again to have a fresh round in battery. Some may argue, but I think the .357 is also a better round for sporting purposes on game, deer sized and smaller, than the 45 auto. You also have the versatility of shooting lighter 38 special loads, and various shot loads for snakes and such. I have come to settle on 158gr cast bullets from Oregon Trail bullet company for my hand loads, I like the penetration and accuracy of a hard cast solid, but if using in an urban area where overpenetration may be a concern I use various hollow points or Extreme Shock Air Freedom Rounds. If you are packing a pistol for back up in the hunting woods I would stick with a stainless revolver, I have seen many blued pistols rust in damp holsters. My stainless 686 has proved to be tough as nails, and has held up good being packed in the damp snow covered Mountains of Idaho. I like the increased performance and accuracy of a 6 inch barrel, unless you are worried about concealability or small in stature, you won't notice the extra weight vs a shorter barrel. Some may prefer a larger round than the .357, but unless you are in Alaska it should be more than enough to deter any 4 or 2 legged critters you may encounter.