for years when I was young and foolish, I carried my 357 along with my long gun. Eventually I realized the foolishness of it, after realizing that for crying out loud, I can finish a deer as cleanly and quickly with my rifle, certainly my rifle has more oomph for any other wayward critters/ unpleasant encounters, and also was at hand. Even being in good shape, the extra wt of the revolver and belt, etc. was significant at the end of theday, esp. if dragging something out. For that matter, the very full day pack that accompanied me is down to only a knife, cord, compass and fire starter. Less does become more.