BroodBuster: Ill carry a sidearm on me in bear country no matter how much it weighs. I've seen to many in AK not to. Ive got bluff charged on two occasions and that was scary as [Bleeeeep!], even with a .44 mag! My G20 fully loaded is only 2-2 1/2 pounds though. As for bow hunting; It's 5-15 miles backpacking in and from below 1000 feet to as high as 5000+ feet in for me. (Made the mistake of getting into highcountry hunts)
I am younger than you though... wink
However, i also have a fcked up gimp leg. If you "really" wanted to carry a sidearm its no big deal. I wouldn't wanna face a charging bear with my bow though. Hell to the no!
_________________________