Let’s face it-you are an old man (as am I) traveling alone, which requires some extra precautions on your part compared to someone traveling with a companion(s).
You are more vulnerable to problems with human predators than any animal predators.
Pick a couple of Glock 40 calibers. Stash one of them with the barrel removed in your camper someplace. Hide barrel in another location inside, or take it with you in your backpack when hiking, which should be easy to do. You don’t want to be shot with one of your guns if you return to your camper if someone has broken in. This gun will be your spare should you ever need it.
I recommend a Glock .40 for several reasons. The guns are relatively lightweight and not too difficult to carry and conceal. The .40 caliber gives you a little more power than 9mm against bears if you use hot all-lead hard cast semi-wadcutters such as those loaded by Underwood. But is very unlikely you will ever see a bear, period.
Since you will be basically on your own, whether in crowds, walking across parking lots,’or hiking, you should have your gun on you AT ALL TIMES, even when sitting by the campfire in the evening. Good quality flashlight too. Human predators see a solitary older person as easy prey, and may observe you for a while at a distance before making their move.
The increased proliferation of drug cartels operating all over the US, even in National parks has put a different face on vacationing in remote areas. As a tourist you will not have information as to what areas to avoid and could stumble into some bad locations and situations.
I have made it a habit of stopping at sporting goods stores and ranger stations periodically when traveling out west and inquiring about places to avoid and safer ones to spend time at.
It is not my intention to scare you out of taking what is likely to be a wonderful extended vacation, but to prompt you to really be on your guard more than you may be used to.
