Camping and Carrying

[Vicious_Cycler]

First the qualifiers. I have yet to take an overnight trip requiring me to camp or stay in a seedy motel. However, whenever I do get the opportunity it will have to solo. So I have some safety and security concerns regarding long solo rides. Thus, my questions.

 

If you have a concealed carry weapon permit, do you carry it on overight trips, solo or otherwise? If you do, what do you do in states that do not honor your state's CCW permit? If you would not carry on a trip even if you have a permit, how come?

 

In the interest of disclosure, I do not carry and do not have a CCW permit. But, as daytripping has begun to get a little repetitive, I am thinking more about solo traveling issues.

[lawnchairboy]

packing.org

 

that is all you need to know.

 

now that I post that, the link is apparently gone, used to be a great info source on state by state CCW.. not up at the moment. states vary on whether you can carry in state parks, in NC, it is NO.

 

try: http://www.usacarry.com/

no affiliation

 

chris

[SAAB93driver]

I'm no lawyer so you should check into this yourself but as I understand it generally you can transport a secured firearm without a permit - people without CCW permits do it all the time otherwise you could never get gun from the gun shop to your house. On a bike if it is kept in your locked saddlebag I think there is no question it is secured. In a tank bag it is a little finer line, maybe similar to a glove box in a car, but if the gun is kept in a case in your tankbag I think it will be considered secure and therefore not illegally concealed, but then you don't have ready access of it in that situation. So I guess it depends on how you want to carry it. IF you want to be able to shoot from the saddle or carry it on your person while walking around you need to get a permit.

 

In a hotel room laws probably vary by state but I would think in most cases it should be legal to have a firearm in your room or your campsite.

 

Be sure to have control of the firearm or have it properly locked up if there is any chance you might be around minors.

 

on reciprocity for each state you can check here

http://www.ccrkba.org/reciprocity.html

[smiller]

As mentioned, the first question is do you desire access to the firearm as you travel or only at night? Carrying a concealed weapon on your person requires a permit (easy to get in most states but impossible in some) and a complete knowledge of local laws. If you are willing to unload the firearm and make it inacessible under lock and key while traveling then most states (but not all) permit the transportation of an inacessible firearm via 'peaceable journey' laws, and once arrived most will permit you to keep a firearm at your domicile, even if that domicile is a hotel room or campsite. But again, check state laws in advance. Even where having a weapon is legal the specific conditions under which you may use it vary widely.

 

That said, dealing with a firearm while traveling is a PITA and the best strategy by far is to simply avoid placing yourself in situations where you have any chance of needing one.

[Woodie]

Do NOT carry in any fashion while in Canada. They take an EXTREMELY dim view of such things.

[hindsight]

Plus you cannot carry concealed in National and most State parks. The following is from www.legallyarmed.com:

 

Family vacations can include trips to our National Parks throughout the U.S., or you may have to drive though one of them to get to your final destination. Can you carry a loaded gun during your trip? The answer is no. You can transport your firearm if it is in a case, unloaded, or dismantled. If you have a summer home in a National Park [see definition below], you are allowed to keep a loaded firearm in the dwelling, but you cannot travel with the firearm loaded outside of this dwelling.

 

Since you don't have a permit yet, I would say go through the training and process to get one and then try carrying. You will soon find out what you are comfortable doing and the best way to you carry a concealed weapon and the best way to lock it up when you can't carry.

 

Sorry for the general answer, but it is all about you and your understanding of the responsibility that comes with carrying a concealed weapon.

 

Good luck with your choice.

[OlGeezer]

First the qualifiers. I have yet to take an overnight trip requiring me to camp or stay in a seedy motel. However, whenever I do get the opportunity it will have to solo. So I have some safety and security concerns regarding long solo rides. Thus, my questions.

 

If you have a concealed carry weapon permit, do you carry it on overight trips, solo or otherwise? If you do, what do you do in states that do not honor your state's CCW permit? If you would not carry on a trip even if you have a permit, how come?

 

In the interest of disclosure, I do not carry and do not have a CCW permit. But, as daytripping has begun to get a little repetitive, I am thinking more about solo traveling issues.

 

I've toured between 35 and 45 days a year for the last 10 years. I don't carry and never felt the need to.

 

That's just my perspective.

[OlGeezer]

Do NOT carry in any fashion while in Canada. They take an EXTREMELY dim view of such things.

 

O.K.

 

So that leaves 50 out of the 51 states.

 

[russell_bynum]

As mentioned, the first question is do you desire access to the firearm as you travel or only at night? Carrying a concealed weapon on your person requires a permit (easy to get in most states but impossible in some) and a complete knowledge of local laws. If you are willing to unload the firearm and make it inacessible under lock and key while traveling then most states (but not all) permit the transportation of an inacessible firearm via 'peaceable journey' laws, and once arrived most will permit you to keep a firearm at your domicile, even if that domicile is a hotel room or campsite. But again, check state laws in advance. Even where having a weapon is legal the specific conditions under which you may use it vary widely.

 

Great advice. Especially that last part. In some states, even when it is legal to have a loaded firearm in your domicile, the conditions in which you are allowed to use it to defend yourself are severely limited.

[bmwdude]

...better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.

[BFish]

i travel solo quite often.. don't carry anything other than clothes, tools and $$'s. be careful where you stay and don't let paranoia ruin a good time.

[ShovelStrokeEd]

In over 50 years of riding all over this country, I have never felt the need to carry a firearm. I will admit to doing minimal camping, mostly confine my rest stops to the Iron Butt motel. I do own firearms and keep one ready to go at home as my neighborhood is not the best. As to lodging on the road, I don't stay at seedy motels and the years of travel have given me the ability to quickly assess the area I am moving through. If I get a bad feeling, I just move on.

 

Almost every state has regulations about when and where you can carry and, IMHO, the places you most need a weapon, you are already prohibited from carrying. An example would be "places of nuisance" such as bars, gambling halls, houses of prostitution, pool rooms, etc.

 

As in all confrontations, the best thing you can do is to remove yourself from the area/condition. I have never, while on the road, had any of my bikes tampered with or molested nor have I ever had a problem with people or wild animals. I once did have a problem over parking spaces with a drunk in a room a couple of doors down from me, asshat had taken up 2 spots with his Jaguar and, when I parked in the diagonal he left open, threatened to knock my bike over. I called the police after explaining to him that that would be a really bad idea. Cops came, wanted me to move the bike to avoid confrontation and I agreed, meanwhile firmly stating my position. Idiot threatened both me and my bike in their presence and found himself in a heap of trouble. I stayed in that hotel for another 3 days, he was removed by management and police.

[RichEdwards]

I've toured between 35 and 45 days a year for the last 10 years. I don't carry and never felt the need to.

That's just my perspective.

 

I'm with you, Bill. I've done over 200,000 miles in the last 10 years thru every state (except Hawaii), lots of Mexico, most of Canada, and I've never felt the need to carry a gun. A pair of ballet shoes and a tutu would be just as useful and less likely to cause trouble.

[smiller]

As in all confrontations, the best thing you can do is to remove yourself from the area/condition.

Yes, or avoid it in the first place. 99.9% of the time these two tactics will afford you more protection than any defensive weapon.

 

With the exception of the very few whose vocation injects them into harm's way, one has to ask oneself... if I think that there's any likley possibility of my needing a gun... what am I doing here in the first place? There are unknowns of course, and I suppose that there are conceiveable circumstances where you might need a gun if you camp by the side of the road alone, which is why I never camp by the side of the road alone. That's a lot safer than a .45 in your sleeping bag. And note that I'm not anti-gun, just pro staying alive (not to mention adverse to $50,000 legal defense bills.)

[Agent_Orange]

Carry the blade of your choice.

[Fugu]

If you have a concealed carry weapon permit, do you carry it on overight trips, solo or otherwise?

Of course.

 

If you do, what do you do in states that do not honor your state's CCW permit?

 

I have good coverage from multiple permits. I tend to take a dim view of states that do not recognize my rights and actively avoid some of them. In others I sometimes make the conscious decision, aware of the penalties and issues, to be civilly disobedient. Should I ever need my firearm, I will happily deal with the fallout for having broken some stupid state law.

[Fugu]

if I think that there's any likley possibility of my needing a gun... what am I doing here in the first place?

I'm going to stop carrying tools and tire plugs unless I think I'm going to have a breakdown or flat...

 

I think I'll toss out my fire extinguishers, too - I don't think I'm going to have a fire at my house...

[Fugu]

Carry the blade of your choice.

 

Sounds like a simple solution, but it's not without its issues. Many states (for example my former home of Oregon) have very murky laws pertaining to knives. Blade length and opening system can both be issues, and many states' concealed weapon or concealed handgun permits do not pertain to knives and other weapons.

 

Whatever you choose as a self defense tool requires a serious commitment to quality ongoing training in its use and in issues surrounding self defense.

[barryNmarin]

Glen, here's my 2 cents worth. I'm retired from 34 years in law enforcement and although I have a concealed weapons permit, I have never felt the need or desire to carry the weapon while traveling via car or bike. I go solo camping on my RT several times a year and have made a conscious decision to not live my life in fear and paranoia. It is a great feeling. I'd rather carry 3 lbs of gear I will use everyday and not have to worry about keeping up with a major liability. It is a personal decision, but it is one I've been very comfortable with.

 

Barry

[skinny_tom (aka boney)]

I've slept in seedy motels and camped in the middle of nowhere.

 

Never any problems.

[russell_bynum]

...better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.

 

Absolutely...but it is something to keep in mind.

[Fugu]

Yes, it's a personal decision. Both sides of the issue would do well to respect the personal decisions of others on the topic and not pepper the conversation with pejorative terms.

[Francis]

What would happen if the gun got taken away from you?

[Fugu]

What would happen if the gun got taken away from you?

 

There are so many ways to answer this question. I don't know you so I have no idea if you are asking me literally, or if this is that old anti-gun argument about guns being used on their owners more than they are used on attackers (a statement that is fallacious, by the way).

 

So, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and give you all the answers I've got.

 

I've trained in weapon retention and disarming. It's not easy to get my gun from me, and should somebody succeed, I can take it back. I have multiple other means of self defense ranging from other weapons to my bare hands. My gun is concealed, so before an attacker could think about taking it from me, they've got to know it's there in the first place.

 

If I fail at all of the above, an attacker could use my own gun on me just like they could steal my car and run me over with it. Weighed against the value of having a gun as a defensive weapon, it's not a tough decision for me to make.

 

Now let me ask you: What would happen if you were attacked by a criminal armed with a gun or other weapon?

 

Complying with an armed robber in the hope that they spare your life is a social contract. I would not enter into a contract with a criminal for material goods, let alone for my life.

[Quinn]

I carry a gun when I'm backpacking. If solo, it helps me sleep at night and I've run into some odd people ten miles down the trail that made me uneasy. Never really needed it, but have wrapped my hand around it at times. If I'm hiking with someone, I may carry it in case we run across a bear. I can then shoot my buddy in the leg and get a good start while the bear is working on him.

 

I also check the area for bear at night by smearing peanut butter on the other guy's tent after he goes to bed. Figure he'll let me know in time to make my escape.

 

Haven't found any reason--real or imagined--to carry one on the bike yet.

[bmwdude]

Note to self: Avoid social interaction with Quinn.

[russell_bynum]

f I'm hiking with someone, I may carry it in case we run across a bear. I can then shoot my buddy in the leg and get a good start while the bear is working on him.

 

I also check the area for bear at night by smearing peanut butter on the other guy's tent after he goes to bed. Figure he'll let me know in time to make my escape.

 

 

You're my kind of sick.

[BFish]

First the qualifiers. I have yet to take an overnight trip requiring me to camp or stay in a seedy motel. However, whenever I do get the opportunity it will have to solo. So I have some safety and security concerns regarding long solo rides. Thus, my questions.

 

If you have a concealed carry weapon permit, do you carry it on overight trips, solo or otherwise? If you do, what do you do in states that do not honor your state's CCW permit? If you would not carry on a trip even if you have a permit, how come?

 

In the interest of disclosure, I do not carry and do not have a CCW permit. But, as daytripping has begun to get a little repetitive, I am thinking more about solo traveling issues.

 

vicious cycler...i'm curious as to your thoughts after reading the various responses.

[Lawman]

I've travelled extensively in at least two states and I can honestly say I've never felt the need to be unarmed, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express one night..

[Keith S]

Do NOT carry in any fashion while in Canada. They take an EXTREMELY dim view of such things.

 

O.K.

 

So that leaves 50 out of the 51 states.

 

 

Ouch!

 

 

 

 

Keith

[Kraynak]

First the qualifiers. I have yet to take an overnight trip requiring me to camp or stay in a seedy motel. However, whenever I do get the opportunity it will have to solo. So I have some safety and security concerns regarding long solo rides. Thus, my questions.

 

If you have a concealed carry weapon permit, do you carry it on overnight trips, solo or otherwise? If you do, what do you do in states that do not honor your state's CCW permit? If you would not carry on a trip even if you have a permit, how come?

 

In the interest of disclosure, I do not carry and do not have a CCW permit. But, as day tripping has begun to get a little repetitive, I am thinking more about solo traveling issues.

 

 

I love how someone asks a couple of specific Questions about carrying a side arm, and then the topic becomes a quorum of "Is guns good or bad?”

I believe the questions were for people who have a concealed carry weapon permit.

Sorry for the high jack

[Vicious_Cycler]

vicious cycler...i'm curious as to your thoughts after reading the various responses.

 

--------------------

Brian

 

Glad you asked. In looking at the responses and in talking to riders I know, a few common themes became apparent. That is, use your common sense, don't let worry keep you from doing something you love, most never felt to need to carry on solo trips.

 

I appreciate everyones' thoughtful responses.

[Fugu]

I appreciate everyones' thoughtful responses.

 

Remember that whether you choose to go armed or unarmed, your primary defense against ne'er do wells is being aware of what's going on around you and not looking like food.

 

Predators will always pick the easy prey.

 

 

Safe travels.

[Quinn]

[quote

 

Predators will always pick the easy prey.

 

 

 

Is that why we dress like Power Rangers and firemen?

[BFish]

vicious cycler...i'm curious as to your thoughts after reading the various responses.

 

--------------------

Brian

 

Glad you asked. In looking at the responses and in talking to riders I know, a few common themes became apparent. That is, use your common sense, don't let worry keep you from doing something you love, most never felt to need to carry on solo trips.

 

I appreciate everyones' thoughtful responses.

 

[bdspler]

OK, I see Red Roof, Days Inn, La Quinta,

but NO SEEDY, do they have a points program?

bd

[BamaRider]

There are so many ways to answer this question. I don't know you so I have no idea if you are asking me literally, or if this is that old anti-gun argument about guns being used on their owners more than they are used on attackers (a statement that is fallacious, by the way).

 

So, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and give you all the answers I've got.

 

I've trained in weapon retention and disarming. It's not easy to get my gun from me, and should somebody succeed, I can take it back. I have multiple other means of self defense ranging from other weapons to my bare hands. My gun is concealed, so before an attacker could think about taking it from me, they've got to know it's there in the first place.

 

If I fail at all of the above, an attacker could use my own gun on me just like they could steal my car and run me over with it. Weighed against the value of having a gun as a defensive weapon, it's not a tough decision for me to make.

 

Now let me ask you: What would happen if you were attacked by a criminal armed with a gun or other weapon?

 

Complying with an armed robber in the hope that they spare your life is a social contract. I would not enter into a contract with a criminal for material goods, let alone for my life.

 

[Fugu]

OK, I see Red Roof, Days Inn, La Quinta,

but NO SEEDY, do they have a points program?

bd

 

No, but they have free Wi-Fi. It only gets porn sites.

[AdventurePoser]

Glen,

 

I agree that day trips can start to get a little repetitive. I hope you do get out and do some longer rides-they are great fun and adventurous on so many levels! But, why do you feel the need to carry a gun? Do you believe carrying would make you safer? Would you be morally, emotionally, and physically ready to take someone’s life if you feel threatened?

 

Could you make, in a split second, that crucial decision to take a life, knowing that the consequences of shooting someone will have life-altering consequences? And, knowing that simply carrying a loaded weapon bears a huge responsibility, are you willing to shoulder that? These are questions you should ask yourself before you consider carrying.

 

If you do not feel 100% sure in your answers to the above questions, IMHO I would not even consider carrying.

 

Traveling is an adventure. Part of the adventure is being alert and in tune with one’s surroundings. For the traveler, reading people and places is part of the challenge of visiting new places. When you use your common sense and perception you can minimize your personal risks!

 

A friend said to me once, “I was using an ATM in a dark location one night. I was glad I was armed.” Ok, but what if instead of using that dark ATM he selected one inside a supermarket or other busy, well lighted place? Would this have been less risky than engaging in a gunfight over his cash? Yeah, probably so! I believe that carrying may actually increase ones risk, if that person believes in the false sense of security a gun provides!

 

Bottom line is, you can travel safely if you use your head and common sense. The gun fans and Walter Mitty’s of the world will give you all kinds of reasons why you should carry. Truth is, probably few, if any of them will ever have to kill a person in defense of their personal safety….

 

Just my $.02 worth from a guy with 21 years of law enforcement experience, and a couple of hundred thousand miles of moto traveling!

 

Ride safely,

 

Steve in So Cal

[Fugu]

If you do not feel 100% sure in your answers to the above questions, IMHO I would not even consider carrying.

 

If you're not 100% sure, then you are where most reasonable people were when they started to learn about defending themselves. If you didn't have any doubts or concerns about such a serious matter, you'd either be taking it too lightly, or you'd be delusional.

 

Find a qualified instructor in your area, one with good references (some instructors stink, just like some of every profession stink) and take a basic class to get things going - many are free (beware, some free classes are worth their price). I'd suggest you learn at least a little before making a serious decision, just like you would with any other serious decision.

 

I'm sure the former law enforcement officers can attest to the fact that cadets in their classes had to come to grips with, and be trained to deal with, the same weighty issues.

 

if that person believes in the false sense of security a gun provides!

 

So did they make you carry false security on duty, or did you want to carry the false security?

 

As a former officer I'm sure you have at least one story of being in trouble and calling for help, and how long that help took to arrive.

 

It's farther away for civilians.

 

I have a pretty secure home. Very secure compared to my neighbors who leave their doors standing open. Despite that, I had somebody break in while I was home. The cops showed up quickly given my location, but it was still a long time. Luckily there was no violence. If my fairly unattractive to a burglar/ robber home was broken into, how much security does a camper have in a tent, or a traveler in a hotel room?

 

If not comfortable with carrying a ready weapon on their person, people might consider traveling with something unloaded that they can load and make ready where they are bedding down for the night. Peaceable journey laws make this fairly straightforward and you don't even need a concealed gun permit.

 

The gun fans and Walter Mitty’s of the world will give you all kinds of reasons why you should carry.

 

Walter Mittys? That's hardly constructive.

 

 

Truth is, probably few, if any of them will ever have to kill a person in defense of their personal safety….

 

I hope you are correct.

 

 

Steve in So Cal

 

In the interest of full disclosure, how much of a choice do you have on this issue in So Cal? Is it different for you as a former officer as compared to a regular citizen?

[Vicious_Cycler]

But, why do you feel the need to carry a gun? Do you believe carrying would make you safer? Would you be morally, emotionally, and physically ready to take someone’s life if you feel threatened?

Steve

 

I'm a little perplexed by the above. Are you rhetorically asking why anyone would feel the need to carry or did you infer from the original post that I felt the need to do so? It was not my intent to infer that I felt the need to carry. My wish is to gauge the opinions of the many experienced riders on the board.

 

Having said that, I do believe personal security while traveling solo to be an important consideration. So, I was interested in all thoughts on the matter, e.g. concealed weapons, tasers, sprays, nunchucks, tonfas, hope, prayer, good running shoes, etc.

 

I suppose I should refine the question somewhat. I envsioned camping alone in my tent. At some point while asleep, one or more miscreants decide I'm an easy mark. I'm already at a disadvantage, asleep in a sleeping bag. So my question, I suppose, was more related to this type of vulnerable situation.

 

It seems to me that awake and active situations would be considerably different. Here the gift of blarney, martial arts training, or fast feet might be a better armamentarium (don't get to use that word often ).

 

At any rate, I have really enjoyed and appreaciated everyone's thoughts.

[AdventurePoser]

Sorry if I offended you-not my intent, but I do not believe that carrying guns around on motorcycle trips is silly for so many reasons. Furthermore, I believe that civilians carrying guns is, by and large, a poor idea.

 

I agree with you that top notch training is critical if you are planning on carrying. And, no, as a police officer I did not feel a false sense of security while armed.

 

Training at an excellent police academy taught me to be comfortable with the tools on my belt. Training and experience also honed my mindset of knowing when and where to engage in a gunfight.

 

I cringe when I read, on this board, comments alluding to shooting people for theft, or merely breaking into a home, or even as a solution to a fist fight. I cringe because I believe folks on this board, at least the ones I've met, are bright, educated, responsible people. Yikes!

 

What about the rest of duly CCW clad population??? I have my concerns.

 

This is a good idea.... And a realistic one IMHO.

<...If not comfortable with carrying a ready weapon on their person, people might consider traveling with something unloaded that they can load and make ready where they are bedding down for the night. Peaceable journey laws make this fairly straightforward and you don't even need a concealed gun permit...>

 

And yes, it is virtually impossible for an "ordinary" citizen to aquire a CCW in So Cal. I hope it stays this way!

 

Anyway, I've managed to hijack Glen's honest query about as far as I can, so that's it for me and my comments.

I hope he travels far and wide, has incredible adventures, and meets lots of interesting colorful people as I have!

 

Ride safely,

 

Steve in So Cal

[AdventurePoser]

better armamentarium (don't get to use that word often ).

 

At any rate, I have really enjoyed and appreaciated everyone's thoughts.

 

That is a great word! You need to be my next Scrabble partner.

 

And, no, not making any inference about you. My comment was purely rhetorical. I am 56, and maybe was born lucky, but I have never, in my civilian life, had to go to guns...A quick wit, a keen eye, a little skill at psychology will get you through your travels.

 

I would hope no traveler would ever decline a trip to Mexico or Canada because he/she couldn't bring a gun!

 

Enjoy your travels. Remember to post some pix and thoughts about your excursions here!

 

Cheers,

Steve in So Cal

[smiller]

What about the rest of duly CCW clad population??? I have my concerns.

So do many but the only truly objective data we have is the rate of negative incidents involving CWP holders in states that permit this... which has always been extremely low.

[flyingreg]

But, why do you feel the need to carry a gun? Do you believe carrying would make you safer? Would you be morally, emotionally, and physically ready to take someone’s life if you feel threatened?

Steve

 

I'm a little perplexed by the above. Are you rhetorically asking why anyone would feel the need to carry or did you infer from the original post that I felt the need to do so? It was not my intent to infer that I felt the need to carry. My wish is to gauge the opinions of the many experienced riders on the board.

 

Having said that, I do believe personal security while traveling solo to be an important consideration. So, I was interested in all thoughts on the matter, e.g. concealed weapons, tasers, sprays, nunchucks, tonfas, hope, prayer, good running shoes, etc.

 

I suppose I should refine the question somewhat. I envsioned camping alone in my tent. At some point while asleep, one or more miscreants decide I'm an easy mark. I'm already at a disadvantage, asleep in a sleeping bag. So my question, I suppose, was more related to this type of vulnerable situation.

 

It seems to me that awake and active situations would be considerably different. Here the gift of blarney, martial arts training, or fast feet might be a better armamentarium (don't get to use that word often ).

 

At any rate, I have really enjoyed and appreaciated everyone's thoughts.

I read your post twice and would say that anyone reading it would naturally assume that your intent was to gauge how to go about traveling with a firearm for protection purposes.

 

After spending 24 yrs working beside criminals of all caliber of evilness, I do not feel the average person would find a gun of much use without considerable training on its use and application. The foremost thing a person needs is the ability to spot trouble from afar off. Without that a firearm is and can be nothing more than additional risk for you and those in proximity.

 

A gun will not help you while sleeping in your tent, your comfy bed at home, a seemingly safe motel room, or anywhere else where you will let your guard down. A talented miscreant can enter your home, burglarize it, and leave without even disturbing you. Certainly, a criminal with bad intentions can accost you while you slumber in your tent. A gun will not help you in that situation.

 

That said, I travel and camp and do not worry about such things as they are not as common as you may think. Life is too short to spend ones time stressed out over such things. Carrying a gun will only complicate things to the point of robbing you of a good deal of the simplicity and joy of travel by motorcycle.

[barryNmarin]

Amen, brother Greg!

[SAAB93driver]

I have never found carrying a gun in a legal and responsible fashion on a motorcycle trip to be overly complicated and carrying has never prevented me from enjoying the trip.

 

I hope I would never be in a situation where I'd have to use it in defense - I don't go looking for trouble - but I choose to exercise my right to have one in case I do need it.

[Dick_at_Lake_Tahoe_NV]

Carry the blade of your choice.

 

I believe that Carrying a Blade is a Felony and carrying a concealed Firearm is a Misdemeanor--That's because there's an NRA and no National Knife Association. As far as carrying a Firearm : Remember, when seconds count 9-1-1 is just minutes away.

[tbloomq]

Nice balanced discussion which I found helpful. I've done it both ways - carried a HK in my bags until I stopped at the seedy hotel and another trip without it. I didn't feel it made much of a difference. Even when I was staying at the same hotel in Gunnison with the Hell Angels, I didn't feel the need for it. Well, maybe I did sleep a bit better.

 

For me the issue boils down to just one: when you really need it, you need it. You can't wait for the LEOs. So I would have to judge the risk profile of the contemplated trip and stopping points and decide. Life is all about risk management.

 

Have a great trip!

[baggerchris]

I carry tire changing stuff that I hope I don't have to use. I do know how to use it however. The same can be said for "Baby" and why I carry her on trips. Car; Bike; Camping; Backpacking; all the same. I would rather have her along and not have to use her, than have to use her, and find she is not there. Simple eh? I would also say that if you don't want to take the time to know how to use such a device, you are probably better off relying on the LEO's. I would rather rely on myself.