And agree that folks in for the full 6 month hike aren't going to take on an extra 3 pounds for a gun they'll never need and is of zero use for any other scenarios. Our scouts brought extra stuff because they're preparing for Philmont out west. They will have bear spray there for sure. But probably not hatchets and definitely no guns. Again though, bears are the threat, not some random psycho when it comes to a group of 12 older teens and pretty fit adult males.