Best caliber for camping

[bondmid003]

10mm all the way because there are so many different loads out there to fit just about any need. That and it comes in a semi-auto and one of the prime platforms for the caliber is the G20. I bought a G20 at the end of last year and couldn't be happier.

[NorCal Mtn Flyer]

Remember the story of the guy who shows up for a guided excursion in Alaska. His guide asks him what type of sidearm he has brought.

The camper proudly shows him a brand new 9mm (insert your make here) and says he is ready!

The guide reflects for a minute, and then suggests that the camper may want to file the front sight off the 9mm.

"Why would I want to do that? It's brand new!"

The guide responds, "So it doesn't hurt so much when the bear shoves it up your *****!"


Take a gun big enough to do the job...

[RedFord150]

The real question is;
'How many guns do you want to own?'
If you don't mind buying a different gun for every need, I would say .41 mag or .44 mag or .45 LC in revolver and 10mm in Semi-Auto.
If you want a more versatile gun, I would say go with .357 mag in Ruger GP100 or S&W 686. Yes, this is a 'lesser caliber', but you will probably have more uses for it. You can find some pretty good .357 loads that should suit your needs. Most of us think a good all around .357 mag in 4" or 6" is a 'must have' for any real shooter.
I personally would not want to battle a bear with any HG. 12 gauge with slugs would be my preference.
I am seeing a trend on CG to buy a gun for every possible situation;
'Take out the trash' gun, 'taking a shower' gun, CCW in Speedos gun, camping gun, ccw in winter clothes gun, stash in my truck gun, hide in my BMW gun, etc.
Personally, I cannot afford to own or practice with that many guns. I have to limit my collection to those guns that can 'multi task'.
Good luck.