I am going to Wyoming for a pretty lengthy camping trip this summer. What are some handguns you would recommend for carrying in the woods? I'm leaning towards a .44 mag so perhaps a s&w 29 or 629, but both are pretty big for my hands. Any other thoughts?
That's a good article. I would vote for a .44 Magnum.This article provides some good advice.
Carrying Pistols in Bear Country
You asked about handguns, but I have been looking at taking a shot at Alaskan back country activities and plan on packing some of these in an 870 for bear medicine (along with bear spray of course).
600 grains at 1500fps
Ballistic Data 12 / 3
I would be working around and out of a camp, so no backpacking makes choosing a long gun easier.
for real though, make sure you've got hollow points of what ever caliber larger than 9mm that you have.
I would lean towards a SHORT/COMPACT shotgun AND a handgun if possible (I assume you're not going alone, and everyone should have SOMETHING on them at all times). Remember that MOST bears are as scared of you as you are of them, and when cubs are involved all bets are off.
And, depending on the area, wolf encounters aren't out of the question