Just be aware as your about, try not to come up on them unexpected. Having a dog with you is another good pair of eyes, ears, and a way better nose. Worst thing to do is panic, Don't ever run unless you are mere feet from shelter and he is many yards off, stand up big, make a lot of noise and BACK away slowly. Definatly fight back if it is a black bear attacking you and play dead if it is a grizz. I have never been charged by a black bear but probably a dozen times by a grizz and all but one were definite false charges.
A friend gave me a 454 causul which is more cannon than it is pistol but if I am carrying something specifically for bear protection I still prefer a 12 ga. A pistol gripped sawed off one doesnt take up much more room than a big pistol, put a sling on it and you don't even know you have it on your back. 1st round bird shot for warnings or in case you get attacked by a grouse or something and either slugs or slugs/buckshot alternating.
With our weather around here I always figured pepper spray was pretty much worthless as the wind is always blowing and by the time they get into range of the pepper spray they have either stopped their charge or they are gonna get you even if you spray them. I think that is also why I prefer the 12 gauge because of not only how hard hitting it is at close range but how fast you can pump rounds thru it. Because of having that ace up my sleeve I have held off longer on false charges and while I would have started firing with a pistol and probably with a rifle I was able to hold off longer and have not had to shoot as they have stopped, the closest one in stopped at 10 feet although she started slowing at @ 25'.
Mostly don't worry, just enjoy yourself and be aware, I see bears daily for half the year, have hundreds of close bear encounters(within 50 yards) and love watching them and having them for neighbors. And no I am not some nutcase like that Treadwell from California, I don't push their boundaries and respect them and they do the same for me.
