I would not pack a 9mm, I'd pack at least a Colt Anaconda 357 or maybe a Smith and Wesson 357 or 44magnum. Yeah they're heavy, but you got six shots and with a 357 you only have to hit the critter once to get away safely. One round from a magnum will blow a mountain lion to shit and if a centre mass hit on a bear, two rounds will shred its internal organs and drop it dead in its tracks. One for good measure in the head and you are free to go.