NightHiker,

Far as practicing before I go, I'm afraid I cannot- This is going to be a do-or-die kind of thing, I do not have the time nor resources to waste any more time than I have to. Unfortunately, practice is out of the question, other than what I have as of right now....

Swapping out the bayonet for a multi-tool- Good idea, probably don't need quite so much knife-power as 3 knives. However, if you hand this thing to someone, usually they don't realize that it's a wirecutter, being how it combines the sheath with an inconspicuous slot on the knife itself- It's usefulness and dependability cannot be underestimated, especially if I were to end up losing the Smith & Wesson. I may actually drop the other fixed blade however, it's quality is questionable, and 3 is probably a bit too much....

More than a 4oz can of mace for bears? Hehehe, As much as I'd love to have a rocket launcher strapped on my back(just in case), the mace will even out my chances enough to make me feel comfortable. Also, I'm quite confident in my abilities with a hiking stick and knife if need-be, should a bear shake off a good eye-dump of OC...

I will be keeping touch with my family- I'll give them head's up on where I'm at when I contact them, and where I'm headed...

Thanks!