The most important consideration is the area you will be in. What game will you be taking on a regular basis for food, and what is the best firearm for that game.

Second consideration is self defense, against man or beast. I'm on the east coast and familiar with the environment here. Biggest thing in the woods to worry about are bears, but our black bears are not as aggressive as brown bears; however, they can get rabies and meeting a rabid bear is not something you want to do. One invaded and attacked a Maryland family a few years ago.

So, I would consider either of these solutions:

If 2 guns:
A .22, lots of ammo. This will provide lots of small game for food.
A substantial handgun, something like a .357 magnum revolver with a 6 inch barrel for self defense and an option for larger game if close enough or good enough shot.
The combo does not weigh too much, and ammo supply can be reasonably large without weighing you down too much.

If only 1 gun:
A minority view:
A 12 gauge, side by side shotgun. Old fashioned yes. Ultra reliable. Relatively light and breaks down into packable size. Put 00 Buck in one chamber, bird shot in the other and you are ready at the pull of a trigger for small or large game. Downside is heavy bulky ammo.

A pump shotgun is a second choice, but IMO suffers due to larger size, does not breakdown easily, and the round in the chamber is what you use (right or wrong) or you have to eject it and load another round of the shot you want. Meantime, you game has heard your fooling around and fled, or worse, attacked you. A second or two in these situations can mean the difference.

I'll be interested to hear what you decide and why. Good luck!