I've found the Wilderness Safepacker to be an excellent, discrete way of carrying a handgun while backpacking. It doesn't allow a superfast draw but isn't as bad as you might think by looking at it. Your gun is also protected and it makes even a fairly heavy gun comfortable. Mine straps over my pack belt easily and quickly although that could vary with your pack. I packed a G29 for some time in it with great satisfaction.

Out in the woods is one place where I believe you might run into a need for a self-defense handgun that can handle longer distances than the theoretical "combat range" at which pocket guns are adequate. I would really not want to depend on a pocket .380 if I needed to shoot at 25 yards or so for whatever reason. I also like the ability to take small game in season or desperation but that is a separate requirement and discussion.