Tarbubble -

I, too, can understand your fear - but yes, you are more likely to be involved in an auto accident (or zillions of other things that won't happen either) than be attacked by a cougar. Have there EVER been mountain lion attacks on backpackers, that we know of? You will be fine, I am sure, other than suffering from occasional heart-pounding and the like. The odds are so overwhelmingly in your favor that I would laugh at your fear did I not sometimes share it... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I think in your situation I would carry some pepper spray clipped to my waist, and I might even try what I've heard suggested: wear a hat with a face on the back (or a mask attached). The reasoning - since mountain lions prefer to attack from the back, they'll see a face on both sides and will be less likely to surprise you from behind, or for that matter from the front, and be too confused to seriously pursue you. I can't remember if there were actual studies carried out on this (I seem to recall so) or if this is just extrapolation from their habits, but it might add a little peace of mind (and another reason to laugh at oneself?).

The other thing that just occurred to me is that if you're wearing a pack that rises high enough in back to protect your neck, you might be less attractive also to a hungry predator since you're protecting your vulnerable spot. So maybe now's the time to load up that LL pack real HIGH and wear it!

Earplugs might help keep out those spooky sounds at night, too. It generally works for me. (Of course, there was the time baby bear sniffed at my feet through the tent - I FELT that and woke up yelling! Found the prints in the morning in the snow outside the tent - mom and baby)

Hope all my rambling is reassuring at least a little. I wish you peace of mind on this trip, and a permanent banishing of your cougar fears when you come home safely! I'm looking forward to hearing your tale.