Tarbubble,

Congratulations for confessing your fear. I used to hike solo a lot in the 70's. Now I am old and scary, so I usually bring a handgun. If you don't like that idea pepper spray or a cattle prod, or a big dog. You brain needs to know that you are not defenseless against an animal that "has equipment."

Riding horses and mules has made me much more aware of the presence of mtn lions. Most of them tolerate bears better. Their ears point the way. I got bucked off a mule in 2007 and broke my femur when crossing a mtn lion trail in eastern Oregon.