An Air Rifle for the Backcountry? The Umarex Notos.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806) carried a unique air rifle, designed by Italian inventor Bartolomeo Girandoni circa 1779. This air gun, known as the Girandoni air rifle or Windbüchse, was part of Captain Meriwether Lewis’s arsenal. The Girardoni air rifle was chambered in fairly large calibers suited for hunting deer, boar, and other medium-sized game, with an effective lethal range of up to 150 yards.

Though often more complex to produce, air guns were much quieter than their black powder contemporaries and didn't create obstructing smoke, didn't foul easily, were less affected by the elements, offered a more reliable "ignition" system, and in almost every case could be reloaded faster than conventional firearms, with some models offering the user the ability to load from a prone or sitting position rather than standing.

Just as on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, there is a place for an air rifle on today's expeditions and wilderness adventures. Modern air rifles are available from .177 caliber up to .72 caliber in guns like the AEA Zeus, although I suggest that calibers .22, .25. and .30 offer the best balance between shot capacity and effectiveness for small game hunting.

The air rifle that I think makes the best "pack gun" of those currently on the market (for under $1000) is the Umarex Notos (https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/umarex-notos-review/). It is a compact, lightweight, PCP carbine, capable of being filled with a hand pump without too much difficulty. With around 21 full-power shots per fill of the air tank, the Notos allows for a full day of hunting, after which the air reservoir can be recharged upon return to camp or home.

The Notos has a price of just $265, but you will also want to add a quality scope, around $150, and of course a hand pump $65 or air compressor $300 to recharge you gun. So for a complete Notos air rifle set-up we're talking  +/- $500 - $700. Not exactly pocket change, but still less than some firearms (for example a Ruger 10-22 has a price tag around $400, and you still are going to spend the additional ~ $150 on a quality scope).

Finally, it should be noted that an air rifle is NOT a firearm. In places where firearms may be restricted, air rifles (and pistols) may be just fine. Air rifles are quiet (quieter than a .22 rifle) making them "backyard friendly" for target practice. And, air rifle pellets are generally much less expensive than firearms ammunition, thus giving you more incentive to practice your marksmanship skills.