For a time I often visited northern Vancouver Island which has one of the density concentrations of black bear and cougar anywhere. This is always in mind when hiking or mountain biking the area. One of my friends would only be seen carrying his knife in his belt, and with a staff / walking or hiking stick. Why? Because he had only one eye, skin transplants, heavy loss of blood. and had barely survived a surprise attack near Port Alice (google it if you want more of the story). His problem was: he couldn't quickly access and open his pocket knife while at the same time defend his neck with his arms with the big cat right on top of him.
This knife is easy access from the holster (worn on the belt). It has a thin piercing blade, which need not be opened first to use. What kind of knife do you carry when hiking?