Hiking or backpacking. Beretta 22LR pop up for long trips, 9 MM for day hikes

I do a lot of hiking in AZ. In my years in AZ I have encountered more bears (4) than I have Rattlers (3) Gila Monsters (2) Other snakes (20+)

I know the primary reason is because I am scared to death of snakes and don't want to find them in the first place.

I have buddies that practically every hike can find a rattler (I don't hike with him as much as he would like for that reason alone)