It's much easier to conceal a larger firearm in hiking attire.
If my wife and I were running in suburbia, a .380 would be perfect. If we're hiking in snake/cougar/black bear territory, I'd want something easier to handle with more kick.
Once you need to worry about grizzlys, it's another category entirely.
A revolver seems to be a better purse gun too, so if your wife wants more carry options the revolver wins again.
I just like the looks of an auto loader and I don't don't want to buy a revolver, but they seem the better tool for hiking/camping.