Here in EU while hiking I got attacked several times by animals: By dogs, cattle, horses.
In either case a cub or stick was the perfect weapon.
The dogs I knew beforehand and was prepared and had a sturdy cub handy when they attacked (and they meant serious business).
The cattle I could fend off with the hiking sticks.
The incident with the horses I could solve with a sturdy stick that luckily was at hand on site.
Honestly I cannot imagine that any weapon more dangerous/deadly than a stick or cub would be feasable while hiking.