I have a pistol, and backup food supply (jerky).
The Royal Marines (UK) use night as their primary time of travel during missions. The reason being, there is a much lower chance of being spotted, and one can essentially go unoticed. Yes, I will be more succeptible to attack from animals etc. but the only large mammals in this area, which might be active at night are bears, which sleeping folk would be equally likely to be visited by. I'll trek on, and find a place to sleep during the much more unpleasant conditions of daytime. Insects should be plenty, so food won't be an issue :)