People need to think and be more situationally aware. If I understand things right, the guy with the AR is an Active Duty Master Sergeant. That's an E-8 for rank and you don't get that in short time in service. Even though it is an admin rank, you have been around long enough to know some things. Point being, have preventive measures to possible problems. Boston was just boomed. People are, and should be suspect to unusual or odd situations. Carrying the scary rifle is a given to cause issues these days. You're an uninformed idiot to think otherwise. How to mitigate the possible problem; call the law enforcement for the area you plan to be in for your hike. Make them aware of your intent and purpose, and field any questions from them at that time. Once everyone is on the same page and you carry out your plan, DO IT WITH NO MAG IN THE WEAPON. Reduce yourself as a threat.
And for the love of humanity, don't look like 300lbs of smashed assholes wearing a bandana and a crazy ass harness to sling your friggen boom stick to.
I like the idea of being out and hiking with some gear and what you might carry for combat or bug out. You just have to be smart about it and careful.
Here's how not to do it. Months ago there was the walk on the Capital for guns rights. I did go to this with a few people. I was not pleased with the conduct of what I have to now call "the common gun owner". People walked fully strapped, with vests and other gear. Many people had AK's, AR's, a MP5 look alike, and many others. It was decided to walk the side walk around the Capital and not cause congestion. I thought I'd do a lap and end up where I parked and leave. I just didn't like the atmosphere or the mass of people. While walking, the guy in front of us carrying an AR and mag in it, all the sudden loses the bottom to the mag. He must have been messing with it or something, because they don't just fail. With the spring in it fully compress, he drops 30 rounds out the bottom of the mag that was in the weapon. WHAT. THE. FUCK. ARE. YOU. DOING?
This, in my opinion is the common AR owner now. Until I meet you and see you handle a weapon, this is always in my mind.