Should I be surprised that no one is carrying a firearm on their wilderness trips?
That probably depends upon where one is going.
@PaddlingPitt has done some extended tripping in polar bear country and (I believe) always had a rifle along. Others, I suspect, pack on trips but don't mention it. After all, after awhile, daily carry doesn't seem any more noteworthy than wearing pants.
Personally, I've left mine at home on the out-of-state trips because my concealed carry permit isn't valid in Minnesota or Canada (and, when a guest in their state/country, it seems that we should respect their laws) and because I don't feel that added protection justifies the extra weight of firearm & ammo. That might change if I ever venture into white bear territory. Then I would probably pack a firearm and, perhaps, as
@alsg mentioned, I might even stop by Mem's to borrow a big, white cat.
Besides, bear bangers are legal in Canada and are much lighter than any firearm I've seen.