I've been asked this question a lot. I hike a lot too, with my dog and do a lot of overnight (several nights in a row) camping in wilderness with my dogs. I have found that the best (for me) is the german shepherd. very eager to please and train. perfect energy level for back country hiking. very alert, good in bear/mountain lion country, and I have seen over a dozen bears (both grizzly and black bears) while camping/hiking, several of these were startled and 2 grizzlies charged. also 3 mountain lions who ran when they saw us. most of the bears were a long way off and no threat. all of the startled bears and both the charging grizzlies turned and left when he started barking (I was yelling and throwing rocks, sticks and whatever I could reach).
also gsd is capable of packing some of his/her own gear. I pack his water though, packs have to have weight evenly distributed.