My husband took his FN deer hunting ONCE. It's a heavy sucker. I can't see a hiker setting out to go any sort of distance with that load on his back.
I think I'd carry a lever action in something like .348 Win or .45-70 Govt. Got some knockdown but not so heavy to carry as an FN (which after all is just .308 Win/7.62 NATO. A little light for bear, though not so light as an AK-74).
I have never owned an FAL tho I do have an FN bayonet.
I have always wanted one but somehow never bought one. I do love the look and feel. I have on the other hand owned a bunch of HK-91s. I would feel completely safe with one in bear country.
As for weight. When I was young it never bothered me but as I got older I got to where I would carry a very light Remington Nylon 66. In case I ran into a deer I also had a holstered 4 inch model 29. I eventually got to where I carried a .22 auto pistol. (one of the Ruger, Hi-Standard, Woodsman etc. type), and a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt with hot loads.
For the last few years, all I carry is a Walther PP in .22 or a Hungarian copy which is just as accurate. That is all I have. I would not shoot a deer even if he stood right in front of me. Just too much trouble to dress out.
I have a latter-day Browning Model 1886 in 45-70 and ammo with the plastic tip safe for tubular magazines.
I don’t live in bear country but would that be adequate if I did?