3 Disturbing Stories that sound FAKE but are actually 100% TRUE (hiking GONE WRONG)

[@emiliaEA0304]

Regarding head lamps... last year after a day of hiking I climbed with my sister a small cliff to sit on, drink beer and relax. We needed to go down very short, but quite steep set of "stairs", few steps up, and there it was: a big rock to sit on and enjoy the sunset. It was lovely. Since it was very hot, we stayed quite some time after the sunset. Around midnight we wanted to go back to our tent. But then we realized we brought with ourselves only beers. No headlamps, no phones, nothing. And it was DARK. Going down few steps and back up was impossible, we probably would've broken legs or necks trying. So we slept on a rock in the middle of a fucking nowhere, waiting for sunrise to be able to go to our tent which was not even a minute from there. Take headlamps with you, everybody, rocks are not the most comfortable thing to sleep on.

[@emiliaEA0304]

we were extremelt lucky to be in an area with no big predators though haha

[@jeffweber5546]

that really sucks😅 but you made the right decision by staying.

[@Moon_x_sun]

Have you seen cats sleep on rocks? They look very comfy! But seriously yeah it Can get very Dark out there. It does Sound like if you didnt make the choice you did, you might not have been able to write that comment. My dad was in isreal in the early 2000 or late 1990s and he slept in a dessert-ish area quite far outside of the city. And he Said the sky is beautifull but it was very Dark.

[@slashbat2375]

​@@Moon_x_suncats don't have bones, they're filled will jelly!

[@Craft_and_Crime]

You made a wise decision

[@naomilennox4394]

In Australia we have an issue that trails exist, then a fire goes through the area and the regrowth is so dense that the trail is completely lost. An example is the Kanangra to Katoomba trail which frequently requires the people who attempt it to be rescued.

[@wickedlefty9957]

Is Australia not deadly enough? y'all still have ppl who wanna hike trails 😬 ? Y'all are just too fun & friendly to be taking these risks!

[@loftonrudolph7586]

I think that your promoting of the rescue organizations is so wonderful. They don't get enough love!

[@dirtrider9268]

We are highly trained unpaid professionals that do this work, it takes an emotional toll when we don't find you or find you too late, we leave our families usually at night for this work, we don't need loving shout outs about us. We like the work of reuniting loved ones, we do it for the challenge. We need you all to stay together outdoors. We need people to prep before they go out on a trail.

[@confusedussay4583]

I worked for Search & Rescue in Durango and I appreciate and thank you for your donation to the Silverton crew. During the summer season we would sometimes rescue people daily. Most members are volunteers. I have become wiser in my senior years and I purchased a Personal Locater Beacon for my future travels.

[@barbarapaine8054]

My fiancé gave me a little recco tag, so that’s on my backpack now, too. Just a little extra insurance

[@birdsflowers2289]

In a small town, I have no idea where one would buy one. A few towns over has a Lowes. That's it. Often felt I needed one at work on my own property due to the hairy locals, if you get my drift.

[@barbarapaine8054]

@@birdsflowers2289 That place that begins with an “A” has them. REI might have them mail order.

[@wendysmith2905]

​@birdsflowers2289 have you seen any, yet? Sorry, I'm a Bigfoot researcher (amateur)

[@birdsflowers2289]

Yes, many times. First saw one at 6 yrs. Old, it chased and caught our Chevy .All four of us saw it. Being female may put you in danger.

[@RonaldSimkin]

17:53 Even if it is a guy asking if you want an extended warrenty for your car -- you can STILL tell them you're lost and stranded.....

[@sammy4538]

If they could be reached with a phone, they could've called for help themselves if they felt like it... they thought it was a scam call when seeing odd number, meaning they even had the phone in hand at some point, realizing it works and all... bit odd case

[@meljane8339]

Yeah, but what is an auto warranty guy going to do for you who lost and stranded are answering his call? Or a wrong number caller? ... I would hope NPS would provide identity on caller ID, but can state and regional parks afford all these amenities?

[@ParteraQuisqueyana]

You can try, but most times they’re not even located in the US, so even if they call 911, it will be unlikely that they’ll reach US 911 or be able to explain (or understand) where you are.

[@anacurto7325]

Indeed!😅

[@bunnybgood411]

I know right??

[@kaoskronostyche9939]

I am 68 and hiked and climbed extensively in the Canadian Rockies for decades. My experience was that as more people took up hiking the more incompetent people I encountered and joined in with on organized outings. I got so tired of these people not eating, drinking enough, having no gear or knowledge or experience and having to treat or rescue them from their own incompetence that I stopped hiking with others all together and started hiking alone. Many times I said to myself "if I get into trouble here, I will never be found." Somehow that was more acceptable than to be lured into disaster by people who know nothing and behave poorly. At least if I screwed up it was my fault, not the result of some moron not drinking enough fluid and ruining the trip for everyone. Cheers for your efforts, Kyle Who Hates Hiking.

[@barbarapaine8054]

One of our local hiking groups does a “water check” before they will let you hike with them. If you don’t have at least two liters of water, you can’t hike with the group. It’s sad to have to treat people like kids, but here we are.

[@mainemermaid6596]

PLB =Personal Locator Beacon. An absolute MUST for solo hikers - just as important as everything else, and not doing so can also cost you your life.

[@ShalomShalom-d5c]

Reminds me of those flatlanders that think a trip to the mountains is warranted after a good snow fall. Completely unprepared; no chains, shovels, extra warm clothing, flashlights etc. So many were going off the 5000 ft cliffs in SoCal to their deaths that CalTrans started shutting down the roads to residents only & those who had the right vehicles. Many of those dead were not found till summer wen snow melted. Never made the news.

[@Gemma_626]

But, they make good bear bait while you get away 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@LukeConnor-sj8cj]

every outdoor sport is the same mate. Since GPS and epirbs every Muppet thinks they belong in the bush. Help help

[@Noahbruh1]

Recently got back from my first backpacking trip. I’m 16 and after watching your videos it really taught me to be prepared. I went with two experienced hikers my uncle his best friend and my cousin, both my uncle and his friend hiked on the Appalachian Trail together. So I just want to say thank you for everything you do.

[@Pipsqwak]

I lived in Lake County (Leadville) Colorado back in the 1960s and 1970s,. My mother worked at St. Vincent's hospital in Leadville and it seemed like every day she came home with some story about a tourist or hiker getting lost, getting injured, getting severe altitude sickness (including HAPE and HACE), or never being heard from again. Search and rescue was busy all the time. One of the main ways people killed themselves was by flying small planes over to Aspen and other small towns in the mountains. The weather would deteriorate, they'd crash, and everybody would be killed, or the plane would just vanish and not be found for weeks, months, years...or ever. The high country of Colorado is not a place to f*** around, because you WILL find out. The hikers in this video were extremely lucky. I hope they all learned something.

[@deborahdishington735]

Thank you for sharing ✨

[@Amanda-uc5jq]

I used to feel weird because even if I’m going for an hour I take thermals, extra socks, emergency blanket, paracord, headlamp, emergency pack with flint, compass etc, water, some muesli bars & nut/fruit mix. After watching your videos so much I’m now proud to say no matter what those things are permanently in my day pack, they weigh practically nothing so why not.

[@terricooper5795]

😅😅😅

[@TheFullKanani]

That’s very smart.

[@elisabethklinge2115]

The US Parks Department did a study on who needed rescuing most often and it was day hikers that got lost and succumbed to the elements. So you are very wise to take care even on short hikes. I do the same and take the ribbing I get from people who think I'm over the top.

[@Amanda-uc5jq]

@@elisabethklinge2115 interesting but not surprising that day hikers get lost and need help more than others. I did a stupid thing once and learnt from it 🤣 One morning when I was a way I decided to check where the trail started before breakfast, ended up getting carried away and continuing up the track. Long story short got lost for 4 hrs without water etc. Lucky there was a little fresh mountain creek my dog and I could drink from. I eventually found the track back and after a total of 10kms made it back. It wasn’t being lost that bothered me it was the fact that I was dumb enough to get carried away when I was checking start of track. Never did finish that loop track.

[@corriewatterson]

I do this too. It’s all packed in the same go-bag (includes food bars and energy chews), and I just pop it into my daypack along with a water bottle. Along with pepper spray for safety.

[@michaelosgood9876]

Hi. A hiker, train guy and cattle truck driver from NZ. I NEVER rely on Google Maps coz they send you down roads too small for our trucks. I use map books 100% of time. The Darango Railroad is heard of down here too. Must travel on this when I'm in the States next. Glad they were able to help that hiker

[@ParksLover]

I've ridden the Durango railroad. Highly recommend it.

[@dfreak01]

A GPS tried taking me off the cliff in Oregon city where the elevator is. The elevator is a bonafide road in the system but it's literally an ELEVATOR. I chose not to turn left. 🤣

[@ducksinarowpatience]

Yeah driving from Albuquerque to Santa Fe New Mexico once gps told me to make a left in the middle of the desert. Wasn't even a dirt road there.

[@kentario1610]

There's been a couple stories of how drivers tried to follow google maps and ended up dying, they're crazy.

[@michaelosgood9876]

@@ducksinarowpatience 🤣🤣. That figures. Google Maps a total waste of time...

[@bcwest619]

I'm going to play devil's advocate on the story about the guy not answering calls from search/rescue because I've seen TONS of jokes about this on FB. As you said in the video, he didn't call S & R, so he wasn't expecting calls from them and no reason at all to expect that these calls could help him in any way. In fact, in the case of being out on trail, lost or not, I know I try my best to conserve battery just in case. Answering some robo-call wouldn't have helped him and would've cost him a decent amount of battery life, which could become a problem as time went by. If he knew S & R was looking for him, it's hard to imagine not answering, but not having any idea they were looking for him makes his decisions to not answer actually seem fairly reasonable to me.

[@preacher1511]

Did I miss where Kyle said anything about S&R leaving a message? I just don't understand why they would not.

[@bcwest619]

@@preacher1511 Why would he check his VM, though, without knowing S & R was looking for him? If he thinks the calls are spam and is trying to conserve battery, checking VM would take longer and more battery than answering and hanging up as soon as it's obviously a spam call.

[@adamdresser5581]

@@preacher1511 Exactly my thought. What I do when I get a call from a number I don't recognize is say, "Well, if it's important they'll leave a message." If they do leave a message, I check. Still get spam sometimes, but sometimes it actually is important.

[@em84c]

​@@adamdresser5581I don't even have voicemail (i didn't set it up). I usually get a text after if its important.

[@Gramma-Bambi-Lynn]

Since his phone was obviously working, receiving calls, why didn't he make a call to someone to let them know his situation?

[@Aesyrbane]

As a person who can receive uo to 3 spam phone calls a day, i pefectly undestand the logic behind ignoring all calls from unknown numbers.

[@blackdandelion5549]

I would just wonder if it was dark and late at night when spam callers aren't allowed to call. . . . .it that still a good reason???? They don't exactly call at 11pm or later.

[@Aesyrbane]

@@blackdandelion5549 they definitely do call late at night. I doubt there's a law preventing them from calling late at night and if there is, why would scammers follow this law in the first place? They're already trying to steal from people.

[@em84c]

​@@blackdandelion5549if they are overseas spammers they will. I was getting spam calls at 3am at one point.

[@hwplugburz]

@@blackdandelion5549 Lol, half of them are from India and Nigeria.. they call at absolutely all houers in my experience..

[@jeaniebird999]

If you ever get an opportunity to take the Durango train, DON'T WEAR CONTACTS! It's an old steam engine that uses coal and the smoke is gritty and flows backwards, along the train, and WILL get in your eyes! Dirty glasses are better than gritty eyeballs.

[@lisaperry5999]

Good advice. In 96 Everest disaster, a pathologist, who almost died, Beck Weathers, had eye surgery a year or so b4 climbing. He found out, 2 late that radiokeratology,sic, caused him to go almost blind at high altitudes.

[@mrt2this607]

@@lisaperry5999 what from the massive increase in UV & IR light not being filtered thru enough atmosphere and burning his eyes up because they had very little of their biological lenses left after the surgery?

[@whitedragoness23]

Thanks for the advice !

[@DunnDifferent]

Not anymore. It’s all diesel electric locomotives now. After a huge fire a couple years ago they national forest sued them for millions and they had to convert.

[@mercury-king]

colorado native here! rule number one of hiking in the rockies is to ALWAYS RESPECT THE MOUNTAINS! never ever underestimate them. always tell someone your plan & when you estimate you’ll return!

[@HeySeeri]

Rule number two, stay on the trail. Why do all of these stories involve day hikers leaving the trail?

[@molmer2380]

Reading a few articles about 1st story, she did that to take photos!

[@barbarapaine8054]

@@HeySeeriEven though I use trail apps, and do my best to stay on the trail, I’ve second guessed myself a few times, and gone off on a service trail or deer trail- fortunately not too far. I think sometimes people get tired, get turned around, and think that they can “short cut” to a road or parking lot. There’s also that human impulse to climb up to a high place or find a spot to get a better view, or selfie, or whatever.

[@tanikokishimoto1604]

​@@molmer2380According to Kyle some sources said that; other sources said something else. So, unknown.

[@dirtrider9268]

Backcountry area trails don't look like the well worn paths you're used to in the parks. Especially with the rain received in the West these past two years or on hard rock sections like granite. Cairns can be helpful so don't abuse them.

[@nonnieofsix7107]

Silverton/Durango Train: I’ve been on that amazing train several times. Extreme outback and we’ve even seen bears from the train. She was very fortunate.

[@KarenEldredge-s3v]

I've hiked Mt. Elbert (it kicked my butt!) while completing a 100 mile section of the CT. I'm "old school" and a bit of a purist. I am also not tech savvy- it drives my kids nuts, so I rely on map & compass. It pays to "be prepared". Even on day hikes, I pack enough on the off-chance that I am forced to spend a night out. Headlamps with fresh batteries, for example. Sh*t happens. I would highly recommend a Wilderness First Aid course to all who recreate in the outdoors. Kudos to you Kyle for supporting the various SAR groups. As a volunteer EMT in my local community, we appreciate the support!!! Lastly, a healthy respect for Mother Nature goes a long way. Happy Hiking All and Be Safe!

[@badabee83]

You know society has really gone off the rails when you would rather be lost in the woods than risk picking up the phone for a scam/robocall. That was the realest story you told because I probably would have done the same.

[@sheilabloom6735]

It’s a habit to not pick up unknown callers.

[@Sniperboy5551]

He was just stoned, let’s be honest. He was “high in the mountains,” alright.

[@thefisherking78]

That guy was a complete fkn maroon

[@cream476]

It's possible he was trying to save his phone battery just in case. Since he wasn't the one who called search and rescue he probably didn't feel like it was an emergency just yet, but didn't want to risk his phone dying just before he needed it. That or he was using his phone's light and the phone calls kept turning it off so he was just hanging up as fast as possible

[@4k8t]

Although it may not work, Search and Rescue should try and leave voicemail and identify themselves as Search and Rescue and why they're calling. I would check voice mail left on my service and if I thought it was legit then I would try to call it back or note down the number in the phone's directory as whoever they were i.e. S&R. They're no longer unknown. I'll take a chance on answering that. Most spam that goes to voice mail seems to be either you have to answer right now URGENT! or the originator started talking before the voice mail kicked in and the voice mail starts somewhere in the middle. I reject those kinds of mail.

[@Salty-cracker68]

Had gallbladder removed this afternoon and this is the channel I chose to watch until I can fall asleep

[@Saitaina]

Paws crossed on a speedy recovery. Mine was a breeze - when I remembered to stop trying to bend over

[@Salty-cracker68]

@@Saitaina so far only sore, not painful. Like I had a hard core workout….and my pupper is babysitting me which always helps

[@rebeccahylant7695]

4 legged support

[@barbarapaine8054]

That’s going to keep you sore for a bit. Wishing you a speedy recovery

[@Nuttyirishman85]

I need that done too, I can’t take another ten years of gallbladder attacks.

[@OmnivorousReader]

Love the way you link search and rescue groups to these videos! There are lots of places in the Australian outback where Google gets confused - there are signs, some department of transport, some handwritten - everywhere saying "Ignore the maps app".

[@Mulva75]

Although I’m an indoor enthusiast I love your stories and how well you tell them!

[@alisonscofield6653]

Me, too, as a disabled senior lady, this is great.

[@Cherokee913]

Kyle I'm so glad you've starting using your (300,000+ is massive) massive platform to bring attention to and encourage contributions toward the search and rescue teams. 👍 Great idea. 👍 Cheers mate.

[@tylermullis7607]

I love these videos man. I’ve never been a hiker, but I’m a hard core hunter so I spend a lot of time in the woods and I’m constantly realizing things I need to add to my pack.

[@induss1491]

the second story, people use your brain. when it starts getting too steep to walk, stop. don’t start climbing. just stop and go back the way you came

[@blackdandelion5549]

Is this like blaming google for driving off a bridge that is not actually there? Just checking, like when it says "you are still responsible for your own decisions and following the rules" and "please look at the road in front of you, if there is not one, don't drive there" sounds like "don't walk off a cliff" or "don't go off anything that could reasonably be presumed to be a hiking trail".

[@sarahrobertson4629]

In that particular area, it's common to have to scramble up sections even on popular trails. Also, it is very easy to get stuck - can't go down, can't go up - especially on anything but the south sides of those mountains. So I can see someone going a bit too far to turn back. I once went up a different very well marked trail in that area (that is part of a race every year) and getting stuck almost at the stop at an exposed bit - there was no way I could go back down something that steep, but getting up that last bit was horrifying. Never again. Also, I saw that route he took on Google maps last summer and was tempted, but did a careful search of hiking forums etc. before considering trying it and realized it was a no-go (not that I was fit enough anyway). Really, given the area, it's really worth it to do a search for trip reports before going *anywhere* in those mountains. Back when I lived there, I used to explore off-trail in some areas, but I always knew how to get to the nearest bus stop no matter what. There *are* people who have hiked from Kennedy Falls to the top of Fromme, but I think they go up a different route.

[@RedPillDosage]

Did you think of that all by yourself did ya? Wow.. Cause I figured I'd just gamble it especially after watching this video. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ChristyCarrillo-cj7xd]

People intentionally put themselves in these situations.

[@dj393]

55 yrs ago my family with some friends were hiking up a mountain. No special gear. Us kids wore keds sneakers. We were climbing up some steep scree to get to the path we knew was up beyond that. Unfortunately, some of us kept too far right (I followed adults who I thought knew what they were doing) & came to a short cliff instead. We could not go down as it was too steep. We could not go sideways because we were sliding. There were no safe handholds to cliff climb. Thankfully my little brother was one of the smart people who made it up to the path, and he had a nylon rope. They anchored the rope to something, we had to swing out and around a tree in the cliff that was in the way, and they could then pull us up. I was not afraid of heights then. The lady in front of me was totally annoying me because she wrapped herself around that tree & would not let go.

[@vegasjaydon1aauditstrump2024]

Watched your Trail Tales Episode on 12 Tribes. Heard you'll be at Trail Days this year for the 1st time. It'll be my 1st time. Been watching you since before you had 30K or 40K Subscribers. I hiked the AT last year. Unfortunately I hurt my right knee pretty bad coming up the Approach Trail and them dumb stairs and got off at Neel Gap and was back in Vegas much later that night. Anyways, Love what you're doing bringing awareness to the missing people who go on hikes. Love ya bro. God Bless

[@aliceharper707]

Many years ago when I used to live in Arizona over 30 years ago. Now I used to do a lot of hiking. And even on a Day hike I always carried a fanny pack that had a way to make fire, extra food, extra water, and a space blanket so that I could stay warm if I got stranded or injured and I was going to spend the night in the desert. You never know what might happen on a Day hike. I also had a first aid kit including an Ace wrap because I have a tendency to twist my ankles. I never had to use all those extra supplies but I never left home without them. Always carried a small flashlight as well.

[@karenschunk2192]

The last time I went hiking, I ended up on a very narrow deer trail in a ravine. My weight is not distributed like a deer so I was sliding in the mud into the river. Then the crows came. I grew up in the forest. The crows will help or hurt you. It is their choice. I am pretty sure in that moment they were indicating a bear, so it was terrifying. They have different calls according to situation. I obviously made it out. But yeah, sliding on mud into ice cold waters when the crows are calling at you, no fun. I love the wilderness, but anything can happen. For anyone who asks about the bear, corvids are incredibly intelligent and they will alert large predators to a body in distress. The predator will dispatch the unfortunate life form. The crows will then feed on the aftermath.

[@wmluna381]

Such smart birds.

[@meljane8339]

Interesting literature on an experience.

[@janelleanderson6744]

It's wonderful to find someone who pays attention to, and profoundly respects, animals in the wild. Really interesting reading about the crows. Good to know.

[@alysononoahu8702]

Definition of a wing man

[@wlodell]

Interesting comment, thanks for sharing. Myself a long time hiker, camper, hunter, I was trained to pay attention to all wildlife behavior and patterns including insects. If there is absence of obvious signs of or no activity of small game and birds suggests something is going on. If is is abnormally quiet, something is not right. Although I have not verified this myself, I heard others say if there is a faint smell or odor and appearance large black flies, a bear is in the area.

[@johnnyzippo7109]

Looking back , hearing all of this , feeling blessed having experienced thru-hiking and long trekking with paper maps , a compass , (rarely used it ) , 35mm camera , and nothing but high vibrations .

[@ArcaneSpells]

On Thursdays, we hate hiking 💅🏻

[@Taylor-Hanson]

😂

[@haleigh1133]

🤣👏🏼

[@brycewalburn3926]

Last year, I mapped out a route on AllTrails for a hike that included a section that had clearly not been maintained in decades. I unfortunately didn't know this until I was deep in the woods. I was checking the map every 50 feet because I kept losing the faint wisps of a trail that still existed. I ended up bushwhacking down a steep hill as a shortcut to an actual established trail. It was miserable, though thankfully not dangerous. I actually just checked the other day, and it turns out that trail has been removed from AllTrails in the few months since I was there.

[@thisbeem2714]

When I find things like this I write a comment about the problem. All Trails is a great resource.

[@Thekowaikaiju]

Woot stories. Do more, they don't even have to be scary or deadly. Interesting or hilarious stories from the trail works too >.

[@MrsABC7997]

Wow! Great video! That last one was completely insane! Great job shouting out all the rescue teams involved! 👏 Love the channel & you always do a fantastic job! Bravo!🎉🎉🎉

[@saundrajohnson1571]

Yes, the DSNGRR is now a tourist train, but its history comes from the silver mining days in Silverton in the 1800’s, so it is a relic of that time period.

[@anniehills3580]

I live in CO and do not go driving in the mountains without thinking of survival...food,, h2o, blanket, hats gloves, maps, phone. You never know what can happen up there, even in summer, snow and cold up there!!!

[@GwenMotoGirl]

Same here, remote area in another state. I keep emergency supplies in my SUV at all times.

[@dj393]

I live in NJ and keep emergency supplies in my car, lol. A wool blanket & a space blanket, rain gear, winter hat & gloves, a jar of peanut butter, my BP meds for 2 days, gallon water. That's just for driving not far. If I take a day trip I add more food & water. If it's in the winter, even if it's not cold enough for a coat I bring it anyway. I learned this preparedness from living in CO for a year..

[@elisesmith3596]

Aussie hiker and trauma nurse here. Always always carry a PLB. I get so many patients who fall off cliffs or ledges. The ones who live is because they carried the correct gear, such as a plb and they were not alone. I am a solo female hiker so I always keep my plb close and don’t go near anything I could fall off and get knocked unconscious.

[@katn1952]

Non an english speaker over here: What is a plb?

[@elisesmith3596]

@@katn1952 personal locater beacon such as a Garmin in reach

[@janelleanderson6744]

@@katn1952 Thanks for asking that! Your question saved me from looking it up. Take care :)

[@dj393]

My sister has one of these. She is travelling all over in a van, and she checks in with her son every morning & every afternoon. Sometimes there is no cell phone coverage.

[@dalerimoller272]

Very kind of you to donate to the search and rescue! That’s so incredible how lucky the woman was to be spotted by the train passenger. Hope she’s doing well now.

[@nursenurse3577]

Keep up your great story/reporting/educating! Your channel is invaluable!

[@greyscout01]

As an old guy, I find the total dependence on cell phones today both sad and amazing... even for a flashlight while hiking?!?

[@mikew3194]

It's all about tiktok and instagram pictures nowadays, can't be bothered with critical thinking or preparedness. Just make sure you bring extra makeup

[@hildewilde7963]

I have been in Toronto during my vacation and a girl in her 20ies asked me for the way 'cause she got lost with her Google maps between the high buildings. She showed me the location on her phone. I recognized that I have seen the crossing close to her goal 2 min before. I walked back with her but she didn't understand. I explained her the map on her own phone but she didn't believe me at all. Because Google said she should turn 😂 I come from the mountains of Austria, the biggest town around has 120.000 inh, but I learned reading maps as a kid in the prehistoric no cell/no GPS time.

[@blackdandelion5549]

I'm not that old and when I was a child and we hiked in areas with Black Bears and by the North Shore my dad made me learn to use this thing called a compass and a paper map. We had a road atlas. . . . . . I felt fancy to be able to print out road directions and we had to remember how to get places. I'm under 40. What happened? I am still in amazement that the flashlights we have now last so long and are 1/10th the size of the ones I had AND I can bring a charger to recharge them 3 full times that is the size of my hand. . . . . . . . .amazing!!!

[@greyscout01]

@blackdandelion5549 Good on your dad for teaching you the map and compass. When my boys were just 5 and 10, I made my 10 year old take the keys and drive us to the trailhead for a hike. At the top we could see the trailhead. I made them both shoot a compass course to it and we followed their directions... we lived. Reason was, in case something ever happened to me out there.

[@albtckl]

​@@greyscout01letting a 10 year old drive is super dangerous and illegal.

[@WarrenHolly]

Shout out to Silverton medical rescue for all that they do. Salute! 💪🏾 Solo hikes a GPSs should be mandatory.

[@daniellewrightsman-vh4es]

I rarely "like" videos and almost never comment but I absolutely love that you included information and encouraged your viewers to donate to the networks that make these rescue stories possible ❤ You got an immediate like and subscriber because of that. Great delivery as well

[@DWNY358]

I have used the D&S scenic RR for several mountain climbing trips in the San Juan peaks,. It helps you get access to some really remote areas that are not near any roads. It's a truly awe-inspiring area.

[@Kazwell111]

I watch your shows regularly, and I'm not even a hiker. Great work hosting and putting together these presentations!

[@mikeevans7381]

I heard you were nominated for an award on your channel sorry that's all I remember. But I must say you deserve it you do a great job and I've enjoyed your content very much. Thank you for all of your work much appreciated. 💯👍🇺🇸

[@UnicornSpoonie]

I was actually in the Silverton area this past summer and it is incredibly beautiful! The woman we met up with has gotten tickets for the train about a year prior, but when my group decided to go, it was about 4 months out. Sadly the train was completely full for the next several weeks. So if you want to go on that then you better get in there early! Oh but fair warning, it has no heat or AC. That being said, I’m so glad the woman was able to catch somebody’s eye on the train! It has areas that are quite remote and so that must’ve been terrifying to know you’ve fallen and hurt yourself quite badly, you’re not prepared for colder temps, and you don’t have anything that can help you…that at least sounds absolutely terrifying to me. I’m also glad it wasn’t closer to late fall because the trains done go through then to some time in spring. That is an area I adore hiking but it can be treacherous. So be safe everybody and happy hiking 💛✌️

[@squitten.]

18:20 ok ok the thing about this that strikes me is that spam calls are SO prevalent that even when you’re lost in the wilderness you think that’s whose calling. I received SIX spam calls before noon yesterday. It’s absolutely outrageous. I also had no idea SAR could/would try to call your phone. I wouldn’t immediately assume the person calling me would be able to help either. I’d also likely assume it was spam. However…if you can receive calls, you have signal…so…why didn’t hw place an outgoing call…?

[@Kelly-gl5rl]

Six before noon? 😂😂 I get 80+ calls a day starting at 6am. By noon I’ve had so many. It’s ridiculous. I don’t even use my phone anymore ir just sits off to the side on silent. It’s sad :( I’m sorry you’re experiencing the same.

[@littledrummergirl_19]

@@Kelly-gl5rldude you guys need one of those things that wipes your information off the internet/from data miners because WHAT THAT’S SO MANY CALLS

[@kristelbrok998]

​@@Kelly-gl5rl6 is bad enough as is, how tf is that legal??? 🥲🥲 (I'm danish, it's not a thing here)

[@aliciacotta6738]

@@Kelly-gl5rlI am having the same spam call problem. The owner of my cell number before me (I’ve had it for 4 years) gets spam calls, and I also get spam calls. I’m getting two people’s spam calls. One day I had a back-to-back spam call first for the other person and then immediately one for me. Half the time I answer and when they ask how I am doing, I describe my utter heartbreak because I was being so careless at Yellowstone that I dropped my puppy into a geyser and I saw his eyes melt. Not true of course, but if they’re gonna waste my time, I’m gonna waste theirs. All that being said, I am very seriously contemplating changing my phone number.

[@em84c]

Ive heard people about to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge but get a spam call and decide they don't want that to be their last memory. Or the situation is so absurd they laugh and they decide to live another day.

[@freedomspirit9521]

Very thankful for these rescue organizations and volunteers.

[@dddilworth12]

On the few occasions I hiked or camped with other humans, I often got mocked about my daypack. I always carried beaucoup water, some food, a flashlight (headlamps weren’t common & very expensive back then), a change of clothes, a first aid kit, and a means for starting fires. “THAT is a daypack?!” they’d say. Yeah. Because I want to live. Only once did I need an emergency item: the flashlight.

[@Hanniballinda]

Kyle, thank you for always putting measurements in metric proportions too, so that your European viewers can relate to the data. I also appreciate that you never forget to get some lessons out of the stories and always handle them with a lot of empathy. That's another thing that makes you channel so unique to me. Absolutely appreciate all of you work, thank you so much ❤ best wishes from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@anniehills3580]

Hello Kyle😊 I will share your channel with 5 members of my family to subscribe!! I really enjoy it❤🎉

[@blairh4176]

Also thank you so much for donating to the San Juan search and rescue. Most of the people in my community spend a lot of time in the back country in this area. Huge fan of your videos and excited you are sharing some stories from my neck of the woods.

[@elbaestridge6503]

Hi Kyle. These stories spook me out , but I won't stop hiking or camping, because it's an adventure , and is part of my life.

[@GoingCamping]

Been super into your videos for a while now, but the donation you made to the S&R team involved with this video just got you my subscription!

[@amagab2346]

I love the greater purpose added to the channel. Along with your perspective and story telling it is a great channel.

[@lindawilson4625]

Thank God for those brave rescue people.

[@spiralbody]

Ooooo... Fromme is one of my favourite local peaks. North Shore SAR are heroes... these mountains are so close to the urban area that a lot of newbies and tourists venture out completely unprepared. Just because you can see the peak from downtown doesn't mean it's an easy hike!

[@SnowFalling123]

They also don’t realize just because it’s warm down here at sea level, doesn’t mean it’s warm up in the mountains! I follow NSR on Facebook and some of the rescues they post are amazing!

[@spiralbody]

@@SnowFalling123 Absolutely! There's hardly ever snow at sea level... doesn't mean you're not going to encounter snow at elevation in April!

[@johnchedsey1306]

I lived in BC for a few years and I can't even imagine wanting to do much hiking in November. It always just seemed cold and rainy, plus early darkness.

[@spiralbody]

@@johnchedsey1306 The weather is actually amazing for hiking! It's not always raining and the forest is so thick that when you can choose trails that aren't really exposed. It's a very comfortable temperature during the day. Lots of options you can tackle with the daylight available and the trails are much quieter too. I enjoy my local trails more in the off season. When tourist season hits, I always need to travel further afield in the search for solitude I went camping last weekend and didn't see a drop of rain... just gotta take advantage of the weather windows :)

[@johnchedsey1306]

@@spiralbody I do remember being in Pemberton in winter...and on the one sunny day in January, everyone got outside to enjoy it. I think my overall memories just make me believe it was always rainy and dark in the winters there.

[@hmkmk7038]

Cheers to North Shore Rescue, they are legendary!

[@margiewinslow872]

Sort of an unusual resource for rescue, i once got lost in the Sangre de Cristos, NM. A mountain i had hiked many times before, got sloppy didnt bring map or bivouac gear. After hiking around for hours in the back country. Hoping that downhill meant civilization, i came across a new dirt road with a for sale sign. I called the realtor and they put their heads together to advise me on the best way to reach a main road. They sounded like they were excited to help, the whole office joi😢ned in. ❤

[@thefisherking78]

Google Maps is absolutely horrendous about trails. Half the trails it shows in my area don't exist or are shown wildly inaccurately.

[@lawaincooley6788]

We have a little garmin. It is so important to carry something like this if you go out of cell range or in the wilderness.

[@AgrestisAnima]

What do you mean by that? The watch?

[@BRENDANTHERED]

​@AgrestisAnima A GPS / satellite messaging device, I presume. Not that important, IMO, in most circumstances. I've spent my entire life going out of cell service, without one... basic survival skills are most important, that would save 99% of people, from 99% of emergency / rescue / life or death situations.

[@greyscout01]

​@AgrestisAnima The Garmin inReach Mini is an emergency communicator that doesn't need cell towers.

[@bffvintage8162]

That Garmin mini costs $400!

[@greyscout01]

@@bffvintage8162 Exactly why I don't have one. I would love to, but $. Like health food and other things, it's only for the wealthy.

[@millyzett]

Google maps for hiking is the WORST. It got me in trouble once too ending in me, falling and having to call rescue. I was OK and made it out by myself with the team's guidance and GPS locating me every 5 minutes but it was a scary situation. All because I followed google maps... never doing that again.

[@ruthd7274]

whoa! Google maps tried to take me the wrong way up a one way street in London, England. I'd say, never use Google maps as more than a guide. Do touch not have the quad bivalent of the UK OS maps?

[@789genie]

I love that you display the American flag ❤

[@compassioncampaigner728]

New to Kyle's channel. I find myself selecting it often among my saved choices of stuff to listen to. Well done, Kyle!

[@lovinlife5912]

I have zero experience of hiking but a torch and a whistle would b my must haves

[@kwoodmansee]

I lived in Durango for years and have rafted from Silverton down, and taken the train. There are a lot of areas up there where it would be really hard to spot someone, much less actually be able to get to them. That lady got super lucky. Side note if you want some absolutely spectacular backpacking that most people can't get to, you can take the train up to the Chicago Basin and then back again.

[@jrottendevil]

Chicago Basin is definitely on the bucket list.

[@kwoodmansee]

@jrottendevil Honestly, the San Juans are all incredible. There's just something extra special about knowing that the parking lot for your trail head is 4 hours away by steam engine.

[@msaprgrns50pluslife]

Hi Kyle, I have been watching and subscribed for the last 6 months and enjoy all your stories and lessons. I just wanted to let you know that I have had to re-subscribe several times, at least 4 times now. I'm not sure what's going on, but I'd like to see you reach your goal of 1 million subscribers, and I just wanted to bring this to your attention. Keep up the great work!

[@lifesyphon1]

-“HELP! HELP! IM LOST IN THE WOODS AT NIGHT AND IM PANICKING!!!” -“We’ve been trying to reach you about your cars extended warranty……”

[@atxchaser]

Love how you are giving back!

[@Tina06019]

I noticed that day hikers might be particularly vulnerable to hypothermia. They often set off with very little. It certainly could happen to me, but I attempt to have enough gear/clothes to survive an unexpected night outside. Not enough to be comfortable, mind you, because that would be a ridiculous amount to carry on a short dayhike, but enough to survive without injury.

[@laurieb3703]

Wouldn't a space blanket be viable option? Lightweight and effective. I keep survival stuff in the trunk of my car but I've never tried the blanket out

[@blackdandelion5549]

Waterproof matches and a space blanket or even an emergency bivy might be worth the couple extra dollars, you would think. I'm not saying it's a comfortable night sleeping on crappy soil w/o any padding and there is some rocks and it's not warm and cozy in bed, but the hypothermia thing seems worse.

[@Ellie-rx3jt]

​@@laurieb3703yeah I always take a space blanket, waterproof jacket, and some sort of insulating jacket even in the summer. That way I've enough to get through the night even if a storm passes through. Probably not as effective as a proper bivvy, but apart from the £2 space blanket it's all stuff I'd own anyway, and as a bonus you have a warm jacket for if you sit down for lunch and suddenly feel freezing (which I always do even if it's 25°c 😂).

[@barbarapaine8054]

@@blackdandelion5549And they weigh next to nothing. While you don’t want to carry a suitcase with you, I think people should at least carry some light rain gear, even a Frog Tog or poncho. Getting wet and cold is just the worst.

[@blackdandelion5549]

@@barbarapaine8054 When we broke people go out. . .it's called a black garbage bag, bread bags for your feet with rubber bands around them, and a few feet of duct tape wrapped around itself. You know, real classy! You are right though, a rain poncho that is not the most crappy one time use one that tucks into a tiny weeny bag and is fairly compact is not too much to toss into a bag, a car, an emergency kit bc where I live we have a joke about our weather and we have all four seasons - "You can't have all four seasons in one week!" - My state "Watch me" and there is green grass and snow and a fall jacket level temp, etc. all in the same week. We really do not know what our weather will do!!!

[@DrunkenJoe]

Love the Mr ballen thumbnail and title haha

[@leahmattingly3154]

I said basically the same thing 😅

[@ChaoticallyAwkward]

i'm not surprised by the wrong trails thing. even minor natural events can damage or otherwise erase/change previously established trails. earthquakes, fires, even just going a bit too long without even passive upkeep in the form of feet stamping down plants can make previously decent trails disappear faster than you'd realize. it's why it's good to scope out locals who know the area and trails and triple check that the trail you wanna take is still safe and viable with a few different maps.

[@kayingthao5072]

I really enjoy these hiking stories. Keep it up!

[@EMurph42]

Thank you for telling some Colorado stories, it being my home I always appreciate hearing stories about her.

[@shortycareface9678]

I don't even consider myself a hiker (though I go on one occasionally), but this channel is becoming one of my go-to channels.

[@AlexNHitDogs]

Killin it! Keep up the great content. Love it.

[@jenme7926]

Its always (or at least mostly) the smart people rescuing the dumb people.. thanks to all those who help!

[@prissilou]

Enjoy your videos, but have said this before: People hiking by themselves are already taking a huge risk. If someone insists on going alone, they definitely need to have one of those GPS gizmos that send out a distress signal. It amazes me that so many people hold their own safety in such low esteem, 'cause I'm last on my list to go, and all these trails you make videos about (AT, PCT, CDT, and all mountainous trails ARE NOT A DAY AT THE PARK. MOTHER NATURE DOESN'T PLAY.

[@YOUR-LOCAL13]

Everyone hiking, camping or hunting in the wilderness should carry a personal locator beacon on them.

[@bouldergirl81]

You're right as a person that has lived in the Rocky Mountains for decades. It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been lived and thoroughly enjoy.

[@bryttnitv]

Rooting for you to get that 1 million homie~ Keep kicking butt, ty so much for the content!

[@elaineedgington934]

If I was lost in the dark I would be thrilled to talk to ANYBODY!!!ANY PORT IN A STORM!!! Peace Kyle!

[@katienichole6905]

With the guy who didn't answer his phone, I get it! That story was how I even learned that S&R will try to call you if they can, it was new info to me and good to know.

[@auroraguzbeth2255]

I went one day ona light hike in austrian Alps and got lost, ended up on a middle to dangeros path, but I made it safely to the top, it was a short hike on a very travelled path, no harm happened. Right when I got safely to the top I got a call from an unknown number, I picked up and it was indeed a scam call, someone was telling me that I hit the 5 million jackpot. I had a good laugh about this. So yes, it is possible that scam calls are received in the middle of a dangerous hike.

[@miss_c_83]

I've been watching your stuff for awhile and I can't wait to see you hit 1 million ❤

[@michelecote1551]

I love these uploads, Thanks Kyle!!! You're a god send.🎉

[@stedydubdetroit]

Hey there! Thanks for showing up today 😁🙏🏽👏🏽

[@pyrrhicvictory249]

Grew up in Durango, Colorado and lived there for 29 years. Some of the most beautiful country that there is on this earth. Lived on a small private ranch tucked against San Juan National forest grounds. My drive home took us between peaks and my back yard was literally a mountain. Wonderful but deadly.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

You can’t anything for granted in the wilderness. Thanks for the video.

[@CJBW]

If I remember, the algorithm just threw one of your videos up and I was so intrigued with the subject matter, I watched and subscribed. Such a unique niche, but these mountain stories have always fascinated me. I think I’ve seen every documentary done on Everest! I always think Why do people do this??

[@siriusness7505]

You sir have definitely earned my subscription, subscibed a while ago. Your style of story telling only gets better with time. I take my hat off to you for many reasons.

[@jennygirl8849]

I hope you make 1 million, your channel is awesome. 🐿🌲

[@aussiegardener1773]

Go for it Kyle ... I am with you! 1 Mill

[@anniehills3580]

Hi Kyle😊You dont know me, but I sleep with you at night!😂😂 lets keep it just between us!😅 Love listening to your good stories, thank you❤

[@Husky-Raccoon]

Brand new subscriber! 🎉 🙌 I’ve watched a few of your videos and I’m hooked! I saw this new video and clicked so fast 😂 helping’ you get to that 1 milli goal, Kyle!!! Your videos and story telling is 👌💯

[@cherrylgibson6714]

Your guilt trip worked...I subscribed! 😄 I've only watched two of your videos, but I like the way you present them 🙂

[@tiffanym4202]

I have a paper map for my local trail system. The map clearly shows a connector trail that would enable me to make a loop back to where I started. The trail disappeared...or maybe it was there. Game trails? My dog and I attempted to follow this "trail" for about .1 miles when I realized we were on our way to getting lost with no cell service and limited gear. Happily, we were able to retrace our steps. Several years back there had been a bad fire and many trails were destroyed but no one had updated the map. In short, even a paper map can be wrong.

[@noprisonerswaters3378]

Just an fyi for who likes you. I’m 65 year old business man from Maryland and your hilarious and very insightful into our Crazy world we live in today. We’re brothers on the side of our country’s America First movement. And! Great work on COVID awareness. A true patriot. Peace. J6s

[@elizabethalexander6528]

Like your stories and everyone that goes in the park needs a tracker if they don't sell them. Someone will. But I won't go camping alone, always have a couple dogs.

[@Brwneydgrl69]

Im not much of a hiker for pleasure sake... But i did live in a tent in Southern Oregon for 2.5 years. I hiked every day. I had my husband with me as well. We seen all sorts of wildlife depending on the season. It was a hard life. But very rewarding.

[@douggiles7647]

That last story is so relatable and honestly I'd probably do the same thing if I had no idea people were out looking for me, unless it was so late at night that I knew there was no way it'd be a spam call. 😅😂

[@skm6777]

Becoming lost in the wilderness is one of the most freeing "accidents" to happen a person. Suddenly, the only thing that matters is getting through to the other end alive. I actually TRIED to become lost back in the day, but it was hard because I always knew where I was, no matter how bad it got. This was before cell phones & gps, and I had been a member of a mountain search & rescue. I was the backpacking instructor for the group and I know how quickly it becomes scary for those without the experience of being lost in the woods overnight. First rule I told everyone, though: "No axe murderer is going to bother stumbling around in the dark of the middle of the night looking for you. They're not idiots. That's just your head playing tricks." I miss those fleeting days of freedom from society.

[@Celeste-go5tg]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 great channel havent hiked in years cant wiat to get back to it 😊

[@cindyhesson9213]

Love your videos, Kyle❤ Watching them reminds me of my wonderful hikes !! Share people, and let's get him subscribers!!!