3 Photos with DISTURBING Backstories⚠️(*ANXIETY WARNING*)

[@55EllieMay]

No light: Stay put

[@kellikay8015]

That's what I was thinking too!!

[@dt3802]

Stay put and ways carry matches.

[@45kimmyb]

Yes! That's exactly what I would have done. If I ran out of daylight I would hunker down until the sun came up And then try to find my way out of the woods.

[@darkduck3677]

Had this happen to me a long time ago in Red River Gorge,KY. I was with a hippie chick at the time and a new dog we had just picked up while traveling/going to concerts. The dog was about 6 months old. We had hiked pretty far and it got dark quicker than we expected. The terrain was pretty sketchy and had some big drops. We had gone done a few trails that seemed legit but then would just dead end into a cliff basically. At the time we had a flip phone I think but the light on it sucked. I had to pick the dog up and carry her down because I was worried about her falling down and slipping off the leash or me having to pull her back up by her neck. We finally made it back down to the car and just crashed in the back.

[@thewesty101]

​@@dt3802 electric lighter is a good, readily available, option too. Not perfect, but there isn't always an outlet for waterproof matches

[@crazeecip]

Wouldn’t it have been better if they had both just sat down and waited out the night? Maybe that’s naive but trekking around in the dark is much more dangerous.

[@NemFX]

Hubris. It's always "just over that next hill" until it isnt

[@PhilpFong]

It's difficult to believe that after the first fall in the darkness they would have concluded that continuing to hike is a bad idea . Perhaps stop after the second ? Panic is a horrible thing .

[@hallievanoutryve3109]

@@NemFXyea you could attribute the poor planning to hubris( although ignorance and being young is my take)- but once the first injury occurred- they almost certainly panicked- and just didn’t think it through. They were just kids- have some compassion- most people have done dumb stuff in our teens - early twenties.

[@chipjones5924]

Thinking the same thing but if they didn’t know how bad she was injured, she might’ve had an internal bleeding. He made the choice to save her life before thinking of his own. But what if they would’ve waited till daylight but she had passed away because they waited there’s just no right answer when you’re in the middle of it. Can you try to just make the best decision at that time.

[@opeltheartist]

I agree Risking exposure/hypothermia issues would be preferable to injury in the dark

[@ByondTheNorm]

Heading out tomorrow for a bushwhack 3500 peak hike in the Catskills and couldn’t get my Garmin InReach working on my new phone. Was about to say screw it then watched this video. Spent 30 minutes on the phone with customer service and now it’s good to go for tomorrow 😂. As a very experienced hiker, even we need reminders sometimes!

[@timeforcoffee485]

I have a separate Garmin as well as my phone. The Garmin lasts a lot longer than the phone.

[@schrutestumps320]

safe travels!

[@Thomas.3698]

​@@timeforcoffee485worth it

[@CricketGirrl]

Good for you! ❤

[@MadCatLady28]

Safe travels tomorrow! Glad the video prompted you to make good choices!

[@denisefrickey5636]

You forgot to mention that if you get lost, are injured, or in the dark, especially in an unfamiliar place, you MUST STAY PUT. Wandering around lost in the dark can be fatal.

[@narrgamedesigner2747]

I know right if he stayed and just waited it out. Idk understand why they didn't just make a fire. All night to make sure nothing goes near and would have warmth too.

[@whitedragoness23]

@@narrgamedesigner2747prob didn’t know how to make a fire.

[@esra_oziskender]

@@whitedragoness23I don’t know either!

[@horsepanther]

@@narrgamedesigner2747 If they didn't bring a flashlight they certainly wouldn't have brought anything for making a fire.

[@marybarry2230]

Agreed. Just try to find shelter somewhere and huddle together for warmth and make the best of it until daylight!

[@TravelingWithSpecialAbilities]

Rule #1 I taught my kids . Because we hiked as a family. Was if lost or if darkness falls. You stay put! You don't move at all! Unless attacked or threatened by an animal. Period no discussion 💯!

[@eveningstar1]

Good reminder thank you. So easy to forget and think you’ll just walk a little bit longer.

[@melodi996]

There're many situations where you need to not stay put and move on, but in the dark it's just stupid to continue hiking through a dangerous terrain!

[@SaunterVaguelyDown]

Or if the weather is too unforgiving and you aren't prepared for it. If the odds are rescue are low in that case you should def move before you freeze to death. Just go SLOWLY.

[@TheElusiveReality]

their "only option" wasnt to split up in the pitch black, it was to stay put

[@_Chessa_]

Correct advice. I’m sad that he doesn’t mention it in the vide. It’s super important to stay put when lost in the darkness. Especially on either a mountain or cliff side area. ❤

[@jenniferindigochameleon6680]

AI scripting. And often AI wants humans dead.

[@lorrainewolfe9430]

​@@jenniferindigochameleon6680No, that's a real man with real stories.

[@princegobi5992]

@@jenniferindigochameleon6680that literally has nothing to do with scripting, Kyle knows this and recommended a light himself

[@GiraffeLoverJen]

You not only tell the stories, you give back to the organizations that try to help these hikers, that's what I really love about your channel.

[@meghanm05]

Fully agreed! Such a genuinely good channel. Let's get to 1M!!

[@meghanm05]

Honestly I even listen to the sponsors because they're usually unique and the actual benefits are explained well 😅

[@NatureLover-62]

Yes!!! I have certainly been delighted in learning about the search teams within this vast country and though I haven’t been there yet, it’s great to hear about them with their undying dedication and support!! And if I can help out, I am 😊more 😊than 😊happy😊 to do so!!!

[@NatureLover-62]

How fantastic of your Denver show!! Will have to send my kids as they are in Boulder right now, big hikers like the parents, and tell them of your show!! Thanks Mike as I thoroughly enjoy your channel as it’s always amazing channel with great stores and and promos too!!

[@mtssman]

The second story reminds me something happened about 8 years ago when I was hiking in Scotland, UK. It was a slightly damp day but the trail was muddy due to prolonged rain 24hrs prior. As I hiked suddenly I heard kids screaming and a woman yelling for help. All hikers nearby quickly ran to the family and found the father stuck between rocks right next to swelling creek. Turned out the father was walking and taking video of his family at the same time, and quite literally walked himself off the trail. Thankfully nothing worse than a few scrapes happened but losing concentration while hiking can easily ends up in tragedy.

[@desert_moon]

I've done SAR for years, and you'd be amazed at how many people go out unprepared!! Thankfully, more rescues than recoveries.

[@penny8579]

Thank you

[@mrssunshine3843]

Even though i have kiddos now, I'm still an avid hiker. My kiddos come with me, and here's our number one rule: ★ If we get separated, HUG A TREE and stay put! From there, they have supplies in their day packs; whistle, water, snacks, space blanket, first aid kit, solar flashlight, etc. Adults, please, if you're lost and it gets dark, HUG A TREE and stay put! Your brain doesn't function at full capacity when you're in panic mode, so navigating yourself to safety is not always easy.

[@ukeleleiguana]

Instructions unclear. The tree and I are best friends now. His name is Groot

[@somethingsomething404]

Always worth remembering that even if you don’t need rescue, you might come across someone else who does so it’s always good to have a way to call help and a first aid kit

[@jamierupert7563]

Absolutely.

[@pioneercynthia1]

And know how to use it.

[@hvfgordon7869]

I went on a NIGHT HIKE and a couple people DIDN'T BRING LIGHTS. Luckily since it was a NIGHT HIKE I had brought multiple lights so I shared, and everyone got down ok. This was 15 years ago and I'm still baffled why they didn't bring lights on a NIGHT HIKE

[@Big_Tex]

Were you hiking at night?

[@bradsanders407]

​@Big_Tex it not only says "night hike" but its in all caps. Thats a pretty good indication that they were hiking at night.

[@missiadiala]

But… were they hiking at night? 🤣 (Sorry this little comment thread cracked me up XD)

[@videoettaceo8900]

you cracked me up

[@jlt131]

I was tenting in the snow once. Had snowshoed out about 2 hours, at right at dusk a couple goes by, at the edge of our view. Walking on snowshoe trails, but without snowshoes, and only in lightweight jackets. Neither one had a backpack. Neither one appeared to have any water, first aid, shelter, or warmth. They were headed AWAY from the road into the backcountry. They might've had headlamps in a pocket I guess, but they sure weren't using them at that point. No idea what their plan was or where they thought they were going. I do hope they made it back okay. Some people are either crazy or stupid.... or both.

[@jonnewbury3482]

I hunted in some woods for 20 years and knew them well. One evening I bagged a deer had to track and clean it. Head lamp dies, phone died and I got disoriented. Walked 45 min the wrong direction packing a deer in 40 deg,windy weather. Finally found a creek I knew the location of and realized I was 2 hr walk to my atv. I hung the deer in a tree and hiked the 2 hrs back. It was well past midnight when I made it to my truck. Navigating woods at night are a totally different animal even when they are familiar. I now take at least 2 lights and a battery charger. Lesson learned.

[@penny8579]

You're lucky other wild animals didn't attack you for that deer. The first thing I would have done is drop the deer. But if you had been attacked people would have figured out you held on to a deer in the dead of night with no light in the woods. Having a weapon isn't much help in the dark.

[@cathlaurs9754]

@jonnewbury: I hope you learned not to murder and butcher defenceless animals.

[@jonnewbury3482]

@ *Defenseless. Hardly, he had antlers. Fair fight the way I see it. 😉 You get your food from the store I get it from the source.

[@angelbear_og]

​@@cathlaurs9754 Remember, a hunter kills a single animal to feed himself for a season. From fertilizer to combines, you vegans kill MILLIONS to get your carrots and corn.

[@Asp47999]

@@cathlaurs9754 I hope you learn how the steak in the super market meets its end. Much less compassion.

[@peytonplace3335]

Hi Kyle! I don’t hike, I don’t know how I ended up on your website, actually, but it was years ago. I have followed you for a really long time, and I really appreciate all your storytelling!

[@jadedme2511]

I'm the same... not a hiker, no idea how I ended up on your page but have thoroughly enjoyed your content. Keep up the good work.

[@fiddlersthree8463]

I'm a 78-year-old great-grandmother and I love this channel!! Never was much of a hiker.

[@meganmangold1074]

I don't hike either but love to go to the mountains along the eastern seaboard so I do appreciate the reporting.

[@tomschmitz8884]

I can't get through a story with this kid he just keeps on yapping And turning a two minute story into an hour and a half! Jesus Christ.. 10 minutes just to get to the goddamn story and then he just milks it out and just keeps on yapping and yapping and yapping… There's too many other good channels to watch this dog shit. Other time it starts getting to the point the commercials kick in. F this channel. Totally lame

[@tomschmitz8884]

He LOVES the sound of his own voice too much for me!! Even Mr. Ballen gets to the damn point!! Why would I stare at this guy's face all night and listen to him tell lame story? Doesn't make any sense. I don't know who he is nor do I care. Show me something!

[@Christofuzz-hc9xl]

Brendon Vega, what a dear friend, and tragic hero none the less. Can't say enough about his attempts to rescue themselves. I wish he would have survived. What a sad sad story. Movie worthy for sure.

[@Mystique-16]

I’m not a hiker but, wouldn’t it have been better if they had just hunkered down in the first place? Just stayed put till morning

[@hallievanoutryve3109]

Yes. Almost certainly. Rescues usually don’t go on at night. But I understand that Brendan was worried about Sailor and was just in a total panic flight state. It is very sad. RIP Brendan.

[@alg678]

Every hike bring: *Rain jacket, pocket knife, food, water, headlamp, whistle.*

[@beklouise9952]

And lighter

[@alg678]

@@beklouise9952 For sure. And mirror.

[@rebeccabutler9728]

And something to start fire

[@gem7107]

And a personal location beacon.

[@Thomas.3698]

And my mom

[@mattcarpenter8406]

If we learn one thing from this it should be focus on hiking. Leave your phone in your pocket until you stop. No matter how much experience you have you need to stay focused and not distract yourself.

[@bradsanders407]

But the phone helped save a persons life lol

[@penny8579]

easier said than done for most young people these days

[@ShearGenius88]

They mean don’t record yourself/film while you’re hiking, wait until you’re stopped and in a safe place to pull out your phone. Not don’t bring it along.

[@thecatatemyhomework]

I think it was said she was 57 years old​@@penny8579

[@XierraMankiller-ql6rs]

Your words are very true!

[@jldisme]

"Deciding to visit Death Valley" nope, never going to do it.

[@jimhenderson387]

Lost in Death Valley in July. Has to be one of the ultimate nightmares. So glad they were rescued.

[@danireneas]

Not even lost, just Death Valley in July is a nightmare for me. And I live in Phoenix!

[@_nick_d]

Yea it’s gnarly, hiking between 11-5PM is brutal

[@Mangolite]

Hearing all your stories inspires me to be well-prepared for any future hiking or outdoor adventure. Here’s my checklist: 1. Bring plenty of water with electrolytes. 2. Pack a flashlight or headlamp. 3. Carry extendable hiking poles. 4. Have a reliable pocket knife. 5. Include some strong ropes. 6. Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes, and bring extra socks. 7. Pack protein bars for quick energy. 8. Carry a satellite communicator for emergencies. 9. If injured in the dark, stay put until help arrives. 10. Always let someone know your route and expected return time.

[@juliestrong1947]

Hiking partner?

[@djg5950]

You didn't mention it but you probably carry matches or a lighter. That is an important item, too. Headlamp and #10 are most important (and water).

[@AwesomeFish12]

Rope isn't going to come in handy very often, unless you have a tarp and are camping out, but in that case you'd take some para-cord or something light.

[@ItsMe-so4nd]

Glad the three ladies made it out alive. My heart goes out to the ones that didn’t make it.

[@ec9833]

I’ve watched countless Kyle hates videos but this one has me wanting to pack my suv with every single life sustaining thing for every single season and weather type before going anywhere.

[@bradsanders407]

Its pretty ironic that their license plate said "SOAP" but it was the dirt that enabled them to leave the message.

[@IslandUncharted]

As an avid hiker and youtuber, thank you for the reminder to always carry a headlamp, even on a day hike, sometimes I get complacent and forget

[@jhanncoo]

Mama always said it’s better to have it & not need it than need it & not have it 💯

[@AwesomeFish12]

Carrying too much stuff can cause it's own set of problems.

[@jhanncoo]

@ true, I don’t necessarily think you should over pack, but the essentials would be nice

[@thequadriders]

I keep a rechargeable headlamp as my main but I keep a backup that takes aaa batteries as a spare. I had one headlamp that quit working one night and I had to wander out of the woods using the light on my phone. I now keep 9 aaa batteries (my light takes 3) and a spare headlamp. It's worth the extra weight and space imo

[@PhilpFong]

Hey Kyle ! Have you covered the guy that decided to hike Furnace Creek and film his trek ? He brought an umbrella and about 4 gallons of water for the planned 10 ( or was it 20 ) mile round trip . However , for some reason he only packed about 3 liters of water for the hike . He of course ran out of water but managed to hike back with sight of his vehicle. Being exhausted and severely dehydrated , he thought to stop , sit to rest , and gather strength. He never got back up and died within a few hundred yards from 3 gallons of water.

[@juliesmith6228]

That first couple should have hunkered down and *waited* for dawn. Stumbling around in the dark was a terrible choice 🤦‍♀️ Conserving energy and the batteries on their phones and reassessing the terrain when they could actually SEE 😪

[@eatwhatukiii2532]

Just recently there was a tragic event here in Maine (autumn 2024) when a couple, Pamela and John Helmstadter, went out for a simple day hike expecting to be out just a short time. He fell and got injured somehow. She left him to go find help but got completely turned around and lost. She’d been going in circles apparently. Rescuers found him just 200 feet from her. He died of exposure. She herself nearly died and said she was eating moss in an attempt to stay alive. The Maine woods are a thick tangle with raspberry thorns, tall ferns, downed trees, and can be brutal if you stray from a trail.

[@gbosearcher-3686]

There was an incident here on NC, where a man was depending on GPS to get to a location. He followed the directions right off a bridge that had been out for a year.

[@FranktheDachshund]

A couple was using gps in Oregon and it led them through a forest service road impassable in winter. They got stuck and the family of three did not make it after getting stuck in the snow.

[@LevelEarthWD]

I just wanted to add this to the plus of using a headlight. Both hands are free. I use a headlight a lot and thats the biggest plus. Heres the minus. If its summer and you have the light on youll meet intimately, with every flying insect out at night. But id take that over being in the dark or holding a phone.

[@jlt131]

Try it on the red light setting - it will destroy your night vision less and tends to attract fewer bugs!

[@marcycollinshtd4life]

I lived in Arizona and now New Mexico, we never leave home without at least one gallon of water per person per day

[@juliadesl]

I got lost in Hoosier National Forest while doing, an intended, 2 hour hike. I was totally unprepared for this contingency & wasn’t carrying anything other than a walking stick. Upon nightfall, I knew I was in trouble with 17% cell battery. Managed to call for help to be rescued. I will never go unprepared again!!

[@GlendaMasterson]

I’ve been following you for about 3 weeks and I enjoy your channel very much. I’m a77 year old woman but love the outdoors . I love to walk but never got to hike much. But you are very interesting and I listen to your channel everyday! Thanks. 👍

[@michaelmoorrees3585]

On the 2nd story, on Mt Baldy (officially Mt San Antonio, but everybody calls it Mt Baldy), I'm familiar with these mountains. Grew up hiking them. The trails often are just narrow goat trails, with steep drop offs. Those drop offs can be hidden under the snow. So even someone experienced and familiar with this area, can fall victim, to a misstep. I've fallen, or rolled off a few times. Never further than a few 10s of feet, diagonally. Never a full vertical fall. Still, it can beat you up a bit. On that last story, I've fallen victim to those old GPS units a couple of times, back between 2005 and 2010. Plus, even back before all this tech, when paper maps, were your only guides, dirt roads, and jeep trails, are given highway numbers in California. This makes those unfamiliar with this area, think that they are normal roads. Simple rule of thumb: If the road is not paved, don't use it.

[@_nick_d]

I hiked ice house canyon to Chapman trail with a beginner hiker and trail had light snow & my buddy didn’t listen to what I said & fell/slide 50-60’ luckily just got snow burn & a scrap or two on his shin by the bottom. Baldy is no joke in the winter

[@feralkid1879]

Kyle is a natural born broadcaster. Not many can speak to a camera that comfortably. I sure can't. Can't hardly speak comfortably to someone's voicemail beep.

[@BookwormSkates]

I bet if you made 1000 KZbin videos you’d get a lot better at it too

[@AlchemyMP604]

100% agree. Kyle is so likeable, knowledgeable but humble and empathetic. End up feeling like you’re friends with him.

[@Comedybrand]

He couldn't have stayed with the red head till dawn to leave in daylight? It's only overnight. To leave at first light I could see 👀. I mean one day and other ppl come taking pictures? Especially if you can't see 👀, I feel that is reckless.

[@amandas3804]

Wow, that Death Valley story--the other thing about the car is they made it even more visible by leaving the doors open. Smart. I'm glad they found that trailer.

[@patriciamurphy6559]

Omg it just went from horrible to more horrible to horrendus!!! 😮 Terrible, those poor kids! 💔 And yes, Brendon was a true hero. I wish he had just stayed with her, sad.

[@Trav_Can]

8:21 Why is his only choice to leave her? You said twice he had no other choice. Yeah, he did. They should have hunkered down. They should have just waited out the night after their phones died. And they should have only used one phone flashlight. Save the other one. So sad.

[@mds8255]

Yeah… don’t get it either. Not a huge hiker, but I feel waiting for the morning vs walking blindly is way better.

[@thecatatemyhomework]

Sometimes Kyle is so afraid of offending people, that he does more harm than good.

[@sass_designs]

@@thecatatemyhomeworkI agree with your comment

[@Kritterlu]

I'm sorry - pitch black; no light source; no way to discern terrain - so we're "stumbling through the wilderness " and " taking a leap down from a rock? " Did the brain cells turn off in twilight???

[@nomadbynature8811]

I hiked the Colorado Rockies for years and people often forget that sunset times don’t matter if you’re in a valley. I’ve had the sun “set” on me an hour before it would’ve had I been on a ridge many many times.

[@-Reagan]

A lot of people were killed on Mt Baldy and/or missing that season, when Crystal died. I remember it well. Julian Sands, the actor was one of them. There was one man whose disappearance was completely overshadowed by those two incidents and another immediately following Sands’ disappearance. Sands was since found deceased. There have been over a hundred missing or needed rescues and at least seven fatalities since 2020. That’s a lot. I’m not even sure if that number has increased since I last checked.

[@_nick_d]

It’s probably higher than that, I remember one winter where 5-6 perished and they considered shutting the entire mountain down bc of all the SAR missions. The news was flat out telling people not to go to the mtn.

[@llyn5759]

Being prepared for an emergency that might require you to set up camp for a few days also helps people not panic when they do find themselves lost, which as we know is not an ideal reaction but it can happen. Be prepared for anything, and you might not later be blinded by existential panic.

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

Brendan was a son to make his parents proud! He gave his life for his friend, Saylor. She, in a similar vein, was as brave as they come, to persevere in the face of terrible pain. What a courageous young woman she is!

[@charlottecaywood1099]

Love your stories! Lost my mobility a few years ago and miss hiking the most. The stories and images in each video makes for such a wonderful “vicarious hike” 😊

[@marybarry2230]

I’ve climbed Mount Baldy several times and yes, you do have to be careful up there! Some very narrow parts of the trail,such as Devils Backbone, where you really have to pay attention!

[@_nick_d]

Yes Devils Backbone is no joke, Crystal was on her way up, not quite up that high when she slipped.

[@strummercash5601]

Thanks, Kyle! I’m relying on your channel, history, and guitar tutorials as I can’t watch politics anymore, and am oversaturated with true crime. The election was exhausting, and there are too many family annihilators out there these days. 🙏🏽✌🏽💙 from Minnesota

[@feralkid1879]

I remember hitchiking to CA from IL around 1972-73. Long before cell phones and gps. Never seen anything like it, the stretch between Needles and Barstow. Desolate, like another planet. The old mother road was a baren 2 lane, 90 mi between any trace of habitation. Never felt so alone and insignificant. Pavement was so hot it ignited a pack of matches in my back pocket. You can bet I retuned home by way of Donner pass.

[@_nick_d]

Yah that strip of Hwy does suck. I got a speeding ticket going 111 headed I-15s going down Halloran Summit into baker. Ticket was $1400 😑

[@feralkid1879]

@@_nick_d omg speeding tickets got expensive since my last one.

[@darthlaurel]

First couple should have stayed together till dawn.

[@Perch_Master_Nick]

I am a California Outdoorsman. I do hike the trailheads of the San Gabriel Mountains. I wouldn't do any twilight hiking, i try to keep it a 10am to 4pm half day schedule when i hike. I use Google Maps to study the trailheads and i watch reviews of the trailheads on KZbin.

[@_nick_d]

It’s just a zoo after 7AM. I start Baldy at 4-5AM now bc parking is crazy on the wknds @ Icehouse Canyon trail

[@renatus8667]

Let’s get this guy to 1 mil! Love what you do man!

[@tomschmitz8884]

Whatever. Lol good luck with that. You need another 500,000 people who like listening to a dude drone on about dumb shit and NEVER get to the point! I'm sure you're sick of looking at his dumb face! Lol See you in five years when you hit 1 million

[@TheLibbyjo]

Been to death valley.... It was 128 degrees.... Hot doesn't describe it.

[@shortylucy]

Amazing stories. But that 3rd one brought me to tears. How fantastic that they ran into those trailers, food, and water. AND their rescue found them. I'm floored!!

[@patriciamurphy6559]

So, so happy to know that the 3 woman survived! Nice to hear a happy ending. 🥰

[@mikeevans7381]

In that last story I didn't expect those women to survive. And in reality they really shouldn't have wow. Thank you Kyle. 💯🙏🇺🇸

[@ifcatshadthumbs...664]

So happy for the 3 ladies. The "oasis" was a miracle imo. These days people really need to learn how to read hard maps. Don't rely on vehicle GPS, especially for trips into such dangerous areas.

[@redinabloogs8477]

Can't help thinking that the experienced hiker would not have fallen if she wasn't doing selfie videos while climbing up the mountain. 😢

[@letsrock1729]

My exact thought.

[@tanikokishimoto1604]

She'd stopped videoing.

[@Big_Tex]

30:30 as a GenX I grew up drinking hot dirty hose water. I’m well-trained for survival.

[@ddrigmaiden]

I bet you those girls drank grey water tank 🤢🤮

[@themtbrowns]

OMG have these fools never heard of "STAYING PUT"!!!???

[@jenlarge9036]

It's obvious Chrystal fell because she was on her phone. I'm so glad the three women were saved, it would have been terrifying to be lost out there. They were smart and they also got lucky,

[@_nick_d]

Baldy is treacherous especially in the winter. Crystal was hit by rollin ice Sometimes when it’s your time, it’s your time ⏰

[@survivedandthriving]

I was disappointed in the first story in how it was presented and that there was no 'lessons learned' as usual at the end. Yes, we want to be respectful of those in the situation, especially since one of them died, but despite repeated protestations in the narration otherwise, these two did 'have a choice'. They 'had a choice' at every juncture, including the moment they realized they were stuck in the forest without proper light, to shelter in place. At worst, they could instead have used their phone lights to gather and pile up branches to keep themselves off the ground overnight and waited until they had enough light to see again to try and get back to their cars. Yes, it would have been a miserable night, but it still would have been less miserable than what happened while they wandered around in the dark trying to find a trail they couldn't see. The lessons learned: i) always tell a responsible person who is not on the hike where you are going and when you'll be home, yes even for a day hike. If you don't return on time that person can call for help. Since no search parties were sent in this case, I'm guessing this pair didn't do that. ii) always have the 10 essentials with you, yes even for a day hike. iii) if you are lost or caught in the dark like that (especially if you are without lights/headlamps) then shelter in place. Either wait until it grows light enough to see the trail or until rescuers come and find you, depending on the situation, and depending on whether you let anyone know about your plans before heading out...

[@juliesmith6228]

Definitely! To help other people avoid this situation happening to them... emphasizing >>shelter in place

[@thecatatemyhomework]

Thank you for summing up the first one with lessons learned. You did a great job.

[@WarPigstheHun]

Thats insane how the last 3 found what is basically an oasis complete with a trailer and supplies. I wonder who it belonged too.

[@frankthetank8050]

Hey Kyle, thanks for making every single of our future hikes, super “exciting” (i.e. PTSD)! 😂👍🏾

[@789genie]

I really do have anxiety listening to this last story. 27:48 ahhhhhhh thank You Jesus! Whew…. I can relax now knowing it was a happy ending. The daughter deserves a big thank you from mom

[@maggiesfarm7970]

Hiking in the dark while making a video? That is just a little too dangerous for me!

[@InnSewerAnts]

Am I harsh if I say taking the risk of jumping off something (which can always go wrong no matter how good you are or time of day) in the dark with no means of getting help any time soon is. Well, a really stupid risk to take? They really shouldn't have been on the move in the dark, maybe unless it's too cold at night to stay put+warm enough but then you should be prepped for that so you don't have to risk moving in the dark. Even on easy terrain or flats, we walk upright on 2 stilts, we're not the clumsiest animal but when we do fall we always have a good chance of getting hurt or smacking our head badly.

[@PKAdventures]

as someone that grew up in the desert, and has been stranded with and without water, the best advice i can give is to take at least 2 days worth of water, even if you're driving through for just an hour or 2. you never know when things are gonna go wrong. if you don't have water, it's usually better not to eat, or eat only small amounts of foods containing lots of moisture, like fruit. oh, and 2 days of water in the desert = about 4-6 days of water in a place that isn't lava, so take much more than you think you could possibly need. i keep a full 7gallon Aqua-Tainer (20bucks from Walmart) in my SUV at all times. and i usually have at least 2 or 3 more gallons in water bottles + 10 or 20 sports drinks with electrolytes (or a powdered electrolyte mix). i sanitize the big water tank at least 4 or 5 times per year, but that's just because i end up using it so much. if i you just fill it up and don't use it, it can be left alone for a year or 2 and still be fine to drink, if you used clean water and filled it up all the way. TLDR: keep at least a couple days of water in your vehicle, regardless of where you live, cuz it can save your life if you get stranded.

[@EliShields-co5vm]

Me and my wife literally love your videos bro!!! We have even set other plans aside when you post a new one!!! Lol

[@Andrea-LovesYouStill]

Like others are saying, if you get lost and / or injured, STAY PUT, TOGETHER. Next 1, she probably fell because she was looking at the camera, and not the terrain. Very sad. So glad for a happy ending though. That was a relief!!!

[@joemendiuk]

Sorry to have to say, but perhaps if the lovely Chrystal was watching her step rather than her camera she may not have misstepped and fell.

[@m.m.1933]

I think she was blinded after she turned her video light off after filming... night blindness even with her headlamp on... just a guess. But that's why pirates wear eye patches.. to go in and out of ships to bright sunlight without blindness...pretty genius! Same with snow glasses with small slits* our ancestors were very creative!

[@Floydian4everr]

Was thinking the same, the last thing I'd want to do on a night hike is blind myself to the surroundings with a phone light in my face and put 99% of my attention on either live streaming or recording a video of myself hiking, not pov style which would have your eyes aided by the light but evening news style with the device pointing at my face

[@_nick_d]

Crystal got hit by ice rolling down the mtn according to eye witness. The same thing happened to Sam- a legend at Mt Baldy who was on his way to a goal to summit the peak 1000x but sadly got hit by ice between attempts 800-900 😢

[@Asp47999]

When I buy some gruns I’ll use your link man. Been watching you since before you came up and I’m so glad to see it happen.

[@TheCrystalBoat]

Them finding Sailor didn't turn their hike in to a nightmare, but if they hadn't seen her until the guy saw her in the photo that night, or even the next day, THAT would have. Because by then it would have been too late.

[@katekursive1370]

Man I really hope every bad situation has the ending of that last story

[@10.6.12.]

Just remember that evening comes allot sooner than sunset when you are on the Eastern side of a mountain.

[@cdes1776]

The Death Valley story was against all odds. If it isn't a movie, it should be.

[@Rena-eg6bm]

Crystal: not looking where you put your feet in the dark in the wilderness because it is more important to get footage for your social media. Very smart.

[@anniestumpy9918]

It's horrible what happened to her. But seeing that showing cleavage was more important for her than not getting a cold told me that her priorities might have been a bit off.

[@kathryncumberland]

I have an English degree, so I'm typically a stickler for correct grammar and pronunciation, truly one of "those people" that everyone wants to punch. That being said, Kyle is so bad with pronunciation and so aware of it that I can't even bring myself to correct him! The self-awareness as he stumbles through tough words and names is just too amusing and honestly pretty cute.

[@thecatatemyhomework]

I always think why doesn't he just go on the internet and find out the correct pronunciation. And then write it down phonetically so he can't mispronounce it. Many times it's simply a location, so for sure the pronunciation is easily attainable.

[@Galaxie08]

Wow. 👎

[@EmilySparklz]

23:13 even today, the phone service is shit in the Death Valley area. The GPS still sucks. I never go out there without an up to date paper map. 25:10 they should have parked until dark, and then looked for the light pollution in the sky from Vegas, and then head that direction. 😢

[@damonottaway3648]

I have done plenty of Sierra Nevada mountains hiking. None in the dark that was in dangerous areas. For this woman who supposedly was an experienced hiker, I find it very reckless to be hiking and filming while it’s dark. That’s far from experienced. Yes, a bad decision cost her her life.

[@thecatatemyhomework]

And yet Kyle didn't even mention that most important detail. Once again, he's so afraid of offending someone, that he doesn't state the obvious.

[@damonottaway3648]

@, I agree. For someone as avid a hiker as he is, the very first thing he should’ve mentioned was how dangerous it is to not pay attention while hiking in a dangerous area in the dark and filming at the same time. Sad for her demise, but that was just plain stupid.

[@_nick_d]

Crystal was struck by ice rolling down the mtn according to witnesses

[@amypondhikes]

Heck of a triple header, Kyle. I really feel for those who lost their lives in the pursuit of hiking and the loss to their friends and family. And am ever grateful for the amazing people who serve on the search and rescue teams. Another well and respectfully done video.

[@BeautifulObsidian]

I always take a headlamp everywhere. I have them in my cars, my backpacks, my purses, all over my house.I live in the redwood’s and it gets DARK! On a side note I am also extremely clutzy 😊 Also as an ER nurse for 25 yrs, I have seen some stuff, so there is that! I feel so sad when I this one about Brenden and sailor . So thankful for the people who found her! Love your content, and you share a birthday with my oldest! 🥳

[@BeautifulObsidian]

Phew, didn’t realize I wrote a chapter!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

"Happy gut = happy butt" ~ Kyle 😂😂😂😂

[@jlt131]

noooo you weren't supposed to quote him on that!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

@jlt131 🤭

[@Michelle-fh2dp]

I would think night hiking on uneven ground is definitely Not a good idea!

[@_nick_d]

Night hikes are cool, just pay attention to where you are going like any other hike.

[@phoebehill953]

I once purposely took a late afternoon hike up to a mountain lake thinking that because there would be a full moon I would easily see the trail on my return. I didn’t realize that in a forest the moonlight is blocked by tree branches.

[@kimberlewagner2355]

Kyle, my dude ❤ I've been following a fair long time and never comment but wow this entire presentation was 💋

[@strummercash5601]

I cannot imagine, beyond the sheer terror of being broken-bone injured while lost in the dark, how much physical pain they suffered. Deftly and respectfully presented, as always, Kyle.

[@ruthmccurdy8623]

No disrespect, but crystal did add risk by using the dang camera. It makes more sense to wear a camera harness and add your face when in solid position. Not film self while walking.

[@thecatatemyhomework]

Of course that is why she died. Why Kyle ignored that fact makes no sense.

[@_nick_d]

Crystal got hit by rollin ice from higher elevations. Fatal slip & falls have happened quite frequent on mt baldy. It’s the risk hikers are willing to assume.

[@ruthmccurdy8623]

@@thecatatemyhomework I didn’t say it caused her fall, I said it adds risk. Which is true.

[@Saskatchewan1984]

If it’s dark and you have have no light and unsure of your surroundings , always stay put , always pack matches or a lighter , to make a fire , as helps give some light and keep critters away, and if it’s illegal to have a fire where your at , well you might get rescued then if they see the fire or smoke , that said always start a fire in or on a safe spot and always make sure to put it out , and keep your eyes and mind on the task at hand when hiking , leave phone or camera in pocket til in a safe spot and aren’t moving , if unsure of the area you going to , get a guide and never trust a gps , and always have a way of communicating if lost ! Like a garmin inreach or something similar ,

[@StinaPsych]

It’s always a good day when Kyle posts! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@davethemagnificent2576]

Thank you for sharing these stories Kyle. I'm sure the families appreciate you telling the story of their loved ones in a caring and compassionate way, like you do. RIP: Brandon Vega & Crystal Gonzalez. 🕊 🕊

[@chipjones5924]

Not a hiker but just recently started watching your videos. I love how you narrate them. I love how you contribute back to the community. He was extremely brave. He did not know how bad she was injured twice. I’m assuming he didn’t wait till daylight. She might’ve had internal injuries. He was just trying to save her which basically he gave his life for hers.❤ he is definitely a hero. I was stunned to see that she was actually in their picture. That’s amazing that they were even out there in the same spot taken the exact same trail back I believe is when they noticed her which they could’ve went a different way she is to be alive and I just pray for his family And for her because I’m sure she maybe has survivors guilt. They were just out to have some fun. Note to self always be prepared for the worst again thank you for sharing this and again I appreciate you bringing these stories to us . Thank you , Cariann

[@Floydian4everr]

those damn gps units! That elderly couple that followed it's directions through some terrain in an Astro van where no van, even a truck frame based van like theirs, should be driven through. The husband thought about taking off on foot for help and as you can imagine, he didn't survive the attempt. The wife was found alive and survived.

[@TheDramacist]

Story 1: why hike when you cant see. They already fell twice. Common sense tells you to wait till daylight!

[@janesmith146]

Its interesting that people think that Mother Nature is impressed by their "experience" or their fancy and proper survival gear, their Garmins or anything else. In fact, it almost seems like Mother Nature focuses on the people who crave risk, excitement, thrills and danger....and then delivers to them exactly what they sought. 😳😧

[@quintinastaley6335]

Hi Kyle I use to hike but I lost my hiking buddy and I refuse to hike alone it’s just not safe but I really do miss it your doing a great job BTW

[@_nick_d]

Sorry to hear about your pal. Get back out there when you ready, life is short & your hiking buddy would have wanted you to keep exploring

[@Anasteroiddestroyer]

Sorry to hear about your friend. I moved to a new place, joined a hiking club and found new hiking friends. We want you out here with us.

[@DAJ2000]

I appreciate the respectful way that you tell these stories.

[@TURNERNATOR82]

Another great story 👍🏻 thanks Kyle 🥾🏕️

[@ANTSPlantation]

Who elses listens to Kyle and mrballen?

[@bethmoore7722]

Yes, both. I also like The Leaf. You’d probably like him. He’s a Canadian guy, hence the Leaf.

[@loriegosnell9355]

👍

[@ddrigmaiden]

Mrballen makes shit up all the time, though. 40% of what he says in his stories is his own embellishment. I called him out on it on one of his videos, pointing out how it's impossible for him to know all sorts of stated details, and he deleted my comment. He's a real piece of shit. It's why all the other Seals hate him.

[@katecoffee4744]

🖐🏻

[@pyromichael77]

Both yes!