Most Dangerous Thing In The Backcountry

Join Tayson as he unveils the most underestimated peril lurking in the backcountry. In this eye-opening discussion, he navigates through common misconceptions about the dangers of wildlife, navigation, hydration, and falls, shedding light on a crucial aspect that often goes unnoticed.
⛰️ What is the Real Danger? ⚠️
Many might assume it's wildlife encounters or getting lost, but Tayson's experience reveals a different, often disregarded threat: getting wet. Unanticipated rain or snow can turn into a life-threatening situation, impacting both physical and mental capabilities in the wilderness.
🧭 Why Getting Wet is the Ultimate Risk 🌦️
Discover why staying dry is not just about comfort but a critical factor in survival. Tayson shares his firsthand encounters with the rapid onset of hypothermia and the cascade of difficulties it brings, impairing decision-making and physical ability.
🌟 Protect Yourself for Sound Decisions 🛡️
Learn from Tayson's experiences and insights on the importance of reliable rain gear. Keeping dry isn't just about comfort-it's a safeguard for maintaining cognitive abilities and making informed decisions, no matter the trail's challenges.
🏞️ Educational Insights for Every Backpacker 🎒
Tayson's narrative is a wakeup call for both seasoned and novice backpackers. Even in seemingly clear conditions, unexpected weather shifts can create perilous situations, emphasizing the need for preparation and awareness on every trip.
🌧️ Your Thoughts Matter 💬
Engage with the community by sharing your views on the most significant dangers encountered in the backcountry. Join the conversation, and let's ensure each other's safety on the trails.
🌟 Stay Safe, Stay Dry, Stay Informed 🌟
Don't miss out on this crucial insight into backcountry safety. Hit that like button, subscribe for more trail wisdom, and remember, staying dry could be the ultimate lifesaver out there.
Great Backpacking Gear: bit.ly/3LJsdIY
#backpacking #outdoorvitals #ultralightbackpacking #survival #backpackingsafety

[@overwatchxrescue]

Absolutely valid POV! You don't want to get hypothermia, that's for certain.

[@lampshaderoof]

Reminds me of a heartbreaking short story by Jack London: "To Build a Fire". I recommend it. Not that a rain jacket would have helped much in this story, but the lesson for me was that it doesn't take many mistakes to do you in out there...maybe only one, and this guy made three.

[@mattstratts]

I was going to say exposure to elements in general... specifically, when people think of hypothermia, they think of wet cold climates. Deserts are notoriously cold at night from fall to spring (sometimes summer too) and the high sun exposure during the day followed by rapid heat loss at night can cause hypothermia as well - just as dangerous as dehydration IMHO.

[@ROE1300]

👍 Stay dry, stay warm. Lesson learned from years of sailing. Excellent advice!

[@stevenhorwood1300]

Agree completely, always a UL rain coat, rain skirt at minimum too and a UL tarp / shelter in my day bag. Shelter from sun too. In total about a pound.

[@lavernelee908]

I live in Alaska and have backpacked all over my state. Yes, I have seen many black and brown bears (and a couple of polar bears), moose, wolves, etc. Rain is definitely something to be taken seriously. I always carry a puffy at a minimum plus a rain jacket and rain pants. Wet snow is also a danger. Normally, we have very dry powder but it is not uncommon for me to don my rain gear. It also helps protect from wind and adds a layer of warmth. Great video and tips!

[@eric55406]

Good advice. Getting wet and cold is the most dangerous thing. I've bailed on a trip when sleeping gear got wet, knowing that a wet sleeping bag would not keep me warm enough at night. You guys at OV have a great logo!

[@MikeycatOutdoors]

In my adventures: (from recent memory) Encounters with crazy folks: 3 Encounters with loose dogs: 3 Encounters with coyotes: 3 (only during hunting) Encounters with bears: 0 Encounters with sweating in cold weather and getting sickly: 4 Encounters with not enough sleep, too much sweating, and too much exertion: 5+ (electrolytes help) Encounters with slipping/tripping & falling: 3

[@boopernator]

I can 100% attest to Outdoor Vitals gears keeping me warm and safe while being in wet conditions! The Tushar Rain jacket is worth every penny. It is very durable and will keep you dry while also allowing you to vent out some body heat. It is also very packable so you can bring it along on any trip you think a rain storm might develop.

[@LMay64]

Very true. In CO, I see more and more people getting into life threatening situations due to hypothermia.

[@pedroclaro7822]

Doesn’t even need to be winter or fall. Sweat and a lack of preparedness can lead to it even in summer. Serious danger.

[@zenofthemoment]

There was a study done a few years ago on the most common backcountry injuries that required medical care or S&R activation (don’t recall which). Weirdly it was burn injuries, from stoves blowing up, alcohol spills, boiling water spills, etc. Separate from what you’re discussing here, but worth noting.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

That's interesting!

[@lanecountybigfooters5716]

Tossing in my guess before watching the video = I'm guessing stupidity or hypothermia. I live in Oregon, and it rains all winter, and sometimes snows, especially in the high Cascades. Getting wet is deadly. Yep, there it is. Agreed! Got cold hiking at 33 degrees on a nice day last weekend, and that hot soup never FELT so good. My pack is half full of "shelter/clothing" and I always carry fuel and a stove even for a day hike.

[@dracphelan]

Let me add that it can happen when you aren't really expecting it. I was at the State Fair of Texas (September in Dallas) when a cold front came through with brief heavy rain. I became soaked and displayed most of the symptoms. I ended up having to call family to pick me up because I was to confused to drive.

[@shouldhavenotshouldof2031]

Dang. 60 degrees will do that. Did it shut down your entire electric grid too?

[@dracphelan]

@shouldhavenotshouldof2031 No. Like I said, brief but heavy rain. I was outdoors and got soaked. That, combined with wind and tennis having dropped into the 60s did that to me.

[@Kenbur]

good reminder. always dry shirt socks shorts/pants underwear (all as light as possibile) in waterproof container in the bottom of the backpack no matter what. light/heavy rain jacket for those "only sunshine today folks" days because of what just happened to you in this video. too many times, especially as I got past 60 the wet has interrupted or stopped activity for me unless I was prepared. dry and warmth are way more important when you suddenly need it - than most of us think about.

[@samueljlarson]

Well put!

[@davidrosenberg5453]

Well said

[@thaddeusmikolajczyk4518]

Great point

[@joaquinsancaro6285]

Top 5 best beards I've seen, definitely. Great video, useful content. Keep it up!

[@amerphoto1]

This is a great video reminding people of this danger that can sneak up on you. I am aware of it continuously, but be darned, I cannot keep my back from sweating against my backpack. I thought of going to an arced back pack, but I am not even sure if that will help. Any suggestions?

[@amalielaursen1280]

I so much agree

[@glockensig]

Agreed!

[@shj2000]

Hypothermia

[@kristymoore7052]

I know we are winter talking, but most dangerous thing for me is heat 1st and then lack of water, I.e, counting on water source that is not. And please…let me pay a full price refundable deposit to TRY your gear.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Guilty. Also lucky so far lol.

[@outdooraf]

Poncho. Poncho. Poncho

[@billb5732]

Naw, that's low risk for experienced outdoors people. We never leave home without a light and at least an emergency poncho. It's stupid to skip it. Ever.

[@preacherman9018]

Right from the beginning I'll tell you, I've been charged by a black bear and approached by two legged beasts intent on killing us. However, the highest risks on my trips are trips. What I mean is slipping and breaking a bone, tearing tendon, twisting ankle. Hiking alone has higher risks like that. Equally, if not more dangerous is exposure to getting soaked through. I had an unforcasted huge storm blow into the mountains with lots of lightning. It was approaching fast and I had no tarp or rain clothing. My car was many miles off. I had washed out all electrolytes and had serious leg cramps every 50 steps. Then had to stop a while to massage my legs. At that speed I would be spending the night in the forest mountain. The storm was nearly there and no doubt I would have become hypothermic. My only salvation was the Lord Himself answering my prayers. He turned the entire storm front into the other direction!!! Then He gave my constantly cramping legs relief to get out of the dense forest to a road far below, just as it turned pitch black. I made it to the car and turned on the radio. The very first thing I heard on the radio was a song intro that started with God's Word. It said, " I will lift up my eyes unto the hills from whence comes my help. My help comes from the LORD Who made Heaven and Earth." God was speaking to me through that exact verse that applied!! Then the chorus quoted what I shouted to Him when I was back on the mountain top ridge when the electrical storm covered the sky from horizon to horizon barreling towards me. I had no light on me and probably would have died if not for my Father's kindness. I want to share the following blessings with everyone who reads this. He will answer your prayer at the end of this brief video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXLad3dtZ9GYqcUfeature=shared 🌲🍵🥲👍🌲🌲🌲🌲

[@mhe8545]

Dogs running loose. They can startle wildlife such as a bear and cause an attack.

[@MerleNader]

🤪 *Promosm*

[@letsbuildasnowman7058]

Should get Laura Zerra on the podcast.