The Worst Backpacking Arguments I ALWAYS See In My Comment Section

[@paulowen637]

The personal locator is also useful if you run into someone who needs immediate help.

[@stanbyme7874]

That’s always been my thought. Nothing will happen to me😊But I will be able to help someone else.

[@Skank_and_Gutterboy]

True. The only time I ever used mine was when I rolled up on a one-car accident in Nevada where there was no cell-phone coverage. The guy was OK but his car was messed up, I stayed with him until the cops rolled up in about 20 minutes. I didn't want to just leave him there.

[@penultimateh766]

Until "someone" refuses to reimburse you the $10K for the EMS run this causes.

[@paulrevere2379]

​@@penultimateh766The key is whether someone asks for such government assistance. Let's not forget that there are still ways to help out fellow humans without Big Brother, who knew.

[@hermanogrande3758]

That's what I thought. Carry it not only for yourself, but for anyone else you might come across who needs help.

[@watsonandbscuriousdays]

getting stronger does not change physics 😂 spot on

[@RegEdmunds]

Luckily, as I see it, as a 79 year old male, I live in a country (the UK) where I don't have even think in any way about guns.

[@vickhines6302]

I walked up on a black bear sow with two cubs feeding just off the trail in the Shenendoah. Not 20 feet away. I froze, undecided. She swatted the cubs up saplings. Then she sat down with her back to me and her paws in her lap. She looked away pointedly, then looked over her shoulder at me, making deliberate eye contact before looking away again. She repeated that action again after several very long (to me) seconds. I felt as though she had given me permission to pass by. So I did, quietly, without delay. Not saying all mamma bears are the same way. If they think a cub is threatened the outcome could be very different. Probably that was an unusual bear. But I treasure the experience of having such communication with a wild creature.

[@jtpromolab]

Shenandoah Bears are definitely a breed of there own. Not all bears have interacted with people as much as bears from Shenandoah.

[@curly__3]

Black bear attacks rarely happen for defensive purposes, even when it is over cubs. Almost all black bear attacks are predatory and black bears attack far more people in north america every year than grizzlies and they are usually very serious with heinous, crippling injuries, but never reported in the news because they are rarely fatal and the news does not report nonfatal bear attacks.

[@Syncop8rNZ]

Wow!

[@MariaSimpson-rp1os]

Funny about livestock comments when there are ponies on the AT Grayson Highlands as I've seen on several vlogs.

[@mattkolberg2409]

Thai's really cool...I'm going to assume that your assessment of her body language was correct.

[@chrisr2925]

Dixie, thank you for addressing the "hike yourself out" comment. I just broke my leg at Precipice Lake on the HST last month. After that I continued over Kaweah Gap and down below tree line which was about 5 miles. Waiting 24 hours before hitting my Garmin SOS, then spent 2 more days to see if it got better because at the time we didn't know it was broken. Regardless I was well experienced and prepared in a relatively safe trail and did everything I could to get myself out but simply could not.

[@Grizzly907LA]

Did you splint the leg?

[@clairemarie-peterson2411]

I'm sorry for your injury and glad you got out okay. I hope you recovery fully!

[@28105wsking]

So glad you are okay. You are one tough cookie!

[@XwaYdesu]

Great examples! "Get a gun" Gun owner here, I also carry bear spray instead of my pistol on trail. We share the wilderness with not only bears, but other hikers. I don't want to accidentally shoot another hiker. I also don't want to kill a bear with cubs. Heck I don't want to kill a bear period. "Get stronger" your A+ rebuttle and also these people seem unaware that 1. disabled backpackers exist 2. Excess wear and tear on the body can disable a non-disabled backpacker. Search and rescue, your points are spot on. Your whole video is gold.

[@IronSharpensIron127]

Good luck stopping an attacking bear with bear spray 😂. Note I said an attacking bear.

[@HikingWithShawn]

I used to be an assistant fire chief. Yes, making poor decisions that result in fires can hinder the safety of those of us who respond to it but that's the thing, we're firefighters because we want to fight fire and provide emergency assistance to our community. SAR wants to locate and provide lifesaving services to victims. It's what they train for. It's what they get paid for. We're not a perfect species. We're humans and humans make errors in judgment or mistakes knowingly and unknowingly that result in required assistance and aid. Don't ever feel bad for having to press the button and request help because someone who wanted more than anything to save you came to your rescue. Love the video, love your content!

[@NewbieNikki]

Anyone who is afraid of bears and wants to learn more about how to be safe in bear country should absolutely listen to the Tooth and Claw podcast. The main host is a bear biologist and his mentor was Tom Smith - the man who wrote the article you cited!

[@curly__3]

That guy is a liar.

[@Navy1977]

​@@curly__3Which guy? What do you think he lied about?

[@justinpyle3415]

@@curly__3 saying someone is a liar without providing a single detail is extremely trustworthy.

[@mikeb7117]

Pro tip: Never read the comments 😂

[@valeriefromoregon]

😆

[@xPumaFangx]

No, read the comments. It shows you how popular a video really is. Sometimes the conversations are really good. Sometimes the fights are worth your time. Sometimes that comments are how you make friends with creators.

[@1992AJL]

5 seconds in and I've already failed

[@xPumaFangx]

@@1992AJL

[@dsmith9572]

I NEVER read the comments.

[@Andrew_Young]

I really appreciate you going through the trouble of reading all these studies and breaking them down for us! You obviously really care about using your platform to give out the best information you can. It takes a lot of character to take the critical comments seriously and do all this work to respond!

[@Swearengen1980]

Even if her studies are greatly flawed leaving out key critical data.

[@ChiknWing62]

I’m more concerned about people than wildlife when on trail. People are less predictable. Aaaand, I love the FT!

[@plmn93]

@@ChiknWing62 Odds are worse with people for sure. Especially if you are a solo female.

[@sirguy104]

I love the lizard doing pushups. ❤

[@TheTravlingirl]

Note about the Florida trail and the connecting asphalt to wilderness- Florida is currently fighting hard to preserve our state parks - which have trail connections to the Florida trail- from developers wanting to build golf courses , pickleboard courts and just simply elongating them. Not everyone enjoys the hiking and backpacking like we do.

[@JohnnyMac76]

Good luck with your baby! Exciting times 🎉 You’ll be perfect

[@jmfu]

Engineer Jessica Mode Enabled: "It's scientifically impossible for you to carry more weight farther or faster than less weight"💣💥 🔥

[@paulrevere2379]

Ok so long as the presumption holds that faster is the one goal that every other goal is extremely subordinate to. For some of us, speed is the subordinate goal on those rare occasions that it even makes the list. The wilderness doesn't give two hershy squirts about speed btw, no matter how many trendy tourist hikers seem to think it's all that matters.

[@georgemcduffey2622]

Trolls don't do road walks...but they do loiter under bridges...

[@earlaungst3031]

Once again your common sense explanation is on target. 😊 thank you for taking time to bring us together.

[@bamacke]

You are so kind to people who obviously disagree with you. I see the value and you refuting the arguments for beginners and I applaud your efforts!❤

[@samgoeshiking]

"Are you taking a gun?" Is the 2nd most asked question I get when I talk about my hikes.

[@HostileTakeover2]

And you say "two in fact. This one, and this one" as you flex & kiss your biceps? 😁 Bonus points if you follow up with the thunder & lightning bit.

[@e.k.4508]

That's such an American thing! I'm so glad they're just not allowed in European countries

[@sarasands5]

A friend offered me her shotgun. I just laughed and laughed. I'm not a gun person but I don't care if someone else has one. But carrying a shotgun? 20 miles into nowhere?

[@plmn93]

@@sarasands5 To be fair, in some areas that would be advisable. But yeah, for most that is overkill.

[@hagendf]

@@sarasands5 yeah, that's zombie apocalypse territory and we're not there, not yet anyway.

[@MiguelGomezMountainRunner]

I don’t always comment on videos, but when I do, I try to make the most uninformed, inflammatory comment possible. 🤦‍♂️

[@karlstriepe8050]

Honestly, such comments probably help the channel by driving engagement. This is why social media harms society: algorithms up-rank rancor.

[@BowChickaHonkHonk1]

He is the most typical commenter in the world. Stay cranky, my commenters!! :P

[@plmn93]

@@MiguelGomezMountainRunner What an informative post. Thanks.

[@paulrevere2379]

Great sarcasm is not an easy achievement in the world of online comments. It deserves some recognition when someone pulls it off with style.

[@mmgee]

Guessing that 90% of your subscribers have never backpacked, they just enjoy following you 👍

[@bernielamont825]

I'll say 98%

[@carrdoug99]

Enjoy following, or trolling?

[@PeteQuad]

It's probably more people that have backpacked a little at some point in their life, but not as active or as much as her. If you never went at all I don't think you would have enough interest to watch.

[@mmgee]

@@PeteQuad i’m a hiker, not a backpacker and I’ve watched everything she’s ever done 💕 I carry what a backpack takes minus the mattress, tent and sleeping bag, and only one day of food

[@PeteQuad]

@@mmgee you've never carried a backpack on a hike? Or is this a new distinction I haven't heard about?

[@theravenloons5945]

As someone who has done SAR, many of us LOVE doing SAR and are more than happy to go out and help at every opportunity regardless of danger. (There are always risks; not to be confused with reckless). Getting somewhere safe and alive is always better than dead and proud. Carry a PLB/Sat com of some variety. Do yourself a huge favor. As for bears and guns, unless you're an avid hunter who practices nearly daily and you're a crack shot in under 1 second, carry bear spray. Better realistic than dead. Common sense always rules. Ego seldom does when your life is on the line.

[@texicaliblues]

But then how can I make a snappy comment that makes guns seem cool? /s

[@MentalWhiplash]

Part of the issue with firearm effectiveness is that far too many carriers have the misconception that they are much more proficient than they actually are. Add the REAL stress and that proficiency drops dramatically. Great video with excellent supporting evidence. Unfortunately, too many aren't convinced by evidence.

[@RainerGolden]

I think a lot of people think they are more John Wick than they really are. Just bring bear spray unless you're in polar bear territory. I read the book Undaunted Courage where the Corps of Discovery Expedition put something like 12 rounds in a charging grizzly before they brought it down. They thought they'd missed it with all rounds but one, turns out every one hit the target it's just a big animal and those bullets probably mostly just ticked it off.

[@LuckyLarry]

I remember a certain thru hiker on the CDT deterring a mountain lion encounter with a harmonica!

[@bernielamont825]

Played a good tune also!

[@christimartin8512]

Nobody calls a rescue just for the heck of it. Sometimes bad stuff happens and people need rescuing and that’s why these organizations exist! I was hiking in Arches and a guy right in front of me, who was wearing the wrong shoes (converse low tops) on a treacherous trail, turned his ankle on a rock and severely broke his ankle. It was dangling at an angle where it was clearly broken. He was lying on his back crying out in pain and saying, “I have never broken a bone in my life!” There was no cell service in that area, but fortunately somebody in the group had a Garmin and called for help. It still took 3 hours to get him off the mountain, due to his inaccessible location, but he may have died of shock and exposure out there if he had not been rescued by SAR. There was no way he could walk out or even be moved! Do Not hesitate to call for help if you need it. You did the right thing!

[@bernardlyons2422]

I don’t understand why some people are so mean and gatekeepey inline. Its fine to disagree, but we should at least all try to be constructive.

[@Syncop8rNZ]

@@bernardlyons2422 People let their worst side show when interactions are not in person.

[@3nertia]

@@Syncop8rNZ We all wear masks and the mask of anonymity may be the worst one lol

[@pikeshike]

The best advice is not to care to much about what other people say or mean 😊

[@e.k.4508]

Unless they give you good advice 😊

[@pikeshike]

@@e.k.4508 Yes, of course. Rule #1 You don't know everything. Evaluate all advices given 😊

[@4potslite169]

The statement from others (usually non backpackers) that REALLY irks me…”You should never hike alone!” If you hike alone and something happens are you at greater risk? Maybe. Maybe not. Is your buddy also injured? Lost? Hypothermic? Capable of hiking out for help in time? There are many examples of hikers who were not alone, still disappearing, never to be found, still injured, still dying. Which is why anyone hiking, whether alone or not, needs to mitigate risk. Carry a PLB (and learn how to use it.) Leave a detailed itinerary w a friend or family member. Don’t deviate from that without telling someone. Have checkin points and ETA’s. Set a hard “due by” time. Register at trailheads and ranger stations. Carry your ten essentials without fail. Carry extra food and a backup water system. Carry a paper map so you have emergency bail out info if needed (or in case your electronics fail.) ANY activity has risk but I’ve never heard someone tell me “never drive alone.”

[@all-to-Him-I-owe100]

Funny story - I have been a runner for years. At 15 - I got chased by some creep who believe it or not ended up on sketches posted around town as a wanted person/rapist (I can’t honestly remember what it said - I was in denial). If not for a kind lady gardening out in her country yard I may not be here today. Anyhow…bc this totally freaked me out, I started always running with mace. Well fast forward to college and a gal on my Cross country team and I were driving out for an evening run in the woods (she was from Sweden), she picked up the mace I always carried in my car for runs, and before I could stop her, as she asked what is this? She pressed the lever and the spray hit her passenger window. Not a direct hit on either of us - but I can attest, that stuff is legit! I pulled over and I bet we both were out of the car in under 5 seconds! 😂

[@paulrevere2379]

Your comment reminds me of something better than the common list to protect good people from bad. It's a must read book, 'The Gift of Fear' by Gavin DeBecker. My only issue with him is his trendy anti-firearm perspective which may have changed since he wrote the book. Besides making yourself and others safer, the book provides an amazing side benefit of peace of mind compared to otherwise. The key topic is survival instincts. Modern culture and social norms supress them but they can be allowed to flourish again with proper education.

[@all-to-Him-I-owe100]

@@paulrevere2379I will have to check it out! I so agree - especially with social norms causing people to not listen to their gut instincts! ❤

[@yourexperiencetoday6858]

Your tax dollars and our donations pay for search and rescue. Use them when you think you need them Two people and a heleocoptor is a lot smaller risk that a 3 day search party of 100 people looking for someone. You did the right thing and need to delete the posts of those too ignorant to wipe their chin before commenting.

[@USMC6976]

Delete comments because you disagree with them? So UNAMERICAN.

[@ChuckNute-i4b]

And all of those people are also putting themselves at risk of personal injury too.

[@Foghorn77]

Dixie's rescue was paid for by her Garmin rescue insurance IIRC, she got a bill as many do.

[@david.seholm]

Oh the ignorance. Guess you stop to really think about whether you need a fire department or EMS too. Of course you do! No one wants to make that call when they did not need to, and most people wait WAY to long because of stupid advice like this and make things worse for themselves and the responders. This is precisely why the people that picked her up thanked her for calling when she did rather than waiting. Then we get to the point about ... tax payers pay the salary for these service members, that exists whether they are used or not, and for equipment acquisition, the actual use for it being used, with the exception of fire ... you better have good insurance because you are about to get a VERY big bill in the mail.

[@cardiacbob]

Actually in a lot of places you get charged. She was charged for her rescue. That's why you need insurance.

[@willowen5781]

Oh boy... "If you walk yourself in, you should walk yourself out" is some toxic BS. Maybe "be prepared to..." but however prepared you may be I can't think of any situation that is not made *more* prepared by having a hiking buddy and/or a communicator. People get their legs crushed by falling rock... and any tough MFer that walks themselves out after that is very likely to say they would have preferred to get airlifted.

[@anthonyjohnson5372]

Yes. Even if a person is following every guideline, sometimes stuff happens. Might not even be search and rescue, but something like a twisted ankle that requires two more days because you're hiking 1/4 pace without a signal. "I'm okay but will be late." helps everyone.

[@KatWomanHikes]

Absolutely agreed.

[@charlenedealmeida859]

Completely off topic but I have to say I am so so so happy for you that you are expecting a baby ! I have been following you for many years now and you have inspired me to make time to go out hiking more, so much so that in August 2023 was the first time I could convince my husband to finally backpack together and not just day hike together and we both absolutely loved it. We did a three day stretch of the fishermen's trail in Portugal (very beautiful by the way) and, guess what... after 2,5 years of trying... this is where we got pregnant with our first baby, walking 20-25 kms a day ! My baby is now 4 months old. So when you announced your pregnancy relatively soon after I felt so very connected to you for some reason. I guess all mothers are to some extent. I wish you from the bottom of my heart the best possible pregnancy, as positive as can be and may you be surrounded by a lot of positive energy and support. Me personally, I really loved being pregnant. I prepared really well for the birth and it went very well with a positive and empowering outcome and a beautiful and healthy baby boy. No PDA btw, as we made the choice of a homebirth. I wish you, baby and baby-daddy all the best, lots of love, trust each other and your own judgements and instincts. You look fantastic and I hope you feel like it too. You got this ! Hugs from a stranger on the internet in the middle of the night after breastfeeding ;)

[@paisley8519]

Congratulations! What sweet comments to Dixie. 😊 I hope the both of you enjoy those babies to the absolute fullest ~

[@pikeshike]

It's not backpacking if you see livestock? Then it's impossible to do backpacking in Europe. There is livestock everywhere. Even the reindeers in Norway are livestock...

[@traildoggy]

I was followed by several dozen cattle in southwest Colorado high country. They stayed about 30 feet back and stopped walking when I turned around to look at them, but followed whenever I walked. This went on for a couple miles until I passed over a cattle grate on the trail and even though they could have gone around they did not. That was as far as they followed me. It was very strange. 🐄

[@davidgough3512]

they get cow candy from humans

[@lieslhammer5889]

Love this Dixie! So this is kinda unrelated but I was a student custodian at BYU and cleaned Tom Smith's office. Inside the office there were three GIANT taxidermy bears, including a polar bear. During Christmas someone (presumably him) had put a Santa hat on the polar bear and put a toy elf in between the polar bear's teeth haha. Gotta love science professors.

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

Whoever says you're not backpacking if you run into dogs or cows has never been in the backcountry, or hiked in Europe. In Europe, cows are taken seriously because they will charge you, and they will attempt to kill you. Cows kill people backpacking all the time. And as Dixie said, there are plenty of trails right here in the good old USA that include road walks. Not to mention the fact that some people hike and backpack WITH THEIR DOGS, and don't always keep those dogs on a leash. As for the gun carry, it's far more useful against 2 legged predators than bears. The advantage of bear spray is it can stop the attack in its tracks because the spray either gets in the bears nose or in the eyes, or both. In the first case it can't breath and bear spray is mostly capsaicin which burns inside the nose, and in the eyes it blinds. It's just like being tear gassed.

[@BrandonBattelle]

As long as the wind is in your favor

[@francoisgirard8399]

the european cow killer, wtf?

[@plmn93]

Guns are more effective than spray. The articles that claim otherwise ignore the fact that the incidents in the source studies are mostly researchers who were out looking for bears and deployed the spray to change its behavior rather than stopping an attack. Against a bear that is attacking, spray's efficacy rate plummets considerably. But I certainly agree with cows. They kill far more people than bears do.

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

@@Cheekamonkathey are most dangerous when in small bunches, or smallish herds, especially with calves around.

[@HitechProductions]

👏👏👏

[@stephaniehicks8403]

Thanks Dixie! Love your videos and have gotten so much info and inspiration from you! Heading out soon for our first ever backpacking trip for a 5 day section hike of the AT!

[@jhooton75]

I really enjoyed you talking about using a firearm for protection from bears. As a fellow hiker who also has my CCL, my only thought would have been there is really no gun powerful enough that I could comfortably carry with fast enough access to kill a bear. You went into great detail on the subject with statistics. Very well done.

[@wayneaune8430]

I want in on the argument! It is always good to do physical training for bacpacking. Both upper body and lower. I never leave home without a locator beacon. Just as with all aspects of life a life threatening event can happen. It is good to get the call out fast and give as much information as possible. I think the one piece of advice for everyday life and wilderness life is to slow down and think. It does not help to rush to get miles in; if you end up falling off a cliff.

[@haystacksonthetrail1235]

Loved this video!!! Thanks for helping mitigate the damage done by insecure people. You rock.

[@rfwillett2424]

When it comes to heart attacks never delay. One of my clients who was a retired registered nurse, had a heart attack, at the time she knew exactly what was happening. But instead of immediately calling an ambulance, she decided to finish the cake she was making first. Apart from her daughter being very angry with her, she had an excellent outcome. All to often I've seen a fifty minute delay turn a likely few days in hospital into three months.

[@Sheltowee1775]

I hope this is ok to say. You look so happy and healthy and before too long you’ll be a momma. I hope you can take a break for a bit after the baby is born. We’ll still be here for ya.

[@stevefritz5182]

What I find funny is my camping/hiking experience is a retreat to my own thoughts and finding my inner self. The idea of judging another's opinion and posting criticism in a comments section goes against everything I have learned while hiking.

[@usakiwiboy123]

As a beginner I appreciate you sharing your explanation on your experiences and it’s helping a lot….. for those who think differently which I see as impractical and unrealistic then do your own videos and let us comment,

[@RagtimeBillyPeaches]

A few years back I had just met my brother's new girlfriend, and she said "I hear you backpack a lot. What do you carry/". I told her i carried a light-weight, external frame, Luxury-Lite backpack. She said "I mean what kind of a gun do you carry?", and I told her I had been backpacking for almost 50 years, and had never needed a gun. She said "You're F'ing crazy." Still F'ing crazy after all these 57 years.

[@Spushed]

You don't need a gun until you need a gun. Results may vary and you're taking a risk unnecessarily. Carry a gun.

[@wilberjacobsparks4805]

It's not like you're in the city.

[@justinpyle3415]

@@RagtimeBillyPeaches most of the "missing" persons in national parks never needed one either. On a seperate, possibly unrelated note, the mountain lion population has been growing. You likely wont need any gun though because they get you in the neck from behind.

[@patty109109]

@@Spushedyou don’t need a gun UNLESS you need a gun which, according to statistics, is very close to 0%. I have a CCW and haven’t even looked at any of my pistols in a year.

[@3nertia]

If you can't or don't want to carry a gun then don't but I don't think we should make fun of each other for our personal safety choices lol

[@lanes8237]

Been following your awesome adventures since the Covid years. Love it. I think your judgement and balance in the Sawtooth was spot on. Your common sense is on a great level.

[@RoyADane]

Two other things to keep in mind about using a gun to defend against a bear: 1. If the is within 40 feet before you start to draw the gun, you're dead. The mythbusters tested the "Never bring a knife to a gunfight" myth, and determined that a knife wielding attacker was dangerous at diatances up to 20 feet, and bears can run twice as fast as most humans. 2. The only way a gun will protect you from a charging bear, is if you manage to kill it with the first shot. If you only injure it, it might go berserk and be more dangerous.

[@plmn93]

False on both accounts. Bears do not instantly kill you on contact. And handguns have a 98% success rate in bear defense. Even 9mm which is almost certainly not going to kill a bear with one shot has a 100% success rate. I wouldn't recommend that for bear defense, but the fact is that any gun, even a .22, can be a very effective deterrent. This is based on 180 known reports of bear defense by handgun.

[@paulrevere2379]

​@@plmn93Thanks for calling out the BS as if a nature encounter follows some kind of fixed ai video game procedure. I personally don't favor either extreme view aside from maybe extreme freedom with personal responsibility. I do strongly suspect that many of the gun/spray advocates approach the issue from an anxious fear perspective. Bears can sense this anxious fear btw which some of us seasoned wilderness trekkers don't have. We might be a dying breed, I hope not, but aside from the extreme rare case, wild animals leave us alone, as they know better. Death by lightning out of the clear blue sky would be more likely than to be a bear's dinner. Now for those who do have anxious fear I would encourage every desire to be well-armed. There are also other reasons to be well-armed. I would go out armed as well if the cons were not so many against it for my style and settings of doing my long hikes. Freedom is the first and foremost thing although sadly taken for granted, forgotten, then ultimately lost. Freedom means nobody has the right to challenge whether the next guy or gal is armed or not. Any place where the people are disarmed is the place to be afraid of. "We didn't love freedom enough" - Alexander Solzenitsyn

[@plmn93]

@@paulrevere2379 I agree, though it's not so much fear as simple precaution. In over 30 years of driving I have never needed a seatbelt, but I still use them. It's unlikely I'll ever need my gun for self defense, but I still carry. Because just like with a seatbelt, the consequences of not being prepared can be catastrophic.

[@PapaRocks]

You have an engineering background = a logical thinker. You’ve been doing this for 10 years. I put max credibility in your ideas. Free expert advice is pretty rare these days.

[@pamrowland9448]

Shave weight when it is logical. Less chance of injury with a lighter load. Always be self sufficient. Have what you need to get yourself out. In case of illness or injury where you need to be rescued be prepared for that also. I think most, especially women, carry a firearm to protect themselves from 2 legged predators.

[@stanbyme7874]

You said it much better than I. There’s always someone(of the two legged variety) that gets defensive. I feel much safer deep deep deep in the woods. Take Care

[@BeefT-Sq]

@@stanbyme7874 People who carry guns for defensive purposes are not a problem. The many people who have disappeared in the AT over the years are a problem.

[@modestadventurers]

Everyone bitching about not needing a locator beacon should maybe think that it may also help someone else.

[@TriHard612]

I have made the same argument. Even in National Parks, cell service is sometimes iffy or not there. Lots of unknown heart conditions out there and it is better than having to hike miles to get help when minutes count.

[@abcsandoval]

Many Rangers I've heard in education classes promote use of bear spray over a gun. Many Rangers I've seen in the actual field strap on a .45.

[@micah6-8]

Fun fact: The vast majority of people writing negative comments about backpacking, are doing so while smashing tail on the couch. 😏

[@BonesyTucson]

smashing their own tails too lol

[@firstname4337]

well of course they are -- where else would they be doing this ? at work ? in their car ?

[@markj.a351]

"If you walk yourself in, you should walk yourself out" I can't imagine someone who has ever been on so much as a gentle day hike saying such a thing.

[@penultimateh766]

So if you can never go to a town, how do you eat? Carry a year worth of food from the start? Have people parachute it to you?

[@matthewpittman2481]

One could cache a bunch of it along your intended path, like Colin Fletcher did for his long walks.

[@redrunner]

Thank you for another great video. I loved watching you and your husband hiking the WHW in Scotland. I did start the WHW in April but had pull out. So later this month i will travelling up Tyndrum to finish it hiking the last 47 miles.

[@ashmaybe9634]

Same happened to me in May. Made it as far as Rowardenen. Had to call an ambulance for myself as I became very, ill very quickly. Absolutely gutted. But I will go back and finish when I am well enough. Shame cos I was smashing it, wild camping and carrying my own food.

[@redrunner]

@@ashmaybe9634 I wish all the best on your recovery. And yes go back and enjoy the rest of the way.

[@tonydevault3844]

Take comments with a grain of salt. Most people who make smart-a** remarks rarely know what they’re talking about. I’ve never seen you give any bad advice. I also realize that some things you talk about are simply your preferences. By the way. You did the right thing using your in-reach when you were in distress. I also have a lot of respect for the two hikers who stayed you while you awaited rescue. And finally the bears. I was a a site that had three bear visits (looking for food). It’s surprising how silent bears are in the woods. (Turkeys and deer made noise, the bears were silent). We ran them off using air horns and waiving our hats. But didn’t let them get too close. Also there were no cubs. Bears with cubs are dangerous ! Love the videos and can’t wait to see the little one ❤

[@vinniedayhikerb4977]

As a day hiker I can say this. All hikes end in a road march.

[@sk-wx1cf]

Thank you for providing actual research results on the efficacy of bear spray v guns. I appreciate your balanced and thoughtful presentation. Enjoying your videos, in Utah.

[@nickmail7604]

I'm 60, I have had two discs removed from my lower back, 2 discs removed from my neck, I had a total knee replacement 10 months ago and am currently in a cast after having ankle fusion surgery. I still need to get corrective surgery to both my big toes and a hip. My advice would be to always carry less.

[@codyhikes4054]

Dixie putting those arm-chair hikers in their place! 😂

[@Swearengen1980]

Depends on which topic.

[@garimeragonols]

I don't think anyone outside of the US would ever think of bringing a gun on a hike. Even when coming to the US to hike.

[@sIosha]

Have you ever brought a hi-vis vest for hiking long sections of pavement? Walking on the road scares me 😅

[@memathews]

Nope, but I have worn a vest while hiking in deer and elk seasons, and when working on trails.

[@OwlsAndChickens]

Love all of these! Whenever I hear the rather than cut pack weight, get fitter comments all it tells me is that person is not actually pushing themselves on the trails, lol.

[@destressed131]

“You don’t even have to sleep on the trail”- the Tahoe Rim Trail is a great example of that. Thank you!!!!💕

[@christineb8148]

Why are people debating the definition of backpacking? Would the Camino or West Highland Way or any alpine shelter hikes not considered backpacking and why not?

[@3nertia]

In my opinion, if you regularly (at least once a year) walk while wearing a backpack stuffed with your necessary survival resources then you're a "backpacker"

[@e.k.4508]

I guess "some people" are debating about the definition because they deem their own activities higher than those of other people. It's silly imo

[@wadly312]

Maybe this is why “backpacking” is called tramping in New Zealand lol - we have a huge nationwide network of back country huts so completely easy to be a regular tramper and never carry a tent 🤪

[@e.k.4508]

@@wadly312 I want that too!!! But no chance here in The Netherlands, too crowded. In Germany and UK there are huts available though. And in Germany you can hire a wooden platform. But they're always fully booked in advance.... So not useful when you don't know in advance where you'll end up

[@sharonlivingstone5956]

Yes, to me (not American) a backpacker is someone travelling in Europe or south east Asia with a backpack. Always think it funny to hear a hiker/tramper/bushwalker/randonneur/trail walker/hill walker described as a backpacker

[@keithyount3518]

I've never gone hiking like you do and I'm never going to. but I am very glad you video your hikes because you saved me so much time. Keep hiking you are an expert that tells it real.

[@duanedibbley1661]

Getting help early is the smart thing to do. I tried to 'tough it out' and ended up in an ICU for a week. It took another 3 months of recovery before I could return to work. Around another 3 months before I was back to normal. 'Toughing it out', was the dumbest thing I've done.

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

I conceal carry, but also carry bear spray every time I go out in the bush! TY for your info!

[@tboneoutdoors688]

The key to a bear attack is surprise them with a Stone Cold Stunner. They totally don’t expect it. They usually don’t watch Monday Night Raw.

[@markrico1917]

Nice work injecting a little levity into the comments section. :)

[@alreadylost6587]

I just wish those locaters weren't so expensive 400+ dollars reals seems like a rip off.

[@robertdean1579]

I hiked among quite a few sheep and cows in New Zealand.

[@e.k.4508]

Are cows dangerous in New Zealand? In Europe they can be. Every year hikers end being trampled to death or really injured. Mostly because people walk between them. Sometimes bc the cows start a rampage

[@rolfdenver]

I told a buddy I was thru-hiking the Colorado Trail. His very first comment was “what are ya carryin’?” It took a sec before I realized he was automatically assuming I was carrying a firearm.

[@bobv7753]

Thank you Dixie for your as always informative and useful content. Your review of these common sense topics is a testament to your hiking knowledge & experience. Best to you & followers. BobV

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

I don't like your odds of fending off a bear with a pistol. You have to shoot very accurately at a moment where the bear is charging you, and your adrenaline is surging. This is quite difficult for even a trained marksman. Odds that you land a bullet that stops the bear is remote. You're better off with bear spray. As Dixie says, hike in groups and make a lot of noise. Small jingle bells tied to your shoelaces are not loud enough.

[@johnshepherd9676]

If you wait for the bear to charge before you deploy whatever tool you choose to use then yeah, the bear is going to win. You should draw your gun or can of bear spray as soon as you detect the presence of the bear. Just because you draw does not mean you have employ it. If you want to scare of the bear with a loud noise, which is louder your voice, a whistle or 150dB gunshot. Unlike self defense against a human you can legally fire a warning shot against wildlife.

[@patty109109]

@@johnshepherd9676 you are correct, but I’m still surprised how damn quickly some of these brown bears can move… so then you basically need to decide…Am I just going to preemptively shoot a bear that has a very small chance of actually rushing me? I mean I’m a hunter (deer only) and would feel quite awful shooting a bear just because I happened to come upon one.

[@HitechProductions]

Thank you for a real discussion on bears and bear spray vrs firearms.

[@BeefT-Sq]

Good discussion but statistics can be misleading : How about the possibility that guns were only used as a last resort against charging bears but pepper spray was used simply to drive bears away from food or camp sites ?

[@HitechProductions]

@@BeefT-Sq Every study shows guns as ineffective. You just piss the bear off.

[@plmn93]

@@HitechProductions BeefT-Sq is correct. Read "Does Bear Spray Work" by Wes Siler from Outside Magazine to see how reports on the studies didn't understand the studies or interpret them correctly.. On top of that, of all known reported bear defenses by handguns, the handguns have a 98% success rate.

[@Swearengen1980]

It's not a real discussion when the study is greatly flawed. The study blatantly says they didn't factor in firearm variables because they didn't matter. They sure as shit do, it matters to a great deal. What piss ass scientist thinks trying to defend yourself with a .22 (while possible, but improbable) is the same as dropping a griz with a 10mm with rounds meant specifically for bears? The study is bullshit trying to compare apples and oranges. That's as disingenuous as studies saying red meat causes heart attacks without differentiating between grass fed, grass finished steak with vegetables for dinner and a Big mac with a large fry and a coke. This is why you never blindly "Trust the science".

[@HitechProductions]

@@Swearengen1980 There have been many, many studies, and they all come to the same conclusion. A firearm is just FAR less effective than bear spray. But hey, don't carry bear spray in Grizzly territory. No skin off my back.

[@redbirdct]

I'm guessing that many of those comments have come from people who have never done extended hikes before.

[@johnshepherd9676]

If you define extended hiking as through hikes, then probably yes. I have never done it, just 7-10 days worth but you still encounter the same issues.

[@RegEdmunds]

For me, having the ability and willingness to hitch-hike is one of the activities that can 'make' a hike enjoyable. Re-supply is often important, as is being able to get out of an area quickly if dangerous weather is on its way. Once out of the area I can always hitch back to where I started from. And in the UK for me, being able to pop into a pub each evening, have a beer and talk to the locals, is one of my personal high-spots.

[@LindsayFamily]

Great video (as always). I certainly appreciated the statistics regarding bear spray. Although I've never been charged by a bear, I have been charged by a hog. Fortunately, I was a quick and accurate shot. (I was hunting, not backpacking.) I do not carry when backpacking. So, this does lead me to wonder how effective bear spray is on other critters that may attack.

[@Josephhikes]

I guess I have a disagreement with you on carrying a gun in Alaska in Brown Bear country. But you are 100 percent right on , knowing your weapon and practicing with it. I also agree it doesn’t guarantee you from injury or death.

[@plmn93]

Of course it doesn't. You can follow every best practice there is and still meet your doom. Adventure is not without risk. But the more precautions you take, the better your chances are.

[@Swearengen1980]

The problem is her study blatantly says firearm variables are not a factor, which makes it an invalid study. Was that firearm a 9mm or 10mm, because only 1 of them is putting down a griz. Did it have the right kind of ammo to stop a bear? These variables that the study says are irrelevant are 100% relevant. They make all the difference in the world.

[@kevinedward118]

THANK YOU! I think your advice in your videos is insightful and helpful, while maybe not applicable to everyone, your advice gives food for thought to personal application. The only rub I ever had with you is the episode you did with filming the Garmin SOS, I think you messed up there in a number of ways, and I don't think you were being transparent about some facts of that rescue event, but I could be wrong.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

I was transparent about every part of it, so no need to be rubbed 🙂

[@heyrobin]

Thank you for putting these purists to rest! This type of thinking is unnecessary and off-putting. Best of luck to you moving forward! You are going to LOVE being a Mom!

[@marydawkins4190]

As always, you're giving well reasoned experienced advice and information.

[@howlingmadmurdock798]

Just tested my sleep system and tent last night. Took some getting use to the Big Agnes sleeping pad. But my pillow was awesome. Can’t wait till Oct 5 when I can do an overnight trip

[@pedro1970maya]

As you have, I've been backpacking most of my life. Bears are favorite topic and study of mine. The first thing you need to know about bears is: are you dealing with a black bear or a brown bear? Black bears are much easier to scare away, and if they are attacking you, you can assume predation. The next thing you need to know about any kind of bear, is are they expressing curiosity about you, figuring things out, or are they already in an angry phase, no longer cognitive, and in attack mode? If a black or brown bear is still in the curious phase, still trying to figure things out, then bear spray will work. Almost anything with a sound or weird noise will work. I personally think a foghorn is infinitely better than bear spray to scare bear away. No bear sticks around when you point a portable foghorn at their face and press the button. There's a lot of anecdotal evidence that bears that are supposedly scared away by pepper spray, are in fact scared away by the hissing sound. Yes, they are extremely sensitive in terms of their olfactory senses, and bear spray is very disagreeable and they will avoid it if there's not a good reason to continue. Notwithstanding that, it seems to be by the account of many that it is the sound that is the most effective at making a bear walk away or run away. But a bear in a rage response will often not care about the pepper spray. Or sound. They will dissuade only some active attacks. And the data out there is very bad at showing this. There are very poor records when it concerns bear attacks, and when people are doing studies summarizing large bear attack patterns over time, they don't break it down in this way. If I want to scare away a curious bear, be a black or brown bear, I will use noise, and then pepper spray if there's distance and they're not in a rage response. If they are in a rage response they need neurological stoppage. You need to put a hardcast bullet into their brain stem, or stop their heart. Even the clumsy raw data analysis on bear attacks show the pepper spray is 90% effective at best. That means out of every ten bear attacks, at least one of them will be successful against you if you only use pepper spray. If you're in bear country, you also need to have the buddy system. You're much less likely to be attacked the more people you have. A great response is to have prepared strategy where someone does the dissuading with chemical or sound, and the other is the weapons back up. Cheers

[@PabloP169]

Well said Dixie. Many that make such comments are just jealous of your achievements.

[@vickhines6302]

I saw a bear charge a female ranger in the Smokies. She picked up a stick and whacked the bear over the nose. The rotten stick broke. The bear sat down and held its nose, crying like a small child. The ranger yelled at the bear until it ran away. The ranger was armed with a handgun and may have weighed 110. The bear was at a hut in the Smokies and presumably used to mooching.

[@johnshepherd9676]

It is anecdotes like this that get people hurt or killed. The bear was used to people. The bear knew her. None of which precludes the bear from attacking her in the future.

[@justinpyle3415]

@@johnshepherd9676 my stepfather was stranded in the alaskan wilderness one summer. As he was walking the 40 miles to the nearest town, he had an encounter with a grizzly. All he had time to do was poke the bear in the nose with his walking stick repeatedly, until the bear crying and ran away with a busted nose. No, you should never rely just on a stick, or just poking it hard in the nose; you should carry a gun in the wild. HOWEVER, suggesting even remotely that it wouldnt work on a wild bear is simply false, and ignoring the anecdotes of survivors is as much a folly as not being prepared at all.

[@brOwh4t]

​@johnshepherd9676 you know nothing about bears and it shows.

[@johnshepherd9676]

@brOwh4t Dope, I live in the Northwoods among the bear. I have run coonhounds. Try again dope.

[@d_Gnome]

Usually, these are likely from people who don't have the hiking experience you do. I'm sure

[@texicaliblues]

If you think you need a gun while backpacking, you should just stay home with the doors locked and hide under the covers of your bed. Edit: at least in black bear country. Grizzlies may be a different matter; that's outside of my experience.

[@Louiseonajourney]

I was on a hike a couple of weeks ago and I'm so thankful for my male dog who warns me when he can smell wild animals in the area. We were in an area with bears and on one part of the trail he clearly told me that there was some unknown animal in the area, and that he was uncomfortable. He's used to moose and deer, so that's not why he was concerned, it was clearly something else. One night at camp he also raised his head and growled, waited a few seconds and then layed his head down again, meaning that whatever was approaching us must have decided to leave. He and his little sister also sleep in my sleeping bag so we're all warm and comfy 😊

[@kathleenbutler8879]

Good to see you looking so happy and healthy. I was just reminiscing about the video you put out about your beautiful wedding.....and now I am looking forward to awesome news about the arrival of your new wee family member! Love you.

[@EricSchwartz-sk8id]

Dr. Tom Smith's YT video on bear attacks and deterrence are fun to watch as well. He has the knowledge AND a sense of humor.

[@jurassicstroller803]

Great information on guns. Hasn't heard that info. Always carry but now I will add Bear spray.

[@backpacker3421]

"It's not backpacking if...." honestly sounds like a lot of people who haven't done much backpacking and probably not on too many different trails. But seriously, just HYOH folks. I have my own little purist quirks - I like to make sure I take all the gear I'm going to need the entire way rather than having my gear shipped to me in the middle. But I would never judge somebody or think they aren't really backpacking if they don't do it the same way I do. That's some next level arrogance.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Great video Dixie, thank you for sharing it. Stay safe out there. 😊

[@robinsmith9734]

Well done Dixie, your benign manner is the best for a defuser, magic Dixie...........

[@RC-qf3mp]

Waiting for Zpacks to come out with an ultra-light dyneema gun. 😂

[@sstra5791]

Former S&R/wilderness emt. Please please PLEASE always call for help if you need. Again need...I have been on a call where someone had us come 65 miles into the wilderness for a wrist sprain. But if you need help call every time. It takes us way longer and take so many resources to do a blind search or large grid search. Having someone who can give us name, meds, symptoms, use any oart of their body is better and safer for everyone than us finding someone passed out or unable to assist. We have dead weight and no way to tell what they may have allergies to. Also if you hike please put a card in your backpack or somehwere we can find with name, contact number, any major medical issues (diabetes/pace maker/etc) and any medical allergies. It makes it so much easier as we can give sone pain meds depending on the state regulations for med administration and also call ahead to the evac vehicle and they can have what they may need ready upon 1st sight. Also please bring a comprehensive 1st aid kit, small book it needed amd if you thru hike take a wilderness first aid course and be able to help yourself/others in a small sense.

[@lyndonmarquis414]

I’m in the UK, which is obviously far smaller and less wild. I was in pretty serious climbing accident in 2014 - 17 fractures (including one of my vertebrae). Our mountain rescue teams here are all volunteers and they were very pleased that I had left a proper route description with my family so that they knew where to look - happy ending. Nevertheless, if I’d had a safety beacon, I could have been rescued in maybe 2 hours instead of 9…

[@johnrodgers2018]

That's a really interesting comment about SAR and having to rescue / locate you anyway. Much love from Ireland.

[@sairvinginthestacks]

The Ice Age Trial here in Wisconsin has sections that are road walks or easements on private property. It's all considered part of the trail.