Female Hiking Safety! Gear I Carry to Defend Myself from Predators!

[@AngelaNortonTyler]

You cannot even go on a hike and enjoy yourself without worrying about some weirdo. Glad you are ok (physically) and thanks for the tips.

[@TheoryofSimple]

And the worst part about it is there have been 2 to 3 other incidences in the same park of a man going and exposing himself and following women around. Pretty much makes me sick and makes me want to react the next time I see something like that real!

[@LaurenceDay-d2p]

I am 81 and always carry a compass, map, iphone and a GUN. You never know who or what you will meet out in the boondocks.

[@wendybeattie6935]

Thank you for the reminder to trust your senses

[@TheoryofSimple]

When I was younger I used to tell myself to ignore it and that I was just being oversensitive because I’ve been attacked before. But now as I’ve gotten older I’ve started to go back to relying on my intuition. I’m really happy that you were able to get something out of the video and I want to thank you for watching and commenting! Enjoy some wonderful safe hikes!

[@judymurray191]

You were right to be alarmed!!! That was very creepy what he said to you!

[@TheoryofSimple]

Right!? Who says that to a lone woman Hiking?!😟

[@stanbyme7874]

I hike and backpack as a solo 60yr old female. My only fear is male humans. I keep two way radio in my SUV at trailhead. In a folder I keep pics of what I’m wearing with description & ph# of Emergency Contact. That contact has all pertinent info but having paper photos for Emergency Responders that they can copy to their phones is important. Love this video. Thanks for all info. He was a huge creeper.

[@TheoryofSimple]

So glad fine there’s another sixty year old taken by herself! Go camping by myself as well, but I always have a knife and some other things that help protect me! Keep on hiking!😊❤️

[@goofinOff235]

@@stanbyme7874 It is sad that you have to worry about this type of stuff. Also good men are getting nervous just to say hi because he don’t want to be thought of as creep when he has no ill will. It is sad that people have very little trust in others, but it is where we are at.

[@Brandon-0028]

I was glad to see that you had pepper spray when you encountered the creeper. I always keep some on us when we hike as well along with a pocket knife and I always remind my wife to take hers when going alone. A couple things I remember hearing in prior safety courses. Try not to have a pony tail as it can be grabbed as well as anything around your neck like a tied scarf as you were wearing in the last sequence. Don't give them extra means to get ahold or subdue you as they look for those things. In addition, a walking staff is great. Try to learn to use it as in Wushu. If my 7 year old can inflict painful strikes, imagine what an adult can do. Amd it's fun to learn staff moves. Oh and that multi tool you have is great, not just punches but slashes to the face. That tool is actually a little pry bar and nail puller as well. There is a lot of advice out there and one is if grabbed from behind drive your heel in to their foot to injur them and give you an advantage to escape or hose the creep down with your pepper spray. Take care!

[@TheoryofSimple]

Great advice for all of us and happy you are helping your wife and children understand how to stay safe while hiking. Thanks again for watching and giving great advice!!

[@colleenc5008]

That sounds so scary! Glad you're safe and nothing worse happened. Thank you for doing this video and including all of the tips.

[@TheoryofSimple]

It was very disturbing. I followed my intuition and got the heck out of there! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@makeupunlimited]

@@TheoryofSimple that's the best safety tip. So many women don't trust our instincts. We don't want to be embarrased etc. But better safe than sorry.

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@makeupunlimited i agree! In my 60 years on this earth my intuition has been right more times that I care to admit. As women we were always told to be nice and polite, caring and nurturing and talk to people. I think there are people who will take advantage of that. Thank you so much for your comments and for watching the video!

[@Tokoroegao]

If I ever felt someone was literally running FROM me, I would stop and let them get far far away before continuing on. Why would you ever put another human being through such stress?

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@Tokoroegao that’s what I knew something was off because he just kept trying to get closer to me

[@mcwalker949]

i always carry a taser baton walking my little dog. once you press that button to set off the taser that keeps aggressive dogs and people away from you. also an electric whistle, that’s a very loud coach whistle is a head turner. solo women need all the defensive tactics to be on the level of the aggressor.

[@TheoryofSimple]

Great idea and I have never heard of an electric whistle so now I have to look it up! Thank you so much for sharing those helpful hacks with us! 💕😊

[@judithjones7546]

Hi, could you look into the walking sticks and batons with tasers? I’m 78 and not strong enough to fight back against any sort of “animals”. Thanks for your great videos from another gadget addict.

[@mena580]

It happened here in Phoenix at a local popular hike and during the day too a young woman was stabbed to death by a 20 something year old. Horrific that women cannot just go out by themselves to enjoy the outdoors. Glad you were vigilant. I am sorry this happened to you Eunice. Binge watching your videos and I really enjoy your content.

[@TheoryofSimple]

Thank you so much! Truly appreciate you as a follower of my videos! I heard about that woman in Arizona, and I think that just put more fear in me because I knew that could’ve been me. Which is why the other day when I went hiking and I wanted to go take that same trail I didn’t do it because I thought maybe I got lucky last time.. and it just really angered me that I had to feel that way😡

[@cherylperkins3778]

Always check your back trail as well. Some people walk so quietly you can’t hear them until they are just a few feet behind you. It is super creepy when weirdos just randomly approach. Had it happen myself. It definitely makes you rethink how you do things.

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@cherylperkins3778 agreed!

[@TUNITMOM]

It is always a good idea to learn some Self Defense moves. When I walk too or from my car, I always carry my keys in my hand, place a key between each finger sticking out from my knuckles. Makes a great hitting weapon if you are attacked. I took a self defense class way back in 1980's when I was in High School...best class I ever took.

[@TheoryofSimple]

I’m so glad that you walk like that and I also took a self-defense class back in the 80s after I was attacked in the mall parking lot. I think it’s just terrible that as women we have to think like this all the time.. someone asked some famous person, and I can’t remember who what would it be like for them if they were no man on earth, and she said I’d walk at night without any fear of losing my life.

[@AnneSiebesma-lu2ld]

The audacity of some men! I'm sorry you had that creepy encounter.

[@TheoryofSimple]

I know! It’s just so weird! 🤷‍♀️

[@ReplayFan562]

Yikes Eunice. My heart was pumping faster just watching. Glad you completed your trail walk and got out safe and sound. Thanks for sharing your creepy experience and giving us very good advice. Stay safe

[@TheoryofSimple]

Yeah, unfortunately, this experience scarred me a bit and I have not been up to that park alone since that experience. In many ways, it is angered me that this person has done this to me, but it’s also me allowing myself to feel scared. I hope that I get over it soon and get up to hiking again.!

[@ProjectRefinedLife]

I had something very similar happen to me a few years back. It actually scared me so much, I don't go hiking alone anymore. Glad you got back out there with your means of defense in hand.

[@TheoryofSimple]

It’s funny you should mention that because I have not been back to that part of the park by myself since this incident. I think what scares me the most is it look like two guys were working in tandem, and I think I could fend off one guy pretty easily, but not two.

[@nancychaffin7826]

Glad you are ok! Always, always, always listen to your instincts!

[@TheoryofSimple]

Thank you, Nancy! I think as women we developed a better intuition of things like this just out of necessity and through the millennia we have grown to be wary but I think we have also been taught that, as women, we overreact to these things when I do believe we have the strong instinct for a reason.

[@KatieL]

Suggestions. Remember to lock your car doors. (Sounds silly but when you're scared you might forget. ) If you're being followed DON'T GO HOME. Go to a police station, fire department, gas station, somewhere there are other people. If possible somewhere there are cameras but you may not know this ahead of time.

[@TheoryofSimple]

That is excellent information! Yes, I have had a couple times, but I’ve walked away from my car and then I remembered I didn’t lock and I have to go back and lock it. Also, always take a look in the backseat of your car before you get in and if there’s any vans or something parked next to you that make you have the hairs on your arm stand up, just see if you can find somebody else around that can pay attention as you get into your car. The other thing I do is sometimes take a picture of myself in a parking lot such as what I’m wearing and try to capture some of the license plates around so that if something happens to me, don’t know what I’m wearing and who is around me with my last photo and I send that to my boyfriend or my parents.

[@annedelaney33]

Thank goodness you are safe! Excellent preparation tips for us all. Would you kindly put a link to where to obtain the gel pepper spray and multi tool? Interestingly, ordered hiking poles this week. And have a wood walking stick in my auto trunk to also use. Yes, follow your intuition. I experienced a super alarming situation in Assisi, Italy. Speaking of gravel, I had to run for my life on a gravel path. My goal was the convent ahead. But believe me, those 300 yards+ seemed forever when running (with athletic shoes, thankfully) and slipping and dashing again. Breathless, I made it to the convent door and burst inside! Glad you posted this video to help us prepare. May we all stay safe.

[@TheoryofSimple]

Wow! Thank goodness you were safe as well and I’m also sorry that you had to experience something like this. I put a link to the Gerber multi tool and the gel pepper spray in the video description. My review of the multi tool was not great because the actual tools are hard to get in and out of the casing but I didn’t buy it just for those tools. I bought it because it fit well in my hand it had a nice weight to it and for the bottle opener on the end that could give me immediate access to something to help protect myself. I’m so thankful that you found something in this video that would help you feel safer during your hikes. Thank you again for watching and commenting and have some wonderful safe hikes!

[@annedelaney33]

@@TheoryofSimple Thank you for your kind response and the links! Hope this helps other women also. Like the fitting well in the hand, lightweight, and immediate access to protect. I am ordering the pepper spray (interesting about the gel) for a friend as well. ☮️ along our journeys.

[@wanrapea]

Wow! I bet that was scary! Great advice for people who hike wearing headphones too! 2 items I carry when walking: a hyper-whistle, which can reach 142 decibels; & a Smith & Wesson Delta flashlight, the end that doesn't light up, is a metal pointy tip. That's the one I carry in my hand.

[@TheoryofSimple]

Those are some great ideas! I have a solar flashlight that has a glass breaker on the end that is pretty busy and I probably could put a big dent to somebody with that thing! Maybe I should start carrying it!😃

[@makeupunlimited]

also, if you have to listen to music, have only one earbud in so you can hear your surroundings a little. It's better not to have any if you're really isolated.

[@TheoryofSimple]

Yes. I think it’s important for women to be aware of their surroundings. Sometimes when I’m listening to music or a podcast I can get really immersed and be completely unaware of what’s around me. If I’m walking around my neighborhood where I feel really safe I will wear earbuds but even then I will wear wired ones so that if one were to fall out of my ear it will just dangle on the wire because I have actually lost one of my AirPods when it fell out in a store and rolled where I couldn’t reach it.

[@brendab8244]

At the risk of getting myself raked over the coals. Have you ever considered getting a concealed carry permit? Take some gun safety classes and practice. I have a concealed carry. We're I to go into the woods alone my side arm would be with me. All the other items are fine but Predators tend to be armed. I'm not sure what pepper spray will do or how long it will stop an attacker but I know what I will use if I ever have to eliminate a threat. Be safe out there!

[@TheoryofSimple]

To be honest, yes, I have thought about it. Especially after this incident.. I just wanna make sure that I am well-versed in handling again and use it at arrange often so that it doesn’t become something I’m not good at handling because they’re just going to take it from me and use it on me. My son has a concealed carry but he is a Marine and he knows so much about guns. He used to work at a shooting range and took me there a couple of times but really I need to be able to know and handle a gun well before I would ever take it out in public. It’s just so sad. That is women we have to think like this.

[@MB-qx9vn]

Yes! When I’m hiking by myself I almost always take my gun. People love to hate on it and say it’s overkill, but the moment crap hits the fan and you need it for creeps such as this, they’re wishing they had one. Always carry multiple levels of defense. The best way to defend is to maintain the space! It’s unfortunate but reality.

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@MB-qx9vn I think sometimes people that make comments like this have not had things scary like this happened to them. And once something like this happened to you, you are on high alert all the time.. I think you have to do whatever makes you feel comfortable and safe and I don’t knock anything that anybody’s doing because I have not been in the situation or have their history. If you know how to use a gun and handle it properly, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having one.

[@hannahr.n.5791]

Glad you made this suggestion. Too many women don't like the idea or just don't think about carrying. We are living in a new world and must protect ourselves and family.

[@margiemonsanto70]

Great tips for on the trail or anywhere. Thanks for always sharing useful information.

[@TheoryofSimple]

I’m so happy you found this video useful and stay safe out there!🙏😊

[@Leahbiabobia]

I have just started hiking again solo after having my daughter and this video helped me feel so much more confident in doing so. Thank you so much for what you do!

[@TheoryofSimple]

You’re very welcome, but please keep a vigilant eye because a couple things have happened to me recently. That really scared me from hiking solo.. In this particular situation that I show here after I talked to the police, they said that they could’ve been working in tandem these two men and that there’s no way I would’ve been able to fight off two men.

[@Leahbiabobia]

@@TheoryofSimple it’s so sad that these times have come to this. I wish you safety and the best in future hikes. I might hold off and take some self defense classes first before going. I’ve had bad past encounters so better safe than sorry.

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@Leahbiabobia yes taking self-defense classes will help also just practicing because these types of things take you off guard and you need to be able to react quickly. Also, you said you have a new daughter and I hate to say this but sex trafficking is just getting out of control. I would not let anyone near my child if they wanted to come and take a picture or touch my baby. The answer is no.

[@Leahbiabobia]

@@TheoryofSimple Definitly no! My daughter is in Kindergarten. I just started taking care of myself so I would be hiking after I drop her off at school. This world has gotten too scary for me to go with just her and me.

[@yvonnelewis4888]

OMG Eunice! That WAS scary! So glad you’re okay! I have been watching self-defense videos on KZbin. I was assaulted when l was 22, its awful and it never leaves you. Individual keyes between your fingers, with the rest in your palm is a good emergency weapon for punching. You can Drive to a police station if you ever think you’re being followed. I never go home until l’m sure it’s safe. Too many rotten souls out there.😤 Thanks for all the great tips! Stay safe dear friend. ❤️👊🏼🙏💪🏼✌🏼

[@TheoryofSimple]

Thank you Yvonne! Yes I’ve had a couple of scary incidences in my life that have caused me to be more prepared especially since I tend to be alone a lot. I was holding my keys the other day looking at all the things that I have on them and I thought if I was not a woman how many reasons why I have taken off of my keychain and made it so much smaller things like my pepper spray, I’m also a tool, and a intense brightness keychain light. It’s so unfortunate that we have to think this way.

[@yvonnelewis4888]

@@TheoryofSimple You are SO right. Stay Safe my friend at all costs!🥰❤️

[@faithlikecaleb]

I carry BEAR spray. Also, don't EVER run or look scared. Act like you are crazed. Animals (including humans) sense fear. Fear makes you prey. So glad you are alright.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 my hiking friend, thank you for sharing this informative video. Good idea to carry pepper spray and a trekking pole. Stay safe out there and keep hiking. You're a wise lady. 🤗 👋

[@TheoryofSimple]

Thank you so much! As soon as the rainy weather clears here in California, I’m gonna be out hiking again soon!😊❤️

[@yaz397]

Came across your channel and had to subscribe as you provide most valuable tips! Getting geared up to embark on my solo adventures. Thank you

[@TheoryofSimple]

Thank you so much and welcome to my channel! I’m so happy you found my channel! I hope you get a lot of great tips and tricks for traveling and organizing for your next travel adventure💕😊 I think you’ll really enjoy solo traveling😊

[@dallywilliams6606]

Sorry you experienced that☹️ please stay safe.

[@TheoryofSimple]

Thank you. It is sad that we have to think about these things when all we want is a dimple hike. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@Vinylzilla]

So important to trust your gut with everything!

[@TheoryofSimple]

Agree! Intuition is often ignored! Thank you for watching and commenting and safe travels!

[@theonly5107]

I don’t get why individuals (particularly men), do not understand the importance of time and place when interacting with a woman. I feel that they truly do, and that this is exactly when you know these individuals are creepers with no good intentions. I’m blessed you made this video, because even though this was a horrid experience of yours, I as a woman who is prospectively looking into hiking alone, need all of these tips and awareness.

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@theonly5107 I’m 100% agree with you and I call it male blindness… meaning they have no idea what it’s like to be a female walking around in a man’s world. I’m so happy this video helped you to be more aware so that you can do some hikes and travel on your own.💕😊

[@Starfish2145]

You should’ve gotten that creeps face on your camera. Also should’ve called the sheriffs department and reported his behavior so they could come by once in a while and take a look.

[@TheoryofSimple]

I didn’t want to wait for him to get close enough to get on camera just in case. I did alert the authorities and also the park authorities and they said that they would patrol more but there was really nothing they can do.

[@vandymajor]

Thanks for all the great tips. I would also like to know what to say to men when they approach you. The best I have come up with so far it to say. “I don’t know you. I’m not comfortable talking with strangers.”

[@TheoryofSimple]

Hi Vandy, thank you so much! for me it just depends on the situation and what they say to me. I was in a store one time and a guy started masturbating in front of me. I literally just looked at him with a look like you give your kids when they are being very annoying and I did not say a word. I just kind of stood there and stared him in the face with that mom look. No words. He quickly stopped and walked out the store. As he started leaving I followed him to make sure he left the store and to try to get a picture of him and he walked out very quickly. I think the fact that I wasn’t shocked, shocked him!

[@Swimdeep]

Without a doubt SUPER CREEPY. Excellent safety tips after your scare. I sent you a message on IG.

[@taunyawren8020]

Thanks for sharing all your tips. This is good advice.

[@TheoryofSimple]

You’re very welcome and stay safe out there❤️😊

[@rubychurch3466]

My heart was racing. Don’t go out alone, pleeeeeeease.

[@TheoryofSimple]

I have hiked by myself for so many years, and this was the first time I truly felt afraid. I have not been back up on that trail by myself since then, and probably will not go back up there by myself again.🙏

[@itllbesuzanarchy]

Do you have a panic button on your key fob? If so, you could set that off when you're close enough to the car. That was really scary to watch-- can't imagine being the person it's happening to. So glad you were prepared and let people know where you were and ultimately that you made it back safe!

[@TheoryofSimple]

Thank you, Suzanne! Panic button is a great idea!

[@lisekvinnsland3906]

Thank you for this informative video. I am not very good at You Tube and now I am wondering if you did put a link to where to buy some of the gear you have as safety weapons with you, Pepper spray for instance and the little tool with the scratcher. Best hiking wishes from Lise in Norway- soon be hiking the camino on my own.

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@lisekvinnsland3906 how exciting for you to be hiking on your own soon😊 all of my videos have links in the video description to most of the items that I show in the video😊

[@arosete3512]

One of hiking rules is never go by yourself. You always go in pairs just in case something happens.

[@TheoryofSimple]

Good rule. Unfortunately, it is not always possible. Plus, I have been accosted in broad daylight in a shopping parking lot so it means we are never safe even in public. It’s sad. Thank you for watching and commenting and stay safe!

[@vandymajor]

I would not go into the backcountry alone but my hiking is more of an urban lifestyle. I stopped driving and now use the transit system in Seattle which is great. I hike through city parks. I carry a light back pack for shopping stops. At any given time I could have an encounter with a strange man. I’m not in the market for a full time body guard so these tips are extremely valuable to me.

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@vandymajor this is in an urban setting less than a mile from my house in the San Francisco Bay area! So although it looks very rural we were actually not too far away from civilization it’s just that in that particular area there’s not much cell phone coverage and not as many people hiking! It was a new trail for me as well so I was on my guard a bit! Seattle has so many great trails & it’s a great walking city!

[@vandymajor]

@@TheoryofSimple thanks again for all your great tips. I survived Hurricane Ian on Fort Myers Beach but lost my home and all its contents. I experienced life without services until being rescued several days after the storm. I was somewhat prepared but would have been so much better off if I would have had a solar charger for my phone and more bottled water. Now that I’ve found your channel I will be upgrading my pack and sharing your info with friends. Thanks again.

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@vandymajor I am so sorry you lost everything in hurricane Ian. I can only imagine the devastation you feel. Happy you are alive and preparing in case another disaster happens. Stay well and thank you for watching and sharing your experience so that we can all take note! 🙏

[@cj57]

Oh that was super creepy! Hearing the gate creak open and you knew it was him 😳 Glad all is well, and thanks for sharing your tips!

[@TheoryofSimple]

Thank you, CJ. A neighbor of mine stopped by today and said she does not walk up there by herself anymore because there has been this guy up there that has been exposing himself to people (women). I have not been back up there by myself since this happened. But I am going to eventually get the courage to go back up there because it bothers me that I let this incident stop me from doing something that I love so much.

[@cj57]

I hope the police get the creep(s) doing that! Like you said, always follow your gut instincts.

[@cj9667]

OMG! That was a bit creepy! Good for you to beat feet out of there! Toward the end you were walking faster than the cows! 😉 Awesome tips especially making sure he didn’t follow you home! Your Gerber multi tool…use it upside down in your fist..claw down. Easier to use in a hammer motion than the clawing across..MORE power!

[@TheoryofSimple]

Thank you for that helpful tip on the Gerber multi tool! Yes, I am so happy i made extra precautions and got out of there! 🙏❤️😊

[@cherylannjohnson8801]

Thank you, Cathy, for all the great tips. You are so right, I’m a retired survivor advocate and know “trust your gut” is the best defense women have. We make excuses for people and think we are being alarmists, when the reality is our instincts are warning us correctly. So glad you trusted yours and that you are ok.

[@TheoryofSimple]

Absolutely!! I do believe that women have better instincts about these things and that that has kind of been bred into us because historically women have been victims. I’m sure you have some really good self-defense tips so if you want to leave them here for the rest of us we’d love to have them! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!

[@VickiKech]

Glad you were ok. I'd be freaked too. Good tips but one never knows. Did you have cell phone service where you were hiking?

[@TheoryofSimple]

Hi Vicki, at the lower part of the hike toward the trail head I had a signal but once you get about a half mile and you don’t have a signal until you reach the peak which is about a 3 mile hike in. These guys knew what they were doing because they were following me in an area where I had no cell signal. But even if I did it would take quite a while for someone to hike in and get to me.

[@Starfish2145]

Why didn’t you report this to the sheriffs department? They could be stalking other women

[@cleopatrapharoh]

Something similar happened to me. I started to pretend I was on my phone.

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@cleopatrapharoh I’m sorry that happened to you but be careful about being on the phone because sometimes they take advantage thinking you’re not not paying attention. If anything pretend like you’re videotaping them or that you are on videos so that they know that they possibly could be on video and caught.😊

[@HighHopesHizzy88]

I'm sorry that happened but thank you for your tips. Stay safe!

[@TheoryofSimple]

Thank you! The worst part of it is I have not been back up to that park to hike by myself and it is a wonderful place to hike. I’m happy you got some great tips from this and that you have safe hikes.! 😊

[@Youaintdownhome]

Thank goodness your ok… good grief, can’t even hike without a weirdo following you!

[@TheoryofSimple]

Thank you. That is a sad reality today more than ever. 😞

[@tracypatil8841]

That was scary Eunice, glad you are okay x

[@TheoryofSimple]

It was! And i used to hike that park by myself all the time. I have not been back up there since. He has ruined something for me she that is what angers me the most.

[@tracypatil8841]

@@TheoryofSimple yes if more women walked it would be safer, but it's so scary for you I totally understand. Sending love and a healing hug x

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@tracypatil8841 thank you, Tracy. I think I’m going to try to pull together a hiking group so that I feel safer.

[@tracypatil8841]

@@TheoryofSimple great idea safety in numbers👍

[@NADA-ok2ce]

The hiking pole in case you have an encounter with someone’s dog that’s off leash and shouldn’t be. Helps to keep some space

[@NADA-ok2ce]

Also I no longer hike alone. Not worth the risk. I am an avid hiker and backpacker. My husband always goes with me. We have had some weird experiences together and even he was unnerved. We even left one trail.(He’s not a rattled person).

[@TheoryofSimple]

Yeah, I try to not hike alone but I also don’t always have a hiking partner.

[@kevinpounder]

I wouldn't wear a scafe around my neck .If it was grabbed it would stop you screaming and also give someone full control of you movements .Consider a defence course to improve you confidence .That gel lookes great

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@kevinpounder love the idea about not having a scarf in the neck. Regarding a self-defense course, I took one years ago, but I probably should get a refresher.😊

[@helenafield8919]

Thank you for the tips. Very helpful. I know that you are not as old as I am. I know that keeping fit and walking is a benefit to all. I myself love to walk too. However walking up hill like you were doing and continuing to push yourself into exhaustion and out of breath also in some ways could put you at risk. If an attacker was watching you at that point he could subdue you because you are out of breath and you are tired. That can make you a target. That is what large cats due. They let their prey wear themselves out. Making the attack to take down much easier. I too also have the mace with me and an alarm. But I never push myself anymore to the point of being super tired. The rock idea is great. I need to get the multi tool.

[@TheoryofSimple]

Thank you so much for your feedback I agree with you on the hills however, that is also how you get in shape so that you’re not out of breath when you’re walking these hills and of course, if you’re hiking, you’re never guaranteed flat land so my recommendation is to take the hills and get yourself fit😊💕 show me the best cardiovascular exercise I can get someone over 60 is to make sure I do those hills❤️

[@helenafield8919]

Thank you so much for your reply. I do understand the pushing yourself concept for sure. I was just saying . I myself would not be inclined to do so. Given I am 70 plus and would need all the strength I could get to fight someone off. I am also very short. Only 5 foot nothing. Anyhow I love ❤️ your videos. I look forward everyday what comes up in my feed from your channel. Always brings me such joy. Life is so beautiful. Love and Light to you.

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@helenafield8919 thank you so much and yes I’m so glad you at least getting out and doing some walking and you are being cognizant of what you can and cannot do and what’s best for you💕😊 I’m so glad you were getting some enjoyment from my videos and I truly enjoy making them for you🙏😊

[@akhkmh]

Be careful of cows too. I know people that have been injured by cows especially when they have babies. I hike Las Tramps near where you are.

[@TheoryofSimple]

Yes, you should always keep your distance from the cows because you don’t know how they’re going to react when they’re scared.

[@deenbella2]

Da! Never walk alone!! Where is your mace or bear spray? Is this in SC, CA.?

[@TheoryofSimple]

Is it in California and I did have pepper spray with me. But now I carry a few other things to help keep me a little safer.

[@deenbella2]

@@TheoryofSimple I have a home in Amador county. I know that a lot of people love the outdoors and mountains and all that. Bears, mountain lions, as well as human predators all live there. Preditors hunt on the element of surprise! That was scary.

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@deenbella2 my parents live in El Dorado county right next to you! I sometimes go camping alone up there. I also used to be a ranger in Desolation wilderness with the United States forest service.. I distinctly remember when we would be Ranger and that they would tell us if we ran into anything like drug plantings to stay away. But you are right there are so many predators everywhere and as women, we always have to be on the lookout, no matter where we are.! 🙏❤️😊

[@deenbella2]

@@TheoryofSimple yes! I moved from the Capital. I don’t hike alone or go out at night. I’m a big chicken. I did work retail before and during the pandemic, I had to to work at 4am! That was challenging for me. I won’t go into detail of my routine. I then worked a year and a half in Alpine county. Both places beautiful and seen lots of wildlife big and small. My home is still there, but back in city life to care for an aging parent.

[@soniaceratti]

Scary,glad you're ok! 😮

[@TheoryofSimple]

Thank you! It was really the first time in my whole life that I felt truly unsafe while hiking alone

[@--RSL--]

Screw that spray. Get yourself a gun… a weapon. A fixed blade knife in a sheath. A knuckle knife…. A karambit pocket knife with an emerson wave on it, they are extremely fast and have a ring to grab on to.

[@TheoryofSimple]

So I’m looking into getting a gun and a concealed carry permit. I hate that I even have to do this but you have to do what you have to do.. I have a fixed blade knife so I may start carrying that. I don’t know what a karambit pocket knife and Emerson wave are, but I’ll look it up! Thank you so much for your helpful tips😊 💕 stay safe out there🙏

[@--RSL--]

@@TheoryofSimple sure no problem! Having and carrying a weapon is nothing to feel bad about…. Animals carry their weapons around with them all the time and so should we. Protect yourself. 👍

[@RJ-ek7ov]

I was scared for you. I carry mace, whistle and thinking about including my 9mm but I would rather not have to do that. Walking sticks is another option I’m considering.

[@TheoryofSimple]

Hi RJ, it was a little bit of a scary moment for me. Now carry a hiking stick with me and the one that I carry also has multi tools in it so I’ll do a quick video on that shortly! thank you so much for watching and commenting and I hope you have safe hiking experiences!

[@lelamarie6724]

I hope you reported your experience to the police. Glad you’re safe ❤

[@TheoryofSimple]

I reported it to the park rangers😊

[@lelamarie6724]

Sorry, you must be sick of answering that question! I realised after I wrote it how many people said the same thing 🤭

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@lelamarie6724 no worries 😊 thank you for your concern💕

[@Sneakerfever1]

Is there a park ranger or some way you could report this. I wonder if there are trail cams to discourage creeps.

[@TheoryofSimple]

There are no trail cams because it is the largest regional park in the United States, and it would be very hard to set that up. However, I did report it to the Rangers.🙏

[@heatherlambert8660]

Do you think the guy riding back and forth was concerned and was making sure the guy went by you?

[@TheoryofSimple]

Yes! So after I talk to the police about it, they said that they probably were working in tandem. The guy in the bike was probably checking out the trail to see how many people were close to me and when he went around the corner, he let the guy know that there was nobody nearby. He also knew that I was limited cell phone service area. Since this incident, I no longer hike by myself. I used to be a ranger with US forest service, but I was always with a team most of the time although I did hike by myself occasionally when I needed to meet up with another team. However, this incident taught me that if it was going to be two, I would never be able to fend them off.

[@Starfish2145]

I wouldn’t hike aline without a gun

[@TheoryofSimple]

We might be going back to the cowboy day soon!😉

[@robertashagam1599]

i decided not to rely on spray because we dont know which direction the wind is blowing. I liked your idea Eunice, of holding the tool in your hand to give extra power to your punch. i practice with a trainer for self defense and he showed me a simple tool that protrudes from your fist, on either side, so that it can do more damage. we are not out to harm anyone however, if you are alone and have to fight- you may want a tool that can give you more of a chance to get away. what do you think?

[@TheoryofSimple]

Love that you are taking a class in self defense! I would love to get a link to that tool you mentioned. Im shares in the lookout for something to add protection if needed! We are never out to harm but always aware to protect. The pepper spray is a gel so it shoot’s pretty straight. I have tried it in the wind and a small amount got in my mouth. I had sunglasses on so it didn’t get in my eyes. Of course, the perpetrator could also have sunglasses on and the pepper spray may not deter him. But is better than nothing. 🥰

[@robertashagam1599]

@@TheoryofSimple i wish i knew how to get your messages earlier.must log into utube more often so apologies for delay. i will get it and write it here.ok?

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@robertashagam1599 Thank you! 🥰

[@julieduncan4075]

Or, you could pack heat. Very discouraging to creepers. 😕

[@TheoryofSimple]

I have seriously been thinking about that!

[@julieduncan4075]

@@TheoryofSimple I’d highly recommend it. Just make sure you research all the laws in your area and get properly certified to carry concealed. Also, you’ll want to know reciprocity laws if you cross state lines. You probably already know that though. 🙂

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@julieduncan4075 thank you! I will do some research!😊

[@julieduncan4075]

@@TheoryofSimple Good luck! Wishing you all the best! 🙂

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@julieduncan4075 thank you!

[@oop1944]

When you hike alone, you put yourself in the hands of fate. So be prepared to accept what fate deals us. It is better to hike with a partner for longer hikes in deserted and hazardous terrains.

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@oop1944 agree. That’s why prepare before and during my hike. This was a hike very close to my home in an urban area that took 1 hour. We can’t always be hiking oo walking with someone so preparing for this before and utilizing skills during is imperative.

[@ndubstar]

you should call the police in these situations, when you get a chance to.

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@ndubstar I definitely went to the park Rangers and talk to them. They are the official people in charge in this regional park.😊

[@cleo1034]

Peace.

[@TheoryofSimple]

Peace back to you too! 🥰

[@Superduper666]

Maybe reporting that to the police or rangers would be a good idea.

[@TheoryofSimple]

I did report it to the Rangers at the park. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much they could do. By the time they headed out there the guys were long gone.. and unfortunately there have been other incidences at this park because it’s one of the largest regional parks in the United States and I think that people like the snow that they can’t get enough Rangers up there to patrol the park all the time. So it’s up to us as people hiking in the park to take our own safety into our own hands.😊

[@CrystalVan21]

Great video!

[@TheoryofSimple]

Thank you, Crystal!

[@stephrainspirite9985]

leave your info ON your voicemail message before you get on trail in case your phone dies so you can be located,

[@TheoryofSimple]

Yes! Great info! 💕😊

[@terrymoses7548]

Too close to the city. Too much foot traffic. The more people their are, the higher the percentage of creeps. The bad guys don't go that far from the city, except to drop off bodies, not to look for victims.

[@TheoryofSimple]

I pretty much agree with you on that. Unfortunately I can’t always get three hours away from my house to go hiking for a couple of hours.🤷‍♀️

[@terrymoses7548]

@@TheoryofSimple Understood. I just want you to be safe.

[@Rachel-h3n]

Livestream in future and make sure he knows you are. Also please report this to local authorities, as it could be a pattern of behaviour. Not to frighten anyone, please be aware some stalkers put tracking tags on cars or on you.

[@TheoryofSimple]

@@Rachel-h3n it was reported 😊

[@BloomByCC]

100% WE KNOW! 6:27

[@lorismith8479]

Call the police and do not go right home....

[@Starfish2145]

That poor cow had so many flies on its face

[@TheoryofSimple]

It’s always like that with those cows! 🐮🐄