How to Overcome Your Fears When Backpacking - The Dark, Bears, Snakes, Getting Lost,

This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.
Support TOGR with Patreon : / togr
For this episode, I will be going over the most common fears which people have in regards to the outdoors and how to overcome them! This is backpacking basics and thanks for all of the support for this series and the suggestions for addition episodes.
...
Check out our web site for more information concerning everything seen on our Channel including reviews, insight into what is coming up and a chance to vote and influence our upcoming overnight adventures.
www.theoutdoorg...
...
Come Join Us on Facebook and Twitter:
Facebook: / 281509538652229
Twitter: / outdoorgearrev
.....

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Prepare and Enjoy my brothers and sisters; the trails await! - Luke

[@Wordsmyth8]

Don't you have pay to get the full services of All Trails?

[@originaljasonbourne]

As he stated (if you paid attention) you don't have to subscribe (pay) to use it but if you want to you can to access all features....Luke stated he does pay for full access

[@Wordsmyth8]

Miguel Valentin I guess I must have missed that so I'm sorry. I'm not perfect. But why do you have to be a dick about it?

[@originaljasonbourne]

was meant as an elbow to the side kind of comment...not offensively....lighten up....the war is in Iraq and Afghanistan not here in the US....but either way my apologies....

[@Wordsmyth8]

Miguel Valentin OK, thanks.

[@idaklymr]

My first solo trip was scary, but after that I really started having a great time. Thanks for posting this because I can show it to people with questions

[@trevorutley932]

The beauty of winter camping No bears, No bugs, No bodies!

[@thatrealba]

Winter is by far my time to be out in the mountains.

[@PresidentFunnyValentine]

Trevor Utley Wait, "No bodies"? What have you been doing dude? XD

[@thatrealba]

Ray Valentine I was out in the boonies in Arizona, north of Phoenix on a short backpacking trip. One evening, I kept getting buzzed the the Sheriff's chopper. I guess they decided that a guy with a dog and backpack was not the person they were looking for, especially since I made it a point to look up, smile and wave at them. They left me alone after while.

[@trevorutley932]

Ray Valentine lol. Nobody plural. 🖒

[@ColtSSR]

What about ghosts?

[@douchebaggins7]

I'm afraid of two legged predators, my imagination and the boogy man.

[@dcuss7294]

Woodboogers are real

[@FatalChaz33]

Me, too. People are always my greatest fear. I have to remind myself that I can be the boogeyman right back to anyone who deserves it!

[@dill5500]

Watch some scary camping stories on KZbin 😂

[@hikewithmike4673]

This is how I conquer my fears(which I don't have about the outdoors).....remember....you are safer in the woods then walking around in any large city...humans are the most dangerous threat to other people!

[@ollieb9875]

Hike with Mike than walking around. Not then.

[@amandar4980]

Hahaha I hate grammar police... sheesh. Always snooping around...

[@carlose6010]

A Roger Sometimes it makes someone stop and think, re-learn. It was only a small correction. :)

[@tvkarsfronteriza]

Hike with Mike sx

[@ollieb9875]

🤣

[@ForestGirlTeresa]

Thank you for an informative and encouraging message. I used to be an ardent solo tripper. In the past I have been in the situations you mentioned - in a heavy lightning storm (crouched in my tent), encountering rattlesnakes and bears, travelling in the dark and having to hike out of the bush when my canoe got pinned in a river. You are right - common sense helped and I flagged my trail, used my map and compass to hike out to the road. One thing I have carried in the past few years is a SPOT locating device. Now I am out of shape, getting old, in pain from 2 back surgeries and have a chronic illness. I've been feeling like I can never go tripping again, but what you said about starting out slow and gaining strength has encouraged me to try!

[@CharlesAnsman]

This is information that has been widely distributed for years, but it’s the way this man describes it and explains and teaches is so much better than anything I’ve ever seen in my 62 years

[@DrsharpRothstein]

Actually I fear a wild hog more than any other animal. Agressive, fast, tough, and smart.

[@thecheeseburglar8544]

I made the mistake of setting up camp in a part of the woods where there was alot of hog activity. I had only minutes of sunlight left so i couldn't be arsed to move. All night long i could here them walk by but i was never bothered, I've encountered alot of hogs even the big ones run away. I've never known anyone who was charged by a hog.

[@dwaynerobertson383]

Very good point. Feral hogs will attack anything they can eat...and they can pretty much eat anything. Very fast, very intelligent, and brutally tough. Fortunately, they are so resourceful that we aren't on the usual menu - doesn't mean they shouldn't be a serious concern. If a wild hog takes an interest in you you better have an escape, or you better have a proper weapon on-hand. They are no more passive than a pack of coyotes or hyenas.

[@BNCantenna]

Good coverage of so many issues. As always there are a thousand little tidbits that add up to experience. My contribution #1 is to mark where you parked the car with your GPS. That way if you have to go off trail and regain the road you'll know which way to turn when you reach it. (pre-GPS this cost me several extra miles one long day). Contribution #2 is to don't just tell someone where you're going - put it in writing or email so that when they panic and call the authorities they have the info you've given them (location, equipment, description, where you planned to park, and which agency to call)

[@jhuff8596]

snakes, bears, bugs I can handle it's my x-wife I worry about.

[@CalloftheWildOfficial]

Haha oh dear :)

[@outdoorsywannabe1888]

😂

[@garylee8132]

Why do you still report in to her? If so your dumbass!

[@EspenFrafalne]

Has she been seen in the forests around in your area with a big rolling pin in her hand? LOL!

[@superswag3252]

Especially rattlesnakes ; my favourite

[@msilverhammer]

Most Black Bears are not a problem as you stated, even the sows with cubs. However, the Grizzly and/or Brown Bears are much more of a concern, especially the sows with cubs, as they tend be very irrational, and very prone to attacking anything that they perceive as a threat to their cubs. Most of the time the do not want anything to do with humans, and will move away, or stay away when they hear you, or catch your scent. As you stated making some noise works well, so as not to surprise a bear. While working in Alaska I always carried several bottles of pepper spray, and always had them on my person, and in my tent, so that they could be deployed very quickly, and though you could carry a firearm too, pepper spray tends to statistically work better than firearms. There were times when I would not see a bear for a week at a time, but their scat was usually found, so they are able to conceal themselves very well. Again, as you stated, cooking, and storing your food in a bear canister, in a place that is far away from where you sleep works great, and I have seen bears throw bear canisters around, but they can't get inside to get the food. I think that the biggest risk is actually getting lost, as once you are off a trail, everything looks the same, and it is hard to find your way without landmarks, a GPS, or a compass.

[@galaxytraveler5779]

That is why i carry trail marker ribbon and tie them around a branch every so often, then collect them on the way out.

[@msilverhammer]

@@galaxytraveler5779 Oh! I usually cut all those trail marker ribbons that I find off of the trees! LOL Try dropping Bread Crumbs instead.

[@Alaska610ish]

I took your advice today and did my 5 mile walk through the woods. Wow! Five times harder, 35 floors counted, 53 mins in workout H/R zone! Thank you!

[@amccutcheon1988]

I started day hiking two months ago, starting with 2 hour hikes and working my way up to 6-8 mile hikes with moderate terrain. It's so true how you gain experience and endurance with every hike, feeling more accomplished with every new challenge. I gained a lot of weight over the past years and with a better diet, and hiking two sometimes three times a week I managed to go from 270 down to 247. The exercise and mental benefits that comes from hiking has been the best choice I have ever made for myself.

[@johnschmalbach8243]

My 4 year old knows the snake rule. We go on the short hikes, and she loves climbing on dead fall and stumps cut down on maintained trails to play "stump troll to "scare" her mother and I. The first thing she does, before the game starts, is look for holes. If there are holes too deep for her to see in she calls for one of us to check If a 4 year old can get it, adults can

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

The best and most thorough advice I've seen yet and I watch a lot of this stuff and I have hiked and camped for forty yrs. and I'm just a weekend hiker, no pro. I've been "lost" twice. Both times within 500 yards/meters of the trail. It's so easy. And yes, take a break, sit down. Sing a song. The information you need to get back is in your head, just slow down and put the pieces together.

[@robertfarmer3001]

Lots of great advice. I use to camp a lot when I was younger, but dwindled with married life and family. I found myself making excuses when I should have just went. Since watching your videos, you have rekindled my fire and am about to embark on a re-fusion with myself and the real world. I have invited some family members to come along but so far no takers. I will go it alone and enjoy the rest. Thank you! Bob Farmer

[@vagabondquerier9375]

I love the outdoors. Thanks for all these tips and advice. The only way to truly learn ... is to just do it.

[@__GALLANT__]

I just happened upon this video and I will say, it's one of the best I've seen at encouraging youngsters (and oldsters for that matter) to get out there and enjoy nature. I've seen a couple of this guy's videos and this is the best one yet. Good job.

[@flmtbiker]

I have to say that this is one of the most informative videos I have watched on KZbin in a while. Thank you! I'm not afraid of bears, snakes, or bugs but being inexperienced at backpacking I am somewhat concerned about losing my way and a few other issues. You suggestions and comments are very helpful and encouraging to me.

[@fyremanjef]

Nicely done. 2 tips. If you step off trail or away from camp for a potty break, take some sort of gear, like a small emergency kit. So if you do get lost you are not empty handed. 2) this worked for me. Look up the sounds for local wild life and listen to their calls and screeches online so you know what a coyote, owl or fox sounds like. Knowing will help keep the anxiety down

[@davidortiz3094]

Just take your whole damn pack. Never let it leave your side. That can decide life or death.

[@allemander]

The two-legged variety of threats have always dominated my fears when in the great outdoors and I’d never previously really considered the kinds of threats discussed in this video but now I’m even more scared of encountering a snakebite or an aggressive animal, be it bear or otherwise, so thanks for the info and the dose of reality.

[@mikerankin834]

Luke, your advice is good. I've backpacked, camped, hunted, and fished for over 50 years now. I got "hooked" on the outdoors early on. I'm now on oxygen 24/7 and yet I must go outdoors! Otherwise, I'll just dry up and blow away. So I just bought an old travel trailer. That way I can plug in my O2 and still be outside. Keep up the good work and help people get out safely. I'm glad that someone helped me !

[@kathycasey9153]

I tend to zone out when hiking which I think most people do. I almost stepped on a Copperhead recently and it reminded me to just be alert and aware on trail.

[@jeremylince9307]

Never thought about carrying my full load out during day trips to build up extra endurance. Thanks for teaching me something new today!

[@MrJules2U]

Common sense is valuable and you explained it perfectly. Redundancy, knowledge, experience, preparation, attitude, etc...all covered. Thanks for another brilliant video, Luke!

[@McRuessel]

Good sir, you made some excellent points right here. Life IS about taking risks!

[@CalloftheWildOfficial]

Amen

[@Catlovers52]

My 8 year old son and I do a lot of hiking. Sometimes when we hit a new trail we haven't been on, I use a trail marker, the traditional orange trail tape.

[@pmubdeeps]

People don't realize how much danger they are in if they are in a deep forest and step off the trail only a few feet with no landmarks. There is a false sense of safety, since in your mind you know the trail is close. I went off a trail no more than 20 feet years ago, and when I tried to return, I realized everything looked the same in every direction. It's a terrifying feeling, and panic can easily take control of you. I could have easily started walking in one direction and gotten even more lost, but as Luke says in the video: stick close to the place where you first became lost and think logically. I immediately created a landmark using a piece of clothing and wrapped it around a tree. I walked a straight line in all directions, returning to my landmark each time and never losing sight of it. Amazingly, it took me awhile to find the trail again, despite it being a very short distance away. Scary stuff.

[@nukeacitrus883]

Currently sittin in my car after a failed attempt at my first overnight all alone. I didn’t manage to get a good hang with my hammock. got a sore neck and the mat kept sticking to the hammock due to dew, making it difficult to move it around. I managed to hike out before it got pitch black. Lessons learned, and I’ll be practising my hammock hanging some before I go out again :) Keep at it folks!

[@dwaynerobertson383]

This is an excellent video, IMHO. You brought up points that need addressing, especially for a novice (like me). I was born and raised in a rural environment so I'm not a stranger to hunting and angling...and things that go bump in the night. Most creatures just want to have a good day, and pretty much all of them do not over-think situations as much we do. Snooping around your camp at night and getting into gear is called curiosity, and we do share that trait with every living creature. Unless the danger is imminent, remain calm. Pay attention, give space, observe and remain calm BUT pay attention. You're raising awareness, and you should. Overlooking the obvious can get a guy killed. I'd rather have a happy ending than a happy beginning. Most critters (mammals), just want to have a good day. Remember that, and respect that. Be smart, be safe.

[@JOLLY_ROGERS_86]

Thank you so much for this video, I've been getting stuff for backpacking/camping the back country, but I've had my doubts, but after this video it's got me wanting to really get out there and do it. Keep up the great videos.

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Sage advice, Luke! Very important topic to present , too. I'm 71 and have 61 years of hiking and camping experience, 99.9% of the time alone. I've hiked on five continents and encountered animals and insects of all variations, sizes, some dangerous and some innocuous. Only once did I fear for my life as I came face to face with a mountain lion in AZ. Fortunately, I was with two Air Force buddies who came to my rescue. I fear the two-legged ones the most to be honest. All Trails is my favorite go-to app along with the Swiss Army app which gives you tools to use such as a compass, mirror, flashlight. I think the GAIA app offers GPS, too. Every hiker should at least carry a compass, whistle, map/s, cell phone and learn how to use pacing beads should you have to deviate from the trail for the R&R break. Should you leave the trail, pay close attention to your surroundings such as landmarks, a really large tree or rock, a stream, whatever. It's great advice you expressed that should one get lost, sit down, take a deep breath, plant your feet and put your brain into motion. I watched the sad video about the lady hiker who left the trail, was lost and died something like 300 yards from the AT. She was found two years later.

[@jazztoad54]

Thanks so much for the info!! I lived in Boone, actually an area named Aho off the parkway, for 15 years. Spent the night solo several times on Roan Mountain on the AT and on Grandfather Mountain coming up from Invershiel area. Thanks for the video! Keep up the great work.

[@johnschuster1770]

Excellent video, Luke. I think that you covered most of it.

[@johntheidiot9046]

Got back from a 5 day trip up difficult terrain, and I can't wait for the next trip!

[@toddkohut5993]

I taught my kids to read maps and use a compass. We used the phone gps at the same time which made it much easier for them to understand the old school stuff.

[@alexanderweaver9182]

Luke, you are an excellent speaker and the knowledge and confidence flows. Should you ever consider conducting outdoor seminars on Lone Wolf Mountain I would be the first to sign up. Even with my 52 years of hiking and backpacking experience I watch your videos to pick up extra tidbits of knowledge and use it to tweak my gear loadouts or to ensure my safe return home. Your channel is the BEST on You Tube. Keep up the great work!

[@timsheridan3987]

Don't know if you read comments on your older stuff but this was very well presented ex Army here and we always had to go off trail but as you say the more dirt time under the belt the better just like riding a motorcycle it's not a question of if but when things go south thanks and keep up the great content

[@johnpayne2170]

Luke, this was a much needed video. A good summary of common sense, but made real by all of your experience. Thanks.

[@astrog8tr]

The most dangerous part of hiking/backpacking is driving to the trail head.

[@CalloftheWildOfficial]

Stats don't lie, great point! :)

[@guthers4445]

A good application you can use is " what three words ". It is advertised by the British emergency services. It has the entire planet broken down into a 3 meter square grid each square has a unique set of 3 words. You can scout the area on the map so you know the words for that location and it will give you your location as it is based on GPS.

[@leeming1317]

I like how you talk very comforting

[@andreawunderlich7130]

Great video, as always, Luke. Thank you. I'm not too worried about any of the things you mentioned. Just watching your videos taught me a lot. The one thing still do worry about is the potential of having problems with people. You mentioned it a few times in your episodes. Bears and snakes are pretty predictible, but if you have some advice for problematic people that you've incountered over the years out there, it would be good to hear.

[@kadan_gustafson6609]

When it comes to using the bathroom or stepping off the trail, this is where an INCREDIBLY basic understanding of a compass could save your life. If you need to go take a poop, just shoot a bearing to where you want to walk off trail, and then take note of your BACK bearing. That way you can just follow your back bearing back to the trail.

[@PLAGUE720]

Excellent video. I have some neices and nephews who should find a bit more comfortable about the wilderness after watching this video. Thanks for sharing.

[@adventuresoffrostbeard4955]

My wife is taking my Mother-in-law and her twin on their first backpacking trip next weekend and she (my MIL) is VERY concerned with these very things. Sending her the link to this video now! Thanks Luke!

[@dannyhampton711]

The one most feared thing for me to see coming into my tent door in the middle of the night is a human face!! He may die so don't mess around my tent at night!!

[@chriss9797]

Great content, I like how you encourage everyone to get outdoors.

[@SentinentCoffee]

Great video. I'm a landscape photographer, so i really want to get into backpacking so i can combine it with that, so these are great tips. Did a small 8 mile hike today in a local forest, was great, just getting out and trying, starting small.

[@sherrymcgee8662]

I've done all the beginner stuff-working myself up to taking the next step. I'm in western NC, awesome place to get out in nature.

[@sstritmatter2158]

19:20 - if you don't summit it's OKAY. I am not in top shape, almost 50 years old and some trails are hard. Also some will comment the trail is easy when it's anything BUT. Don't kill yourself out there but GET OUT THERE like he said. Time yourself so if you haven't summitted after a certain time, turn around. If you are too sore and feet are blistered up, turn around. This isn't the Army, so just go out and have fun. One tip not mentioned here (unless I missed it) - use permethrin on your gear/clothes to avoid ticks. Those are your biggest threat, actually. Be careful using permethrin around pets, especially cats but read up on it and don't spray it on your skin (I use DEET) but permethrin really works well.

[@danielgamache3149]

Hello from Tonto Basin Arizona kemosabe. It's the law when you live here you have to add that kemosabe to the end of everything.

[@TopsailOutdoorAdventures]

Lots of great advice, especially regarding bears. I've encountered alligators and sharks while kayaking and they always go the other way once they see you. Same with bears when hiking. I consider it a privilege when I get to see/encounter a seldom seen wild animal.

[@adventureswithdogs2251]

Outstanding advice! I've been hiking the Whites of New Hampshire for many years now. This is also bear country, though I think our population is less than in the Carolinas. In all that time, I've seen two at a distance (both ran when they heard me), and one raiding a McDonalds dumpster. Most of the danger, at least from black bears, is around campsites that are frequently used. Just don't smell like a restaurant while you're hiking- they'll leave you alone. I do carry a can of spray in a waist holster, but never had it out. Occasionally, I switch over to a new one, and use the old for practice. You may have heard that Mt. Washington is the "most dangerous small mountain in the world", and most mountaineers will agree with that. The #1 cause of injuries and fatalities here come from improper/lacking gear or poor preparation, so you're absolutely correct about DOING THE RESEARCH! (capitalized because it's the most important). In fact, it's gotten to the point where hikers may be charged the cost of SAR if they are found to be negligent. There is one forest creature that does scare me, though, and that's ticks. I don't have any statistics to quote, but I'm willing to bet they kill more people than bears. Use bug repellent, especially on your legs. If you're travelling solo, check yourself thoroughly before getting in your tent. Admittedly, I look weird patting myself down, but hey....If you have a partner, check each other. (If you're really close, could lead to fun!) All in all, the biggest dangers come not from wildlife but from human error.

[@lissam8988]

I'm a day hiker only however in the last 20 years I have learned so much. My husband and I when we first started hiking in Estes Park Colorado... we wore blue jeans cotton socks cotton t-shirt our jacket was not waterproof school backpacks pretty much I look back now and I wonder how we even survived. LOL 🤣 There was a few incidences the first couple of years where we were very cold and wet. Fast forward here to 2020, we know to have a base layer a warm rain gear and make sure to layer. Are backpacks are still more for day hikers however the way we pack them and what we pack is much lighter than what we started off with. Since KZbin in the past few years I have even learned more and have been making adjustments and I feel like I might be ready to actually do a longer hike that maybe stay one night somewhere. We have a nine-year-old child he does really well on some very long day hikes round trip 8 hours of hiking he carries his own backpack I packet maybe 5 lb or so I have been increasing it slightly just to get him used to it not sure if that's too little for a nine-year-old but he goes further if his pack is lighter.

[@carlholmes2251]

I am an avid hiker. I just downloaded the All trails App. I had no idea how many hiking trails around me I haven't done yet. THX!!!!!!!!

[@mixpick138]

Awesome commentary --too many great thoughts to comment on individually! Thanks for sharing!

[@jillinine8334]

this is such a great video. wish I found it sooner when I started hiking a year ago

[@nrabines]

Thank you I have not camped or hiked in 20 years and back then I only did it a handful of times ,, I recently purchased new gear and am gonna plan to go hiking soon .

[@juliorescobar]

Thank you for such positive advice and encouragement.

[@lissam8988]

To add to my previous post. When we we're in our first years of day hiking we went to Estes Park Colorado and tried the Longs Peak. It was a different time of Summer than we were usually used to we should have researched. We went with some people we told him what the pack and we ended up turning back because a few of the people did not pack properly I guess they thought they knew better than we did but they were newbies. The temperatures had dropped a storm came in and we had to hike back and very heavy rain and sleet. We got back safely or friends were freezing cold even with us letting them borrow some of our equipment to stay warm they wore cotton even though we told them not to. Even when we gave them some of our more protective emergency gear they already had gotten wet enough they couldn't get dry.

[@searcher2328]

I do a lot of camping in the Allegheny mountains in Pennsylvania, Bears, Snakes, bobcats, coyotes, bugs, spiders,,even saw a mountain lion once. The only thing that makes me feel uneasy out in the bush is if I run into another person, and I've run into a few scary character's, I am always aware of my surroundings , but my friend mr. Glock and I are prepared to handle it if need be.

[@cjvilleneuve1566]

i just carry a walking stick that i made with a shovel wood stick and i have installed a bayonette that i have attach to it, its also usefull to get stuff in the tree too.thanks for the video and mostly for the advice about getting lost,,it is something that i neglect a lots....

[@asulblue]

Thank You for making this video, very helpful. To the outdoors and beyond!

[@charlesbrown7320]

Great info,from an expert!!! Long live TOGR!!!

[@jeffrichards5106]

Thanks for the very informative video. Much appreciated. I feel at home in the woods, but sometimes I have worries. Thanks again, take care brother.

[@JMD1965]

I was out of shape... I started with a small hydration camelback... picked and printed off a local 2-3 mile trail.. grabbed a friend... and started walking on Sunday morning as the parks opened... moved up to a daypack... started taking long trails... picked up a couple of more friends... moved onto a rucksack... walked some more.... loaded it out to around 22-25 lbs for Spring and Summer... 35-37 bs for Fall and Winter... did some overnights both solo and alone... Two years on, I have lost a TON (your favorite word Luke!!) of weight... My health is better... I have a true core of friends I can count on... and most of all, experiences I NEVER would have had if I had listened to internal fears instead of facing them down and realizing... they ultimately were mostly in my head!!

[@ToyoteroMundial]

I always take a "Coldsteel Sjambok" when hikking for protection.

[@gregoryhare6550]

I like to thank you for all this kind of information we all need to know cool. PEACE Friend

[@steves3963]

Cool vid! Life is nature. The mountains of Korea are well worth exploring.

[@Tducks72]

This was awesome motivational. Thanks! Just bought a bunch of new gear, and getting excited to go out soon.

[@will6334]

Watch a couple episodes of Sasquatch Chronicles before you go hiking. Lol

[@DeBeuLioU]

Those are some of the best advice I’ve ever received :) I’ve started out backpacking adventures a couple months back, and have been going slow, tested my gear in my property before using it in real conditions, did the day hike with full gear thing and realized I needed to build a lot more back muscles if I wanted to carry full gear more than a couple miles (I’m a bit taller than you, but a lot thinner ^^) and I did my first true overnighter a couple days ago, and even met my first snake. It tasted pretty good :D

[@lonniewells4801]

Great Channel Luke. I've been watching your reviews and adventures for several months now. It makes me want to get back out there an camp out again. Hiking, exploring nature is a great way to get fit and have fun. Also your gear reviews are really kool as well.

[@allan-theforerunners1814]

Me and my friend will hopefully be doing a huge mission into America and Canada hopefully in the next few years. Your information has been invaluable (I know this comment is 3 years too late, but I appreciate your video nonetheless). I will admit, my main fear is bears, I know what to do when seeing one, but the fact of seeing one makes me a little nervous. Your video has helped quite a lot, mainly when you said "The forest isn't full of man-eating bears", it made me chuckle and no doubt will help when/if I ever have an encounter. stay on the trail! if you go off, make SURE you know your way back! S&H.

[@eagle8505]

On a recent hike I saw bear scat twice and a print on the trail, later in the hike I ended up walking on a different trail (some trails were not well marked). I retraced my steps. There was a metal map on a post to help, but the trail I needed was closed so had to go back a ways to get to another trail to her back to the trail head.

[@billhambelton7698]

Great advice Luke. There are enormous health benefits from getting outside, far outweighing the risks. By far the greatest risk backpacking is your preferred method of transport to the trailhead. ATB.

[@CalloftheWildOfficial]

Great points indeed, glad they were brought up :)

[@jmullentech]

@1:10 False. Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.

[@googleuser8211]

I grew up in the Pocono Mts... tons of black bear. I've had countless encounters, only one negative due to her having cubs and my friend and me surprising her. She chased us out of her territory (impossible to outrun a bear, but she was just trying to get us to leave, not catch us and we knew that). Have been as close as 10' from them several times (walking out of a cabin and one standing on the porch!). Also had one with three cubs, I was in my car (circa 1999 or 2000) in a remote area. She crossed the road and I turned around. She's stopped off the side of the road and came RIGHT UP TO MY CAR, stood up on her hind legs, and just stared down at me with her mouth opened (she was right outside the driver's door - so close I couldn't have even opened the door!) I had my first digital camera and was trying to take a picture of this incredible moment... and had the 10 second delay on! She waved her huge claws around, roared, got down and they all walked away... then the camera took it's delayed shot. I have a few pics from that day... of her walking away with her cubs! That was BIG POCONO, PA. The most bears I have seen in on place is near the home I grew up in (there were bear caves all over within a mile or two of our home) and in PROMISE LAND STATE PARK - where we camped when I was a kind in the 70s and early 80s. BLACK MOSHANNON was another place with many bears... good times.

[@googleuser8211]

BTW, humans are my biggest fear. I encountered a mentally unstable guy in THE BADLANDS, SD back in 2003 (I was 34 and carrying a SOG Navy Seal Pup, that's it). I was SOLO camping in September (low visitor count) and isolated miles from anyone else. Creepy guy shows up suddenly (I never figured out where he was 'hiding') with a gun... and started talking some real nutty gibberish. I have no doubt, to this day, he was determining if he should kill me... I just got a feeling for his insanity, played along with it, and humored him until he left. I will NEVER go hiking or camping without a handgun again, regardless of legal status. I left a day early becasue of him... 1,030 mile drive home to Indiana non-stop!

[@ziwozo]

A light and easy way is to make an additional layer to your sleeping pad is to make a Reflectix pad any length you wish. You can get a roll from Home Depot or Lowe's. I always tape the edges with home duct work tapes just to have smoother edges.

[@OakKnobFarm]

From NH... we have a lot of black bears around here, too. Just had one in the yard 2 days ago... so I chipped some wood for 20 minutes to scare him off. Also had a fun night where a big old boy came to visit camp at dinner time... he liked the smell of our ribs and wandered within about 10-12 feet of us (stealthily) before we spotted him. A metal spoon banging on the back of a pot scared him right off. Most black bears are afraid of humans. Except the nuisance bears that frequent town dumpsters and garbage cans. They become a bit more bold

[@ninjachin]

Knowledge is the best way to fight fear...knowing what to do in a survival situation and what procedures to take gives you that confidence and peace of mind. For me anyways.

[@barrywebber100]

Thanks for the video Luke. You speak coherently and lucidly in a clear flowing manner which is very appealing. I like your style! What you say makes great good sense and you seem to be straight up great guy. As quite a "vertically challenged" bloke myself (5'6") it is great that you are so competent and confident and skilled in your work while also a fellow smaller person! :-) You are also very inspiring. Thanks again.

[@stevescope1037]

Great video! Yes, say it again, be aware of the trail and how to get back on it, best advice. Getting lost is the most likely thing that can occur. There are many free phone apps which will remove the chance of this occurring. Have the map you need loaded already. Be sure to test them and know how to use them before going out.

[@viewsandreviews180]

Good advice. One other thing that might be good advise is to go with someone who has experience especially in the area you’re wanting to hike

[@felipecastellon4740]

I agree 100% with everything you said. In Southern California we have a lot of snakes, cayotes and bugs, some mountain lions. Bears are in the LA mountain range and north. What scared me the most once was a friendly dog that looked like a cayote running at me on the trail. Cayotes don't do that unless they're in a pack or are sick of something. Please keep dogs on a leash.

[@twoforkshikes1952]

You dont know my luck. 20 yrs ago in the Everglades with wife's cousin, asked if he's ever seen a bear, he said lived here 20yrs never seen one. drove a mile down the road I said there's one. 😟 sure enough.

[@shoshanafox727]

Yup. I see bears all the time. I hike a lot, carry bear spray and a bear banger. 😁🐻

[@theaviary238]

You have to help me get over my intense fear of cougars. Do a video on that please.

[@ChenInCanada]

Just came back from a backpacking trip in bear country. It is a very helpful video. It makes me feel better. Though I always think of the movie Backcountry on the trail. Lol

[@eagle8505]

I am overweight and arthritis but have done some small hikes a few miles it's fun.

[@tomscorner7970]

I was camping once and a storm came up. The thunder and lighting was so bad, sounded like a war going on and I was being shelled, bombs going off everywhere. It was so bad I pulled my sleeping bag over my head with my fingers in my ears. It lasted for around 20 minutes and it blew by. I woke up the next morning and there were trees and branches down everywhere. It was a wonder a tree didn't fall on top of my tent.

[@ifell3]

This is one of the most useful backpacking videos I have seen, and true too.

[@dulichion]

Luke youre the man! Always informative, and logical responses! Love it!

[@HKFromAbove]

Love your channel. Great advice. You have inspired me to do monthly overnight adventures. Once it cools down here. Summer is not a good time for camping in HK. 28-35C and usually no wind. And in a 3+ season tent well you get the pic. Time to train!

[@TheJohn8765]

The bears in my area have learned what caches look like and have learned they can cut the rope(s) to get them down. :) Smart buggers.

[@PatientPerspective]

Excellent video. I don't have a car so I have to stay local but we do have two parks, one county and the other local. The closest there's no camping but the county one there is. I saw some reviews, though, they said it's pretty close to the military base so. But I think I'll try it anyway. Just need to get to the camp spot once I get down there. I'll definitely take your video to heart.

[@Eric-ew8jt]

Going out tonight Luke, I live in big predator country . There's been a lone wolf spotted a few times, be situationally aware of your surroundings. And Bear Spray never hurt, and the fact that we are getting 18 plus hours of daylight right now will help. Thanks for these videos bro. Remember the acronym S.T.O.P.

[@eagle8505]

What is s.t.o.p?

[@KaziCare]

i just hate walking into spider webs haha thats my only gripe

[@JMD1965]

...but it still looks hilarious to your hiking buddies doing that 'freak out' dance when you hit one. I always get laughs with that

[@mikemcelveen2973]

You know! Instant wuss just add web😂

[@mooreoutdoor9841]

That's one reason I prefer to go in the Fall and Winter over Summer. I like to let other people leave camp first and do the silk blazing. LOL!

[@sarahbrian-munoz4289]

TheKaziCo That ALWAYS happens to me! If there's a spiderweb in a forest of 1000's of trees I will walk thru it! Right on the face.

[@gonewiththenguyens9573]

I’m more scared of running into a spider than a bear lol. I ran into a banana spider web and the spider almost landed on my face. I about had a heart attack.

[@gonewiththenguyens9573]

I grew up in NC and FL and the only scary encounter I had was I waked passed a swampy area and saw the tail of an alligator. Just remember to be smart, not approach them, and remember to stay calm! We also have bears at our cabin in NC and we have only caught one on camera. They typically don’t like being around people anyways. But sometimes they get curious haha.

[@johnemerick5860]

Fear is a heighten sence of awareness...