I honestly can't say enough about how thankful I am for this whole beginner series. I've grown up tent camping (in normal campgrounds) and day hiking, and for some reason, now that I am in my 30s, backpacking suddenly seems very appealing. A new frontier for me...especially as a female. The whole series has been a huge help, especially with gaining confidence. Confidence in choosing equipment, and in what I can accomplish. It's amazing how many people will tell a 35yr old woman face to face that it's too dangerous and there's no way I can start backpacking this "late" in life.
"Chipmunks sound incredibly huge when you're scared at night..." Lol Best line ever. No joke though. A few years ago I was camping out in Tyler and I heard a sound of rustling and I saw movement. Scared the hell out of me because it caught me off guard. It was a family of raccoons digging around lol Crazy hungry critters. Those things (especially in state parks) don't give two s**ts about anything...they go right up to your camp site and look for food. Lol
"They want to stay as far away from you as humanly possible". Actually, they want to stay as far away from you as bearly possible :-) Thanks for the series in general and this one in particular!
When you spray, if the wind is not at your back, you are going to spray your self as well... Now you are dealing with an angry bear, and you cant see or breath to defend your self... And before you consider hanging your food bag, You do realize bears can climb trees right... We call Food bags "Bear Pinatas"... Take a Frick'n Gun... And if you live in a state where you can not carry a firearm then move to another state!!!
Joe Watson statistically (truthfully, realistically) you are more likely to be killed/maimed by a bear if you have a gun for protection versus using bear spray. If you are being hunted by an animal, it will approach from downwind ;)
Appreciate your honesty about the dark. It can absolutely be scary. Especially when staying on a new trail - even if you have someone with you. It's a natural fear I think many of us still have even though we've been backpacking for a while. Keep up the great videos. You've become my favorite backpacking channel.
I am a RVN vet x a tour and a half. Did some shit , saw some shit when with the 75th . And I will say , there have been times when this (supposed) hard charging manly man has been unjustly scared while BPing solo .a bunch of shit looks scary at night !!! Truth be told, as he says , unless in Griz country it is 'probably' in your (my) mind !!!! great vid !!! .........Gubs
Haha. Just the other night I was out and it sounded like something raccoon or Coyotes size was walking all over the woods around me. Luckily while siting on the ground eating dinner I was watching these large beetles walking over really dry leaves and making the most astounding racket. Luckily I was in a hammock so I wasn't worried about beetles ganging up on me. It really is amazing how loud things sound in an "empty" forest. Instead of trying to ignore the sounds and get to sleep (which tends not to work), I find it best to make it fun by listening to the sounds and enjoy the experience. This tends to put me to sleep.
Thank you so much for your video series. I am about to do my first backpacking trip and I will be solo. I am gaining value from your videos and your personality and straightforwardness make it easy to connect to the content as well.
I still get the jitters before a solo trip. I worry about things like injury, getting lost, predators, creepy people, etc. Having done it many times, I now have confidence that things will be ok. Eventually I get into a groove and things just feel natural and safe. It takes some getting use to, but anyone wishing to do a solo trip definitely should. Great video series Jason.
that is the best advice I have heard....thanks so much, looking forward to my first solo hike this summer. You give me the confidence to do this knowing that yes, it will be scary, but hell yes I can do this!
Perfect timing. Just commented on Early Riser 71's channel and asked if he ever gets afraid on his AT thru hike. I do at times even on a day hike--especially when the trail is overgrown & thick. 😬
Great video. I mostly solo hike and I have to admit that my imagination can sometimes get the best of me. But like you said, I always look forward to it and enjoy every minute of it.
Question: What about fear of other humans? Do you believe solo women backpackers should carry a weapon? Story: A couple of years ago a pack of coyotes woke me up in my tent with their howls and yips. They walked directly by my tent when I felt something lay down right next to me outside the tent (I was sleeping by the side of the tent). It stayed there for quite awhile and I could feel it's warmth. After maybe 15 minutes whatever it was took off. It wasn't afraid and actually kind of enjoyed the company - whatever it was.
Karen Lowe , I'd say bear spray is good for any encounter, effective on wolves, coyotes, mountain lions and...humans, I just bought the Alaskan one on Amazon for 29$, litewight and effective up to 30 feet! be safe out there! I've got a few solo hikes up on here if you click the pic.
+Karen Lowe a lot of women that post videos say there is nothing to worry about. I tend to feel more safe in the woods than I do walking from the parking lot to my office building in the morning. I think pepper spray should be carried by all women regardless of where they are. Guys are assholes.
Thank you for your comment. However I do know some guys who are respectful and kind and treat women with dignity. Too bad they aren't all like that. I shall carry bear spray and enjoy my times out in the beautiful forests!
Karen that happened to me and they pressed their nose into my tent, i smacked it and they took off. next time give it a back rub and you might end up with a friend
Stories like that make me wonder how people do in just shelter situations with a ground cover and a tarp. Because every single video I've seen them do that in was with their dog. A dog would definitely remove some of the jitters.
I always tent next to running water so it cancels out the noise of the forest around you... Always hang your toilet items also. Deodrant and toothpaste: anything with a smell
Had a pack of wolves come into my camp while we were up before lights out. Did not see all of them but heard them. Two of the wolves came in close to camp right on the edge that I did see and they laid down and just watch us for about 10 min and then got up and the whole pack disappeared back into the woods. Weird but cool encounter. Son was scared to death but I told him just to act cool just as if they were our family dogs.
Thank you so much for this video along with the others in this series! I’m planning on my first solo overnight up in the white mountains, and have been wanting to do it for over a year. Haven’t gotten over the fear of bears/dark (and murderers especially being a girl but that’s another thing altogether lol). This video made me feel a lot better!
Excellent video and topic man. I'm not gonna lie, I love going solo or hiking with a buddy, hanging in my Hennessey or maybe even tenting it for the night, and sometimes when you're out there alone or with someone else 10 feet away, ya hear them sticks breaking or the sounds of animals and it's a bit nerve racking... lol. It does seem silly, but it's the truth and I've been camping and in the outdoors my entire life. I always throw a podcast on and set the sleep timer when I lay down for the night, it helps give me some kinda noise and it's just routine now. Love this series, I do hope ya continue with the trips and reviews and your current gear vids tho! Have a good one buddy
thank you for these videos. I'm getting back to it (first trip in 3 yrs 2 weeks ago at the 50 yr old bday mark) and very helpful to have refresher videos plus this fear one
Thank you for this! I watched this right before I did a long hike in South Park (fellow yinzer!) and heard some creepy animal sounds. I was reminded to stay calm and use my stern teacher voice!
Not many bushcrafters or hikers hit on bear safety while in the woods. I think Jason (Frozen) did a fantastic job. I was hoping to do one on bears myself. Frozen, you beat me to it. Great job!
Went camping for the first time 2 weeks ago at Catalina island. After I started the camp 🔥 to cook turkey bacon and couscous, the island fox 🦊 show up 3 time! I shine my small touch light on it and made some noise, it eventually went away. The glow on it's eyes when my touch light shine on it was scary. I worry that it would go inside my tent. It happened in the cabin near by, the girls screamed and the ranger had to get rid of it. I brought 2 batteries LED tea candles & solar power stakes to keep my tent from being in complete darkness
When you spray, if the wind is not at your back, you are going to spray your self as well... Now you are dealing with an angry bear, and you cant see or breath to defend your self... And before you consider hanging your food bag, You do realize bears can climb trees right... We call Food bags "Bear Pinatas"... Take a Frick'n Gun... And if you live in a state where you can not carry a firearm then move to another state!!!
I do not live in bear country, but we do have wild hogs (ALWAYS HANG YOUR FOOD AWAY FROM CAMP) and poisonous snakes. Oh, and I have armadilophobia. Seriously, I'd rather see a snake than an armadillo. I've decided to go with a hammock instead of a tent to get my up off the ground and away from all the "critters", lol! Overcoming our fears is hard work, ya'll. Once again, another great video. THANK YOU!
Thanks for this video. My 'bearanoia' has kept me from bumping up from day hiking to overnight trips. We mostly hike & camp the eastern Sierras so the bears are a concern. The food hanging video is good too. Glad I found your series!
Was camping in my hammock one night and started hearing big crashes all around me. Sounded like deer but it kept getting closer and closer. I yelled at them to get out of here but they only went silent then came closer and starting snorting at me so I shined my headlamp where the sounds were but the bug netting just reflected the light right back at me. I decided to just try and shut them out until one snorted very aggressively at me. Keep in mind that I'm up in the air, can't see out and have no shoes on. It got to the point that I thought I was about to get attacked by rutting deer and just unzipped, hopped out and started running in my socks through the woods to get away. It's a pretty helpless feeling being cocooned up in a hammock when the shit goes down! Next time, I WILL have a high powered flashlight by my side and sleep in my shoes.
Good Topic! It's a little different out west, but animal attacks are still rare. I have never had any problems with animals living in the U.P. of Michigan my entire life. You just don't want to somehow get between a bear and her cub. Also like you said be smart with your food when camping.
Your videos help me out so much, still very much a rookie, but watch and re-watch for more pointers. first solo backpacking is definitely a little scary. Let's go Penguins!
i had a pack of coyotes come into camp and smell our tents (3). pressing their nose into tent. i smacked it and they took off. craziest interaction i ever had so far.
Tested out my tent last night couldn’t really get to sleep but I managed a few hours. Tried it again to night but the wind flapping around my tent was creeping me out, so I went inside. Will try again tomorrow night.
Great video! You did the Morrison loop. You know how Coyotes can act. That's was my first time hearing them howl in the wild. Not scary but definitely woke me up.
Carrying bear spray all the time is actually a good idea, no matter if you're in black bear or grizzly bear country. Why not? It's light weight and works not only on bear but every other animal in the forest. It also works on the "two legged" threat that you may come across. Note on black bear: While they are generally less dangerous than grizzly bears, they can and do attack people from time to time. It only takes ONE TIME to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you come across a black bear that's in a bad mood you don't want to become his lunch or at best be mauled. Be ready and stay ready! Carry bear spray!
+Plastic Apple unused to carry it on all my solo trips but from my runins with bear. It just wasn't worth the extra weight and discomfort. It does no good in your backpack and need to be in a pocket or on the hip.
Like a gun, bear spray should always be readily available. The bear spray I carry is the Magnum size from UDAP Industries, shoots 30 feet, and comes with a nylon holster. It's always on my belt and I don't even notice it's there so I'm not sure why you talk about discomfort. You say it wasn't worth the extra weight? I'm 57 years old and never notice the extra weight, even on 15 mile mountain hikes in Washington state. If I ever do need it I've got it. Hopefully you'll never be in a situation where you reach down for your bear spray and then in horror realize that you left it at home because it was too heavy. Take care and be safe.
+Plastic Apple it always gets in the way of my hip belt. Plus I like wearing work out shorts while hiking in hot weather. If you feel you need to carry by all means. Everyone is different. Thousands of AT thru hikers chose not to carry and they are fine. I carried my first year but didn't feel it was necessary.
Like a life jacket on a boat, it only works if you're wearing it. Thousands of "other" hikers has nothing to do with what might happen to you, me, or anyone else while hiking. I'd rather be PREPARED for what "might" happen and have a way to defend myself instead of ending up on a statistical chart someday. You're talking about WILD animals here. You said you didn't feel it was necessary? You not needing it in the past has nothing to do with what might happen in the future. I'm not trying to argue with you. I just think it's very careless for people to assume that they don't need certain types of protection while hiking or camping. I speak from experience.
And there's a lot of ways to carry bear spray. You can attach the holster to one of your backpack straps. You wouldn't even know it's there, until you need it. Take care
I was very much wondering why people would be afraid sleeping outside above the age of 6. But yeah, realized you're in bear territory. I really appreciate that the scariest thing I have to deal with are seagulls at the coastline and boar mothers if you're really unlucky. And they just run, they're not particularly big and aggressive in my area.
Just wanted to thank you for all the videos man and inspiration/learning, I added you as a featured channel I might as well I learned a good deal from you and really enjoy you're adventures so thanks man always a thumbs up.
So I decided to revisit this video because all my (3) backpacking friends have turned up ghost for an upcoming weekend trip... I'm not sure if all the bear talk helped or hurt.... Not your intention I know. I'll be curious to see if I get out of the parking lot;)
The one thing you have forgot to mention is that when you spray, if the wind is not at your back you are going to spray your self as well, and now you are dealing with an angry bear and you cant see or breath to defend your self... Chances are good you wil end up making your situation worse, not better..
A loaded colt 45 would make me more comfortable at night. Blast a few rounds near camp and that'll let everything out there know not to mess with me, my food or my tent.
Always look forward to your videos. Very well done and very useful AND enjoyable. You mention audio books. Any place in particular you get your audiobooks from? What type books you prefer?
Black bears are more curious than anything unless with cubs, or you might have to run up a tree like my cousin did. But theres actually bear zoo in michigan you can pet the cubs at.
Great video. I actually backed out of a solo trip just a few days ago for fear of being skeered. Wish I would've went so I could have had it under my belt. Fear of injury was also a concern and become stranded. Just peace of mind of having a partner is huge. Was also worried I would just be absolutely bored without someone to talk to.
Yea it takes a bit to go on a solo trip. But I actually prefer them now to hiking with another person. The sleep quality i get at night is amazing. I like being on my own schedule with no one to worry about except myself. You should go man! Just be careful
Thanks hopefully going camping in Iowa this summer. Iowa should be pretty safe place to solo camp. If I went to boundary Waters or a big national park I'd def go with someone.
Hey! It's me again. One of your fans. So I'm doing the AT starting probably March or April. I'm scared of a couple things since I'm going solo. 1- heights. Yes I'm going to summit mountains seriously scared of heights. If I try to climb a fire tower I literally get dizzy. My legs go jelly and I have to sit or pass out. Will I get dizzy on those peaks too? I'm thinking of sticking by the treeline while ducking or crawling if I have to and bypassing the wicked steep ones. Advice? 2- im not scared of bears since I camp in the Whites but I'm scared of nighttime woods sounds. Everything sounds so big and close! Plus im super petite. My packs bigger than me. I scare literally nobody lol. Anything can eat me. Sucks looking like dinner but i'm getting some really pointy poles trust me. Advice on sounds though? I'm not comfy wearing ear buds in case I really become dinner! 3- like I said im kinda little. im 5'4 exactly and 112lbs soaking wet. Plus I'm fully adult but I look like a kid. Am I gonna walk outta Maine looking like a trekking pole myself? And are people gonna fuc$ with me?? The weight loss freaks me out the most. Anyway thanks for your videos! It's almost a year away but I'm jittery! ✌
Not much, however I'm an idiot and ended up curling up and showing the grizzly attack position in the exact place the bear spray landed lol. So yea about 30 minutes after the video i was burning all over my arms and legs haha.
But what if a bear attacks while listening to an audio book? Kidding! I have also listened to a few audio books. The best ones are (True stories of bear attacks, When man becomes prey & Bear attacks of the century). It makes it more adventurous that way. ;-) For real though.... Good video man. I've been on several solo's and the first few times I wondered what every single noise was.
Thanks for your informative videos. I watched your West Rim trail videos and plan in hiking solo in the summer. I would like to know about myself how I do solo backpacking in preparation for longer treks. I noticed West Rim in the summer has lots of snakes, what is your advice on snake safety?
I've been camping at least a hundred times. I live in California and I normally end up camping in the Sequoias which can have black bears but I have never seen one besides scat once. This past weekend my 2 brothers and I went on a backpacking trip and I was good all day until the 1st night came around and we went to our separate tens. For some reason I thought of bears and it instantly clicked something in my head and I was too scared to go to sleep. It was so weird because this has never happened to me. I think maybe because my little brother went with us for the 1st time and maybe I was just thinking about his safety too much. Every little noise I heard just made my heart start racing. I'm going again in a couple weeks with 2 other friends and I hope I don't mind f*** myself again.
Just know...that rangers and national parks greatly under report bear attacks/deaths and bears can sense your fear and if you can't sleep; which in turn, agitates them. Hope that helps 🙏
ακ⊕mpﾚïςε I believe it. Just going off the fact that missing people are rarely kept track of in national parks. (Been into the Missing People 411 videos) But yeah I’ve went backpacking since this post and I did a lot better. Haha
My fear ,, I have no sense of direction , but I know it so that helps me prepare for it ,,, and I bear hunt in the fall during the bow season, iv had success 3 times, 99.9% of bear's will run , I only encountered black Bear, we don't have grizzly
WTF....I swear I saw sasquatch following him in the back ground if you look close , and the later with the distant wood knocking. I for one do not use headphones or babble while moving. Your in a different world out there, never mind the mountain lions.
I like a little music around camp...usually "country"...but whatever. Just hearing another human voice tends to make me a little more comfortable sometimes. I also wonder if another "human" voice also deters predators. If I fall asleep to it, leaving the radio on all night...does a "human" voice deter predators at night while you are sleeping??
Hey Jason, thanks for this series! I’m preparing to go on my first overnight hike, and these have been super helpful! One question; you say around the 5 minute mark of this video not to eat at camp. Does that mean we should stop and eat dinner before we get to camp? I guess I just assumed that we’d eat dinner once we set up camp. Let me know your thoughts as I’m trying to learn as much as possible before we go. Thanks!
You can eat near camp but not wise to eat where you sleep. Try and eat 100 to 200 feet away from camp in high bear activity areas. I've never had a problem but better practice the right precautions.
Cool, thanks! We’re hiking the Manistee River Trail Loop in the northern lower peninsula of Michigan, so there’s Black Bear in that area. Thanks again!
