Why Hikers Are Dying--- 3 Unprepared Hikers in Danger --- Lessons Learned --- News on the Trail 

Doug, I forgot to mention how selfish it is for people to go out unprepared. The rescuers have to RISK THEIR LIVES, to save careless people. Let’s hope your channel helps prevent all this bad stuff. An ounce of Doug Shoe, is worth a pound of rescue, lol

Homeless here: I just weathered a nasty 3 days of sub-zero in a scout pit. I seen it coming on the weather channel and dug out my scout pit and built a massive fire the day it was coming. I threw a ton of rocks and let it burn down. In the meantime I cut all the wood I could. Come sunset I filled dirt over it and reassembled my roof and heavily insulated it. I opened all my canned food and place into Ziplocs, makes it much easier to deal with when frozen. I stayed too warm! Know the bad... It started raining when it warmed up into freezing rain covering everything including the roads with about a 1/2" of ice. I forgot to cover my firewood and worst I did not have the ice cleats for the bottom of my boots. The entire town more less shut down for 2 days and they advised people to stay home. When I made it back to town everyone I knew looked like they got in a wreck from slipping and falling on the ice repeatedly. One homeless girl had a broken arm, life's gonna suck hard for her now. You could not find a single pair of the ice cleats nowhere, everyone was sold out! One of my friends passed away and another lost his lower legs, both were drunk. Suppose to be in the high 40s for the next 10 days and most nights above freezing. I'm heading back out to rebuild my winter home much better and better equipped. Those peeps were blessed and highly favored! Glad they have a home to heal up in. I lived in the Alaskan bush for a long time and still get thrown a curve every once in a while! Thanks for the vids, keep em coming.

I think there is a underlying issue with consumerism in hiking culture that can contribute to hiker deaths in winter conditions with the modern hiker choosing the newest gear fad instead of opting for time tested gear

After backpacking over 900 miles of the Appalachian Trail, I never go backcountry hiking, even day hiking, without the 10 Essentials....as a starting point. Then I add whatever I would need to survive through the night in case of an emergency. If that means I add pounds to my kit....okay with me. My life is worth it. Stay safe out there Y'all! Blessings and Happy Trails! 🙏

Thank you for doing your best to raise awareness of the seriousness of the wilderness during winter. Most people can’t fathom how unforgiving it can be, and that’s when everything goes right. One little snafu can be fatal.

I’m a new hiker and I listen to your every word. Thank you for your videos. I’d rather learn from other people’s mistakes than my own.

I’m 56 and have been mountaineering and hiking the Cascades of Washington most of my life. I’d like to add two thoughts. 1) A study of accidents in mountain climbing shows that deaths and serious injuries happen to climbers of all experience levels. Newer climbers make poor choices from lack of experience, but also tend to be more cautious or deliberate. Complacency or just a willingness to take greater risks is characteristic of more experienced climbers. 2) People often think they would do this or that in a critical situation. They are usually great ideas, and would likely insulate one from the bitter cold. The problem is that most these ideas can only realistically be accomplished before the situation becomes critical. Even with proper equipment, the task of building a shelter requires hard work and sweat. Sweating when it’s cold and windy can quickly lead to hypothermia. Just unzipping a jacket or tying a basic knot becomes a challenge in such conditions.

My daughter and I carry a minimum of 2 headlamps per person. Even if its 9 AM and a 3 mile stroll (like the ever-popular Lincoln Woods Trail). Thanks, Doug! God bless you and all the SAR folks!

I never tried cold camping before but had a interest. I've no desire to get super drastic or way off the beaten trail but here's how I started out. I waited for it to get pretty cold, just 28f the first time, and dressed up and packed my gear and marched myself into my back yard for an easy to bail out trial run. No prob. Waited for even colder weather, 16f, and did it again. Now I feel I'm ready to go out, not to far, and try it for real. Baby steps and know your limits.

Thank you for this video. Hypothermia and impending frostbite can make fine motor skills vanish. A fire-starting kit is useless if your fine motor skills are gone. That is why I carry a 30 minute or 45 minute road flare whenever I am in the woods. One can ignite a road flare even if one's hands are numb.

Knowledge is power. Experience is wisdom. Thank you!

Thank goodness this did not turn out to be another tragedy I don't understand why people don't prepare themselves in the right way especially in the winter time in the mountains of New Hampshire Maine Massachusetts any of the mountains you have to be prepared for anything. Thank you for bringing this to everyone's attention

Cant believe they were not prepared better. Its winter time. Thank God for quick rescue

Thank You Doug for your videos on Awareness! Two things stood out to me on this. I always try to dress appropriately for the weather and then some..And I have carried on my person a small flashlight everyday for the past 8 years..If it is a 50% chance of rain people carry a umbrella but even knowing that it is 100 % chance that it will be dark in the next 12 hours or so...still very few carry a flashlight.

Thanks again to the brave men and women of the rescue teams. God bless you. Doug, My hope is that your message can reach more people. Unfortunately, most of your audience aren't the ones who would most benefit as they are more experienced. Nevertheless, your message is God sent. Thank you for making these stories more widely known.

Experienced hikers are over confident and other people are just down right unprepared. I’ve noticed just in general people are out in the weather not even dressed properly. Thanks for you bringing attention to this

Having taken risks in the White Mountains does not make me a wise man. There have been a few times that I have been truly afraid in the White Mountains: A winter hike, alone, returning to the shelter, my core temperature dropped, the uncontrolled shaking from my chest radiating out to the rest of my body terrified me. It was the winter sleeping bag in the shelter that was only 100 meters distance from the moment the the shaking began that made the difference. Fear in the mountains is not what one should be experiencing. Calculated risks that involve the difference between life and death should be rare, if at all in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Be safe my friends.

Doug thank you for these updates as we all need to be reminded of what it takes to stay safe in the wilderness!!!!!

Hello from Brunswick, Maine, US...

I grew up with Christopher's Father and Uncles I consider the Roma's my family. They are the kindest people and they have always been there for me when I needed anything. I met Chris years ago, he was in his early twenty's. I followed him on FB during his Appalachian trek. I know his uncle Neil was very proud of him , he always talked of him. This was very hard for the family and his friends. It was overwhelming to see that community rally around the family. It is good to know that people are so genuine. Even though I did not know Chris on a personal level , this tragedy broke my heart , I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that showed positive support, And on a personal level.your videos on this gave me some comfort. I spent the weekend at the Indian Head Resort. I wanted to thank the staff there , they were wonderful. I will never look at that man in the mountain the same way .

Thank you Doug for posting this!! This is much needed to be put out there. I’m posting this on my Facebook page.

Thanks for raising awareness of this. NH hiker here who has seen all kinds of irresponsible hikers out there. I'm a hunter as well so I don't like paying for the costs to rescue unprepared hikers.

I love this channel for the plain common sense and great gear reviews plus a Bible verse at the end.

Wow it’s windy up here, where did all the trees go? My feet and hands are getting cold and I’m moving further away from my vehicle. Answer: things a 6yr old says when they exit the tree line. Good work bro Doug!

I like the suggestion of carrying a power bank. I have started doing that lately. If I get lost, or for some other reason cannot get out in a timely fashion, it will allow me to recharge my headlamp, and phone. Without light in the pitch dark in the woods you are utterly helpless.

Winter hiking solo,especially above treeline, is beautiful. I've seen plenty of northern lights,looking north off the presidential range. One better be in top shape,and put the time in what they are doing. I also hiked the AT. I find many people are physically unprepared. Also, many experienced people get into trouble, to much experience. I find if it's what they love doing. What more can they ask. I think more education is needed,not regulation. Wingfoot said," once corporate gets involved in public lands,they will exploit it for their interests. " I believe he is correct. Stay safe,and don't be afraid to turn back. Learn skills,like building a snow cave or igloo. It takes time and is hard work. If ine go slowly and trys not to sweat. Sweat is your enemy. I personally never carry a phone. I don't recommend it unless it ones choice. I remember the Albert Dowd incident, and would never call anyone. Your on your own up there,and don't rely on others.

This is great information. I hope people who need this information will get it. I'm usually cautious and don't hike alone or to dangerous places and in questionable weather. I'm 56 and some of the three are around my age. I'm not sure why they didn't use wisdom and plan better. It's good that more people are getting out and exercising, but planning is still needed when doing something potentially dangerous.

We had a scare at Mount Washington yesterday ,my dog fell about 10 feet straight down ,turned around right after that happened ,my nerves were shot I thought he was dead or broke something about a half mile from the summit ,clouds rolled in and wind picked up after that fall ,my nerves were shot after that and turned around to hike another day ,it’s not worth it

We do indeed need to thank all rescuers for putting themselves out there for us all when the call comes in Thanks for sharing these stories

Great info, everyone needs to hear it. Prepare for the worst, snything csn happen even on short hikes youve done hundreds of times.

Enjoyed the video! Good information! Thanks for sharing!

Good vid. It is so very sad for anyone to die like that. Just blazing trail, or takeing a roll of flagging tape to mark ones path. And being able to make fire. Thats why we who do bushcraft and survival content try to get that message out there. Might just save a life. Thank you for doing what you can to spread the word.

My rule for hike of more than 1 mile ,three days supplies complete with shelter & heat source otherwise stay home

So grateful I found your channel. Thank you for caring for and about others. I used to hike the Smokies, always had a plan, and let others know my start and stop points. I’m now in San Diego. God bless you Doug.

Good video Doug , thanks for sharing YAH bless brother !

Hikers should need park permits to hike during the winter. Permit's only to be issued if hiker's are properly equipped! They should be charged for the cost of the rescue!! Fools!

I hope that they were given the bill for their rescue.!!!!

Sadly this is all to common now .I live by Mt Greylock in MA every year few need to be rescued from the mtn for being unprepared. Great video

More incredibly valuable Woods Wisdom, Pastor Doug! While most of us have used poor judgment in various situations, in extreme weather (Hot or COLD), it is unwise to jeopardize the well-being of oneself, one's companions, & Rescuers; that does not include the emotional trauma created for family, friends, & loved ones. I have learned the hard way on many occasions (HOTor COLD) that I should always PREPARE for unpredictable situation at least one step MORE than I had anticipated. A word to the wise should be sufficient, but that is not always the case. The White Mountains & Mt. Everest are not the only dangerous places in winter weather. Just last week-end here in the so-called "Warm Sunny South" our actual temperatures were in the single digits with wind-chills hovering at ZERO or BELOW. At age 82, I am almost old enough to be the father of the oldest of the 3 lost hikers mentioned in this rescue; I have a wonderful wife & 3 younger generations whom I love, so I must not put selfish pleasures or ambitions above their well-being. Thanks for keeping this in front of us viewers; heeding your advice can prevent much UNNECESSARY suffering, whether physical or emotional. In a separate comment, I will explain a personal project which I hope someone will develop and share on RU-vid. Thanks, & may God bless you!

And people still take small kids out on the AT in cold weather for a thru hike. The trail kills grown men.

This particular presentation reminded me of an unfinished "Stay Warm in the COLD" project which I have pondered for several years; and it is NOT expensive. Using the following components, I am developing a Bed Roll/Shelter System which should provide enough protection for an unexpected overnight winter emergency. The components would be very helpful duing a vehicle break-down as well as in a trek away from one's vehicle into yonder woods. COMPONENTS are: a bedsheet as a base layer over whatever clothing is worn on that occasion; a Mylar reflective blanket; a Harbor Freight mover's quilt; at least one WOOL blanket; and a waterproof tarp or rain poncho. With these layers, a person could shelter in place or use this as an emergency Sleep System. Add a lighted candle, as you & others have demonstrated, & hopefully, HYPERTHERMIA can be prevented for several hours. Until I put these components together, I cannot give the total weight; but all this could be rolled inside the tarp or poncho & carried as a Traditional Bedroll. Obviously, this will immediately create negative comments from Ultra-light outdoor buffs who count every ounce; But at my age, since I never venture more than a mile from my vehicle, I think that I can manage such a system. Hopefully, Pastor Doug, you or one of your viewers will experiement with thiis & do a RU-vid presentation on my proposed project. Thanks.

Whether it's fentanyl or falling thru the ice or mowing to close to your pond and rolling over and being pinned underwater by your tractor or any other preventable cause of death the happens repeatably year after year no amount of warnings ever seem to stop some people from doing things that end their lives needlessly. These are the people who will get angry with others who try to warn them, so sadly all one can do is sit back and watch.

Best tip: stay off the mountains in the winter.

With a small of amount of forethought those sorts of problems on the mountain can be avoided. I have a small, orange emergency shelter, that was a little pricey but it's very light.

b..b,..but the weather's so NICE down at the bottom...doesn't LOOK that high!

In extreme cold batteries can fail. Lithium batteries work better in the cold. Also, useful to have a headlamp with a remote battery pack that allows the battery pack to be stored under your coat in the warmth.

Blessings in Jesus name amen

Wow, those people don't know how lucky they got..They probably all would have died if there was any delay by rescuers..That was not the weather for going above the tree line..

Hiker got found because he had a flashlight just before Christmas. "A hiker was found with the help of a flashing light after falling more than 1,200 feet down a ravine in the Olympic National Forest over the weekend. The 30-year-old man was hiking on Saturday with another individual when he fell down a ravine on Mt. Ellinor, according to the Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island." Also make a pretty good emergency handwarmer if the cold has gotten to your fingers. But dont put in a pocket whilst on, most high power lights will melt synthetic materials.

reason people make mistake is this: being in -30 C inside city different -you are in car or bus and are in elements for most 10 min. from car you go in shopping centre or house so you don't realize what -30C is. if you had to wait for your bus for 1/2 hour...you start to understand what -30C now multiply that by 3 ( 1 1/2 hr. ) now add wind chill now imagine there is no stores you can run into...even within city people have died in these conditions ( once it was only around -10C. but windy I just had 5 min walk from bus stop to home I had no gloves or poor gloves by time I got home my fingers were numb and turning key to unlock door was difficult)

We need to be high on people that endanger other peoples lives These people from the city had no business being there without having taken classes on hiking, or at least being avid hikers. If you’re not an avid hiker in the warm season, you should not be hiking in the cold seasons we need to talk more about that like not once in a while, or one time we need to be talking about this a lot.

Hey Doug.im a Nh guy.i cant Beleive all these people are just being Totaly stupid now days! I see a lot of weird behavior by the Newbys.But as long as I stay Safe and Alert of what's going on around me! Keep up the Great work doug!

If my memory serves me well and at 66 it's questionable , there's not much wood above tree line and it's not always easy to start a fire in wet cold conditions even if you have fuel , wood so for all you winter hikers pack a flare , very light and easy to start and in a emergency well I don't know just a thought .

We must also make a note of this. Every time you do a video on this topic is that they are also endangering the lies of the people that are being sent out to Rescue these bozos. People aren’t talking enough about that We need to forget about ourselves and think about other people the people that are risking their lives to save reckless behavior, people

I need someone to shed some light on why a "professional athlete" would take on these conditions, being from NH, and knowing the serious risks. Was it an ego thing? How does this happen?

Doug, I think it’s this new generation that have no common sense. An example is when people blindly follow a GPS into roads through giant forest areas that are roads to nowhere in the winter and they get stuf in the snow, many die. Inexperienced people should not even go out in winter like this. Even experienced hikers, need to be overly prepared for anything. Food, warm clothes, shelter, fire making gear, some water, and a mess kit to get more, etc. lastly, cell phones, a backup charger/solar charger,and mandatory one of those beacons so if you can’t get out, it will signal rescue teams. Thanks Doug

👣👣👣👣👣👣👣 cool👍

What exactly is "above the tree line"? Does that mean hiking up a hill or mountain that is taller than the trees a the low elevation?

Re previous video Is it always just rocks above the tree line ? Couldn't someone dig a hole to get out of the wind then make a fire?

The same things happens with recreational sailors and deer hunters. Complanceny kills.

My good god, they didnt even have flashlights or coats... darwinism at work.

Doug, you look like you are very well dressed and warm in your clothing. Could you tell me the brand of coat and pants you are wearing? I may look for them for myself.

why is being alone perceived as such a big issue? people always mention this, but can someone being with you really make much of a difference? it's not like they can carry you out. is it just that they could go for help? in this case a gps beacon would be even better. or is it that a second brain can help assess risk & the need for rescue in the first place? thanks

Appropriate clothing, headlamp, tarp, fire kit, energy bars, and a Topo Map & Compass. Prior knowledge on how to use these tools.

Jesus Forgive us our Sins & Lead us to Heaven. Amen