Feeling Safe

Adventurelover · 02-25-2010, 01:24 PM

If you go alone hiking or walking on trails what do you do to feel safe? I carry my cell phone with me but worry about getting a signal if I was in trouble.

jason · 02-25-2010, 09:16 PM

I starting using a walking stick last year. Not sure how much it will help with snakes and other small creatures, but it could be useful. I have a thick wood stick rather then the trekking poles.

I usually have a 5-6 inch blade on me. Not much of a protection, but another tool.

Cell phone of course, but you never know with signal. Plus my phone acts up every once in a while.

And I usually tell someone where I'm going, what my planed area will be and a rough time when I will be back. I think that my safe my life over anything else.

Bradsalex · 02-25-2010, 10:46 PM

Well usually the only protection that I carry is my knife. I don't really fear getting attacked for some reason. I would hand off my youngest in his pack to my wife and her and my oldest would just keep going. This is of course if I see the animal before hand and have time to react. I figure I'd survive fairly well, I've got enough ideas to cover my behind I suppose. BUT... now that we are allowed to carry firearms in national parks I will have my pistol with me.

Reese · 02-26-2010, 01:04 PM

I always carry a knife and a first aid kit with me. I recently got a dog, so now she comes along with me and makes me feel pretty protected.

campclose · 02-26-2010, 07:26 PM

I never really thought about danger when I'm out hiking. I try to only go in areas that I know are safe. I also will hike with other people or at least tell them where I will be. Cell phones are a must too.

failghe · 02-26-2010, 08:52 PM

I always bring my cell phone, multi-tool and dogs when hiking. I feel pretty safe out there but you never know what can happen. I guess pepper spray wouldn't hurt to bring along just in case of emergency from animals and people.

Newanderthal · 03-02-2010, 04:04 PM

Going into the woods should be the thing that makes you feel safe. You're far more likely to run into trouble and be harmed while on your lunch break than in the woods. Keep your wits about you and you'll be safer in the forest than at any point in a city. It's people that are dangerous to you.

Poison ivy and dehydration should be the biggest concerns when hiking.

Most people you'll meet in the middle of nowhere are just like you, out there to enjoy the peace and quiet.

2coastcamper · 03-02-2010, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newanderthal

Going into the woods should be the thing that makes you feel safe. You're far more likely to run into trouble and be harmed while on your lunch break than in the woods. Keep your wits about you and you'll be safer in the forest than at any point in a city. It's people that are dangerous to you.

Poison ivy and dehydration should be the biggest concerns when hiking.

Most people you'll meet in the middle of nowhere are just like you, out there to enjoy the peace and quiet.

Woohoo ... welcome back!