Are You Ever Afraid To Tent?

hummingbirdee · 05-03-2012, 03:17 AM

Sometimes when I tent, I can hear every little sound. I can hear coyotes off in the distance and twigs crackling. I have one eye opened all night long. I worry about a wild animal approaching the tent and trying to get in. Are you ever afraid to camp in a tent and what do you do to calm your fears?

**CozInCowtown** · 05-03-2012, 06:51 AM

Afraid?
No!!
Why??
Big Freakin' Revolver!!

Feel free to try this technique, it works well for me and my family both when traveling and at home.
Coz

Grandpa · 05-03-2012, 09:45 AM

No fear whatsoever here. Now if I lived in Tornado Alley or Hurricane Junction, I'd sure be watching the sky at night.

Keep all food and garbage out of the tent at night and you will not have visitors.

ppine · 05-03-2012, 10:11 AM

No fear, but caution. Revolvers and bear spray are good.

edit- I recently bought a Ruger LCR in .357 mag. I am in love with the thing, the perfect gun for backpacking. I went on a hike on Sun and it fits perfectly in the backpocket of a pair of jeans.

Lamebeaver · 05-03-2012, 10:15 AM

No, I'm not.

Pathfinder1 · 05-03-2012, 10:18 AM

Hi...

Coyotes in the distance?...don't worry...they can't harm you from there.

Crackling twigs?...probably just a passing wolverine...they're harmless..unless you're trying to steal their food...!!

Not in a wolverine area?...then it was probably something else.

Barney · 05-03-2012, 10:27 AM

It all depends on the mood but I'm usually not afraid. On occasion, as you said, there are certain sounds that make you wonder what is out there.

shaun · 05-03-2012, 11:06 AM

There is always a risk when you are camping in the wild, but there are precautions you can take to reduce the risk. A fire will scare away any unwanted animals, and a gun will give you a sense of security.

bsmit212 · 05-03-2012, 11:53 AM

No. When it comes to most animals, I follow the rule you leave them alone and they will leave you alone (yes I know sometimes it is possible to bug them without meaning to) and it is kind of hard to bug something from inside your tent.

IndianaHiker · 05-03-2012, 04:03 PM

Being a backpacker there is only one time I am afraid of a tent. That is when I pick it up and feel how heavy it is. That is why I no longer use a tent. If the weather is nice throw up my hammock or just sleep out in the ground in the open. If weather looks wet then I use a tarp.

Reason not afraid is that any animals that may be there are not looking to harm me. They are simply looking for food. If in an area where bears are follow the simple precautions and hang a bear bag from a tree. No I don't carry a gun and I tend to let any campfire burn out before going to bed. Always feel safer out there then in town to be honest.