Overcome Backpacking Fears and Avoid Being Scared Of The Woods At Night
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- Опубліковано 23 січ 2021
- Does your fear of the dark woods keep you from enjoying a backpacking trip? Here's some tips to try on your next backpacking trip to help you not be scared of the woods at night.
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My biggest fear Matty is usually towards the end of the trip and I remember I have to go back to work. That is terrifying and I like my job.
Thats horror story material!
My fear when backpacking is close enough, although retired, its just the fact of leaving what I consider heaven ( the outdoors) to what is proverbial hell ( the city).
Most of the people I talk to have a hard time sleeping because of the night noise. The smaller the animal the more noise they make typically and those are the ones who like to visit camp. I wear ear plugs anytime I am sleeping. Happy Hiking!
I find now that I hammock, its squirrels that get me. They run along the ridgeline of my tarp from tree to tree
I used to have a fear of cougars, but have found that they tend to leave you alone when you get older.
😁😉
Seriously, though, a USB chargeable light is generally the way to go, with a coin cell (CR- 2016 or CR-2032 batteries) are excellent back- up lights. The batteries are lithium for cold weather performance, and are used in wrist watches and small bicycle lights, so are readily available. I have one clipped to my shoulder strap. Very lightweight and unobtrusive. Extra batteries are a good idea, but if your headlamp poops out after dark, you'll still need to be able to see to replace the dead batteries.
A Nightcore USB chargeable headlamp is on my wish list to simplify my hiking life.
Good stuff Matty! Keep 'em coming!👍
I just got a nitecore headlamp, and will say, it's a sweet piece of gear! I do prefer a rechargeable lamp, abd actually have all my electronics usb chargeable, so one battery bank covers me. But, not everyones on that train yet, so thats why I mentioned spare batts
hey i just came accross your video while researching abt fears of woods. I wanted to say that your vids are great :)
Personally i have more irrational fears of monsters or psychos in the woods and thats what scares me at night alone in the hammock or the tent ....
Matty, for us noobs, thank you for actually SHOWING us how to call out, instead of just saying it. Yesterday I was day hiking the Ice Age Trail in northern WI, where we have black bears, but I wasn’t expecting any in this area. I saw something running out of the corner of my eye on a separate trail that was above me that was medium sized, black, and fluffy. My first thought was a dog and I waited to hear its owner pass by. When that didn’t happen, I thought “bear!” And then I remembered this video, and for the rest of the hike, all wildlife knew I was coming!
This makes my day! I'm very happy to hear you found my advice helpful :)
😊
Thanks for making this video. My guy loves the outdoors and took me out overnight. I couldn't sleep even a wink. I love nature but dislike the crippling feeling of the "what if's.." I want to start hiking and hope to overcome my fears!!
My fiance is very much the same, and struggles with nights out in the backcountry at times, especially when we're in grizzly country. We just know to do shorter trips, where its not far of a hike to head home if we need to.
What I did, that helped quite a bit was going hiking with friends first, when it got dark it wasn't as creepy as if i was alone.
By the time i did it with friends the 3rd time i found myself a mile out of camp at 11pm foraging for fatwood
Keep in mind you are in their ( The Critters ) living room when you are out on the trail. Have respect , keep a clean camp and for the most part they will leave you alone. Being really quiet I have had critters ( Raccoons , Possums , Armadillos and Foxes ) walk into my camp at night and even under my hammock and myself. They left since there wasn't anything there for them. I have a Concealed Weapon Permit and the weapon stays home , my BIG can of Bear spray goes with me. It's non lethal , can be used on anything with four legs or with only two legs. The 4 legged critters don't worry me , they disappear into the brush. It's the 2 legged ones I don't trust , comes from 27 years in Law Enforcement. There's nothing more relaxing at night then the rain hitting my rain fly and the night sounds , especially if a Owl sounds off somewhere in the swamp.
My biggest fear is running into a Canadian yelling Hey BEAR! down here in the states..... :)😂
Most folks can only dream about being so lucky! LOL
@@MattyOutdoors LOL!
🤣🤣
Living in Yellowknife Canada going on 11 years now, and being in the backpacking camping bush craft survival craft going on six years now. It was a little unnerving for me when I first got into it, Thinking oh crap am I going to run into a bear is a wood bison gonna bowl me over? To be honest for the first year I stayed well within my comfort zone, and then slowly ventured out a little farther and a little farther until now I go totally off the beaten path and it’s always wild camping and wild bushwhacking. Trail marking tape is your best friend! I ran into a black bear once eating out of a berry bush he looked at me sniffed up in the air and then ran away into the bush I’ve had coyotes circling my camp at night in the winter howling their arse is off lol. This is now my comfort zone, But I’m not ready to be dropped off in a bush plane somewhere remote! I tend to like sticking to reality and not fantasy because unfortunately there’s a lot of people out there who fantasize. I learned real quick from watching lots of videos and talking to lots of people survival starts at home even if it’s just for a day hike take the necessary gear you might need for that unexpected night in the woods, Sorry for the long winded spiel new subscriber by the way thanks fellow Canadian
I first got into hiking and backpacking as a teenager, living in the Yukon. I'm incredibly jealous of your current northern living situation. There's just something special about the northern territories!
Its awesome that you've been able to progress from smaller outings, to now being able to find comfort in unknown wild terrain! Hopefully your comment can strike inspiration in some folks newer to the outdoors, that may be struggling with that initial fear of the unknown!
Great video...earned a new Sub from a fellow Canadian. Thanks for the useful information for someone getting into hiking and such.👍
Welcome to the hobby!
Thank you, I started getting into camping/backpacking last year i tried to go once a month, usually solo. The first half of the year was certainly a learning experience but it was really fun! though a little stressful. but the last few attempts, ive been very paranoid and fearful, especially of cougars (im on vancouver island, where we have the highest population densistiy in all of north america), and i just get so freaked out, even by the thought a human will come by and have bad intentions.
I will say that after buying a tent...it did help to sleep not so out-in-the open, although im much easier to spot, it was good to have somewhere safe feeling, as opposed to 'cowboy camping'
Hey Matty, I'm from Toronto and i like to fish at night by myself. This helped me out a lot. Thanks a bunch ⚡
Really happy to hear it helped!
I always have the fear of peoples reactions when they see my ultralight pack, quilt, pad and tent, and then notice my jetboil...
My biggest fear, is being spotted with a UL poser hauling a jetboil... ;)
Winter camping solves the bear issues. When camping in summer, you can use a small UDAP electric bear fence to help you sleep at night. Won't stop them but it will give even a grizzly pause before it comes into your tent...you'll hear it at least and it would give you time to grab your spray. Hanging an empty tin can off your belt with a rock in it makes enough noise for most animals to hear you coming.
It does and it doesnt, ive seen bears out and active every month of the year, still have to be bear aware in the winter.
Outstanding video- subscribed
Glad you enjoyed!
Another tip, if you are cooking food(other than freeze dried). Clean your pots or pans away from your tent.
Always a good idea!
Really enjoy your trip videos Matty, really get a chance to see some beautiful landscapes I prolly will never get the chance to see. Respect your experience and the information and tips you give out. Wondered why moose didn’t make it into your animal encounter fears? My animal fears is stepping over a log onto a snake always put my trekking pole over the log first. Second animal fear is sitting on a black widow or a brown recluse in a privy. For me my biggest fear is a true accident where and ankle is turned or a knee is sprained, the unavoidable oh snap and how would I get myself out of this mess. Keep up the great work.
Moose never made it onto my list, as I've honestly never had a close encounter with one, and most people up here are usually overly worried about the predatory animals, so that's why I mentioned them. But man, I couldn't do snakes. I'll take a grizzly on trail over a snake anyday. So thankful we dont have those up here!
Mark, you don't step over a log. Nor do you put your trekking pole over first - snakes don't like being poked in the eye. Step ONTO the log, check the other side and then step off the other side. Most snakes 'hear' you coming miles off but here in South Africa we have a fat, ugly, lazy snake called a Puffadder. He won't move out of your way - he will wait for you to tread on him and THEN he will bite you.
Your thumbnail was scary. Love that you talk about bear spray being the last line of defense. The heebeejeebees are legit!
Hopefully not too scary!
cool stuff i use to be afraid of the forrest at night but now i go out all the time i even post my night walks on my channel.
Once you get over those fears!
Congrats On your upcoming fatherhood Matty that's fantastic news. My two are the best thing that ever happened to me.
Fears - Columbia Ground Squirrels - bastards got under my vestibule and dined on my boots (seriously) at Skoki.
earplugs work wonders for a better nights sleep and just getting out and going solo to a familiar place near by helped me a lot.
Your thoughts on bear bangers vs. bear spray ?
Thank you! I'm extremely excited for whats to come!
I've had porcupines eat boot laces before!
As for bangers vs spray, they're both used for different applications. Spray is your last line of defense, while bangers are generally best used at a distance. Bangers can also land a hefty fine in our NP up here, as Parks Canada lists them under the same jurisdiction as firearms.
If I was in Canada, I would be terrified to solo camp. on the AT, I think I will be more afraid of people!!
Hearing some of the stories of the issues on the AT, I think I'll take the grizzlies and mountain lions up here :)
One fear I get... That I wasn't aware of is when your out and about in even a local state park that you've been to a few times. An hour or 2 so walk in any direction and your out. But when your off the trail just exploring and things suddenly get... Weird. You start to feel very unwelcomed and even a sense of danger creeping up in you. Like the trees themselves don't like you. There something your gut telling you to get outta there it's not where you should be. When your truly alone. And it's not like exploring the woods at night where the is an inheritant creepy feeling to it. It's just a strange and odd feeling. Like turn and run. I have gotten this feeling twice. Almost like anxiety but I'm not an anxious or nervous person. I found that sitting there and watching and listening. And getting familiar settles. But the other time I just turned back and couldn't jack the feeling. Anyone else ever get this?
Great info. Thanks for sharing. I'm a new subscriber and I keep a YT channel and fb site for people living with disabilities who want to use backpacking and nature as a therapy. I recently had a question posted to my site about one gentleman's fears of moose after having one walk through his camp on one of his first outings. Which really freaked him out as it was in camp and the moose was literally a few steps away on the other side of his tarp. I'm an east coast Pennsylvania guy, so I've got absolutely no experience with moose, but I do know they have a reputation for being extremely aggressive especially during the rutting season.
I'm going to share this video on my site, but if you have any advice I could pass on on this topic it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
I honestly can't say I've ever had a moose come through my camp, or even a close encounter on trail. Usually see them at a distance, so I'm not quite sure what advice I can give. During the rut, its definitely something we're aware of, and we make noise as always, but haven't had any encounters.
Totally agree 👍 I used to have a hard time sleeping at night mainly fear of the unknown, until I realized the wildlife are generally way more afraid of humans. I just play my small radio overnight low to drown out the noises now.
Having something to take your mind off the unknown is key!
Hi troy adventures. I just got back from 2 nights of absolute TERROR in my mind. Did a kayak camping trip waaay up in maine and was letting my head dictate my fear of the dark unknown and made it hard to sleep both nights. What kind of small radio are you referring too? Just curious so i can get one. Thank you
@@notquiteultralight1701 I use the Baofeng handheld radio, battery lasts a very long tme. You can get it on Amazon for about $25 dollars. Definitely helps with long dark secluded nights.
@@TRoysAdventures thank you sir
I am absolutely going to yell HEYYYY BEEEAAARRR on my next big hike and think of you 😂
Excellent!
Overcome your fear solo EASY carry a magnum revolver and a 8" blade survival knife. Also I always carry a proximity alarm(Ebay < $15) and solar garden light with motion sensor as well as a bright flashlight, first aid kit and mini cherry bomb firework. When I hear a noise I light one and throw it out of my tent if the bang does not scare whatever is outside then it is magnum time.
sounds like youre fostering that fear instead of overcoming it.
thankfully, i live in a country where people arent throwing fireworks and shooting guns at every noise in the woods.
My problem with considering solo hiking is two fold. First I'm afraid of creepy people, and second, as a sasquatch researcher - I know what's out there. I've seen three. And as weird as it is, if they know you know about them, they come around. If I'm solo hiking, I'd rather them not be around! I don't suppose you have any suggestions for this unusual scenario (besides being armed and carrying a Garmin InReach Mini for emergencies). Any ideas for camp site security?
if a sasquatch is smart enough to know that you know about them, they're probably too smart for any campsite security I could conjur up
Oh ya.. i subbed
excellent!
Poison ivy on the buttocks was always my biggest fear. Good tips man, thanks for sharing. Stay safe and good adventures. 👍✌
Thankfully thats not an issue in my neck of the woods!
@@MattyOutdoors yeah as cold as it us up there, if it grows...then that's some powerful shit, avoid it 😆
How to overcome fear of someone from outside of your tent asking you “How to get to the Bells canyon?” in the middle of the night?
by being rational, and knowing this is an extremely rare occurrence. also a good reason to keep your bear spray with you if you're overly concerned.
Being a solo female, my biggest fear is predatory men. I do carry, but aside from that, how do I let go of that fear? 😕
I'm sitting here struggling to find an appropriate response to this.. I honestly never considered this at all when making this video, and its heart breaking. I really do wish I had an answer that would alleviate your fear, but I'm lost on what to really say.. I wish people could be decent.. :(
Hi Candis. I’m a dad of two adult daughters and 2 years ago my oldest and I went backpacking up in the bigelows of maine and ran into a dude who kept lookin at my kid up and down and so forth so it made me consider carrying myself but ithink i have yo get permitted for my homestate of Massachusetts as well as maine or whatever other state we want to go in. He was a returning war veteran who was packin also. Scary S$&@! for sure!!!
Learn martial arts? As well as watching videos re how to protect self from human predators & psychopaths. Pray & trust… I have the same fears, of rotten humans as well as predatory animals like cougars & bears
Visit your local gun shop- maybe they have some ideas
@@nealamesbury7953 This is the plan I ended up going with. 😉
I just don’t like being in the night in general for some reason when it gets dark I just have this anxiety waft over me, I know Im safe but it’s an irrational anxiety. Any tips on how to get over this?
Do you bring anything for nighttime entertainment? A book, or even loading some movies, tvshows, or podcasts onto your phone can always help.
@@MattyOutdoors I just have my dogs walk with me it usually helps
I m more worried because of bad people
3:37 LMAOOO
My biggest fear isnt animals its cosmic horrors, my imagination runs riot at night.
The mind is often our worst enemy with stuff like that!
@@MattyOutdoors Your tip for eatplugs is one of the best if you can get them to stay in hahahaha
Im the SAME way!! F--! Too many rusty west videos!!
AFRAID TO LEAVE THE HOUSE MATTY
anxiety is a bastard but i am working on it
Working on it is the best thing you can do
Lmao! Darn Canadian!
I have no problem sleep alone in wood at night. I slept hard same a bear.
I dont have much of an issue sleeping either
Out of curiosity are you allowed to carry a firearm in Canada if you so chose to?
Handguns no, you can't carry those. But in some area's you could carry a hunting rifle or shotgun if you wanted to.
Ricky and Julian were always strapped. So I’m sure it’s fine.
I carry on occasion in the back country. Kinda just depends on where I am going and how i feel.
I remember we did a canoe trip in Upstate NY, and we were in a shelter on the side of this lake. 4 of us heard this twig snap just outside the shelter. Sounded like a tree being snapped off in our minds. We all got super scared, one of us got brave enough to shine a flashlight out and it was a toad that hopped on a stick. LOL
I was hiking Fryatt Valley a few years ago, and woke up to what sounded like a tree being drug through camp.. Turned out it was a porcupine who decided to come hang out under my vestibule.
I always carry my shotgun with 3 inch slug and some buckshot when I do survival camping in wood with fire and tent. Never had problem and I carry for safety.
Lol I sleep with a 44 magnum and ar pistol that will take care of anything that surprises me in the night
seems pretty overkill, but to each their own
@@MattyOutdoors I'm in texas
Heebie jeebies it my biggest fear.
its doable to get over them
Lol. You couldn't get me to wear ear plugs at night in the woods. To me that's like closing your eyes while driving.
the boogey man isnt real
@@MattyOutdoors Bears are. I'd bet if the Boogeyman were real, he'd join forces with me in the face of a grizzly.
at some point you have to be able to sleep. You'll never sleep if you're listening for every branch cracking in the night. If you've kept a clean camp, and haven't brought smelly things to bed, bears shouldn't be an issue.
We want them scared!! Keep them out of the woods!! To many dimwits have found their way into the woods lately anyhow!! Thanks Covid!!
We just need to educate them, and itll be all good
@@MattyOutdoors I wish it was that easy Matty, well I enjoyed your video. Hope these views help with those diapers my dude!!!
My biggest fear is other people in the woods.
im always curious what causes this fear
@@MattyOutdoors Most likely due to too many true-crime videos/podcasts, for me anyways haha
What about storing cannabis? Would a bear want to eat weed?? Just curious..😲 😆🐻🧸🐻❄️
I've never heard of bears going after it before
i dont "fear" animals but why would anyone say the last line of defense they want is bear spray ?????? its like skydiving with a parachute thats opens 33% of the time instead of taking the one that opens 99,5% of the time
because bear spray is the one that's effective 99.5% of the time.
Make noise till there's feral pigs or wild boar that do not give a crap
uhh, k
Matty ? lol. Earplugs ? So we can just be killed without warning ? Dumb advice
not sure what you thinks going to sneak up and kill you in your sleep