Is wild CAMPING really that DANGEROUS?
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- Опубліковано 9 лис 2024
- The most common question I get asked is aren't you scared? So I thought I'd do some research on whether wild camping is dangerous and how to stay safe.
In this video I share what I think are the top 10 dangers of wild camping and ways you can reduce your risks.
Let me know what you think in the comments!
When asked this question, I always state that real danger for men and women is on a weekend night in City centre at kicking out times from pubs and nightclubs. I managed and did Doors for nearly forty years in UK and abroad. Nothing compares to that, in violence or possible murder situations. Once you leave the roads and go high, wild camping, there is no one to harm you. In fact most horrible people or if you will thugs are actually scared of open spaces, and the dark. For the most part those that you cross paths with in the highlands have a love of nature, the peace and harmony it brings to the soul. The last thing on their mind would be to harm a fellow fell runner, hiker or wild camper. We are all about helping each other. Great video and keep on making more. Thankyou for sharing.
Completely agree! I often tell people you're more at risk crossing the road than going wild camping lol!
@@Wild.cat.adventures So true
Aye cos the haggis always keep ye safe in the Highlands. But if yer English they always let the midgies set aboot ye
Spot on, I always feel such a relief when you get off the city and urban roads because you know it's desolate. 👍😎
But when you are out in the woods you can't call anyone for help in a reasonable time.
The fear of wild camping mainly exists in your head. Overcome that fear and you open up a whole world of camping possibilities beyond the official and expensive campsites. I've been cycle touring and wild camping for 12 years to date and have never had a problem. I've just returned from a two week tour (in the UK). The secret to stealthy and safe wild camping is to never camp in or near urban areas. I always aim to camp as far away from civilization as possible. Pitch late and strike camp early and leave no trace that you were there. If there's any litter, where I wild camp, I always collect it and dispose of it in the next litter bin I find. That way, I leave the place cleaner than I found it. I've camped in forests and woodland, on rail trails, canal towpaths, on highway roundabouts, under a bridge, in a bird hide, in picnic areas, on cliff tops overlooking the sea. I've never not found anywhere to wild camp. Give it a go.
Yep I'm exactly of the same mindset, well said 👍
Somebody nearly killed me on Bow Fell about 20 years ago. I was solo wild camping, and about 6 in the morning a chap came walking past my camp. I bid him good morning and asked what brought him up in the fells so early. He gave me a look I'll never forget, then said... "I'm searching for butterflies that only live at a specific altitude." The chills immediately ran down my spine. I was about to be brutally bored to death.
Haha I was poised for a true horror story then, you got me 🤣
He was telling you the truth.
😂
@@Wild.cat.adventures It was a true story, but for him boring me. I ended up having a really pleasant chat with him about rare butterflies. hehe. A real horror story: Camping high up in the fells again. About 2300 there was a bright flash across the tent. A head torch, I thought, so started to open the tent to see who it was. Before I got to the zip, the rumble of thunder entered the scene. Heck, I'm pretty much the highest thing around in a lightning storm. That was kinda scary.
😂😂😂👍🍻thanks
I can only remember 2 deaths from trees in my time serving and neither were campers, nor any of the serious injuries I attended.
Wildfires were a pain and I do remember going to 40 in just one month. I've often wondered if lives are lost when resources were out in the hills...
99 in one hundred people are just out for a good time, the other 1 has had his good time and is returning from burying the body.
I couldn't give you figures but I know a fair number of campers are rescued from Dartmoor every year with hypothermia, to my knowledge no deaths.
Never get between a mother and calf.
Really glad you mentioned CO, I've warned of it before with hot tents becoming more popular.
Can't say I'd argue with any of your 'dangers' nor your grading of the risk from any of them.
The risk is lower in hot tents although not zero. Need to ensure flue/spark arrestor is clear and there is adequate ventilation into the tent. Any smoke and Co should go up the chimney. Should being the operative word! I will be looking into an alarm just to put my mind at ease as just got a new stove and hot tent 😁
I made a very similar video Cat but more to do with my safety checks and discussed my feelings about others thinking I’m putting myself in danger from other people by going camping alone. Completely ridiculous but I hear it time and time again. Folk are used to what I do now and know I’ll do it anyway! The biggest danger to me is myself, any humans out close to Me are usually doing the same as me for similar reason to enjoy nature and escape society 😂 great vid and just like yourself, never been asked to move on and never had any encounters from any unpleasant folk 😊everyone I meet on the trail are awesome 🙌🏻 xxx
Hi Sarah good to hear and I'll check out your channel too! I'm definitely more cautious when on my own and watch my step more but agreed we can be our own worst enemy lol!
Hello you, fantastic video as always hun. I've done six wild camps this year and the only thing I've been worried about is the people camping near me, worrying about what they might do in the night ie if they have been heavily drinking or drug taking etc other than that yes you hear lots of wonderful weird noises , but like you know that's nature we don't get to experience in is the concrete jungle we live in. I now find it very relaxing hearing the nature and sleep like a log. Best medication in the world for me is being getting out there and loving the land we have right in front of our eyes xxx
Yeah I was camping last night and a family camped about 100 yards away which was annoying enough but they also had a fire and I had to bite my lip not to be a Karen, but I was worried the fire would get out of control so I know what you mean! And yes the sounds of nature are the most relaxing!
Number one cause, NOT living! Joking aside, slipping and falling or becoming injured so you cant walk is a real problem. A satellite phone would work anywhere on earths surface. Not cheap but 100 percent guaranteed to alert someone assuming your actually alive to use it. Great video, well thought through. Subbed! 👍😎
Thank you appreciate the sub! I'd still say you're more likely to have a fatal car accident than a fatal fall but maybe that's just my driving 😬🤣
I really enjoyed that. Recap at the end put the list into perspective. I still think Midges should have made the list, I hate them 🦟🦟🦟🦟🦟🦟🦟🦟🦟🦟🦟🦟🦟
Haha yep me too midget vampires 🤣
What a brilliant video, especially for people who have never done any wild camping or hiking .Great tips ❤
Thanks Katie appreciate that 👍
Great vid! Used to have a real problem with ticks, they love me for some reason. A day hike resulted in having to remove over 20 of the little gits and a course of antibiotics. Not anymore. I bought citronella bracelets and sprayed my gear with permethrin. Seems to be working.
@@aruithdearg76 not heard of citronella bracelets before will look into that! 👍
That's a great video with lots of good advice, thank you. I think half the time, in the UK at least, our minds can play tricks on us. Apart from the cows, there’s not much dangerous wildlife around, but when you're 'in the middle of nowhere' the senses seem to be heightened, and any sound suddenly becomes an approaching 'mad axe murderer'......I was wild camping in the Brecon Beacons on one occasion, at a location that was a good hour’s walk from the nearest road. It was the middle of the night and I suddenly became aware of a head torch shining into the tent, accompanied by voices. My heart raced, but it was just two people still out trekking, chatting! I think there’s also a sense of vulnerability when you're zipped up in a tent, because you can't get out of it very quickly. It’s all good fun though! Oh, I forgot to mention the squirrels!!!! No-one ever mentions the squirrels! ;-)
Yh and sounds travel a lot in the countryside, you can hear someone talking half a mile away. The squirrels lol?! They might by y arms off tbf 🤣
Well put together video Cat, thank you enjoyed this one... My first few solos I didn't get much sleep as you hear every noise and living in London the countryside was a bit too quiet... ATB Chris.
Yeah I can understand that, I find London too claustrophobic, as it's a never ending sprawl of a city, so I can understand being from London how quiet and potentially scary the outdoors is when you're not used it. Thanks for watching 👍
I’m from the US just found your channel and subscribed, I just wanted to tell you that you are adorable !
Awww thanks and hi from over the pond in the uk!
Interesting about the cows I wouldn't have thought about them as being a danger.
Yh I didn't take that risk seriously but they can kill people and one of my friends has seen someone trampled which is scary!
Interesting video Cat & i agree with youre top 10 camping safety list.
Cheers Mark glad you found it interesting, good to see u in the comments as always!
I understand it's about the UK. To stay safe it's basically about Common Sense and the 5 P's (Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance) as part of that. I always suggest to bring some compass and map and to carry a loud whistle around your neck 24/7.
Cheers stevan good advice. Although I prefer the 6 Ps proper preparation prevents p!ss poor performance 😂
@@Wild.cat.adventures The 7 Ps (Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance) is the British Army adage but since planning is part of preparation it's kinda double. I prefer the 6 Ps also and it's what I use when teaching survival to adults. 😂Since I don't know how young your audience is decided to use the 5 Ps.
Btw. The only thing I found that really helps against midges is a Swedish product called 'Nordic Summer'. It's not for sale in Sweden but I think they do still export it.
@@StevanOutdoor haha yes the 7Ps that's the one! Yes I know nordic summer and have a homemade version that I made on a medicinal foraging course. I've found citronella candles are surprisingly effective against the Scottish midge and jungle formula works just as well as smidge 👍
Nice vid Cat , glad to see you out again after mr Wild wales , might be inappropriate but nice shirt , goodluck keep the vids como 😂
Oh I'm back and better than before! 😁
mint vid cat , very helpfully . everyone should also carry a whistle with them . looking forward to next vid :) stay safe , atb :)
⛺
Aye good top mate cheers! Catch u on the next one 😁
Lovely video as always. I have talked to people on the fells that have said they are much safer on the fells than they on the streets of their towns and cities at night. It is the car parking I get concerned about as to whether it will still be there in the morning when I get back
Yh I worry about the car too sometimes but even then it's probably still safer in the countryside than parking it in the city
Watched this sitting in a layby up the Peaks looking at beautiful rocks over in the valley .you've inspired us to get out..Thank you.
Glad you're out out! I wonder which layby. I'm gonna go with near Burbage edge?
By Brassington
@@Premanandadas-cm2co I was no where near 🤣 lovely area tho 👍
Another great video, ive been wild camping for over 40ys now, good tips and ACCURATE! ( mind you, the psycho and moors murders freaks me 😂😂). Ticks are a big problem here in the South West, I know three people who have had Lyme disease, one of them was ill for three months.
Maybe a collar on each ankle, if they fit would be an idea? Maybe look like an offender with a tag on 😂 , but I was thinking it could be helpful?
I wish they were suitable for humans but just read this... According to an EPA assessment from 2019, between 2013 and 2018, there were 907 reported incidents involving humans and Seresto collars, including 19 severe incidents. These incidents included skin ailments, such as rashes or hives, and neurological symptoms, such as numbness and headaches. One incident involved a 12-year-old boy who started having seizures and vomiting after sleeping in a bed with a dog wearing a Seresto collar.
@@Wild.cat.adventures crikey! That's serious stuff. I haven't got a dog now, although I would if had the time.
Again, good knowledge and information. Keep up the good work 👍
Three British soldiers died of heatstroke hiking in the Brecon beacons during SAS selection, a little bit different to your average hike but still there is a lesson to be learnt.
Wow that's so sad! And heat stroke is no joke for sure, I've had it and wasn't right for days after.
Thank you Cat. I have had all the gear for a couple of years now and still not got up the nerve to go. I have been using my age, 59 and female, as an excuse, but I think it’s time to start.
No time like the present. The only thing you regret are the things u didn't do!
Great vid i started solo last year and was so scared in case a creep turned up, but after afew goes ive overcome that psychological fear and as the night is filled with strange sounds, i think, oh thats a deer or an owl!
Glad you pushed past that fear, the benefits most definitely outweigh the risks! Funny isn't it how it's only the past couple hundred years or so we've begone so disconnected from nature we see it as a risk, but we've spent 1000s of years living in nature!
I so much agree with Number 1 - driving is by far the most dangerous thing most of us do. As someone who has done quite a lot of camping and (especially) bothying in the remote Scottish Highlands, I’m personally aware of at least 3 people who were found dead in bothies over the last 15 years. The common denominator was their becoming incapacitated due to either an accident or ill with something like heart problems, a very long distance from anywhere, in an infrequently visited location with no phone signal (almost the norm) and running out of food and/or going down with hypothermia.
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I’d never go up there with reliance on phone mapping - paper O.S. maps all the way - drop it on a rock or in water, just pick it up and it’ll never break down run out of charge. I have a horror of being in the middle of a wilderness, which it literally is - somewhere like Faindouran in the Cairngorms - with no map because a device has failed.
Oooph that's scary! People being found dead in bothies?! I've never heard of this but can well imagine.
Yep, when out in the proper wilderness more than one means of navigation is essential!
Those Garmin type sat navs/emergency call devices would solve either those situations - didn't think to mention them!
I doubt anyone was found dead for lack of food. Water maybe, but not food. It takes weeks, sometimes longer, for someone to die from lack of food. Lack of water can kill you in a matter of days.
Good morning from Australia. So good to be able to watch camping till i can camp again. 🏕
Good morning to Australia! It's 10.30 at night here! Why can't u go camping now?
@Wild.cat.adventures , my bones still need to heal and the ligerments might need surgery yet. My metacarpals between the big toe and the next one are separated from each other a bit. So I can't use the foot yet. I am hoping they tell me time will fix it and that I don't need surgery but I won't know till I go to my next appointment at the fracture clinic. There were 6 fractures.
A great list with a few things I wouldnt have thought of. Definately over here in Missouri, some of the more dangerous things are Venomous snakes, bears, wild big cats and coyotes. And lack of common sense. So many injuries and deaths here from falling and jumping off cliffs into rivers and creeks and either breaking bones or drownings.. Alot of those injuries involve alcohol or other "things". Overall, it is a very safe activity if you keep your wits about you. Traffic to and from is probably our number 1 death also. Thanks for another great video!
So glad we don't have such dangerous wildlife here! And yes wild swimming also has its own risks, too many people don't realise the dangers until it's too late.
Stay safe over the pond in the USA 👍
Cracking little video with good research. You know I'm really worried about cows!! 🐮I have seen someone trampled. Awful.
Deffo agree with number 1 . You and I both do a lot of mileage for our adventures.
Cadair Idris was full of for the most part sensible people at the weekend, but Pen y Fan was a joke. People had crocs and iI even saw a pair of flip flops 😮
Can't wait to see you for our next adventure 😁
Wtf? Crocs and flip flops to climb a mountain? Are people actually insane? I've hiked through local fields with flips flops but that's as far as it goes!
Cows are no joke for sure!
This will surprise a lot of people but the capitol for tornados is the uk .we don't see them very often because they are so small but we get more than anyone else .also I think most wildcampers are sensible so it the newbys that have problems not the experienced men or woman great channel new these anyway but it's always good to get a refresh most of the time we check these things ie widow makers etc without thinking because it becomes the normal with experience great channel keep them coming 😊
Ahh yes this is true about tornadoes although most are not serious enough to worry about and nothing really on the same scale as America. Good interesting fact though!
@@Wild.cat.adventureswierd I've only seen one or two in my life. Usually the size of a small child lol more cute than a threat 😂
@@1invag I've seen a dust devil, lasted about 30 seconds, about 2 houses high, like a mini tornado but not destructive
That needs some details and facts. I live on the Canadian Prairies and we get hundreds of tornadoes in the peak (June/July). The US Prairies get even more than we do. I've never heard of a tornado in the UK. I have heard/seen hurricanes (which are different).
Interesting video. I’ve encountered myself or know of others who’ve encountered most of the top 5 or 6 hazards. In 35 years of hill walking I’ve only been bitten by a tick once, in Scotland - and it gave me Lyme’s disease according to the hospital. A friend of mine was badly trampled by a cow in the Yorkshire Dales only a few weeks ago (she had 2 dogs and didn’t let them go). BTW my name is Mike I met you briefly today! I was a bit too shy to stop and chat….
Oh hi Mike! It was nice to meet you, looked like u were having fun with your friends! It was my first time on an ebike - u can expect that video soon. Did u recover from the lymes disease? Sorry to hear about your friend 😥
@@Wild.cat.adventuresit was a bit of a strange experience, found the tick in my leg at the end of the day and after removing it I didn’t think too much about it until two weeks later when I got a sort of rash like a cricket ball (size shape and colour). It was during Covid and I couldn’t get an appointment with my GP so I rolled up to A&E at Huddersfield infirmary. They put me on strong antibiotics for three weeks and told me to come back for a blood test in 6 weeks (apparently it takes at least 4 weeks for the disease to manifest itself). The test results concluded I’d had Lymes, so I asked what I should do and they replied don’t do anything unless you get any symptoms! I haven’t had any yet. I’m hoping my body has built up some antibodies making me more resistant to the disease. I now spray my trouser bottoms with Lifesystems Permethrin spray when I go to Scotland outside winter (£10 a bottle lasts me a couple of years) and I’ve not been bitten since
@@Wild.cat.adventures the Lymes experience was a bit odd. Two weeks after I removed the tick I got a rash like a cricket ball (size shape and colour) and because it was during Covid I couldn’t see a GP so I went to A&E. They gave me strong antibiotics for 3 weeks and told me to get a blood test in 6 weeks as the disease doesn’t manifest itself for 4 weeks. The test confirmed I’d had Lymes but when I asked what to do next they said “nothing unless you get any symptoms”. I’ve never had any symptoms. I’m hoping my body has built up antibodies against the disease
My daughter send this video for me too watch i worry about her camping a lone hope she matched it too lol ❤
@@maxinewilkes5735 Try not to worry, being miles from anyone is one of the safest places your daughter can be. I can guarantee crossing the road, going to the pub or driving are far more dangerous.
@@Wild.cat.adventures thank you ❤️
@@maxinewilkes5735 as long as she's got the right kit and sensible attitude. It's a shame people don't enjoy our countryside more - safest in the world!
I wild camp all the time here in the US. Dangers in my area are bears, bob cats, cougars, wolves, moose, people. Needless to say, nothing to be scared of if you know what to do. We typically carry a firearm for protection and other forms of non lethal, like bear spray.
I can see why firearms are good for protection against such animals, we don't have them (predators or guns) in this country tho (probably a good thing!)
Hello Cat... We all have to look after ourselves no matter what we do. I never take chances in what i might call dangerous activity. Even at work there are elements of danger. If i had known at the time i would never have had the accident at work. Wild camping is always risky. Fires close is a no no for me and i always make sure any fires has a surround of stones or rocks and make sure fires are always on soil before lighting. Ticks are a hazard that is why i make sure my leggings or walking trousers are tucked inside my socks or an elastic band is around the bottom of loose clothing. I always make sure i am warm and carry extra clothing inside a plastic bag that water cannot get into. Regards Mick,,,,,,, Chef-on-the-wild-side ,,, X
Cherts mick good to see u in the comments, hope you're keeping well? Sorry to hear about your accident! Personally, I wish they'd ban portable BBQs they're responsible for so many wild fires!
I wonder how much alcohol has to do with all the death and injuries???... fires, falls , losing your way , using sharp tools, cattle, boiling water the list goes on.. we do things whilst typsy to drunk that we would never consider doing at home.. " here drink this bottle of wine , then take this axe to that log "... here drink these strong beers , now hold this bag and fill it with this boiling water.. that's right do it over your legs and crotch. Drink this until you stagger , now go and stand on that cliff edge... drink till you pass out then get out the tent in your socks and base layers because you need to have a massive wee,,, but you can't find your way back to the tent because of the -12 blizzard... just wondering??.. Take care out there. .... edit , wait a moment!! Why is slugs and coffee not on the list ???. 😎😎
Haha damn I forgot the slugs! And yes fair pijnt about the alcohol lol! Here drink this whiskey, use an axe, start a fire, use a knife, cook a steak etc 🤣
Another bestie Vlog be safe in wild Camping
Cheers glad you enjoyed! 😁
Nice 👍
Thanks 😁
Depends if you camp at Kenfig burrows as I did in my last video and nearly ended up having a little brokeback mountain. Stay safe atb Taff 🤠👊
I sense there is quite a story behind that comment haha! Where would you put in the top 10?🤔
@@Wild.cat.adventures 10
I enjoy watching hiking/camping videos but I'd never want to do it.
Haha u should give it a go, u might like it!
In the US my biggest fears are Sasquatch, Dogman, and feral people! I'm good with all the other stuff on the list. I just don't want to become another case of the Missing 411! 😳
Haha interesting! We do t have such legends here apart from the Loch Ness Monster so maybe avoid swimming there!
My biggest fear is someone breaking into my car or my wife checking my internet history while I’m out 😂. Seriously though I just wanted to say how much I love all your videos and learning from your experience 😁👍🍻
I won't ask what's on your internet history then 🤣 glad you're enjoying the vids! 😁
@@Wild.cat.adventures …you might like it 😂
@@henry9406 🤣🤣🤣
Nicely done !
Cherts! 😁
My main worry is being shot! Im always hearing farmers shotguns going off in nearby fields, especially at dusk when i guess the bunnies come out to play. Basic safety rule...if i see used cartridges in a wood i keep walking😂
Aye that's not a bad shout with the cartridges. Although tbf if they can see small flurries they can generally see us too!
Ye forgot to mention wild haggis in Scotland. They can be really aggressive. They are known to attack cows and wild campers and eat the midgies but if yer of Scottish origin yer perfectly safe
The midgies on the mull of Galloway are not of this world. 😂
Haha aye the wee beasties n haggis! I'd love to see a cure furry haggis in the wild (with vicious pointy teeth) 🤣
They seem worse in areas with less wildlife to feed on, the meerest hint of an animal and it's like they go crazy! Don't know what mull of Galloway is like but that's been my experience so far
these days i use google maps, but if i was hiking, id go back to a map and compass... no tech, just basic stuff.
changing the order of the route... try Get Carter, Michael Caine goes north, south, east and west and the areas are not in the places they seem!!
I recommend os maps 100% worth the subscription! Will take a look at Michael Caine series, I like him - you're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!
they aint heavy either, id put them on a bit of dtring and let them hag from the bacpac in a polly pocket.
People in general are way scarier than forested wilderness to me. It doesn't lie, it isn't manipulative, and it doesn't have any expectations or qualifications, other than perhaps competence, which is probably a good thing anyway. That being said, it's unlikely that I would be targeted by anyone to be taken advantage of or similar, since I'm an eccentric, powerful, savage brute. And no worries, I'm certainly not out looking for anyone else either unless they need emergency help or that sort of thing. Cheers.
Agreed although one of the best things about wild camping is it's unlikely you'll come across any humans if u go to the really wild areas and even less likely they'll be bad humans. 👍
@@Wild.cat.adventures I actually hadn't thought of it, but yes, it would make sense that people that far out aren't looking for others either. Cheers.
Never get between a cow and its calf.
Yep good advice, just give cows a wide berth in general too
One thing i have noticed about solo camping is that you can't do it with other people - if that makes sense ? When it comes to solo camping - you're on your own !
I prefer solo camping tbh, I like being at one with nature and myself 😁
@@Wild.cat.adventures Yes exactly - less in tents is more intense if that makes sense ?
Good stuff
Cheers 👍
Good video
Thanks hope you enjoy the channel 😁
Do they do a line in seresto necklaces, bracelets and ankle bracelets?
Nit that I'm aware of but would be good if they did! It's premethrin based I think
@@Wild.cat.adventures ahh couple of small dog ones on the ankles would probably suffice anyway 😅
No 1: Dogs revealing stealth camping sites. Rightious dog owners reporting wild campers
Yh my dog can give the game away lol, but she's also very good at protecting me. I don't think it's necessarily righteous dog owners, just self righteous people in general aka Karen's and Kevins!
It’s best to go camping in a police station parking lot.
That would be tresspass although it's civil - wonder what they would do about it lol! Maybe suggest that one to blot 🤣
@@Wild.cat.adventures even then there would be harassment from anther civilian, not a cop. That’s just how Americans are.
@@Roadrunnderjarhead ahh didn't realise ur in america! Your cops are another breed to ours I think, least they seem that way in the films and media
Think you want all the wild spots for yourself your scaring everyone. 😂
Haha if only it were that simple! Next vid - don't camp in the Peak District 🤣
@@Wild.cat.adventures that will be ok I’ll be in n/ wales
@@mickp3526 🤣🤣
Just subscribed and already a new video🎉
@@LifeBloom12 thanks for the sub, hope you enjoy the channel! 😁
Dovestones resi a couple of years ago an old bloke walked up to Indians head sat down in the snow and died of hypothermia
@@leemuir2514 was literally heading there this weekend, changed plan tho last minute. I wonder why he stayed there, the track is fairly easy back down?
@@Wild.cat.adventures apparently he came up from London, didn't know the area . Went into the pub down the road from there to ask for directions. Think he just went there to die. Sad story
@@leemuir2514 that is really sad! 😥
Nice video 🙂👍
Thank you 😁