Camp Safety – How to Protect Yourself While Camping
Camp Safety – How to Protect Yourself While Camping
In this video I discuss the many ways we can protect ourselves while out enjoying the great outdoors. If you are new to camping then this video is a must watch!
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Ray
Wild Camping in Scotland: no animal predators, but close to the cities: junkies, who are likely to rob you, and other people doing illicit/indecent things. Like you said, the further from civilization you are, the quieter time you’ll have of things. We can’t carry guns here, or even camping/bushcraft knives longer than 3 inches, but, as a woman, it doesn’t mean I’m completely vulnerable.
A rattan Bo staff costs £40, looks like a walking staff (or just a big stick, so the Police won’t pick you up for having an illegal weapon), and it only takes half a day to learn 4 key moves on how to give someone a serious headache (or break a couple of bones), should they decide to ignore a warning not to come closer than they should. Even flailing wildly works…I’m 5,9 and so is my staff…you’d be surprised how hard it is to approach or subdue a pissed-off woman swinging a stick around (if you don’t have a gun, which most here don’t). :}
With the rise of homeless camps/ camping, don’t be remotely close to such places. The seriously poor can be very desperate.
As this presenter wisely says, properly planning ahead can prevent so many potentially serious problems. Cheers from Canada. 🇨🇦
I like to have a practice of stopping every so often, no matter what im doing, just stop, listen and breath in through the nose deep breaths. Biggest things at your advantage are you’re senses!
Just stumbled upon your channel with the go bag video, watched this one as well, about to watch some more! Super awesome channel!!!!
A word about the Decoy Tent;
Don’t make it a small 2 man model. You can get a 4 man dome off C-list for next to nothing, but 2-man might actually cost more because they’re generally made for more dedicated users and are a better tent. A bigger tent tells others that there is more than just one extra person nearby. Could be several. My personal solo tent is 7x8ft and 6’8" high. I haven’t done the decoy thing myself because I’m pretty intimidating 9been told), and, very wary.
As to firearms, when I get to a spot and I haven’t seen anyone on the way in, I usually fire off several rounds in a safe direction, just to let others nearby know that I’m there. If I hear vehicle noise at any time while I’m there, I fire off several more, very quickly. Then I listen. If the noise stops then goes away – all the good. If not, I fire off many more. It almost always results in solitude. I don’t mind if others think I’m unpredictable. Sometimes, I hear a signal honk, then they come closer, letting me know they are there. That type usually results in a friendly conversation and good neighbors.
Along those lines, if I’m alone, I wear a big shiny stainless revolver that I’m well practiced with. Anyone entering my camp or even from a distance, will see it. If they keep coming, they’ll see it unholstered. It made an impression on two meth heads one time, who left immediately.
A Big Thank You… These Common Sense concepts apparently aren’t anymore… We have the same rules even when you have a large slide-in truck camper… We also use Motion Sensor Lights, Driveway alarms, Perimeter Trip-wires with 12ga. Note… No matter what weapon you have, It’s Useless if you Need it… If it is in the Truck, Camper or Tent, and not within Reach.
Very good practical advice. Thanks!
Excellent! Thanks! I’ve never camped before but I want to and I don’t know what to expect of wild animals or bad humans..
You hit on some great points about camping. I like to camp anywhere but a commercial or well used camping area. I backpack or canoe and pick out of the way places to hang my hammock. If it’s a trail you can bet I am 60 or more yards off that trail. If someone gets near me , I know it and if they keep going no problem. I’ve had folks walk close by me and never know I’m there. One couple wanted a romantic place to get friendly in. Before they got all the way undressed I mention that I would like them to move on.. You should of seen the look on there faces. After they left I broke camp and moved. The best defense for critters 4 legged or two is a can of Bear Spray. Limited range of about 30 feet or less for the spray and non lethal. A bullet will go miles and still kill. Yes , I have a handgun with me , it’s a part of me after 27 years as a Deputy Sheriff and 26 years being retired. I have never had to use it when camping but it is there. As the old saying goes ….Better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it. Ask me how far I’m going and you will get , Don’t know , till it’s time to stop.
Very good info thank you
I use an electrical fence around my tent, it is against bears and I feel secure! 😂
In remote places, I’ve peed in a ring around my site to leave a human scent.
If you’re THAT concerned….just stay home!
I am looking for some nice spots once muy Jeep project is completed. I have found a few spots. But if you have spots you would recommend anywhere in the US, please share.
Good advice!
Great message. Thank you.
Thank you for your safety knowledge of camping. Love camping ❤
Other than common sense things , you’re biggest worry should be the two legged animals called man , the most evil of all .
My #1 rule when I camp? Avoid ALL people. I go where there is 4×4 access, only. No people around, good line of sight and my dog. The only thing I want bothering me while camping, is the sound of coyotes, howling at night. 👍
Love the video and guidance – great stuff!
I will say these are very good tips, but all I can think of is how paranoid Americans are compared to other places. A lot of Americans just assume everyone is out to get them or malicious. Maybe things are different down there and that’s reality. In Canada, a lot of these things would never be a concern. Obviously common sense takes precedent though, but it is interest to see our cultural differences
Thanks for your wise advice – much appreciated.
Good solid advice for anyone going camping.
Thanks for sharing this info. What’s the story on camping next to a game trail? Also, searching “tourons of Yellowstone “ is entertaining.
I have an upcoming solo trip through several states in a few months. My kids have an itinery of where I will be day by day. Only my kids will know. Also going through some states that are lets say not in the same mindset as I am when it comes to self protection. I won’t be in their states other than to pass through. As much as I like interacting with other people at camp, my head is always on a swivel, situational awareness is always my number 1 priority. Still, I would rather be in the woods than any other place.
Good bits of advice. What do you think about using a gun with blanks to scare eventual intruders or wild animals? Hope that noise will scare them off.
Sounds like Mister Rogers
It’s sad , that it is the humans to be afraid for… and not the wild animals
Best way to protect yourself is to have a firearm regardless if your in a state park or wherever , the bad guys aren’t going to go by the rules than you’d better not either , you protect yourself America regardless
2 tents good advice
If someone just comes out of the woods and ask you what size shoes do you wear, don’t tell him😂
Ugh… watching you (again), makes me wanna go camping, and I don’t do winter camping! It’s now Dec. 2024, that means we have to wait until mid May 2025! Looking forward to next camping season. Thx for the tips… Happy Camping everyone! 👍❤🇨🇦
I’ve been watching Camp safety videos for hours now and I can’t believe not a single person suggested the $5 perimeter alarm. Cheap fishing line and some craft shop bells. Only good for light sleepers though I guess.😅
I would camp with another person and am too old to camp out. I thank you for your sound advice.
This dude scares the crap out of me. He’s completely on the edge. Yikes.
I loved this! Thank you!!
Well said
Very good pointers
Love your advise
Thank you
I Cary I’m a single person always
What an EXCELLENT video. This is outstanding, because although I haven’t camped in years, I used to fairly often but it was in a more "innocent" time and never really practiced this stuff. Thank your sir; this was perfect for all campers to hear.
Be aware of sweet talk when someone just pops up
I got the cheap motion sensor alarm solar powered put it around my area before went to sleep.
Its frustrating when we go out into the wilderness to get into nature, solitude and peace only to have to deal with people who don’t follow any consideration.
This is the calmest body language I’ve ever seen.
I give my adult daughter similar advice. If you’re leaving a store to go to your car, if it doesn’t feel right , wait a few minutes.
You don’t need a reason. Same thing applies if you seen weird people hanging around or showing excessive interest in what you’re doing.
Lol first lesson we were taught, is not to go camping where everyone else goes camping. Going to state parks or city parks = asking for trouble. City folk do these things. Not country folk. We live out for a reason. 2nd thing. We always brought a slingshot with us slingshots are good for #3 things. Shooting a rock with a string tied to it, over a limb way up there. Then attach a led latern to it. Now tie it off to a lower limb or something. Bed time light it, pull it up about 25 feet. tie it off. Entire camp lit up all night. 2nd they are a silent weapon.3rd Great for leading bad guys in the wrong direction. Shoot a rock away from you and up the road. People follow noise. Slingshot will lead people far enough away for you to sneak away. Always carry a sidearm. And wear it visible. Nothing deters like a visible gun. If you are anti-gun=Democrat. Disregard. Bears got to eat too. Lastly. Wear Blue shirt, blue pants and blue socks. Animals see blue. We never camped in parks. We camped way out away from anyone and still had visitors. Animal ones. No amount of caution can prevent that. A good trick for all you city folk. Is bring a bag of powdered lime with you. Sprinkle it all around your camp. Say goodbye to creepy Crawley’s and spiders and everything. Snakes, the lime attaches to their bodies and eats them up like liquid fire. They will be twisting and jumping and going nuts. A lot of country folk put it in crawl spaces and sheds and such for the same reason. And it’s actually good for the ground and environment. Don’t get the pellets. it has to be powdered lime. And lastly. Buy a couple air horns in a can. Right before you go to bed ,fire one off. Every animal from a mile away will be running. If in a camp it brings all eyes toward you. Your advice is all good. Except one thing. Predators have learned, easy "Pickens" is state parks and public campsites. Law abiders camp there. Good citizens. Card carrying democrats. Honest people. And that is who they prey on. Time has proven this too. Predators are the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Mr. Smiley. They had a guy that posed as an undercover Park Ranger. Had a badge in his wallet. He raped and robbed a lot of people before they finally caught him. Trust no one. I don’t.
Such good info as a girl on my own
I always carry a gun, a knife, a couple of cans of bear-spray, always tell trusted loved-ones exactly where you are camping. I agree with this young man, trust your gut feelings! If you see beer cans, alcohol bottles, needles, things of that nature, leave immediately. Never camp alone, it’s sort of boring. I always bring my dog, since my dog is my best friend. The extra tent is good too, or use the tent to store things, sleep in your truck or van for security. Always have escape routes. Stand your ground, don’t take crap, don’t act weak.
As a Florida camper, there’s only two things in the woods that make me really nervous: wild hogs (who can be extremely aggressive at the mere sight of a person in their territory) and my fellow man. With the exception of the hogs, and keeping a vigilant eye out for venomous snakes sunning themselves at the edge of a narrow trail or near water, I’ll take my chances with the bears, panthers, bobcats, deer, alligators…WHATEVER…over an encounter with the wrong sort of person/people. A dog is always your first line of defense, especially if you don’t have an "emotionally shallow" breed of dog who is friendly toward everyone and is naturally suspicious of strangers and will make it known. If your dog is reacting to someone in fairly close proximity and is getting a vibe from that person, they will LET YOU KNOW. If the dog isn’t enough of a deterrent, keep plan S&W at the ready.
For me it’s common sense and .454 Casull. Ya see my credo is this. I don’t fear the valley because I am the SHADOW. So good luck.
Thas good advice, enjoy being out there but be prepared for the unexpected. Really enjoyed your down to earth common sense approach for those wanting to experience the great outdoors 👌
Always use situational awareness, even in the woods or wilderness