Gear Choice: "Sheeple Friendly" a Factor ?

2dogs said:
Rat your words have the ring of a mall ninja. I keep my fixed blade knife inside my backpack to avoid confrontation with other users of the land I happen to be on. If you were to venture away from the computer for a few days and walk the trails I do, not your trails-mine, you would see the value of going about your own business. You don't understand the situation, maybe from a lack of experience, that people who have nothing to do with their time other than makes waves for someone else, often love to do so. This results in a scenario called the squeaky wheel gets the grease. People who venture on the trails of say the Los Padres Nat Forest once every ten years will run screaming to the ranger that armed camo clad Nazis are taking over the forest. Smart people will avoid the whole mess by just keeping their knife inside their pack.

If you go looking for trouble you'll usually find it. Showing weapons around others will help you find it quick. Of course if you do all your hiking and camping in the back yard then wear what you want and carry what you want. Run the extension cord out to the tent and watch Rambo movies all night long if you want to. But, on public land don't be an idiot and show weapons. If you are hunting in season or target shooting where it is legal then offer to demonstate what you are doing. If you are riding a quad stop when others approach and wait for them to pass. Same if you are riding a horse or a dirt bike. Every day fewer and fewer acres of land are available for outdoors use. Don't give the "other side' ammo by being an armed mall ninja.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I must be a mall ninja because I don't suffer from a crippling fear of what other irrational people might think or do? :confused:

your defensive posturing is mildly amusing, but could be a telltale of a more serious mental issue.

seriously, you might want to seek therapy to overcome your social phobia.

This might help: http://www.hypnosense.com/what_other_people_think.htm
 
Rat Finkenstein said:
Yeah, I must be a mall ninja because I don't suffer from a crippling fear of what other irrational people might think or do? :confused:

your defensive posturing is mildly amusing, but could be a telltale of a more serious mental issue.

seriously, you might want to seek therapy to overcome your social phobia.

This might help: http://www.hypnosense.com/what_other_people_think.htm
Click to expand...

Actually, if you walked into our hiking woods with a large blade, sidearm, full camo, etc., the locals would have the law on your tail in short order. We live within a politically motivated society and if that means, being politically correct about some things, in order to enjoy the local woods, that's what we have to do. However, put me in the mtns. and it's a whole new ballgame.
 
2dogs said:
There is a place for everything I suppose.
Click to expand...

Thats just it, If someone wants to walk out in the woods with a huge knife, and a sidearm, get ready for the looks. It doesnt matter what you think while out, people today just dont have thetrust they used too.

To make a long story short, we all have diffrent prefrences, but Ones who are going to carry large knives, and everything else, get ready for the looks like it or not.
 
I don't fart while standing in line at the grocery store because it is socially inappropriate. Neither do I walk around downtown with a large chopper strapped to my leg while window shopping. I will however strap on my pistol belt with a Becker Brute and canteen while heading out of town to the bush on my motorcycle. In town I wear a folder, the biggest of which is my Manix. I adapt to my environment and I'm not interested in making waves. Sure it's legal to sit and stare at some mans 15 year old daughter. But, you would be looked at as a socially maladjusted individual and you know in your own mind that this type of behavior is wrong on many levels. In my world the unspoken social contract that we live in around here is to be socially responsible. Anyone with a modicum of intelligence will intuitively know how to act/what to wear in any social setting. I'm not here telling anyone what to EDC or not, just use your head. Are you scaring people? I DO care about how I am viewed in my neighborhood and society in general.
 
longbow50 said:
Actually, if you walked into our hiking woods with a large blade, sidearm, full camo, etc., the locals would have the law on your tail in short order. We live within a politically motivated society and if that means, being politically correct about some things, in order to enjoy the local woods, that's what we have to do. However, put me in the mtns. and it's a whole new ballgame.
Click to expand...

Where do you live?

also, I would like to know who goes hiking or camping in full camo. . . seems to be a common topic in this thread, yet nobody here has mentioned ever wearing such garb. The only camo I even own is on the handle of a box cutter.
 
This is a fascinating thread that has (probably inadvertently) brought up a couple of key points to the subject at hand. I'm going to begin my post by quoting the original question.
Has the political correctness factor influenced some of your outdoor gear choices?
Click to expand...
I'll start by answering for myself. While I am aware that some people may be intimidated by those who carry large knives, hatchets, or firearms while in the wilderness, I do not allow the fear of potential ridicule or misunderstanding to influence my decisions or habits concerning my wilderness gear. This statement, though, comes with much subtext which has become the basis of the ongoing discussion. The subtext here is -

1) Where, geographically, do your outdoor pursuits usually take place?
2) What is the general attitude of the local or state populace concerning the outdoors and knives?
3) What is our own attitude concerning knives, guns, etc?
4) How much personal value does each of us individually place on our own culture's perceived values?
5) What do we each hope to gain from the wilderness experience, particularly in regards to interaction with others while in the wilds?
6) What are the specific regional laws concerning knives and guns?

While none of these questions were specifically stated, they all have a direct influence on how we each answer the original query.

From reading through the thread, I see that attitudes about the wilderness and knives vary greatly by geographic region. For instance, California has a very heightened sensitivity towards knives. New Mexico, on the other hand, is much more relaxed. Northern Canada sees cutlery one way, while North Carolina sees it, and the regular users thereof, in a different light. For any poster to say, "Try carrying what you carry where you live where I live and see what happens" is perfectly valid on one level in that specific poster's vicinity. However, knife attitudes appear to vary greatly according to region. This brings us back to the original question, but we can safely add one qualifier -

"Has the political correctness factor of your region influenced some of your outdoor gear choices?"

Again, I'll answer both the question and the subtext for myself. I live in New Mexico and, based on my experience, the populace has a fairly relaxed attitude towards knives. I've never had someone fly off the handle because I'm carrying a large knife in the woods or desert. My presentation and bearing, however, is not one of undue aggression or showmanship. This relates to subtext question #4 from above. It also brings an apt quote from this thread into focus:
if you're trying to look like Rambo, then your intent is not to be prepared but, rather, impress people...
Click to expand...
This is absolutely true. I would postulate that this also occurs with greater frequency in town than out of town. Those who posture as "Rambos" are, in fact, contradicting their own facade - "Rambos" are allowing PC factors to rule their own lives! It's incredibly ironic.

For myself, I always carry a large, fixed blade knife on my belt when in the wilderness. Five years ago, I took 32 weeks' worth of survival training. One fundamental rule of the classes was, "Students shall have on their persons at all times in the wilderness at least 5 basic items..." one of which was a strong, fixed blade knife. We were encouraged to bring anything and everything we owned and test it over the course of the class. We were also issued a Cold Steel Bushman. During my time in the class, I came to know and greatly respect the instructors. They instilled in us students not only invaluable skills, but a great respect for life. We students learned to use our knives for basic wilderness chores and skills - skills that can be called upon to save life and limb.

From my experiences in the course, I came to understand that self-reliance, basic skills, and quality tools are monumentally important in the wilderness. The people who *might* criticize me for carrying a large knife aren't going to be out with me when the unthinkable happens and the only thing standing between myself and death are my tools and my skill. I believe it is extremely imprudent to allow perceived reactions from strangers to compromise and jeopardize my personal safety. By the by, I'm also a strong advocate of having at least one other person with you when in the wilderness.

To summarize my own view on knives and PC attitudes, I am first and foremost concerned with preparedness and safety. A fixed blade is stronger than a folder; a large knife is arguably more versatile than a smaller knife. Some prefer hatchets, others like large knives, still others opt for folding saws. I carry wilderness tools that I know I can rely on for both daily camp chores and unforseen emergency situations. I carry these tools on my person because tragedies can occur when I'm away from my backpack or campsite. I'm more than happy to educate others on the proper use and care for these tools, as well some basic woodcraft skills that can be truly life-saving. However, I am not willing to potentially endanger my life or well-being merely to appease some unidentified stranger's assumptions and mis-perceptions.
 
Trout Tamer - very well thought out & communicated.
Makes sense to me ! I may need to reconsider the carry methods that I use for my fixed blades. A horizontal sheath or constantly worn fanny pack may offer ready access to this very valuable tool during an emergency, and a low key profile. Its no different than the concealed sidearm that I legally carry when out in the woods. I'll have to look further into the local laws regarding discrete carry of fixed blade knives while doing outdoor activities. Regards, - -
 
You people think too much.

I use what I like. I'm discrete when I carry a weapon because that's just smart. Given a choice, I'd pick a nice "grey man" type color on most any piece of gear, but I don't turn my nose up at camo, either. I definitely don't go all Rambo in the State Park :jerkit: or anywhere else, for that matter.

I seriously doubt any of you gentlemen make asses of yourselves in the woods or on the street, whatever you wear or carry, and I share your disdain for people who do. Where I live it's simply not that big of a deal. If it's really that bad where you live, well... I feel for you.

P.S. I have never owned a photographers/ranger/survival vest and after this thread, I'm pretty sure I never will :D
 
GibsonFan said:
You people think too much.

I use what I like. I'm discrete when I carry a weapon because that's just smart. Given a choice, I'd pick a nice "grey man" type color on most any piece of gear, but I don't turn my nose up at camo, either. I definitely don't go all Rambo in the State Park :jerkit: or anywhere else, for that matter.

I seriously doubt any of you gentlemen make asses of yourselves in the woods or on the street, whatever you wear or carry, and I share your disdain for people who do. Where I live it's simply not that big of a deal. If it's really that bad where you live, well... I feel for you.

P.S. I have never owned a photographers/ranger/survival vest and after this thread, I'm pretty sure I never will :D
Click to expand...

What Gibson said. :thumbup: :thumbup:

I do try to stay within the confines of the Law, as I consider myself a law abiding citizen.

There is corret gear for correct situations. Hiking a marked trail, in the heighth of the summer season, with other people afoot doesn't call for much more than an SAK in the pocket and a whistle.

Going off into the "bush" in unmarked territory means we would probably find few, if any, other people, and a sheeple sighting would be rare.

A place full of people doesn't call for 50 lbs. of survival gear.
More apt to trip over another "tourist" than a rock.
 
I think we have about summed this up, appropriate gear for the appropriate place. I regularly carry a concealed weapon, I am licensened and it is legal where I live. I do everything in my power to blend in and look like a common joe and not advertise the fact. The majority of people that find out I am carrying, are shocked and always ask the same question, "Why do you need to carry a Weapon? That is what the police are for."

There are definitely brainwashed sheeple and lots of them, by the time the police arrive at the scene whatever happened is over. 2 years ago my Dad had his head bashed in with a tire tool in his own home, after walking several hundred yards from his house he was found almost dead by a neighbor who called 911. Don't believe the movies, a blow to the head does not always knock someone unconcious my dad was perfectly lucid thoughout the ordeal, with 4 skull fractures and the front right side literally caved in. He has told me several times if he would have had a pistol he could have shot his attacker several times.

I will not depend on the government or the police to protect or take care of me, I will take care of myself and my family, at least initially until stability is restored. Sorry for the rant, Chris
 
Be discrete. Don't dress like a rambo and keep the armament out of view. Personally, I've dumped the big knife in favor of a 4" fixed blade and a small hatchet.

I see the issue with camouflage gear, but I don't see an issue with a photographers vest. I kinda like the Columbia Sportswear Omni-Dry Venture Vest and have considered buying one. Nothing about it should make sheeple quake with fear and it looks like a practical way to carry small stuff when you don't want to wear a pack. If not looking like a dork to runningboar is my primary criteria for selecting gear, then I have a worse problem than not looking dangerous to urban/sheeple hikers.
 
ras said:
Be discrete. Don't dress like a rambo and keep the armament out of view. Personally, I've dumped the big knife in favor of a 4" fixed blade and a small hatchet.

I see the issue with camouflage gear, but I don't see an issue with a photographers vest. I kinda like the Columbia Sportswear Omni-Dry Venture Vest and have considered buying one. Nothing about it should make sheeple quake with fear and it looks like a practical way to carry small stuff when you don't want to wear a pack. If not looking like a dork to runningboar is my primary criteria for selecting gear, then I have a worse problem than not looking dangerous to urban/sheeple hikers.
Click to expand...

I wear an OD travelers vest during the colder months and carry a possibles bag during the warmer months.
 
longbow50 said:
California................unfortunately.

The camo statement was a general statement, not directed at anyone here, cause I don't know any of you well enough to point fingers.:D
Click to expand...

If I was wearing camo, you wouldn't know where to point the finger. I would be invisible! :D

Too bad about living in Kalifornia, it would be a great place if not for all the morons and stupid laws. Some beautiful country.
 
ras said:
If not looking like a dork to runningboar is my primary criteria for selecting gear, then I have a worse problem than not looking dangerous to urban/sheeple hikers.
Click to expand...

Hey I am sure that I look like a dork to a lot of people, and I wear a very similar vest when I am fly fishing. After your post I realized that a lot of people might not get what I was talking about and from your post you did not.

If you see someone dressed as I described not engaged in fishing, hiking, or photography it screams I AM CARRYING A CONCEALED WEAPON which sort of defeats the purpose of doing so in the first place. There is a certain segment of the population that want to go to the mall or Arbys looking like the are on Presidential detail with the secret service, those are the dorks I was talking about. Chris
 
If a woman is prone to getting scared and quivering with fear on the trail at the sight of a large knife, she should get her own and learn how to use it.
That or never go outside again.
 
Trout Tamer - very well thought out & communicated. Makes sense to me!
Click to expand...
Thanks, Pointshoot. Given the responses, this can be a touchy subject; and rightfully so, since it involves such high stakes.
If a woman is prone to getting scared and quivering with fear on the trail at the sight of a large knife, she should get her own and learn how to use it. That or never go outside again.
Click to expand...
Hmmm... I wonder what the frequency of fearful-women-sighting-knives actually is. I know the original poster was concerned with scaring potential dates away (a valid concern, if I do say so myself :D ); however, all of the women I've interacted in the wilderness with were actually happy that I had my knife and related skills with me. The major difference, though, is that I've known or been acquaintances with the women I've gone into the woods with, such as group hiking or camping trips. I always make it a point to give snippets of survival info and explain my knife's many valuable uses to help allay fear. I've found that women are at least comforted and slightly impressed by these abilities. Some even want me to teach them :thumbup: However, when it comes to the wilds, me and my knife are inseperable. The right woman will understand and appreciate that... and even carry one of her own :thumbup: :D

-Trout, 29, single, and available to the right woman :cool:
 
I agree with what someone said here-if you are in an area where it is possible to scare sheeple, you probably don't need the stuff that scares them. In populated trails, etc., really, a mora and a hatchet is all one needs (in my opinion, you may have your own).

However, I am lucky. In texas, I have never even considered sheeple when camping. Never an issue.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top