It's really bugging me! First time backpacking.

G

Glock26

Joined
Nov 3, 2009
Messages
783
Hi all

I'm a male in the early twenties, I consider myself a lifetime veteran car camping person. Meaning I've been camping since I can remember always with my guardians and friends either in established campsites and in a tent or most recently a trailer. First time ever, I'll be camping with my class mate since 6th grade who's a good friend. We'll be backpacking a short ten mile hike and pitching a tent. The issue is security, not what to pack I got a good idea what to bring, the issue is what kind of protection should I bring.
Above all, let me stress that this should be a fun trip, but I don't know what it is I'm always thinking about bad negative events in my mind. Bad guys coming, homies coming messing with my buddy and I in the tent, wild animals etc. I think this will be a learning experience, I'm bringing my knife and gun. Plain and simple. This post is meant to vent my concerns for safety and security while out in the wilderness. The truth is, whenever I go camping I always bring a firearm, I guess it's just different carrying everything on my back and I'm just contemplating should I bring it or not?
 
Where are you backpacking that you have to worry about homies messing with you? The concrete jungle of Oakland?
 
The traditional saying is its better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. If you are concerned about weight, go through your pack once more and look at each item and think "could I get by without this?''. You'll probably be able to cut out a lot of stuff, especially if you this is the first backpack trip for you. The first time I go camping every spring, I end up bringing loads of stuff that I never use and usually end up with a very much streamlined system by fall. What's wierd, is that you'd think I'd learn after a few years but winter camping always throws my system out of whack.
 
NothingCoherent said:
You're paranoid, dude.
Click to expand...

....and you shouldn't label people, did you notice his location? Is everyone concerned about security of person paranoid? You're unrealistic.

One of the worst mass murderer's in the history of this country camped out at a ranch in California with his "followers". I think they killed two hikers and stashed their bodies in the trunk of a junker on the ranch.

Glock26, do what you feel is necessary.
 
If it eases your mind and it's legal for you to carry, take it and be responsible. It's that simple.

The rest is just politics and BS... people trying to make you be like them.
 
I have been on four hikes that were 110+ miles each. I have never needed a gun nor have I ever brought one. I am able to carry a gun in any state and just about anywhere else, including on airplanes, and the one place I don't want to carry is when I'm camping. I just figure that when you are out in the woods, that's the time where my worries melt away and I don't ever worry about getting mugged or victimized. This is just my opinion, but I wouldn't take the gun. Plus they are heavy and if you have an issue with a misfire, help is hours or even days away. I would bring a knife, as they can come in handy. However this is just my opinion, I'm sure that other people have various opinions as well.
 
If you are legal to and able to, take the gun. I wouldn't hesitate. Peace of mind is going to allow you to have a better time. I head out doors to have fun, relax and recharge, in a perfect world you wouldn't need it, this world ain't perfect. Have fun, be safe and take pics. Moose
 
Can't think of a better tool to take with you than your screenname and a spare magazine. I don't know how stressed you are, but if you're constantly wigging about it, then perhaps cut it back a notch but still take the necessary precautions.
You're a human, on the earth with the most dangerous predator this planet has ever known. You should always be in condition yellow, just like every other living creature already is.
 
GPB said:
....and you shouldn't label people, did you notice his location? Is everyone concerned about security of person paranoid? You're unrealistic.

One of the worst mass murderer's in the history of this country camped out at a ranch in California with his "followers". I think they killed two hikers and stashed their bodies in the trunk of a junker on the ranch.

Glock26, do what you feel is necessary.
Click to expand...

He's from Canada, his response doesn't surprise me.
 
We all have our own situations, environments and ways to interpret them. I have never felt the need to carry a firearm, but do not judge those who would. If you can't carry but feel you need something, get some bear spray. By definition you are "paranoid" if you let your fear get the better of you. You have to weigh the risks. There will always be "what if's". Address them as best you can. If you still feel you are at risk, perhaps you should seek out new, safer areas to hike in.

Rick
 
cosmophonic12 said:
He's from Canada, his response doesn't surprise me.
Click to expand...

I suspect that his location has little to do with his flippant remark. This next fellow is also from Canada:

Rick Marchand said:
We all have our own situations, environments and ways to interpret them. I have never felt the need to carry a firearm, but do not judge those who would. If you can't carry but feel you need something, get some bear spray. By definition you are "paranoid" if you let your fear get the better of you. You have to weigh the risks. There will always be "what if's". Address them as best you can. If you still feel you are at risk, perhaps you should seek out new, safer areas to hike in.

Rick
Click to expand...

Note the marked difference in response? Both are from Canada. One is dismissive of the OP and the other realisticly addresses the OP's concerns without being dismissive. Or insulting his nationality.

Dang, Rick beat me again! As for Rick's own personal defense, have you seen his famous former avatar snarl? Made me back away from my screen, you betcha!
 
Yes, it will be a learning experience. Try to relax and have a good time. The more experience you gain the more relaxed you'll be.
 
I can relate to your fears having lived and camped in SoCal for 40 plus years.

The fact is though once you get off the beaten path your chances of any human problems quickly go away.

The worst things I've encountered camping in SoCal is noisy drunks and feisty raccoons.

If your hiking into somewhere 5-10 miles I wouldn't worry at all.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top