What Should Outdoor Adventurers Be Most Afraid Of?

 February 5, 2024

Outdoor adventures offer an escape into the beauty of nature, but they also come with risks. Understanding these risks is key to safe and enjoyable experiences. Cris Hazzard, also known as HikingGuy, has a popular hiking-related website, Instagram, along with his engaging channels on YouTube. He brings a wealth of extensive experience with hiking and outdoor adventuring and sheds some light on what outdoor adventurers should and shouldn't fear.

Misplaced Fears: Wildlife Attacks

One common fear among hikers is wildlife attacks. HikingGuy notes, “There's so much fear about animals attacking people. I get so many questions and emails about mountain lions, rattlesnakes, sometimes bears. Mainly about mountain lions and rattlesnakes attacking you when you're hiking.”

Despite the immense public fear of animal attacks, he reassures that such incidents are exceedingly rare.

“Statistically, you probably have a better chance at winning the lottery, the mega-lottery or whatever, than of getting attacked by a mountain lion. There are definitely mountain lion attacks occasionally, but they are rare. If you have something like bear spray, you can fight them off.”

Rattlesnakes are another source of fear, but HikingGuy clarifies, "Rattlesnakes don't go after people. You can step on them if you're not paying attention, and they'll bite you. But those types of things are so rare.”

He emphasizes the rarity of such incidents and suggests that staying vigilant on trails can minimize the risk.

“Even up north in the Rockies, there's grizzlies, and you can definitely get into trouble. But if you do what the park says and carry bear spray and give them space, generally, it's never a problem. But that's the biggest fear. It's always something with wildlife attacking.”

In a study of the causes of death at US national parks over a period of 12 years, wildlife attacks only ranked at #12 out of all types of deaths, with eight fatalities in total. In contrast, there were 668 drowning deaths, 475 motor vehicle deaths, and 163 “environmental” deaths, which would include the aforementioned fatalities due to heat and cold exposure.

The Biggest Dangers: Heat and Cold

According to HikingGuy, the true danger often lies in underestimating the environment, particularly the heat and cold.

“In terms of things that people aren't expecting that they probably should be…it's probably the heat. There's heat-related deaths all the time, and I see that more than somebody falling off the side of a cliff or things like that.”

Adequate hydration, wearing suitable clothing, and abstaining from hiking during the hottest parts of the day are crucial in excessively hot weather. The heat can also vary drastically in short distances based on your location in certain areas with heavily variable weather patterns. For instance, at the Grand Canyon, the temperature at the base of the canyon is often considerably hotter than up top at the rim.

Winter hiking brings its own set of challenges, often underestimated by those accustomed to summer conditions. HikingGuy recounts, “It's pleasant in the summer, and they go back in the winter. Here in Southern California, we have a mountain called Mt. Baldy, which is the highest point in Los Angeles County. It's 10,000 feet or so, and it's a real popular hike in the summer.”

The tragic death of actor Julian Sands is a stark reminder of the dangers of winter hiking without proper gear and preparation.

“I think he had microspikes and trekking poles, and the reality is, you really need crampons, a helmet, an ice axe.”

Additionally, regardless of the time of year, it is crucial to always check weather conditions and trail updates before heading out.

Overwatch x Rescue: Your Silent Guardian in the Great Outdoors

For outdoor enthusiasts, being prepared extends beyond gear and knowledge. It involves having a safety net in case you need emergency assistance. Overwatch x Rescue is an emergency SOS subscription service that provides this essential safety layer. Whether you're hiking in the heat or navigating a snowy mountain trail, having access to Overwatch x Rescue ensures that help is just a call away. By staying informed, being well-equipped, and having access to the emergency response services of Overwatch x Rescue, you can enjoy the wilderness with an added sense of security.