[esthete]

There are a few people on this forum that may know a bit more about me personally speaking than others. For those that don't, putting myself through University, I have had a job that for 5 years required living in a tent for 3 months a year in Northern BC/Alberta/Ontario. I would be very surprised if there is anyone else on here who has spent more time than that in a tent :lol:

I've had numerous bear and other such wildlife encounters (including dangerously dirty and horny bush women) in the middle of the night. I had one bear put some rips in one of my tents just a few inches from my head. Another time I had a pack stolen out of my vestibule and destroyed. It is always completely nerve wracking, and the amount of adrenaline that kicks in from you being completely asleep to wide awake and shaking is pretty wild.

I've come across bears, moose, deer and coyotes outside at night as well. I think the creepiest part of which, is never quite knowing what you are staring at initially when all you can see is a pair of eyes. There are things I enjoy more than having to get out of my tent at 4am to take a piss in the middle of grizzly bear country.

 

[esthete]

they contribute to things going 'bump' in the night.

 

[esthete]

Build up your confidence in the woods by going a little bit further alone each time. Pretty soon you probably won't be scared of it the way you once were. It can actually be quite serene being out there by yourself, albeit you have the right supplies and know how.

The belief that in order to survive in the wilderness you need a gun is a bit of BS in my opinion. Not everything is out to kill you. IMO, the only place in North America where you truly need a gun is in parts of Northern Canada/Alaska where Polar Bears and Grizzlies reign supreme. If you are being unknowingly stalked by a Cougar you are probably fvcked either way.