Final week, I wrote an article describing an incident I skilled on a neighborhood climbing path. I encountered a single feminine hiker on a distant path. The lady had a big skinning knife in her hand. Within the article I mentioned how I dealt with the scenario and what I may need performed to deal with an analogous scenario higher sooner or later.
After I posted the article to my Patreon feed, considered one of my subscribers requested the next questions:
“As a younger girl who usually hikes remote-ish trails alone, I’m curious to additionally hear your evaluation of the opposite aspect of this example. Assuming that the explanation she pulled the knife was certainly that she felt threatened by you (have you ever heard any of the person vs bear discourse these days?), what would have you ever suggested her or somebody in her place to do otherwise? I positively suppose visibly pulling a knife isn’t the reply, however taking some degree of precaution is perhaps warranted. I particularly really feel unclear on find out how to proceed when passing male hikers attempt to strike up dialog with me (greater than a fast “have a pleasant hike” or one thing)… it’s most likely pleasant, however I’d reasonably not chat and in addition really feel like it may be an excuse to get nearer than I really feel comfy with.”
I believe it was a wonderful query. Right here is my response and my recommendation for all you solo hikers (both male or feminine).
I believe crucial facet of the evaluation is realizing that though a single feminine could be very weak in that scenario, the possibility that the male hiker she passes on the path has plans to assault her are infinitesimally low (however not non-existent).
I actually suppose that passing a hiker with a deadly weapon (gun, knife, and so on) in hand could trigger extra issues than it prevents. More than likely the dude she is passing has no designs to harm her. But when he sees her overtly carrying a weapon and approaching him, he would possibly draw his personal weapon and escalate the scenario to a harmful degree simply to guard himself. That’s a much more probably state of affairs than a lady really needing to have a weapon in hand to discourage or repel an assault.
You don’t wish to be attacked within the woods, however you additionally don’t wish to be shot by an ignorant or untrained dude carrying a gun who will get scared when he sees you with a weapon in hand.
I believe one of the best apply for a weak hiker is to have a hid deadly power weapon (knife or gun) that she will be able to draw if wanted. To be extra prepared for a bodily assault, she might simply conceal a POM pepper spray in her hand. She might even have a stout strolling stick in her hand as an improvised weapon that wouldn’t freak anybody out. Even carrying one of many massive bear spray dispensers in hand wouldn’t trigger a destructive response in most people she would possibly go.
The stick or the spray will give her an immediate response choice that may both cease the assault or purchase her time to entry a simpler weapon if the scenario turns violent.
As for the undesirable dialog, I’ve two ideas. I usually hike with one earbud in. I maintain one ear open to listen to folks approaching or rattlesnakes. When somebody begins speaking and I don’t wish to interact, I’ll level to the earbud and say “Sorry, I can’t hear you.” as I maintain strolling away.
The opposite factor you are able to do is to level at your watch and say “I can’t discuss. I’m attempting to beat my hike time from final week on this path” as you velocity away.
These are necessary ideas that the lone outside hiker ought to contemplate properly upfront of any potential confrontation.
I requested AI to give you a photograph of the girl I described within the story. There are a few particulars that aren’t completely right, however I used to be pleasantly stunned. You will get the story’s vibe by imagining one thing much like this.
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