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Ogla



Registered: 02/16/04
Posts: 11,314
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hiking alone in the Backcountry
#26910904 - 08/31/20 10:15 PM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Around the end of March into April and or May, I'm gonna be spending some time in around Coldfoot, Brooks Range / North slope area. I got time off work and I just wanna explore the area. From coldfoot, you can hike into Gates of the Arctic. I really wanna go on a hike and check out the scenery. Of course, I'd like someone to go with me, but it's very hard to find people who are down to go thr distance. I'd like to get lost, figuratively speaking, for a week or so in the mountains there. That mountain range is on the continental divide and it seems like a really cool place. There should be around 14-16 hours of daylight that time of year. What I'm lost concerned about is the wildlife. How would one camp alone and sleep comfortably without worrying about a bear or something walking up on the camp. I know people have done it before. Do they just see the wildlife in distance and keep away or do things to discourage them? Anyone I. The area around that time wanna meet up and check it out? Haha. Anyways, I really wanna check this area out around early spring time it conditions look right
Edited by Ogla (11/24/20 08:41 AM)
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elpico
Stranger

Registered: 11/28/16
Posts: 315
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: Ogla]
#26911000 - 08/31/20 11:25 PM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Hiking alone in the wilderness is one of my favorite things to do. Can't ever be sure you won't have camp visitors, whether you're alone or with a friend. But you'll want to cook well away from your bivy spot. Store all food and anything with any kind of a scent in a bear canister that is left far from your bivy spot. I assume that's grizzly country? Definitely adds a little spice to the deal. Sounds like an amazing area to get lost!
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Ogla



Registered: 02/16/04
Posts: 11,314
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: elpico]
#26911568 - 09/01/20 10:00 AM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Yes, grizzly bears as well as Black bears are the main concern. Also coyotes and moose. Have you hiked into the wilderness alone? Where did you go and what was your experience like?
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elpico
Stranger

Registered: 11/28/16
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: Ogla]
#26912905 - 09/01/20 10:11 PM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Most of my solo jaunts have been in the lower 48. North Cascades, High Sierra, etc. Always a great experience, although I try to be a bit more conservative when I'm out there alone. To be fair, I am a loner by nature.
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Ogla



Registered: 02/16/04
Posts: 11,314
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: elpico]
#26913442 - 09/02/20 09:36 AM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Northern Cascades huh? That's actually a short term goal of mine is to visit there and also mount Rainier whenever I make it back to Washington. See any Sasquatch? Lol. I think there are bear there too, but Alaska has a much higher concentration. This expedition Im trying to go on is a deep wilderness adventure. I wanna cover like 40-50 miles one way. There's alot of cool rivers and mountain peaks to check out
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Ice9
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: Ogla]
#26913475 - 09/02/20 10:02 AM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Don't get over confident, make sure you have a top quality dry bag. Make sure your equipment is light. Use proper safety precautions (bell on back pack that rings while you walk etc.) simple measures an know how can prevent a lot of bad stuff, and we all know an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
-------------------- The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man. -- George Brenard Shaw
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Nichrome
I'm a torso!



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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: Ice9]
#26914424 - 09/02/20 07:25 PM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Bear is delicious. Bring a good old 45-70 lever gun. That will take care of anything that walks on this earth with one shot. The noise alone is formidable. My friend Marlin comes with me on long journeys.
Grizzly likes to bury you a bit so you rot so playing dead often works.
Black bears go straight for the liver while you scream and your only chance is to fight and run.
Usually a strong and sincere bout of directed laughter (imagine your childhood bully just wet their pants in front of the whole class) gets them gone quick. Works with big cats too. It's embarrassing.
Good luck on your journey. I'm sure there is nothing to really fear. Staying hydrated is your biggest concern.
-------------------- “Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one.”
Freedom is not the right to do as you please, but the liberty to do as you should. ~Emerson
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Ogla



Registered: 02/16/04
Posts: 11,314
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: Nichrome]
#26914657 - 09/02/20 09:57 PM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Yeah I was thinking a couple bottles of mace , some road flares and a gun. I wanted a rifle but a 45 will probably do the trick. I think prevention is my first goal, bit I wanna have back up incase anything goes wrong. I'm mostly concerned about this in the woods. On the tundra I'm sure if have a good line of sight and could easily avoid them
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Niffla



Registered: 06/09/08
Posts: 46,483
Loc: Texas
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: Ogla]
#26918949 - 09/05/20 09:53 AM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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That's hardcore, man. I admire you. I really want desperately to get into solo camping and hiking but I don't know if I'm strong enough mentally to camp and hike alone in grizzly country...
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Ogla



Registered: 02/16/04
Posts: 11,314
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: Niffla]
#26921012 - 09/06/20 11:44 AM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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I don't know if I am ither, but a part of me is eager to escape and get away for awhile. I wanna go off the grid and do some soul searching and stuff. This could be a potentially bad idea. Good part thou I'd even if I disappear for awhile, I won't get fired from my job. Kinda concerned about leaving a rental car in the middle of nowhere incase I don't back the way I came.
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Nichrome
I'm a torso!



Registered: 12/17/18
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: Ogla]
#26921737 - 09/06/20 06:36 PM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Definitely make a written plan which also goes over alternative routes and have a friend drive you to your launch point.
-------------------- “Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one.”
Freedom is not the right to do as you please, but the liberty to do as you should. ~Emerson
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NothingsChanged
Striving for Excellence


Registered: 05/28/11
Posts: 10,145
Loc: North/Western WA
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: Nichrome] 1
#26922994 - 09/07/20 12:40 PM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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these bears can ninja the spares cover very well. ive followed a few in the muskeg from the air and was amazed at how they could just disappear.
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MadMuncher
destroy weyerhauser



Registered: 10/27/12
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness *DELETED* [Re: NothingsChanged]
#26925503 - 09/08/20 11:32 PM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Post deleted by MadMuncher
Reason for deletion: nope
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amanita phalloides prints for trade $BanEnlil $IgnoreEnlil Spicemaster said: The stories. The words. The descriptions. Keep your list handy. 1234Go said: I bet you guys PM about me... Ban Lotto Wins: IIIII
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MadMuncher
destroy weyerhauser



Registered: 10/27/12
Posts: 8,404
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness *DELETED* [Re: MadMuncher]
#26925516 - 09/08/20 11:43 PM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Post deleted by MadMuncher
Reason for deletion: no
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amanita phalloides prints for trade $BanEnlil $IgnoreEnlil Spicemaster said: The stories. The words. The descriptions. Keep your list handy. 1234Go said: I bet you guys PM about me... Ban Lotto Wins: IIIII
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MadMuncher
destroy weyerhauser



Registered: 10/27/12
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness *DELETED* [Re: MadMuncher]
#26925543 - 09/09/20 12:13 AM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Post deleted by MadMuncher
Reason for deletion: nah
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amanita phalloides prints for trade $BanEnlil $IgnoreEnlil Spicemaster said: The stories. The words. The descriptions. Keep your list handy. 1234Go said: I bet you guys PM about me... Ban Lotto Wins: IIIII
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NothingsChanged
Striving for Excellence


Registered: 05/28/11
Posts: 10,145
Loc: North/Western WA
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: MadMuncher]
#26925566 - 09/09/20 12:50 AM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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MadMuncher
destroy weyerhauser



Registered: 10/27/12
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness *DELETED* [Re: NothingsChanged]
#26925588 - 09/09/20 01:18 AM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Post deleted by MadMuncher
Reason for deletion: one less
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amanita phalloides prints for trade $BanEnlil $IgnoreEnlil Spicemaster said: The stories. The words. The descriptions. Keep your list handy. 1234Go said: I bet you guys PM about me... Ban Lotto Wins: IIIII
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Ogla



Registered: 02/16/04
Posts: 11,314
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: MadMuncher]
#26925692 - 09/09/20 04:08 AM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Maybe I do a short hike first, from coldfoot to bettles. I've been that way before, just never hiked it. Are there really places in can rent satellite phones from? A GPS or compass would be nice
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MadMuncher
destroy weyerhauser



Registered: 10/27/12
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness *DELETED* [Re: Ogla]
#26925977 - 09/09/20 09:28 AM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Post deleted by MadMuncher
Reason for deletion: dont
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amanita phalloides prints for trade $BanEnlil $IgnoreEnlil Spicemaster said: The stories. The words. The descriptions. Keep your list handy. 1234Go said: I bet you guys PM about me... Ban Lotto Wins: IIIII
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NothingsChanged
Striving for Excellence


Registered: 05/28/11
Posts: 10,145
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: MadMuncher]
#26925995 - 09/09/20 09:38 AM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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the zoleo device worked really well. it maps your location and sends it to whom ever you want at any interval you choose.
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MadMuncher
destroy weyerhauser



Registered: 10/27/12
Posts: 8,404
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness *DELETED* [Re: NothingsChanged]
#26926033 - 09/09/20 10:07 AM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Post deleted by MadMuncher
Reason for deletion: wont
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amanita phalloides prints for trade $BanEnlil $IgnoreEnlil Spicemaster said: The stories. The words. The descriptions. Keep your list handy. 1234Go said: I bet you guys PM about me... Ban Lotto Wins: IIIII
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Ogla



Registered: 02/16/04
Posts: 11,314
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: MadMuncher]
#26926094 - 09/09/20 10:43 AM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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I'm already in Alaska and I don't care going back to the lower 48. There's nothing for me there. Coronavirus fucked everything up.
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MadMuncher
destroy weyerhauser



Registered: 10/27/12
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness *DELETED* [Re: Ogla]
#26926193 - 09/09/20 11:44 AM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Post deleted by MadMuncher
Reason for deletion: know better
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amanita phalloides prints for trade $BanEnlil $IgnoreEnlil Spicemaster said: The stories. The words. The descriptions. Keep your list handy. 1234Go said: I bet you guys PM about me... Ban Lotto Wins: IIIII
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MadMuncher
destroy weyerhauser



Registered: 10/27/12
Posts: 8,404
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness *DELETED* [Re: MadMuncher]
#26926339 - 09/09/20 01:13 PM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Post deleted by MadMuncher
Reason for deletion: not
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amanita phalloides prints for trade $BanEnlil $IgnoreEnlil Spicemaster said: The stories. The words. The descriptions. Keep your list handy. 1234Go said: I bet you guys PM about me... Ban Lotto Wins: IIIII
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Ogla



Registered: 02/16/04
Posts: 11,314
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: MadMuncher]
#26927365 - 09/10/20 12:02 AM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Dutch harbor right now. I'll be in Anchorage as soon as we done here
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NothingsChanged
Striving for Excellence


Registered: 05/28/11
Posts: 10,145
Loc: North/Western WA
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: Ogla]
#26927414 - 09/10/20 12:48 AM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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cool, i was just in Ugashik for the summer and was left in Port Heiden because the young gal was nervous flying in the weather that day.
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MadMuncher
destroy weyerhauser



Registered: 10/27/12
Posts: 8,404
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness *DELETED* [Re: NothingsChanged]
#26927433 - 09/10/20 01:13 AM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Post deleted by MadMuncher
Reason for deletion: naught
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amanita phalloides prints for trade $BanEnlil $IgnoreEnlil Spicemaster said: The stories. The words. The descriptions. Keep your list handy. 1234Go said: I bet you guys PM about me... Ban Lotto Wins: IIIII
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NothingsChanged
Striving for Excellence


Registered: 05/28/11
Posts: 10,145
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: MadMuncher] 2
#26928245 - 09/10/20 01:04 PM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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No, i could see a steaming vent hole on Mount Chiginagak i believe.
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GreenHorns
some kind of boogin



Registered: 10/03/12
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Sounds like a great time! I've never been to Alaska but I would love to do some hiking and camping there one day.
I hike and camp solo all the time (I bring my dog usually though). I can't speak for grizzlies but black bears are not as big of a concern as people think unless it's a male during breeding season or a female with cubs. Never camp in the wilderness without a rifle. I keep my 308 with me for protection and try to avoid bringing too much food and opt to fish hunt or forraige . Bears don't want to fight they just want food and if you never have any they don't waste their time. Cougars are my main concern because they are hunters unlike bears and sneaky as fuck. GPS and such would be nice but just know where your going and plan ahead. If you can't navigate by star or read a topographical map to navigate a path through the mountains you may want to take smaller trips for a bit and get acquainted with the isolation and survival "instinct". Have fun though!
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  As the spark of the dream ignites a flame of desire all we have is time and all to do is admire Spawning to Bulk Substate TEK General Myco Info / FAQ / Terminology
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Ogla



Registered: 02/16/04
Posts: 11,314
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: GreenHorns]
#26929931 - 09/11/20 12:37 PM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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Yes, I'm buying a revolver or a rifle. Been needing one for a minute.
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hotdiggity
Stranger

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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: Ogla]
#27004728 - 10/26/20 02:16 PM (3 years, 3 months ago) |
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Bear spray or a revolver if you're handy with one is definitely recommended.
Sat phones can be rented at surveyor's exchange in Anchorage. I would recommend a Garmin Inreach if they have it since you can text from it and it acts as a GPS without having to have a Sat Phone plan. Just make sure the coverage is okay for that area.
Brooks Range is a whole different animal but I've done a bunch of solo stuff in the Alaskan and Chugach areas. Just don't be an idiot, be loud in brushy / confined areas, and try not to slip and break a leg as that's far more a possibility than getting attacked by wild critters.
Research back country hiking in Alaska and you should be alright. I would start less ambitious and only go a few days and then if you're feeling sassy crank up the volume. Shit gets pretty boring by yourself after a while.
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Nichrome
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: hotdiggity] 1
#27027327 - 11/07/20 05:55 PM (3 years, 2 months ago) |
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I killed a large black bear with my bow about a week ago. Me and the fam skinned and butchered on our own. She was a beautiful creature. After getting up close and personal with her anatomy I can tell you I would never ever want to tangle with one hand to hand. If one got the drop on me I'd surely just let it finish and be honored to have the experience knowing it wouldn't last long. Those suckers will tear you in half and not even bat an eye. There is very little you could do to pierce the skin of a bear let alone get through the fat layer (this one had fat close to 6 inches thick). You could lunge a knife or swing an axe as hard as you can muster and you'd likely only superficially wound the creature. We are talking about a heavily armored beast with triceps that can break you in half. They are very intelligent and know they are the boss. Most seem like they want nothing to do with strife or humans but there are individuals with terrible macho attitudes for sure.
If I were to hike alone in heavily populated bear country I would personally bring a Marlin 1895 or something else chambered in 45-70 Gov't. Any small caliber pistol or wimpy rifle is likely to piss them off unless your placement is dead on or you can land a half dozen or more at close range. Bears have a habit of living for days and traveling miles with internal bleeding and mortal wounds.
Your best bet is to learn about bears and their habits. Get to know them like they are friends and learn how they like to be. This is the best way to avoid conflict. Avoiding conflict is the way to go and a healthy respect is key.
Lynx and bobcat are also likely encounters for you in those parts.
Laughter is a great tool and works with most large animals.
-------------------- “Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one.”
Freedom is not the right to do as you please, but the liberty to do as you should. ~Emerson
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GreenHorns
some kind of boogin



Registered: 10/03/12
Posts: 3,798
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Last seen: 10 months, 18 days
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: Nichrome]
#27027817 - 11/08/20 12:41 AM (3 years, 2 months ago) |
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Dang dude glad your safe sounds scary only having arrows for defence. You must be a hell of a shot. What's your plan with that meat and pelt? I've never eaten bear and bear polar opinions about it. Thanks for sharing that laughter tip I've never heard that before.
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  As the spark of the dream ignites a flame of desire all we have is time and all to do is admire Spawning to Bulk Substate TEK General Myco Info / FAQ / Terminology
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Ogla



Registered: 02/16/04
Posts: 11,314
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Quote:
NothingsChanged said: the zoleo device worked really well. it maps your location and sends it to whom ever you want at any interval you choose.
Is there a way to use zoleo to navigate? It says there's no navigation in the app, but logs your GPS and it's supposed to be able to use Network or wifi when there's no cell coverage. Could I then use Google maps app to see where I'm at? Trying to decide if I want zoleo or something else. Being able to see where I'm at on a map would be a huge plus
Edit: I was looking at an inreach mini. It seems it may be more cost effective.. Zoleo is 20$ a month basic and $4 a month not active (no clear cancellation fee or minimum length of contract). The Garmin mini is $15 a month and 25$ for the year subscription.. thou zoleo says it extends wifi and cell coverage (I'm assuming at&t and GCI would qualify to cover brooks range), but the mini works entirely off satellite and texts separately from the phone. Zoleo uses the Gaia gps app(works offline) for nativigating and the mini uses the earth mate app. It's actually a thought decision, damnit
Edited by Ogla (11/24/20 08:58 AM)
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Niffla



Registered: 06/09/08
Posts: 46,483
Loc: Texas
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Re: hiking alone in the wilderness [Re: Nichrome]
#27056781 - 11/25/20 09:01 AM (3 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Nichrome said: I killed a large black bear with my bow about a week ago. Me and the fam skinned and butchered on our own. She was a beautiful creature. After getting up close and personal with her anatomy I can tell you I would never ever want to tangle with one hand to hand. If one got the drop on me I'd surely just let it finish and be honored to have the experience knowing it wouldn't last long. Those suckers will tear you in half and not even bat an eye. There is very little you could do to pierce the skin of a bear let alone get through the fat layer (this one had fat close to 6 inches thick). You could lunge a knife or swing an axe as hard as you can muster and you'd likely only superficially wound the creature. We are talking about a heavily armored beast with triceps that can break you in half. They are very intelligent and know they are the boss. Most seem like they want nothing to do with strife or humans but there are individuals with terrible macho attitudes for sure.
Yep. And now imagine an aggressive brown bear...yikes.
I've been listening to the audio book of Yellowstone Park deaths and the chapter on grizzly bear fatalities...well it's about what one would think it would be. Not an easy listen.
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HAIL OUR NEW OTD KING
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