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i have a question… so im planning on going out into the sierra nevada mountains with a buddy and hiking through the mountain range for a couple weeks and anyway, there are black bears in the area and i was wondering if you would have a fire at night would you be safe from any predatory animals such as mountain lions or black bears??? is there anything that u can do to deter them??
thanks for having videos that you can actually learn from and not being one of these tools that buys all their gear from a military surplus store. this looks really pragmatic and workable, plus i have most of that gear already…yahoo for a new idea
It’s always humbling for me to be in the woods with big predators, keeps things in perspective I guess. Statistically speaking the car ride to the trailhead is far more dangerous..followed by mosquitoes and ticks. Still, I understand how you feel and woodsmoke is considered to be a deterrent as animals have a natural fear of forest fires. A nice fire is a great comfort as well. Most important in to keep a super clean camp and let them hear you coming. Hope this helps and have a great time!
How long did it take you to get to that setup? Years? Months? Obviously you’ve been a hiker for a long time.I have so much gear and it seems I’m trying to “fix” the gear I have to make it lighter when I have a funny feeling I need to just start over and buy lighter gear.Does that make sense?Should I sell what I have on WB or ebay and go for it? In your honest opinion?I think I balk usually because I have so many non-hiker freinds and I enjoy taking them out as well and I dont have two UL setups.
No, there is a lot more space under the tarp than you may think…the rain would have to come in almost horizontally to do what you suggest. If you are concerned about extreme weather moving in, you can modify to a lowered or staked out setup. Any time you use ultralight or minimalist gear, it requires more thought and responsibility on your part to make good decisions. Thanks for watching. ML
I’ve never had a problem so far, but you can always stake both sides down which creates a floorless tent if you’re in an area where there’s reason to be concerned. Obviously, keeping an ultra clean camp is the best way to insure an uninterrupted nights sleep regardless of your setup. Thanks and best wishes. ML
When I use a stove, I use an ultralight one that I modified to burn wood. I have an article on my website with all the details in case you’re interested. Thanks for watching. ML
It’s hard to answer your question as I don’t know what gear you have that may be usable. My sleeping bag is by far the most expensive item in my setup, so if you have a good bag you’re most of the way there. My tarp, bivy, and backpack put together are less expensive than most high end tents. I’ve been where you’re at in the past and ended up giving a lot of my old gear to friends…once you go ultralight you won’t go back. :>)
Hope this helps and please visit my website for more info. ML
The bivy is available on my website. Just type Bushcraft Northwest into Google and you’ll find me. Click on “Gear” and then look in the “Shelter” section.
Thanks for watching,
ML
25 Comments
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
i have a question… so im planning on going out into the sierra nevada mountains with a buddy and hiking through the mountain range for a couple weeks and anyway, there are black bears in the area and i was wondering if you would have a fire at night would you be safe from any predatory animals such as mountain lions or black bears??? is there anything that u can do to deter them??
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
thanks for having videos that you can actually learn from and not being one of these tools that buys all their gear from a military surplus store. this looks really pragmatic and workable, plus i have most of that gear already…yahoo for a new idea
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
It’s always humbling for me to be in the woods with big predators, keeps things in perspective I guess. Statistically speaking the car ride to the trailhead is far more dangerous..followed by mosquitoes and ticks. Still, I understand how you feel and woodsmoke is considered to be a deterrent as animals have a natural fear of forest fires. A nice fire is a great comfort as well. Most important in to keep a super clean camp and let them hear you coming. Hope this helps and have a great time!
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
How long did it take you to get to that setup? Years? Months? Obviously you’ve been a hiker for a long time.I have so much gear and it seems I’m trying to “fix” the gear I have to make it lighter when I have a funny feeling I need to just start over and buy lighter gear.Does that make sense?Should I sell what I have on WB or ebay and go for it? In your honest opinion?I think I balk usually because I have so many non-hiker freinds and I enjoy taking them out as well and I dont have two UL setups.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
How about cost?
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
No, there is a lot more space under the tarp than you may think…the rain would have to come in almost horizontally to do what you suggest. If you are concerned about extreme weather moving in, you can modify to a lowered or staked out setup. Any time you use ultralight or minimalist gear, it requires more thought and responsibility on your part to make good decisions. Thanks for watching. ML
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
do you ever worry that with an open A frame the wind will suddenly spring on you and if it’s raining, might blow water into your camp?
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
I’ve never had a problem so far, but you can always stake both sides down which creates a floorless tent if you’re in an area where there’s reason to be concerned. Obviously, keeping an ultra clean camp is the best way to insure an uninterrupted nights sleep regardless of your setup. Thanks and best wishes. ML
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
good video..are you worried about critters going near you in the night?
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Great Video ! Informative , Concise , and Well thought out ! Thank you!
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
When I use a stove, I use an ultralight one that I modified to burn wood. I have an article on my website with all the details in case you’re interested. Thanks for watching. ML
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
I got that same back//i love it!nice vid
check out my cascade climb “bonanza Peak” vid adios
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
what stove do you use
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
It’s hard to answer your question as I don’t know what gear you have that may be usable. My sleeping bag is by far the most expensive item in my setup, so if you have a good bag you’re most of the way there. My tarp, bivy, and backpack put together are less expensive than most high end tents. I’ve been where you’re at in the past and ended up giving a lot of my old gear to friends…once you go ultralight you won’t go back. :>)
Hope this helps and please visit my website for more info. ML
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Hi there. The prices are on my website in case you’re interested. Thanks. ML
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Nice pritty cool. basicke
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
What is the make and model of the mosquito net? This video is one of the best out there. Excellent, and it appears you actually sleep in there.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
I think that’s the Equinox Mantis mosquito net.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
The bivy is available on my website. Just type Bushcraft Northwest into Google and you’ll find me. Click on “Gear” and then look in the “Shelter” section.
Thanks for watching,
ML
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
What kind of bivy is that and where did you buy it?
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
A tent is just as much a deathtrap – only one exit.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
If a bear happens upon you, you’re already in a death trap.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
it is if ya have an ultra light shotty
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
I bet
November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
ultra light gear is bearproof.