Should Women Be More Afraid To Solo Wild Camp Than Men? (Question Time)
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- Опубликовано: 15 фев 2024
- Should women be afraid to go to wild camping on their own? Here's my perspective during a solo camp deep in the woods.
Thanks to Solo Sarah for the question: / @solosarahbx
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This is all so true, you nailed it. Should we be scared? No. Do we sometimes need to be? Sadly, yes. I and many of my friends hike, run, and camp solo. I've found true hikers/ campers to be non threatening and cool. Anyone out there in inappropriate gear, especially close to trail heads, sets my alarms off a bit. Partying kids make me nervous, as again, they're not true outdoors people, they're just looking for a place to get away with obnoxious behavior. (Been there, not judging. ) The further out I am, the better I feel.
I hate seeing all the comments about women needing to stay home/ safe unless with a man, or with a group. In civilized society, we should ALL have the freedom to live our lives. If something bad happens, it's not the fault of the woman living her life, but the man breaking the law, or just being a jerk.
He nailed it from the point of view of a Beta Male.
It can feel quite isolating thinking about all this stuff, I must admit at first I felt quite suffocated by it as I was being judged by wanting to go out alone and camp. People would say time over, are you not scared? Don’t get cold? Isn’t dangerous all that way out alone? What if there’s a creep following you? Blah blah blah. The would happen daily as I shared my pictures and videos on social media. I think people actually felt scared for me so this was a reflection on their own fears and what emotions and challenges it would conjure up for them. I’m really pleased Stephen dedicated a separate video for discussions to develop. It’s great to hear from all types of people on this subject not just people that identify as male or female too. I simply wanted to raise the question a woman with a 95% male audience on my channel and I am very aware that there are so many variables here but the common theme that I encounter is fear. I am all too aware that men feel fear too as Stephen pointed out here. I love wild camping solo and don’t feel scared like I used to but I can not shy away from the fact that my first nightmare when sleeping was being attacked by a man that had found me in my tent and took advantage of my situation. I woke up screaming and rigid with fear? Why did I carry on camping? Well, for me the benefits far outweighed the risks that were probably completely irrational and the probability very low. I have enjoyed many hikes and camps where I have come across people now who are flippin lovely!but there’s a reason I still camp solo and do t feel ready to meet up with people who I don’t know and go camping with them. I need to verify many things before I do that and that takes time and trust for me. My instincts are my wisdom and experience and I am always lead by it 😊
Gotta make that video now on your own channel about this!
I have hiked on my own for decades with no problem. Most people you meet are like minded decent folk. At the age of 70 I have just ordered my first tent to start wild camping. Life is for living and is very short...
Thanks for sharing Sue and enjoy your first camp! 🙂
Brilliant
Thanks @@unclepeteswildadventures - have just subscribed to your channel. Originally from Yorkshire so your videos bring back lots of happy hiking memories.
@@suegillett2173 Thanks Sue. So chuffed for you. You’ll love it. Yep live life to the full. Atb
You go girl
Solo wild camping is, like anything else, a skill that can be learned. Anyone who has camped many nights out will confirm that it becomes second nature. You build confidence, know what to avoid and what kind of spots you feel safe in.
My confidence is certainly building! So much so I decide to record my experiences and publish them online, I think that speaks for itself. I’ve enjoyed Shari g my thoughts and putting it out there for discussion, it’s helped me in more ways than anyone may realise 😊 as a midwife I deal with some pretty tough stuff that most people will never have to, repetition and experience help me deal with the sad stuff and the emergencies that happen daily. It can be quite traumatic so I’m naturally a very reflective sensitive person…that’s why camping does so much for me by means of rest and recuperation but it also gives me a space to tune into my own feelings when I’m alone and to talk about some interesting subjects! 😊
Very true!
I really like that statement about women you are not romantically involved with should be viewed like you would your sister. That is a great rule of thumb.
I often tell people who ask me if I'm not afraid camping on my own, that there is nothing out there scarier than me. And that is the truth when it comes to creatures other than humans. But I share your aprehension when it comes to groups of youths near my camp. I'd rather move than feel I was within stumbling distance of their camp.
As to whether women "should" be more afraid, no they shouldn't. But that doesn't mean they aren't, and as you said, its a sad fact of life in much of the world we live in.
Thanks for your thoughts on this! I'd be scared to camp near teenage me, not because teenage me was particularly bad but I would have probably thought it would be funny to make weird nosies in the middle of the night or shake tents without realising that whoever was inside might not find it funny.
I picked up on this first and foremost, it was of great comfort the sister thing! What a wonderfully decent bloke discussing a really important subject. I know Stephen wondered if he’d even answered my question well. I think he nailed it and brought some beautiful perspectives in as a man thinking about what it must be like for women. I really wish it was no different and that we just had an even playing field in life. History takes a long time to iron out the creases of the past 👍🏻
@@SoloSarahBXit is pretty even mate.
That fear is an unwanted, unasked for extra load to carry. My achievements first and every time: 1. getting out the door 2. Surviving the benign and impersonal environment that has no desire to kill me, it just can, anytime. 3. Not totally burning, stabbing, cutting or poisoning myself for my dinner. 4. Going downhill owning knees.
Is that not enough?
Hi all, New subscriber to your channel Stephen, but I've been aware of it for a while. I have become a great fan of @SoloSarahB recently, think her RUclips style hits the sweet spot for me.
Speaking about the main subject in hand, that is the fears of being outdoors, alone, and particularly the divide between the genders, My tuppence worth...
Firstly I'm new to overnighting in the outdoors, although I have been a hill walker almost 2 decades, It's only two years since I began devouring content on RUclips where folks carried all this gear and tramped the kilometres.
I bought an economy tent (Being on a meagre enough income) and cheap bag, air mat, etc. My first wildcamp was almost a disaster, it was almost impossible to pitch, I hadn't recce'd the area, it was cold and much windier than I expected, and I heard ghosts, yes the spirits of others were on that hillside I'm convinced of that (it was adjacent to a plane crash site from WW2). I've learned a lot since then and been on maybe 20 nights out, including a few epic multi-nighters, but I still feel like a total noobie.
Anyway to the man-woman thing. To me this goes way deeper than just being in a remote place. As many have commented here, it's not fear of the wild but fear of other humans puts people (particularly women, it seems) off, It's a bit of societal conditioning, in my opinion. Too many years of (some) men and their dreadful attitude and often dispicable treatment of women, has meant that women often feel they have to constantly look over their shoulders for idiot men causing trouble. As a man who grew up with 6 sisters and a mother who treated us all the same when it came to household chores, I am of the opinion that it is not the so-called great men who built our world, but the often quiet women in the background doing the hard graft who did it. As men, who wouldn't be here without having had a mother, we need to step up and call out the idiots who think there is something acceptable about a culture of misogyny.
We all have a short window of opportunity in our lives to do what we love, it all passes way too quickly, so let's make this pastime a place where everyone feels safe, you don't have to be a 6 foot, 16 stone, hairy arsed man to go outdoors and feel safe, we should all have that luxury, and have it everywhere, in our homes, our workplaces and in our hobbies.
Good luck and safe wandering to you all...
George
Your comment made me cry 🥹 it’s so wonderfully put, you nailed this! I sometimes find it hard to put into words the way I feel about this ‘subject’ without offending men who are bloody fantastic! All
Of the men in my life are role models and I have a son who I parent the best I can in such a challenging world. I and nurturing him to be kind, gentle and respectful and I think I’m doing a great job ❤I havnt openly spoken about this yet in one of my video me as I wanted to hear more view points, sometimes you doubt yourself and your perspectives especially when it doesn’t sit right but it’s so important to talk about it for women who do come to me and say…wow how do you do it! ? You know, my simple answer is, I just do and why should I feel scared? Thank you sooooo much George and for supporting me over on my channel 🙏🏻✨🙏🏻Sarah
@@SoloSarahBX Thanks Sarah, keep on doing what you are doing, and be safe doing it.
Wise words George and pretty much agree with all of this. Women often really are the backbone of of families and societies in a way which isn’t valued how it used to be.
There are a good number of female wildcampers out there on RUclips, so I think good on them 💪💪.
Im a woman in my fifties and have recently started wild camping. Alot of the fear I had at first was just being vulnerable alone in a tent in case some weirdo came along...., but that is so unlikely as like alot of people here say, the nice guys go out in the wilds!
Come on ladies, just do it. X
I know plenty of men who are better at “female” things than I am: gardening baking music singing art dancing… I think there’s also a type A competitive streak through a lot of men that makes the outdoors stuff worse bc those particular guys see anything as a test if manliness. They would probably exhibit the same behavior in any mixed activity where a woman is more talented. The sisters advice is great.
I find highly competitive people amusing. They just can’t help themselves.
Well done for bringing this up Stephen.
I can totally understand why women can feel more afraid wild camping on their own, which is such a shame. Especially when all the male wild campers I've met are awesome people. Like you, I actually feel vulnerable myself, especially when I'm in a more accessible area, so it is only natural to be scared sometimes I think, but can see why it might be scarier for women.
The girls that I watch, SoloSarahB, WildBeare, HomeMadeWanderLust, Fables & Fells, Abbie Barnes...to name but a few, all bring something different to the scene and it's great to watch and support them. I personally think their success is amazing and based on the amount of views and comments they get, lots of others do too. It's a shame that a few people have to bring it down with negativity, but hopefully it will encourage more women to join us men in this amazing hobby.
I have cycled and camped since I was a kid and started to venture out with friends wild camping at 14. From the age of 18 I would wild camp when away climbing, cycling and motorcycling alone and with others never had a problem not just in IK but also Europe. I’m now in my sixty’s and the other half freaks at the thought and can’t understand why when I have a big Motorhome I would but to me there’s not a lot of difference. It’s only recently that I’ve given it more thought due to being run of a National cycle route with barriers either end by a motorcyclist in a semi rural local area. It actually put me more off cycling in my home area. To be honest if you’re in a rural area it shouldn’t be a problem but I do know of men who are now even wary if they come across someone who doesn’t quite fit the outdoor bill.
I do believe in life we do have to take calculated risks otherwise life gets a bit stale and boring. Then again I used to take lifts when traveling to climb in various areas of Scotland and got to know many of the guys carrying fish etc down from the islands and because I took the risk I built relationships and for regular lifts etc. I know I wouldn’t do that now but it is sad that we can’t do so but now that risk is bigger.
I always remember what my dad used to say not to be scared of the day you never saw.
Thanks for sharing swampy!
I've always felt way less safe in a campsite than in the wild.
It’s funny that I feel a lot safer sleeping in a tent alone in a pitch black woods over a night out in the city.
I’ve never ever felt scared camping as I spent a lot of my youth fishing at night. I always figured that no person would want to come near me considering I would be carrying weapons (for hunting purposes). And the ones that actually did, were genuinely interested in fishing or camping or both.
Thanks for picking this subject up Stephen. It actually finally convinced me to get a YT Channel to be able to comment!
As a woman getting into wild camping, this is a problem I relate to very much. Unfortunately, it's really not surprising women are afraid. The stats you shared in one of the other comments highlight it - irrespective of the fact that men are at a higher risk of assault in general, women are overwhelmingly attacked by men, not other women. The stats are undoubtedly confounding, given lack of split between random and organised crime and domestic violence (after all majority of female victims of violence are killed by someone they know) but they highlight the relative constant in womens lives - we are often a lot more aware of the risks our actions put us in.
In terms of actually going wildcamping, I have a bit of residual fear but I'm still planning to go out more often by myself and enjoy the outdoors. But when someone asks whether / what I'm afraid of, I'm honest. Here in the UK, it's not wildlife or the dark. It's other people.
Yeah you’re right the simple statistics don’t tell the full story. It’s frustrating that women do have to be more aware or risk.
The worst thing is mouths and what comes out of them ..
Ive never met one mad person in 30 years of hiking and outdoors . 100 percent have been seeking solice or isolation .
@lifesahobby I don't disagree in principle.
I think the usual main concern is that when you are the unlucky one and you're in the middle of nowhere, you're on your own. And on the balance of probabilities, most men will be faster and stronger than me. Will it stop me from going - no. Does it mean I still think about it - unfortunately yes.
@@AlexH-hk7dc I carry a large stick . Always wary . I understand.
Men are afraid too.....
No, woman are not more aware and if it's a constant in your life it's a constant in mens lifes.
Your comment is verging on sexist
Great video on a topic that shouldn’t have to be a topic in my opinion but due to the world we live in it’s an unfortunate truth.
I too feel more comfortable in the more remote parts of the UK especially if staying overnight.
I totally understand how women can feel vulnerable when in the outdoors, I am in a long term marriage, I have an older sister and a niece, none of them would go wild camping on there own for the fear of being attacked.
I feel sad and angry that this is how they feel, what the solution is I’m not sure, but the more women who promote the Outdoors in a safe and responsible way I think can only be a positive influence.
I follow Wildbeare and muddy bootlaces who I think are doing a fantastic job with this.
As for the keyboard warriors, you get them everywhere, I just smile and nod and crack on regardless giving them the finger in my rear view mirror.
Top tip to women who are thinking about wild camping, go with a female friend to support each other and just enjoy yourself, but don’t be afraid to come home if it just doesn’t feel right.
Peace and love
Pete👊🏼🤙🏻
Loved reading your comment Pete! ,Thank you 🙏🏻
As a woman myself, I either camp in safe (rented) spots or stealth in public accessible areas. However, in Germany it is not easy to find remote places, as especially the forests are small and controlled by land owners, hunters and state bodies. Actually, I have agreed with my partner to do no wild camping anymore. If you have experienced trauma or violence in your life, it's even harder to feel safe.
All parents have a duty to educate all their children, not just their sons, about respect and your idea of treating others as a sibling is a good one. And it is part of that education that makes you pause when recounting the ‘pepper in the eyes’ incident. It shows regret and a conscience over what happened. I’m general, the more remote, the lower the risk should be but there will always be an element of doubt until society has changed. No quick fix!😕
I definitely wouldn't call myself brave but I Wildcamp virtually every weekend and don't get nervous about people. The weather I can, I've seen what it can do. Would I move away from rowdy people, absolutely or a group, as I want to get away from everyone, not out of fear. Maybe it's down to life's experiences? I'm in my mid 50s and I've spent so much time on hills and mountains, that's home to me. Is a woman more at risk? Maybe for your reasons, I think it's miniscule compared to living in a city.
As for their success, I think it's mainly that a lot of women are good communicators. Good luck to anyone male or female who has a go at this.
Great video.
Thanks for the insights! 🙂
I would add to this - which I think you alluded to with the sister/jealousy thing - that it might be how it is in wider society, but it's up to us blokes to change it, and make people of all genders (and none) welcome in this space.
That may seem like an obvious thing to say, but it's an active thing rather than platitudes, like the example you said about female RUclipsrs, and it's in how we talk to peers, our speech, our comments, and in our work as much as anything else. We all need to say 'hold on, that isn''t right.'
Getting on a soapbox here, but Hiking RUclips needs to make sure everyone is welcome (and not saying you aren't - but it's for all of us to make it so). And it usually does, but even I've come across a few things online than make me go 'hrmmmm'...
Love your comments here! This is exactly how I feel 🙏🏻 BW, Sarah
@@SoloSarahBX thank you :-)
What exactly is up to us blokes? We aren't one group, we don't act as one.
@@elliotwilliams7421 I would have thought that was obvious?
To stop bad behaviour around us of other men (because the sexist bigots, the creeps and dodgy types won't listen to women but they might listen to us, and usually it starts with people we know being emboldened by lack of peer pressure to do better), and to encourage and help women who are hiking and promote hiking to everyone.
If you think that's not your responsibility, then you're part of the problem.
@@harduphiker disagree, it's up to everyone, not just men, to look out for each other.
I really don't see what gender has to do with it all.
Weve all felt scared camping, being male doesn't make it easier and I disagree it's worse for woman.
It's almost a sexist view point to think someone is more comfortable with violence or the threat of it based on gender.
I've never seen anything in the hiking and camping world on RUclips or in the comment sections that comes under this.
Unless you are naming and shaming what's the point?
I'm of the opinion it's best to ignore these folks on RUclips and in the comments.
Any form of interaction Adds to the algorithm.
Your not gonna change anyonea opinions via RUclips.
Camping, hiking is fine on your own as long as properly prepared and please let loved ones know where you are going and latest approximate time you aiming to be back 👍
I had one bad encounter when on the trail. It ruined solo camping. A man would show up to my various campsites along my week long hiking trip. He'd pretend to stumble into my site like a confused hiker. I woke up at night to him sitting at the fire pit at 2am. He left at 3am. Once I woke up, he pretended to stumble into my camp AGAIN. On my 5th day, he said the gods must be aligning him with me, and we must have sex or else there would be consequences. I refused and began to cry. It scared him and made him uncomfortable. He just walked straight into the woods off trail. I was so scared.
That’s horrendous! Sorry you had to deal with that. Sounds like he wasn’t even self aware enough to realise he was being a creep.
Sarah is the best, and like a lot of Sheffield lasses, she's made of tougher stuff. Onwards and upwards for her and hopefully others like her. Wilde Beare and Fit For Adventure are some of the best too.
Sheffield steel
@@StephenJReid Exactly mate.
There's a certain amount of risk in everything we do, weather we're male of female. We just need to manage it the best we can. 😊
True, you’d never do anything in life without taking some level of risk
I don't think it's about being male or female, I think its about how big and strong you are and how capable and confident you are in handling yourself. It just so happens that most females are smaller and weaker than most men. Not all, but on average. Saying that I remember I was out with my girlfriend at the time, she was 6' in her socks and a university rower, proper amazon type. She was being pestered by a guy outside a club and I went over and asked if she needed help and she looked down at him, contempt on her face and said 'no, this one I can handle' and to be fair, she probably could!
I’m constantly getting told I’m mad for going out on my own (hiking not backpacking anymore) I firmly believe this is because we are constantly told “women should be scared or afraid and are more vulnerable”. Doesn’t bother me, I don’t take any notice. Yeah there has been a few times when I’ve felt uneasy but nothing serious has happened to me in the slightest. Basically we think about it differently because we are and have been told to think about it differently 😂😂
Was curious so I checked stats. In the UK about 70% of murder victims are male, 30% female. 60% of victims of violence are male, 40% female.
So statistically it’s more dangerous for men.
The problem is that of course the vast majority of violent crimes are carried out by men (about 75%).
So I think that feeds into the narrative that women are more at risk.
Although again this is complicated by the fact that the specific risks to men and women are different.
@@StephenJReid that’s really interesting stuff, aren’t women more at risk in the home from domestic violence or something like that (don’t have the stats tbf) I only worry about hurting myself or falling ill. Only ever met nice folks when I’m out, have a quick chat or pass a good morning etc and that’s it. I guess subconsciously some fear might be there but I don’t think it’s because I’m female but I never thought about it in depth
@@StephenJReid 👍 yes the stats don’t always reflect the general consciousness.
For this specific issue though I don’t think they are hugely helpful as they encompass organised and domestic crime which for the topic of solo outdoorsing isn’t as applicable.
Some questions I’ve had have been around the fact that there are a lot of situations women don’t put themselves in as much.
Men generally put themselves in more situations of risk as a population.
Take me walking my dog in the evening, at least half the roads and alleys nearby I don’t walk down at all at night but those routes are just a matter of course for men, some do get mugged from time to time. The risk there is reflective of behaviour patterns not based on an individuals sex in the same scenarios.
Likewise there are more male outdoor fatalities in snowdonia than women but there are a lot more men outdoors in snowdonia and they do seem to take greater risks so it’s very hard to see a clear pattern for issues like this.
I’ve personally not had any bad experiences in the hills, only closer to urban areas.
I hope my rambles made a coherent if non conclusive point 😁 and great to see the issue talked about 👍
When I was growing up I knew a lady called Mira, she was one of the most unique people I’ve ever known, she would just say “I’m off” and disappear for months backpacking around the world solo, she’d meet people along the way and sometimes link up for a while but in general had to look out for herself.
Some of her more extreme achievement were spending 5 months traversing the Aussie outback with a guide she’d met, she also traveled halfway round the globe sailing with an old guy she’d met on her travels. It’s possibly also relevant that she was a very tall strong German lesbian and didn’t take no shit 😅
She was assaulted on more than one occasion though, I think she was generally a very good judge of character but she did get mugged more than once and have to beet a hasty exit a few times and it did affect her. She was quite happy to sleep on a bench if needed so she always seemed to spring right back even if she just had the clothes on her back.
I haven’t seen her for quite long time now and she’s well into her 60s and has settled down a little but from what I’ve heard still goes on impromptu trips.
Won’t forget her in a hurry!
@@StephenJReid Thanks for bringing up these stats. I don't much like the rhetoric that 'these things are easier for men as they aren't afraid'. We're all afraid of the dark. And have been for scallions of years. I don't know why its become common knowledge to say that men aren't afraid of being alone in the dark considering no one has ever bothered to ask men.
To add to what @helenreeves6978 said, by contrast, women are repeatedly being surveyed on their fears. And have these surveys reported in the media.
But the stat about 75% of violent crimes are commited by men is really, really misleading. Most violent crimes are by repeat offenders. And the overwhelming majority of all people don't commit any crimes. If 96% of men commit no violent crimes and 98% of women don't - well that seems pretty much the same to me. But you can look at the 4% and 2% and say, (incorrectly) - that men are 'twice as violent as women'. You could say (correctly) that a room filled with only violent people will have twice as many men.
So perception and rhetoric do play a large part.
I'll happily be your sister from another Mr, Stephen 😄
I do feel more vulnerable around Stockholm city though, compared to the wilderness! Every single person I've met there has been stellar. Fingers crossed it'll stay that way!
😂 100% I always feel more at risk in cities than in remote locations. Although I did grow up in a rural area. I know a man, older than me who is scared to camp near trees on his own
SolosarahB!! Amazing, love both your videos, you're very entertaining/engaging to watch keep up the good videos Stephen 💪
Thanks Andrew
I have never been afraid to go hiking or wild camping. I will happily climb fences and walls to access areas not covered by CRoW in England without any worries. However as a white British male who is these days middle age and middle class I know that there is nothing to be afraid of in the great outdoors - I understand, acknowledge, and will say aloud that I am privileged and care nothing when people call me woke - that just encourages me to find more ways of helping to encourage more women and minorities into our great outdoors. People need more role models to give them confidence so I happily and proudly support female RUclipsrs via Patreon and other ways of donating, and regularly donate to organisations such as Black Girls Hike and Muslim Hikers.
Good video Stephen.
Thanks Phil! It's a privilege to even be in a position to be able to go to outdoor places.
What a great comment 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻thank you!!
My answer is "no". However, my theory regarding why women may be more afraid is at the end of this post. I am a female hiker and backpacker (living in Colorado), and I always venture out alone with my little 12-pound, canine buddy, Goldie. I am rarely afraid in the woods because I have situational awareness, a sense of self-preservation (ability to avoid doing something stupid, and tools for protection), the proper gear, lots of experience, and a satellite communicator in case things go terribly wrong. I have only felt fear in the woods a few times, and all those involved bears, mountain lions, lightning above tree line, and high stream crossings, which I believe should apply to both sexes. Hunters, fishermen, woodland fire fighters, forest service workers, etc. are predominantly men. Fear stems from lack of experience, and women just don't venture into the woods alone as much as men. Your thoughts?
Women are definitely at more risk, however I mean women in general ! Some people are ' switched on ' and from your comment I would say you are switched on and therefore relatively safe. Some men are at more risk because of lack of awareness and partly because they are Beta males ! A switched on women is safer than any Beta male, or even most males these days. ( switched on as in aware of your surroundings and any possible risks involved from any source ).
The RUclipsr above is Beta ! You are obviously a Sigma Female, same as my Mrs, and my Sisters.
In my experience the vast majority of wild campers that I know don’t have any more connection with the outdoors than anyone else. Many have desk jobs, work in shops or offices and the outdoors is a way of escaping that. Although the culture could be different here than where you are.
I think people are a bit more complex than the labels we get comfort from applying to them.
@@StephenJReid"escape" escapism is the problem .
Its not an escape . Its a method . Using the outdoors like drugs is wrong .
And thats not a joke btw . I hate the word escape . Im not escaping my life in the outdoors . Im taking a treatment . Its a spa day .
The great outdoors is for everyone to enjoy regardless of gender! Respect to all those women who enjoy hiking, wild camping and all other life experiences. I always see women as someone's daughter, just has I have my own daughters. I have spent all their lives protecting them and keeping them safe and preparing them to continue to stay safe as adults. For those females enjoying the great outdoors, I hope you have a life long hobby but I urge you to take the greatest care possible and ultimately stay safe! Forget those who question your outdoor pursuits and those you have to explain yourself to. As long as spouse, family and friends know where you are and can be contacted in emergency, that's all that matters! Peace and love to you all ❤❤
I'm waiting for the ladies comments. Spoke to my wife about this and despite watching a lot of female adventurer channels she still says no way she'd go out on her own ...makes me sad 😢
Yeah for me the issue is not being able to relax enough to sleep solo camping, hence last year I upgraded to an estate car I can comfortably sleep in, not quite the same but you can still wake up in beautiful places and locking doors makes all the difference!
It’s so sad! As a female wild camper who camps alone I have had so many comments that have made me turn to others for their views but as my audience is 95% men in my channel I thought I’d ask Stephen the question 😂 I have also talked to Karen’s gone wild and wildbeare about it. I hope to discuss this in a future video myself at some point 😊
I actually feel sorry for Wildbeare in a way as she must get some right weirdos in her DMs! But that is one tough girl who won't let anything stop her and always has a plan B,C,D and isn't afraid to make mistakes and grow. I've learnt a lot from her early stuff.
But seeing her, Karen's gone wild and Solosarahb among others are inspiring.
Groups unnerve me - along with free roaming cows! 🙈😳🤣
I never understand how the DM weirdos don’t realise they are being creeps. Or maybe they do 🤷♂️ worse if they do.
Wildbeare camps in conditions and places I wouldn’t dream of going camping in!
I found what you said about a certain female outdoors youtuber interesting. It's frustrating to me how other 'outdoorsy' men are quick to diminish/patronise her because "she's only successful as she's good looking", when the reality is that her videos are no different or any more suggestive than other youtubers... and she makes good content! Their frustrations should lie not with her, but with the hoards of men choosing to objectify her whilst feigning interest in her pursuits (of which there are thousands, you only need to read the comments.) I often find myself feeling a great deal of empathy for her and I cant help but think that it might feel quite lonely in her world.
As a female, I couldnt wild camp solo simply because I'm irrationally scared of the dark... I have to leg it to the bathroom and back just to take a p**s in the middle of the night in my own home 😂 That being said I gladly wild camp with someone else, male or female.
I do frequently travel solo and I'm always told how brave I am when I do so. I find that really weird. I dont think the world is quite used to women having true independence even if we are warming up to the idea. Historically men have been the protectors and providers, so theres something very foreign about a woman doing something on her own, unprotected. This leads to a perceived threat when realistically there isn't one.
I really appreciated your sensitivity about broaching this topic! Sadly there are a lot of people in the world who need to hear this from a man in order for it to stick, even though that introduces a middleman into the conversation. I also think you hit the nail on the head when you said that women live with a lot more fear of other people in general, and face more negativity regarding their accomplishments.
Unfortunately the Internet allows some people/men to make comments that, in normal decent society, they wouldn't make. Misogyny is a thing for some men but i believe it's the minority...
Apologies, when I saw the headline photo I thought you were Frankie Boyle 😂 The mountain walking / climbing fraternity in Scotland is a real fraternity, and I’ve always found it great meeting some of the nicest men and women and we definitely look out for each other. I recently helped a French lady (who lives in Scotland) who was totally lost, disoriented in the mist. I’ve also been given a lift back to my car by a crofter when I descended down the wrong side of a mountain. We’re all there to help one another 👍
😂 I’d like to think I don’t look as old as Frankie Boyle, he’s at least 10years older than me!
@@StephenJReid jings am in ma 50s, so you both look young 😂👍
Great video Stephen.
A big shame that the girls have to worry about these things
Wild camping should be something that everyone can enjoy
Absolutely
I think you just about summed up that particular issue bang to rights, in my opinion at least.
Thanks
I would love to go wild camping, I don't fear it and love camping but I'm too afraid of the other people that might see me as a woman on my own and easy pickings. My other problem is because I don't drive I can't get far enough away from civilization to make sure I'm not close enough to get bothered. At most I do is take a spirit burner with me on a day trip down the Lagan. I also don't have the money to go to a campsite, not to mention they don't allow any form of flame that isn't a barbecue which to me I get more enjoyment using.my Kelly kettle at home than doing that so what's the point of paying for it? I know there is a group wild woman of the woods here but all of their meet ups you have to pay for and I can't get to them anyway. I feel very stuck in my little council house not able to get out and enjoy what nature provides for free just cause of a fear, though a very real one, of not being left alone by a very small proportion of the population 😣
This makes me really sad. Maybe if you found like minded women like yourself to go camping with, that might help? I will freely admit as a bloke even I put off wild camping for decades cos of fears of others. It was a big step last year when I started doing it...and anyone who says they are not aware of others and don't keep their sites secret and not afraid are fools, basically. That is a natueal reaction - but obviously for some it's way way more, and sadly unlike me jumping at deer at 3am poking around the tent, there is a much more major risk. I really wish the world was not like this.
I will say, in most places you don't see anyone at all...even in surprisingly non-remote places, people don't walk the paths at night, or go through common land. Even on the Home Counties I've found places that are totally deserted at night. Which is in some ways worrying, but also comforting, cos yes, if something was to happen - but there's no-one there for it to happen?
I’ve got total respect for women who go out and do these things on their own. Whilst it’s highly unlikely they will come to any harm wild camping, we all have those feelings of vulnerability and sadly woman are more likely to be vulnerable than men. Conversely, I’d like to think that most people would recognise this and want to act as protectors also. Hope that doesn’t sound patronising in any way!
I really liked this view. Protectors…like we protect our sisters and brothers. I feel so supported and protected by my subscribers, it’s the community I really value around my channel ☺️
I understand this. Having grown up with two sisters (who are much smaller than me) I always feel protective of women but also worry that sounds patronising.
I enjoyed your thoughts and opinions, wish everyone thought that way. lol Would love to solo wild camp but am going to admit, have never done it because I am kind of timid. Most of the places that I have access to are Crownland (Public Land) and they usually have young people partying. I have heard stories of people scaring campers for the fun of it after a few drinks. No real confrontations or anything like that but hanging around their campsite, throwing things at their tent, growling and making weird noises, stuff like that. I think I would have a lot of sleepless nights, just waiting for it to happen, even if it didn't. lol I think I will try solo campground camping first and then maybe I will get the nerve to try some wilderness camping. Thanks for sharing. :) :)
Yeah it’s tricky if the places nearby are popular with other other people. There’s a forest area near me but I’ve only camped there twice in my life because it has a reputation for weird things at the weekends
My sister and I went on our first backpacking trip together recently and although rationally I knew we were safe every rain drop, twig snap, and breeze made my heart stop for the first few hours at camp. For me it was less about being a woman and more about being an inexperienced camper because I couldn't differentiate between what were normal night sounds in the woods and what was an actual threat. Even still not sure I'll be backpacking for a while. My sister and I agreed that night we'd be better off camping at a normal campsite and just doing day hikes. I still think I'd try it again but only after more experience and with a gun for a little extra peace of mind. 😅
I felt the same way the first time I camped alone. Was up all night with adrenaline and I know more than one big bloke who won’t camp alone near trees.
I,m a single parent to 2 girls in their late 20,s.they,ve started doing city breaks here and abroad as individuals.mean while i,m at home pooing my pants😅.i would love them to start wild camping.sarah from fit for adventure does a good video of girls getting out there on their own.one of my girls is coming camping with me to the lakes so i,m hoping she takes to it.
Sarah is hilarious! And a great example, she’s done some trips I wouldn’t think of doing.
Me n my fella have decided 2 live separate atm but I've decided 2 go camping by myself, n all my male mates think I'm mad n my fella said I'm 2 vulnerable 😂 but i watched a video said the weirdo is more than likely yourself in a tent 😂 but @soloSarahb linked this video 😊 enjoying ur vids
Definitely have to be a bit weird to start with to go camping in the first place 😂
I started last year and all my female friends say "you're so brave". I doubt they'd say that to a man. I avoid places near towns or weird farms lol. Keep camping!
As for ax murderers, well, I would say, they would be too scared to be walking around at night in the dark, on the highlands! Being a murderous individual, who takes a serious weapon to harm people, are instinctively cowards, and want the advantage. There is no advantage all alone in the highlands, with little knowledge of how to survive in such conditions, carrying a heavy axe; unless you are actually a script writer promoting such an idea for a movie. Nah these type of people love late nights, in city centres mainly, usually pissed after too much to drink and think they are ten men or women!
Totally get why women might feel more nervous. I never have but I’m pretty big and can look after myself. I think your point about nutters tend not to be hiking the hills at night is a good one though, everyone I’ve met seems to be of a similar disposition and is just looking to enjoy the outdoors. I once emptied a tub of worms over my sister, she was very annoying though!
I want to hear more about this tub of worms story 😂
All good points I think your right about being safer out in the middle of nowhere than been in a town and I suppose it's about not taking those fears or concerns out with them when there on a camp but I also think it's hard for men to answer that question as most won't have had those fears.as for women getting more views or subscribers and getting bad comments a lot is down to jealousy.but let's not sugar coat it a lot are subbing because it's a woman whether thats right or wrong that's up to them.
Thanks for sharing Craig. Good points
Greetings from co Armagh
Ahoy! Can’t believe I’ve never come across your channel before.
@@StephenJReid same here! It's mad what's out there in RUclips land, where are you based?
Just a small point. And hopefully it might make women feel a little bit more safe in urban environments at least. (I dont know the statistics for rural environments) but as a man youre far more likely to be a victim of a violent crime than women are. And as a woman you have societies protection if someone attacks you around other people. As a man no one is coming to your aid. I found this when i went to a gay bar a few months ago. A much bigger guy than me forced himself on me very aggressively and it was really hard to keep him off and this was in a crowd of people. Im straight, i told him this, i said i wasnt interested and pushed him off as well as i could but he weighed twice as much as me. No one tried to help me and some even laughed at me. Luckily it wasnt that serious but it gave me a clue as to what its like for women in clubs. My point is at least they will often have the protection of those around them. Unfortunately there are assholes in the world.
Horrible people can be found anywhere unfortunately
Haven't got many local places to camp and when the inevitable dog walkers turn up, if they are female I always make a joke 'yup I'm the weird man in the woods' just to put them at ease as it can be a bit of a surprise for them to. My partner did a solo camp and hike last year and she loved it however she felt very apprehensive and was a bit more aware, her own words.
haha there's always the question of wether or not saying things like that helps or not. I've said similar things when people have come across me filming in the woods. Always get odd looks regardless 🙈
First time I camped on my own I was very nervous, kept imagining things that weren't there. My imagination is my biggest enemy
@@StephenJReid I've had a few very vivid nightmares where I've screamed and one time clapped my hands so hard they stung when I woke up. Both were things I thought were in the woods with me 😧
Yikes
A lot of female RUclipsrs do seem to sexualise their channels, a quick look at the thumbnail and you can see the picture has been carefully chosen🤷♂️ whereby the guys never seem to feel the need to this🤷♂️ that said I’ll wildcamp alone and sometimes my better half joins me but she wouldn’t go alone and to be honest I don’t blame her. All it takes is someone else in the vicinity and it’s not going to be a good night🤷♂️
Should solo men be more afraid of solo women that like to go wild camping OR should wild women be more afraid of solo men that are actually women masquerading as solo men that like to go wild,camping,since going wild,camping, could be construed as endangerment within tent or is the question much simpler or,in fact,scarier than the original question or do we just like to be asked titillating questions ? What was the question again ? Yours,suitably titillated.
Now I’m confused
Ok let's start again Stephen.First we need to clearly define our interpretation of terminology and agree a teleological diaspora which unilaterally obfuscates our paradigmatic shift in plain old English - confusion will then become like a museum - a thing of the past.Yeah ?
How dangerous is the world, in general, for isolated women compared to isolated men? Camping takes place in the same world as all other activities, so it is a pretty silly question.
The risks are different so it’s a fair question to ask. The risk of actual physical harm may be higher for men, but women are more likely to be harassed which is still a very unpleasant experience that can cause long term mental trauma.
I've watched a few of your videos recently and saw you're thinking of quiting this channel. I have been thinking for quire a while about starting to take a camera out and make some videos around the subject as well but I'm not sure if its worth it. There's people like you that have been doing this for years, put lots of effort into the content and still haven't reached 100k subs. And the there's others who have been at it for the same amount of time, put very little effort in and are almost there. Do you have any idea why they are doing better than you when the quality is not matched? I'd love to know how youtube decide which people see what content in their feed apaet from the obvious.
Typically the channels that grow the fastest are those that really niche down and essentially make similar videos over and over. I’ve always had a lot of variation which is confusing for building an audience so I think that works against me.
It’s less to do with the algorithm and more to do with human behaviour. Most people come to channels for one type of content and variation can put them off.
I am making some big strategy changes this year though. So fingers crossed it works.
@@StephenJReid. I think you've got something there. Channels like Steve Wallis etc are so repetitive that I've often wondered why people, including myself, continue to watch.
Literally the only thing that changes most of the time is the location. It's basically hi and welcome to the video. This is my set-up for the video. Set up tent or hammock and get fire going. Cook some food and have a drink. Little wonder around the area. Go to bed and show a time-lapse of sky. Morning, thanks for watching. Job done.
I guess people like routine and not too much variation. Although there are exceptions to the rules such as Geowizard.
I might try and do a few vids and see what sort of reception they receive.
Thanks for your response, I appreciate it.
TC
@@Dayv7 I love Steve, Steve is one of the reasons I started mine - along with Paul Messner and Liam Brown, but I came across Steve first, then almost forgot about his stuff, then rediscovered it and then realised that's probably where I originally got the idea from, all those years ago.
But yes you forgot 'staring at the scenery while looking sort of constipated' - that's a classic trope, we almost all do it (I don't, it feels too...strange to film myself solo looking at something? I's rather just film the thing. I have enough difficulties doing the walk pasts without taking the piss and running back or laughing! Why I rarely do those either.
But it is true about nicheing,, and I'm trying to get out of a hole of gear videos, which YT has put me in. I don't mind doing the odd one, but I'm not nterested in doing a gear channel. So fighting with the algorithm there, I don't want to be trapped doing those kinds of videos forever....
@@harduphiker. I don't see the staring into space personally, thank goodness.
Luckily the people I watch have tended to avoid the gear videos. I can't stand it when a camping video turns into a bad advert/review. I've commented on at least one person's video giving my opinion that it should either be made very clear from the offset that this is a shill video, or make a seporate channel (which I believe many have done) to do reviews. I understand that once you get to around 5000 subs companies start to send you things to review in order to keep the item(s) and it must be tempting to do as they wish, but it is not what I personally watch these videos for.
Thanks for your input. I think after watching bushcraft and wild camping videos for around 10 years now I have a pretty good idea of how to put one together. I am not looking forward to the walk past the camera shots as you mentioned. I think Haze outdoors does his quite funnily and that's something that will be hard not to be seen as copying. I'll have to try and stay original in what is now a sea of content creators. Not easy I'm sure.
@@Dayv7 I do mention how the gear (I have bought with my own money) holds up in trip videos, but the gear isn't usually the reason for the trip....and I think longterm reviews are far more useful.
Not all gear reviews are shill reviews, like I doubt Flextail or Craghoppers like my channel now....I will review stuff that fails. But it's not what I want to focus on, it's an easy hole to fall into, reviewing gear and pushing the latest shiny thing. Because it gets views and attention.
But at the end of the day, be yourself, and tell your story. I've enjoyed being silly in my latest videos, and humouous cos a lot of outdoors videos are very...dry? Serious. Not me at all...I like making silly references to things. Show who you are and you'll be fine....the best advice is to keep showing up, repeeatedly and just keep making videos.
@SolosarahB love her channel
She’s a good’un
I absolutely loved your Welsh slate mine video...epic filming. I live in Wales. Beautiful place