PSS- might it have appeared on a Lighterpack update? 🙊Love your flexible thinking. Good luck with the new gear changes! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the BeFree!
Great! There's nothing better than finding a pack that really works for you. Make sure you stop in at the outfitters at Neel's Gap (first 3-5 days on the trail depending on your speed) and let them make sure the fitting is still good. Packs will sometimes need adjusting as they break in, and it is always best to have someone else checking it for you. They can also help recommend ways to lighten up your base weight. They love helping out.
Laura consider adding polysporin Tripple action ointment it works FAST and has antibacterial properties, and it soothes itching from insect bites, ask your doctor, here in Canada 🇨🇦 we get it over the counter, not sure how it works for you in the States, and hope you feel better soon and happy trails 😊🙌
Laura, looking at your lighterpack list, there's some stuff you can consolidate, if you're interested in suggestions from an old hiker. If not, ignore me, it's totally cool. I just remember you saying you were looking to lighten up to reduce shoulder pain. You're carrying a buff - awesome and it's the ultimate multitasker. Ditch everything that seems like a towel. The buff is absorbent and will do all of that for you, and they are very soft on your face. Is the Otterbox a phone case? If not, you don't need it. You can ditch the tent footprint. I know that makes a lot of young campers nervous, but just spend a little time policing the ground to get rid of pointy objects before you pitch the tent. The other option would be a sheet of Tyvek. You get it at Lowe's or Home Depot and cut it to size. It's featherweight (probably less than 1 oz) but very durable and easy to replace. The fleece jacket is unnecessary. Your puffy is your mid layer, and the rain coat is the hard layer. Unless you expect to need to wear both fleece and down at the same time.... but a puffy with a base layer is already too warm for hiking unless it's sub-zero out. Last, not really consolidating, but Crocs are huge and pretty heavy as camp shoes go. The best I've found are called Skinners - they are basically socks with rubber soles. Perfect for protecting your feet around camp while letting them breathe well, plus they are less than half the weight and roll up into a little ball for packing. I also use them for water crossings since they dry out SUPER fast. May not seem like much, but that would lighten you up between 1.5 and 2 pounds, which is nearly 10% of your total base weight. The only thing I might look at swapping out since you mentioned being so cold at night would be your sleeping base-layer. Smartwool is great but not all that warm. Patagonia thermal weights (I think they call them R1 now) are VERY warm (a bit pricey, but cheaper than buying a warmer sleeping bag). The only other ways I see to lighten up significantly would involve expensive upgrades to your big three (particularly the backpack and tent) but it would cost nearly $1000 to save about 3 pounds, so not really worth it unless you decide backpacking is going to be a lifelong passion. Or you could leave behind comfort items (like the pillow) but I wouldn't recommend that unless you find yourself not using them after a couple weeks on trail. Then you can always leave them in a hiker box along the way. By the time you're done with the AT, you'll be a pro. If you're interested in my lighterpacks lists, let me know and I can update them and send them. I have three - one is a (nearly) ultralight loadout when I need focus on miles and is about 10.5 lb BW, one is a general long-distance load at about 13 or 14 lb BW, and then I have my weekender comfort list that comes in around 16.5 lb BW. It might take a day or two to get them updated, but I'd be happy for the excuse to do it.
Thank your for all of your help and your kind donation. I appreciate it :) I will check into some of these things, but for now I’m going. To stick with what I have. Once I get another shakeout in, I might need to switch things up
I always carry children's chewable Benadryl. Half the dosage and you don't need water, just a little boost to help while hiking without getting loopy. You can take more at camp.
Antigravity Gear does a pouch for heating meals that is a bit more durable than bubble wrap or reflectix,.You my want to look at that if you want a replacement for the Amazon mailer.
A redneck washing machine is to temporarily repurpose one of your dry bags and fill it half full of water & soap. Then use your hand as an agitator and wash you clothes. Also, an excellent wash cloth to take a bath at stream is a synthetic T shirt. Synthetic doesn't absorb water, so when you squeeze shirt while bathing, water flows over your body.
I wouldn't suggest bathing at or near a water source. And there's no need on the AT. You'll be in a town almost every day (except the 100 mile wilderness). Just embrace the funk for a few days at a time. By the time you get to the 100 miles, you'll be in shape to cross that in under a week and plenty comfortable not bathing that long.
Good luck with the new pack, making sure it’s fitted and also adjusted to distribute the weight correctly are both important. Don’t be afraid to mess around with the different adjustments during your shakedown hikes to see how things work. You mentioned swapping out your sleep clothes, based on your comments from the Foothills videos I feel like you had “plenty” of sleep system to be warm, the only suggestion I can think of is to make sure you have the quilt straps to keep that thing snugged around you, and maybe consider the idea that you might need a wide quilt. Also there are several insulated balaclava/hoods on the market that will keep a lot more heat around your head/neck. Finally you can make a food pouch out of a cheap auto sunshade, you don’t need Velcro, just make the top flap long enough to tuck back into the bag (happy to make/send you one if you like). As a fellow Floridian who hiked the Foothills Trail last year, all I can say is “every day is leg day”. Flat miles just don’t cut it 😁. Good luck!
Hi Great video. Regarding shoulder issue- - was the total weight carried within the pack capacity? (Given you mentioned no issue with summer load?) - most of the weight should have been on your hips - given the shoulder pain may want to verify right size pack for your torso. Best wishes for your hike!
REI and other outfitters help make sure packs fit properly. I suspect the problem was not with the straps but with the torso length. Especially for women, lots of the weight should be supported by your hips, not your shoulders.
So, awesome Laura. I feel like I am going with you since I am getting excited as well to see you get started. I will be with you for sure. Looking forward to your video next week as usual. Thank you so much for all the updates. Let's GO💪
I use a backpacking meal pouch (never used, cleaned out) to help keep food warm if you’re doing ziploc bag cooking. Just toss if/when it gets gross and buy a new one at an outfitter or Walmart!
I love my BeFree. I've never had any issues, knock on wood, because I've yet to use it daily for 100 straight days but it's yet to leave me hanging! I also ended up ordering a new pack and now eagerly awaiting its arrival! Glad to hear your pack troubles may be coming to a close!!
Thanks for sharing your ger changes with us. Hopefully the changes will meet the needs of the trail. Am so excited for you and can tell you are getting really excited. Seems like you are ready now - emotionally anyway. Can't wait. Have a good week and stay safe.
All the best! Remember that you should not actually be taking weight on the shoulder straps. The weight of your pack should be being carried through the hip belt.
I switched to the Befree after having both the sawyer mini and squeeze. I have an Osprey Aura 65L. Love it! I switched to the Oprey Lumina 60L for the weight. I'm loving it so far.
Love my Decathlon down jacket! Great choice. I find it performs just as well as my Patagonia one and WAY better than my REI one (my REI jacket sheds SOOO many feathers, even brand new!) The decathlon runs a tad small though, so I sized up so I can layer a lot underneath.
A Garmin, that's a fitting gift from a dad that no doubt might be a bit leary for you on trail...lol. hope you used a front loader vs a top loader w/agitator to wash down. Use Nikwax wash for down. Good choice w/Forclaz jacket I love mine... Be-Free is good should be ok. Might consider a 32 oz Nalgene..... Can use for washing undergarments....etc with Bronne'rs soap, boil water for heat in sleep bag, fill with ice to keep town food cold on trail. Sounds like you're well on your way.... good luck!
Hi , was that you in Taylor's video on catching up her RUclips videos cause it sure looked like you.....? That's right cool if she is following you....!!!
Good choice to go with the Be Free. I think last year it was about 50/50 between Sawyer and Be Free of filters used. I loved my Be Free. It did slow down but not as bad as the Sawyer. Someone shared with me a hiker hack that worked really well and got the Be Free filter flowing well again. 1 cut of water mixed with 1 tablespoon of bleach (yes bleach) and let the filter soak in it overnight. Wash it out after soaking and it was as good as new. Worked for me anyway. BTW I found out this past year that there are some caterpillars that have a poisonous bite. Maybe that's what happened in the school yard?!
@@lauraevelynashley It depends on what you think whatever mishap may happen to you if you´re not filtering your water. Noro-virus for instance is not related to filtering water, PCT and CDT have different issues that may require you to filter water.
Good deal on the pack revision. Weight isn't so much the enemy as fit. I've carried heavy packs comfortably, and been miserable with lighter ones. It's all about how they sit on your hips/shoulders and everyone is different. I had one of the Osprey Exos packs their first year. Super light....but far less comfortable on me than my current ULA Circuit. It's much like buying shoes. You're doing things right by lots of shake-down trips. Better to figure this out now than a month into the trail. I've been using the same sawyer for many years. Letting them freeze will damage the fibers (same with the BeFree I think) so be sure to keep it next to your body while sleeping/hiking in sub-zero weather. For the low flow....occasionally soak it in white vinegar then backflush (not easy to do on the trail). The fibers tend to clog with hard water deposits (like your coffee maker). An overnight soak every year or so dramatically brings mine back to life. I've used mine as a gravity system for years and I think that's also part of the key. Doing the "squeeze" method for any filter seems to jam debris into the filter media....clogging it faster. With the gravity setup, the pressure is much lower and backflushing more effective over the long haul. However.....the convenience of the "grab-n-go" filtering on the move will probably trump that for a lot of thru-hikers. Good luck and keep the videos coming.....I'm near Melbourne FL if you need a shakedown partner.
I just watched another video on the pros and cons of using a bear canister from scratch (starting an AT Thru-hike): Cons: It's heavier compared to other options. Pros: it saves time from finding the right tree for a bear hang and the actual time needed for throwing the rope for a proper bear hang Pros: the lid of the bear canister can be used as a diner plate. Pros: the bear canister can be used as a seat to sit on in wet conditions. What are your thoughts about using a bear canister?-)
@@lauraevelynashley I should´ve added as a con: can you carry all you´re food in it for the longer stretches or do you still need bear-hangs for the extra food needed for some of the longer stretches? ... and the different sizes of the bear canisters and if it will fit in your pack :-)
I just switched to the Be Free as well! Haven’t tried it yet but can’t wait to! Also, do you have a link for the new knife you got? I’ve been looking for one forever!
Your shoulder pains might not be from the pack itself. Are you sure it fit correctly. The weight from your pack should be on your hips not your shoulders. Good luck.
I have to say, please rethink taking a knife for "safety". Drawing a knife to defend yourself is quite likely to escalate an tense encounter forcing you to USE said knife. If you don't know how to use it, better to not draw it. I carry a small neck knife for utility. For safety, I carry bear spray. Does not require as much training to implement and less likely to escalate a situation.
Ps… I’m loving the next backpack I mentioned 😜
PSS- might it have appeared on a Lighterpack update? 🙊Love your flexible thinking. Good luck with the new gear changes! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the BeFree!
@@BentbrooksRambles it might be lol good job you 🕵️♀️ 🕵️♂️
I was going to ask? Can't wait to see it.
Great! There's nothing better than finding a pack that really works for you. Make sure you stop in at the outfitters at Neel's Gap (first 3-5 days on the trail depending on your speed) and let them make sure the fitting is still good. Packs will sometimes need adjusting as they break in, and it is always best to have someone else checking it for you.
They can also help recommend ways to lighten up your base weight. They love helping out.
@@backpacker3421 thanks!!
Laura consider adding polysporin Tripple action ointment it works FAST and has antibacterial properties, and it soothes itching from insect bites, ask your doctor, here in Canada 🇨🇦 we get it over the counter, not sure how it works for you in the States, and hope you feel better soon and happy trails 😊🙌
Laura, looking at your lighterpack list, there's some stuff you can consolidate, if you're interested in suggestions from an old hiker. If not, ignore me, it's totally cool. I just remember you saying you were looking to lighten up to reduce shoulder pain.
You're carrying a buff - awesome and it's the ultimate multitasker. Ditch everything that seems like a towel. The buff is absorbent and will do all of that for you, and they are very soft on your face.
Is the Otterbox a phone case? If not, you don't need it.
You can ditch the tent footprint. I know that makes a lot of young campers nervous, but just spend a little time policing the ground to get rid of pointy objects before you pitch the tent. The other option would be a sheet of Tyvek. You get it at Lowe's or Home Depot and cut it to size. It's featherweight (probably less than 1 oz) but very durable and easy to replace.
The fleece jacket is unnecessary. Your puffy is your mid layer, and the rain coat is the hard layer. Unless you expect to need to wear both fleece and down at the same time.... but a puffy with a base layer is already too warm for hiking unless it's sub-zero out.
Last, not really consolidating, but Crocs are huge and pretty heavy as camp shoes go. The best I've found are called Skinners - they are basically socks with rubber soles. Perfect for protecting your feet around camp while letting them breathe well, plus they are less than half the weight and roll up into a little ball for packing. I also use them for water crossings since they dry out SUPER fast.
May not seem like much, but that would lighten you up between 1.5 and 2 pounds, which is nearly 10% of your total base weight.
The only thing I might look at swapping out since you mentioned being so cold at night would be your sleeping base-layer. Smartwool is great but not all that warm. Patagonia thermal weights (I think they call them R1 now) are VERY warm (a bit pricey, but cheaper than buying a warmer sleeping bag).
The only other ways I see to lighten up significantly would involve expensive upgrades to your big three (particularly the backpack and tent) but it would cost nearly $1000 to save about 3 pounds, so not really worth it unless you decide backpacking is going to be a lifelong passion. Or you could leave behind comfort items (like the pillow) but I wouldn't recommend that unless you find yourself not using them after a couple weeks on trail. Then you can always leave them in a hiker box along the way.
By the time you're done with the AT, you'll be a pro. If you're interested in my lighterpacks lists, let me know and I can update them and send them. I have three - one is a (nearly) ultralight loadout when I need focus on miles and is about 10.5 lb BW, one is a general long-distance load at about 13 or 14 lb BW, and then I have my weekender comfort list that comes in around 16.5 lb BW. It might take a day or two to get them updated, but I'd be happy for the excuse to do it.
Thank your for all of your help and your kind donation. I appreciate it :) I will check into some of these things, but for now I’m going. To stick with what I have. Once I get another shakeout in, I might need to switch things up
Love your honesty and down-to-earth sense of humor. Good luck!
Thanks
I always carry children's chewable Benadryl. Half the dosage and you don't need water, just a little boost to help while hiking without getting loopy. You can take more at camp.
True!!
Antigravity Gear does a pouch for heating meals that is a bit more durable than bubble wrap or reflectix,.You my want to look at that if you want a replacement for the Amazon mailer.
Sis in law is already making me a new one :) but if that one breaks, I will look into it for sure
A redneck washing machine is to temporarily repurpose one of your dry bags and fill it half full of water & soap. Then use your hand as an agitator and wash you clothes. Also, an excellent wash cloth to take a bath at stream is a synthetic T shirt. Synthetic doesn't absorb water, so when you squeeze shirt while bathing, water flows over your body.
Hahaha
I wouldn't suggest bathing at or near a water source. And there's no need on the AT. You'll be in a town almost every day (except the 100 mile wilderness). Just embrace the funk for a few days at a time. By the time you get to the 100 miles, you'll be in shape to cross that in under a week and plenty comfortable not bathing that long.
I gotta catch up on all your prior vids but sounds like you have a great handle on everything! Looking forward to following you this year!
Thank you Alicia! Loved watching your videos last year :)
Laura you are excited and energetic like a little kid.
Stay young at heart and have fun. It’s healthy and can be catchy.
Always a kid. Forever! Just call me peterpan
Good luck with the new pack, making sure it’s fitted and also adjusted to distribute the weight correctly are both important. Don’t be afraid to mess around with the different adjustments during your shakedown hikes to see how things work. You mentioned swapping out your sleep clothes, based on your comments from the Foothills videos I feel like you had “plenty” of sleep system to be warm, the only suggestion I can think of is to make sure you have the quilt straps to keep that thing snugged around you, and maybe consider the idea that you might need a wide quilt. Also there are several insulated balaclava/hoods on the market that will keep a lot more heat around your head/neck. Finally you can make a food pouch out of a cheap auto sunshade, you don’t need Velcro, just make the top flap long enough to tuck back into the bag (happy to make/send you one if you like). As a fellow Floridian who hiked the Foothills Trail last year, all I can say is “every day is leg day”. Flat miles just don’t cut it 😁. Good luck!
Hahaha 🤣
Hi
Great video.
Regarding shoulder issue-
- was the total weight carried within the pack capacity? (Given you mentioned no issue with summer load?)
- most of the weight should have been on your hips - given the shoulder pain may want to verify right size pack for your torso.
Best wishes for your hike!
Cool 😎
REI and other outfitters help make sure packs fit properly. I suspect the problem was not with the straps but with the torso length. Especially for women, lots of the weight should be supported by your hips, not your shoulders.
Totes
Good choice on swapping out the puffy, if it's loosing feathers now I can see that becoming a real problem quickly.
Right!?! Lol I was like it’s time to get a new one
Hope this alleviates some of your gear changes. Keep up the good work.
Thanks
I just realized this was a super thanks! Wow! I appreciate your kind and generous donation. Wow! I actually started to cry.
@@lauraevelynashley I didn't mean to squeeze any tears out of you, but know you're supported. You got this!
@@CharmingGecko very sweet!
So, awesome Laura. I feel like I am going with you since I am getting excited as well to see you get started. I will be with you for sure. Looking forward to your video next week as usual. Thank you so much for all the updates. Let's GO💪
Of course
I use a backpacking meal pouch (never used, cleaned out) to help keep food warm if you’re doing ziploc bag cooking. Just toss if/when it gets gross and buy a new one at an outfitter or Walmart!
Cool 😎
You’ll love the BeFree, but if you didn’t know you can backflush the BeFree. There is an adapter available on eBay that’s 3d printed. I have one.
Cool!!
I love my BeFree. I've never had any issues, knock on wood, because I've yet to use it daily for 100 straight days but it's yet to leave me hanging! I also ended up ordering a new pack and now eagerly awaiting its arrival! Glad to hear your pack troubles may be coming to a close!!
I know right!?! No more pack troubles! I hope yours works for you
Love EVERYTHINGGGG. Cant wait to see the new pack!
Thanks lady! Also someone wanted the link the the hip belt knife you bought forever ago. Do you still have the link?
I’m sure I can find it. I’ll send it to ya.
Thanks for sharing your ger changes with us. Hopefully the changes will meet the needs of the trail. Am so excited for you and can tell you are getting really excited. Seems like you are ready now - emotionally anyway. Can't wait. Have a good week and stay safe.
I am lol wish I could leave today
All great changes IMHO - the backpack is the key, hope you get that worked out. Hope you had a great 1st Day Hike !
Day hike?
@@lauraevelynashley My bad -I thought you said you were doing a first day hike - that's what happens when you get old !
Thanks for the video! Love all your new gear choices!
Thanks Omi!!
All the best! Remember that you should not actually be taking weight on the shoulder straps. The weight of your pack should be being carried through the hip belt.
💯
Love the BeFree, we use it and the bladder allows an extra liter for long stretches with limited water.
For sure
Small pkg katadyn H2O tablet's as back-up, in smart bottle over nite, just in case. (It's almost time, have fun).
Thanks!
I switched to the Befree after having both the sawyer mini and squeeze. I have an Osprey Aura 65L. Love it! I switched to the Oprey Lumina 60L for the weight. I'm loving it so far.
Sweeeet
Can't wait to hear about the new pack!! Befree is a solid filter.
For sure! I like the pack so far
Love my Decathlon down jacket! Great choice. I find it performs just as well as my Patagonia one and WAY better than my REI one (my REI jacket sheds SOOO many feathers, even brand new!)
The decathlon runs a tad small though, so I sized up so I can layer a lot underneath.
For sure! I sized up too 🤣
A Garmin, that's a fitting gift from a dad that no doubt might be a bit leary for you on trail...lol. hope you used a front loader vs a top loader w/agitator to wash down. Use Nikwax wash for down. Good choice w/Forclaz jacket I love mine... Be-Free is good should be ok. Might consider a 32 oz Nalgene..... Can use for washing undergarments....etc with Bronne'rs soap, boil water for heat in sleep bag, fill with ice to keep town food cold on trail. Sounds like you're well on your way.... good luck!
Thank you :)
Hi , was that you in Taylor's video on catching up her RUclips videos cause it sure looked like you.....? That's right cool if she is following you....!!!
@@gilbolhuis7697 I am actually out of town so I’m not caught up on her videos. So maybe, but not sure 😂
Good choice to go with the Be Free. I think last year it was about 50/50 between Sawyer and Be Free of filters used. I loved my Be Free. It did slow down but not as bad as the Sawyer. Someone shared with me a hiker hack that worked really well and got the Be Free filter flowing well again. 1 cut of water mixed with 1 tablespoon of bleach (yes bleach) and let the filter soak in it overnight. Wash it out after soaking and it was as good as new. Worked for me anyway. BTW I found out this past year that there are some caterpillars that have a poisonous bite. Maybe that's what happened in the school yard?!
Maybe about the caterpillar 🐛
I did see people without filters, hiking te AT and went to the end without any problems.
@@ElPiedro80 seems risky
@@lauraevelynashley It depends on what you think whatever mishap may happen to you if you´re not filtering your water. Noro-virus for instance is not related to filtering water, PCT and CDT have different issues that may require you to filter water.
Happy new year & congrats on 3k subscribers 🎉🎉🎉
What??? On my end it shows 2,999 lol
Thanks though 😂
I should say in advance, but it’s already 3k ☝🏻💪🏻👏🏻
Just watched Jeremiah Stringer's vid on 2023 gear changes and he's opposite. Tossing the BeFree and going back to Sawyer.
Too funny! Everything has its pros and cons
Good deal on the pack revision. Weight isn't so much the enemy as fit. I've carried heavy packs comfortably, and been miserable with lighter ones. It's all about how they sit on your hips/shoulders and everyone is different. I had one of the Osprey Exos packs their first year. Super light....but far less comfortable on me than my current ULA Circuit. It's much like buying shoes. You're doing things right by lots of shake-down trips. Better to figure this out now than a month into the trail.
I've been using the same sawyer for many years. Letting them freeze will damage the fibers (same with the BeFree I think) so be sure to keep it next to your body while sleeping/hiking in sub-zero weather. For the low flow....occasionally soak it in white vinegar then backflush (not easy to do on the trail). The fibers tend to clog with hard water deposits (like your coffee maker). An overnight soak every year or so dramatically brings mine back to life. I've used mine as a gravity system for years and I think that's also part of the key. Doing the "squeeze" method for any filter seems to jam debris into the filter media....clogging it faster. With the gravity setup, the pressure is much lower and backflushing more effective over the long haul. However.....the convenience of the "grab-n-go" filtering on the move will probably trump that for a lot of thru-hikers.
Good luck and keep the videos coming.....I'm near Melbourne FL if you need a shakedown partner.
Yes gotta always do what best for each individual person.
Was that a Duece of Spades you were eating with?
Benadryl is a good idea. I’ve had bees get me for no reason! 🤨
For sure!
I just watched another video on the pros and cons of using a bear canister from scratch (starting an AT Thru-hike):
Cons: It's heavier compared to other options.
Pros: it saves time from finding the right tree for a bear hang and the actual time needed for throwing the rope for a proper bear hang
Pros: the lid of the bear canister can be used as a diner plate.
Pros: the bear canister can be used as a seat to sit on in wet conditions.
What are your thoughts about using a bear canister?-)
appalachiantrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/11-reasons-to-use-bear-canisters_2018-05-29.pdf
Love the idea of a bear canister, it just wouldn’t fit in my pack.
@@lauraevelynashley I should´ve added as a con: can you carry all you´re food in it for the longer stretches or do you still need bear-hangs for the extra food needed for some of the longer stretches? ... and the different sizes of the bear canisters and if it will fit in your pack :-)
I love merino wool.....in all sorts of clothing....
Does it itch
@@lauraevelynashley No it is soft and warm. Big improvement over other blends of wool.
I just switched to the Be Free as well! Haven’t tried it yet but can’t wait to! Also, do you have a link for the new knife you got? I’ve been looking for one forever!
Actually I don’t. It was from my sis in law. It’s pretty heavy.
amzn.to/3GhkA9f here is the link she sent me
Are you planning on micro spikes for the first month or two?
No but I am willing to pick them up if I feel I need then
Are you going to do anymore little 2 day shake down hikes before you start the AT?
Yes I am :)
@@lauraevelynashley okie doki. Have fun. Can’t wait to see.
Your shoulder pains might not be from the pack itself. Are you sure it fit correctly. The weight from your pack should be on your hips not your shoulders. Good luck.
Yes I know it’s supposed to be on my hips. I just had to much weight for the pack to carry
I have to say, please rethink taking a knife for "safety". Drawing a knife to defend yourself is quite likely to escalate an tense encounter forcing you to USE said knife. If you don't know how to use it, better to not draw it. I carry a small neck knife for utility. For safety, I carry bear spray. Does not require as much training to implement and less likely to escalate a situation.
Well I’d rather have something for said safety then nothing.
Good to have an option for safety, but I agree bear spray or minimum pepper spray is a great deterrent (with knife for back-up)