AFRAID OF FREE CAMPING IN REMOTE PLACES ? Safety and Security when Overlanding (Solo Camping Fears)
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- Are you afraid of free camping in remote places? How to manage personal safety and security when overlanding? These are the solo camping fears and kind of question we get asked quite often. Here's a general approach of overlanding and free camping personal safety. Free camping alone safely might seem scary but it's often only a matter of perspective. Do you need any type of self-defense when overlanding in remote places? Watch the video until the end to know more about how we stay safe and feel safe when free camping.
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AFRAID OF FREE CAMPING IN REMOTE PLACES ? Safety and Security when Overlanding (Solo Camping Fears)
Depending on your location (country, state, off grid, campground, state park, etc.) your security measures will vary. I live in the USA, and in a 2ND Amendment friendly state. I camp mostly off grid but do camp in state parks (with trout fishing available). That said, I NEVER camp ANYWHERE without having a firearm with me. PERIOD. Anyone who thinks that."It coudn't happen here, to me ." Is naive. True, you are safer camping than your would be in ALL of our major cities here in the U.S.A., but the bad guys, sober or not, are looking for soft targets. Be prepared. ALWAYS.
I agree, better be prepared and aware that anything can happen anywhere. But of course depending on where you live and travel carrying all sorts of weapons isn't possible. Being prepared physically and mentally is a good start 👍. I also think that carrying a weapon without a regular training isn't a good idea. Would we have one if we were where you are and if we weren't traveling abroad, maybe :)
Better to need and have (and be proficient) than to have a incident that gives you no option to effectively protect yourself or loved ones. Low probability but a high price to pay if not prepared.
Even if we wanted to carry some we couldn't as it isn't legal in our country and we couldn't travel abroad :)
It’s basically illegal everywhere, and highly illegal in many places. This means you have a much greater potential to end up in jail compared to the extremely low probability that you’ll be in a situation where the only solution is a gun.
Attractive woman with a Defender AND a gun. Easily the best video ever on RUclips!
haha thanks! don't hesitate to share the video ;)
And a diesel Rover to boot
Who doesn’t take any firearms over landing. Hahaha
I’ve been free camping all my life, never thought of it being dangerous, I’m in Australia
Would love to go back to Australia but with our Defender!
The rare cases in which we didn't feel comfortable staying overnight (campsites or free camping), we simply drove further.
🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
You can deter animals of any variety from entering camp sites with a portable electric bear fence. Small kit that brings huge peace of mind.
Do you use it everytime you go free camping?
Irrational fear & being prepared for the worst SHT encounter are two different things. Just like having a winch, or first aid kit, fire extinguisher or even insurance. Better to have & not need, rather than need & not have.
I agree, better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. To many weird situations happening now days out in all different kinds of areas. It’s just being safe, I will take my first aid kit just in case! 👍
Yes i agree, being prepared and being able to sense an unsafe environment is just like having the right equipment to get you out of a bad 4x4 situation. But no need to imagine the worst scenarios and not enjoy the moment.
@RUFFUS you forgot the Fan in SHTF scenario
@@J.Young808 It was hot here typing & I was using the fan. Had no fan to give. The wobbly pops may have had something to do with it too.
@@offtrackfamily Common sense & situational awareness are your greatest asset's when traveling. I've done quite a bit of traveling & have never had a firearm with me, It would have been illegal for me to carry firearms into other countries'. Only a couple times did I have to make a hasty exit. But I traveled solo & those couple times I really wished I had a firearm because you can never be sure you'll get to safety in time. Traveling solo has it advantages. When I see world events unfolding & see places I've been to listed as some of the most dangerous places in the world now. Yeah, I'd want a gun if in anyway possible. I hope I'd never have to use it But I'd much rather have it than not.
P.S. The people I've met in the poorest area's of countries were great, so friendly & giving even when it's obvious they have so little to for themselves. Traveling overland to far off places is infinitely more rewarding for me than flying to a resort & then flying home. It's about the journey, not the destination. For me at least. I really miss them days.
Here in the US where we can conceal and carry or even open carry with a permit you will find that most do carry a pistol. I always have a 9mm on my side and a AR with.
I believe Swiss gun ownership is at or even above US levels.
horrible
Thanks for your message! Yes we are aware it isn't the same in the US, we can't do this here.
I sincerely hope that we do not need or get US conditions.
So far we have managed well without weapons, and we want to keep it that way!
Not every Schmock has to walk around with a gun.
For me personally, the conditions in the USA are not the measure of all things.
But what will save you is more and more guns.
@@jensstrang1501 best way to defend yourself when a bad person has a gun is to shoot back.
People from the US are going to love this!!
haha ;)
Great topic and very true I prefer to solo vs crowed camp site, been all around the world and met more welcoming people than scary people often sharing local food or showing me where clean water is.
Thanks for your message! Great and memorable experiences :)
We havn't been free camping outside Sweden so we havn't given it much thought. The problem for us seems to be more about where you are allowed to free camp in for example, Germany, Italy, France...
Looks like you have been on a few great adventures. 👌
Thanks for your message! You pointed out the main problem ;) Enjoy your free camping trips in Sweden as they are clearly stressfree compared to middle of Europe
Safety can be an issue, especially if you are not travelling in a group.
That's why we've always had dogs.
Currently we have two street dogs from Hungary, there is no better alarm system.
You can sleep peacefully knowing they're watching out!
Even the police in Spain and the customs in France had respect for them.
That's a good option :) Thanks for sharing!
correct Jens, same here it's my Defender and the Husky, should be safe enough
After many years the only problem I ever had was sleeping overnight in motorway layby 10K from Calais on my way home. My Land Rover was broken into while we slept. But we woke and they ran off... When I got home I was speaking to our UPS delivery guy about the experience and he gave me a tip, always carry a aerosol of deep heat it's like a legal CS spray!!! Oh and it's great for aches and pains...lol
Thanks for sharing your story and this possible "health & safety" tip :)
I am always more worried about the authorities because of in NL we are not used to being allowed to free camp. Although other countries have a more liberal approach to wild camping there’s always a little voice in the back of my head telling me I am doing something illegal. 🤣
Haha it's kind of the same around here ;)
I disagree, I think you should always take protection as long as you are not one to crumble under pressure. Don't just shoot because you hear someone or something. You must be mature for sure. However to each their own, awesome video
Thanks! Could be an option if only traveling through 1 country that allows you to carry a weapon but this isn't possible around Europe for sure
Awesome!!!
As a Landy-Driver and weapon enthusiast MY KIND OF HUMOR!
If you will visit the wild east of Switzerland (Bodensee-Region) there is always room for an one-ten with a crazy family. My family fits in for sure. 😂
Haha thanks a lot! ;)
I agree with you in all points. We also prefer to overland alone, because of the same reasons. We don't want to give up our freedom while looking for freedom. And I also agree that nobody has to fear the "outback". Evil people won't waste their time and sneak for days through a remote area to find a victim. Truck stops and urban parking lots are much better "victim rich environments".
Thanks for your message and sharing your point of view! :)
Firstly, I want to say how professional and polished these videos are and it's obvious how comfortable you are in front of the camera. Thank you - please keep up the good work.
Secondly, this is a difficult subject baring in mind your global audience. In every country, there are different laws, different demographics and different levels of criminality even within different areas within a country. Your advice is based on your experience and I think is spot on for most of Europe, especially the Nordic countries and also Switzerland (which I love BTW). You will always have people who disagree or who have different experiences, but it doesn't make you wrong. I'm a shooter here in the UK and even if I were allowed to, I wouldn't even consider that taking a firearm overlanding/camping would be a good idea and the UK does have some trouble even in rural areas such as on the South Downs where I live. That's my personal take.
Thanks for your message and sharing your personal point of view. Yes, what I expose is always based on our experience and, as you say, it might not always match with all our audience. But I think it's nice to be able to share our way of doing and learn how others do :)
I would encourage people to always be armed when traveling in isolated areas. I always am and you'll never know it unless I want you to. Carrying an AR to confront a potential robber, although comical, is an extreme dramaturgical representation of the point you're trying to make. Perceived danger and vulnerability are two radically different things. Whether you perceive danger or not, you are vulnerable while in these areas. I grew up in a desert surrounded by woods and the things that go on in areas that you perceive to be isolated is unreal. Its hard not to be a little frustrated with the current generation of yuppies who hop in a van and make a claim to "boondocking" or living off the grid, you have no idea what's out here until you do.
You might not be aware that being armed isn't legal in most part of the world and that traveling in Europe (where we are), crossing many borders while carrying a weapon would be non sense. Even though we are gun owners, this isn't an option here. I'm not saying it's a fairytale out there but experience and common sense should lead to better choices on setting camp in a place or not.
First of all: you absolutely SHOULD take your personal (legal) firearm protection while camping (in compliance with a local law, of course)!....Second: you should absolutely use your protection in a critical situation when your life or life of your children are threatened (just like in example at the beginning of this presentation!....Using your scenario: you see a possible intruder....you verified that he IN FACT is an intruder (4 legged, 2 legged, alien: I don't care)...you warn to stop....he doesn't....you execute a warning shot....he still doesn't stop....discharge your weapon until threat is completely neutralized!....key word: completely!!
FELICITACIONES...!! ME ENCANTA ESA MANERA DE VIAJAR, Y CONOCER EL MUNDO
Thanks!
I think exactly the same as you. The most difficult experience for me was with a man who carried a shotgun in a very isolated area. He blocked our way and kept asking questions, always with the shotgun in hand. I think he was a poacher, and he was afraid we would report him. In the end nothing happened, but the experience was not very pleasant. Greetings.
Thanks for sharing your story! Where was that?
@@offtrackfamily in Málaga Spain, about 20 years ago.
You shouldn’t have protection while overloading?
Why? What’s the reasoning behind that?
You should if you can. But you also need to be aware that carrying a weapon is prohibited in many countries, and especially if you cross many borders when travelling.
Come to Canada , no guns required . eh
Haha clearly on our list :)
@@offtrackfamily we are 1hour from Niagara falls & wine belt
Great video and editing👍🏻 as usual very informative can't wait to get out exploring again 👍🏻
Thanks for your message!
If you legally can carry a firearm why would you not bring one? If you’re traveling with children it’s your responsibility to protect them and the easiest way would be to have a firearm with you. You never know if that one day comes along and you happen across someone who is having a bad day (F ing crazy) a firearm gives you a distinct advantage. Great video awesome truck.
Thanks! Carrying legally a weapon isn't something possible while overlanding and crossing borders. Even though it was legal, I wouldn't recommend carrying one without regular training and maintenance. I trust awareness of our environment (nature, people around, etc) is a good base. We rarely see someone having a bad day and taking out a firearm around Switzerland ;)
Yes if you own a firearm it should go without saying you should train and maintain your firearms. I’m glad you don’t have crazy people in Switzerland but the world is changing fast and if you could carry legally I don’t understand why you wouldn’t carry out of an abundance of caution. I see a truck as a large backpack and to stuff a rifle in that backpack doesn’t cost me anything. The capabilities that asset brings outweigh any inconvenience I could imagine. Like I said my opinion. Enjoy the world they way you do god bless
Remote camping safety is always a concern. In western Canada we have the ability to camp anywhere on crown/public land. In 40+ years we have had only one incident where I was concerned about safety from people. Keeping a clean camp helps resolve the wildlife hazards. We have several cans of bear spray handy - in the cab, in the camper, on the table, etc. I make a concerted effort to be aware of the safety risks where I travel and camp. I park so I can have reasonable visibility and able to pack up and exit quickly. This was important when we camped in Africa. we certainly gained a new perspective on situation awareness when travelling there.
As for firearms well, I do pack one almost always. Just follow the regulations of the area you are in. It is my last resort and to be honest I have used it only to dispatch injured wildlife (collisions with vehicles) than anything. But if the need arises it is handy.
Great subject matter and shoot straight my dear!
Thanks for your message and sharing your experiences through different aeras of the world. It's always very interesting to learn from others especially when they have experienced different kind of situations. :)
The world seems to be changing rapidly. I hope you're keeping up with the times and update this video as well as increasing your vigilance when out there.
Thanks for your message! will surely talk about it again as this is an important topic. But it's clear depending on where you live and travel, safety is viewed and managed differently.
30 years ago my then girlfriend now wife, Travelled to Turkey in the vw camper ,
Had no problems at all , Just over friendly locals. To stop the hustle, i started telling them we were in the police in England. No hassle what so ever.🙄🤔😉 ps Love your videos
Thanks for your message and sharing your experience :)
Never felt unsafe in the past 58 years of overlanding / camping.....🤪👍👌💪
Cool! So you enjoyed and still enjoy fully :)
This channel got even better 💪😎👍🍻
Cheers!
I carry weaponn 24/7
:)
I used to overland until 2 guys broke in to my rig and forced me to eat their unwashed wrangler clad booties. I WISH I woulda had a gun in that situation. I didn’t even get to wash my mouth out for hours.
Great video. Thank you.
Thanks!
very awesome!
thanks
Never been in a bad situation but then I’ve always been in a group of people.
Thanks for sharing!
very nice.
thanks
I’m thinking of doing some overlanding in Switzerland or the French alps in January is this a safe place as it’s gunner be my first time doing so in my 90 puma
We rarely had any issues, only from time to time with unhappy people but nothing too serious until now.
Great vid. I have a build in gun safe in my Defender.
Thanks! Nice, where did you install it?
@@offtrackfamily hey, it is installed (bolted-in) as a sliding storage drawer in the back - it is about 250mm high - which in your setup will be a lot (I had foam cut for my specific requirements and improved the security locks) - see : transk9.com/product/translock-tl4-storage-drawer/
Thanks for sharing!
Oh my God! Someone on RUclips providing sensible, the zombie apocalypse is not coming advice. I live in Southern Arizona, one the the major hotspots for drug and human smuggling and general seedy persons, and I have never had a situation that required a gun. I solo trek. Part of my success is choosing wisely when and where I camp and not making myself an obvious target. It is also have escape plans like how I position the vehicle and not making elaborate camps. Lastly it is carrying non lethal but defensive weapons such as perimeter alarms, keys nearby and bear mace. I hope everyone considers their choices thoughtfully and with safety for yourself and others in mind. Remember that justice is for our military, border patrol, sheriffs and police. Our responsibility is to remove ourselves as quickly as possible from harm’s way. Rambo need not apply.
Thanks for your message and sharing that even if living in the US you don't need to carry firearms to go overlanding or camping. As you say, being aware of the environment and choosing wisely a place to stop overnight is the first responsible safety step.
Another great blog... UK🇬🇧🇬🇧
Thanks!
Hi, What is the legality about free camping? I know it would be different in parts of the world but as far as you know?
It is different in every country and it complicates everything, especially around Europe. In Switzerland it's allowed to stop one night (bivouac) above the tree line high on mountains
Désolé, je n'ai pas tout regardé ce soir faute de temps. Je partage votre façon de penser. Je n'ai pas fait de camping sauvage en 4x4 mais j'ai campé longtemps et très tôt. à 14 ans, on partait entre potes, en 50CC pour camper dans les prés près des vaches. Plus tard, je me suis toujours senti en sécurité quand il n'y avait personne autour. Statistiquement, en €pe, il n'y a jamais de problème pour les free- campers. Ma seule crainte serait de laisser un papier par terre derrière moi!
Merci pour ce message et le partage d'expériences :)
7.62mm
That AR was too far from you. Should be within arms reach at all times.
Wasn't staged properly then 🤔😉
Agree with your advices which are common sense, and yes crowded places w/people raise the chance for a bad encounter (throw a D100). I prefer thinking about meeting good people and trusting them which doesn't mean you don't have to be watchful but not too much cause it can change your own behavior. At least this is what I try to keep in mind during motorcycle trips. About guns, I tend to think they are real, I believe you in CH keep weapons at home due to military duties ;) A bientôt stay stay safe !
Thanks for your message!
Apparently you haven't watched missing 411s 😨
If we had to live our lives considering all the possible horrible stuff that could happen when going outside, we wouldn't do anything...
I'm more worried about critters than I am about other people while Overlanding. Sure I carry bear spray, but in the back of my mind, I'm always asking, "what if". So I will continue to carry my sidearm when I go out.
Thanks for sharing! So you're in the US if you carry a sidearm
@@offtrackfamily
Yes ma'am. Here in Texas I can either open carry or conceal carry.
@@justdriftingthroughlife9378 I understand. Clearly not the same here in Switzerland and surrounding countries.
Bad people are afraid to Defender !! Positive energy scares the evil eye .. 👍
Haha ;)
good luck then 😜
In my opinion, you plan for the worst case scenario, not best case. Where legal I would absolutely have ways to defend myself from both 2 legged and 4 legged threats.
You should ALWAYS carry when overlanding…
Or not... depending where you live and borders you cross when traveling on this planet
Emily 😱I thought you had turned vigilante Preper Lara Croft 😂👍🏻
Haha only for the show ;)
not worried as I only travel to nordic countries :)
This is a chance! :)
Is there something special about nordic countries?
@@dmatveev89 there is, aside from the right to roam (even on private lands), the low crime rate and tiny population density makes it a perfect direction for overlanding where you only feel freedom and safety
I can only 100% confirm!
@@lumikarhu tend to agree but in general (and it doesn't only apply to nordic countries for sure) the further you go the less is the chance to get help if you get injured or ran into an accident, this may be a downside
Super vidéos comme d habitude
Oui la sécurité deviens un réel problème en bivouac sauvage ou proche de métropole en France en tous les cas cela deviens de pire en pire sur les zones de bord de mer en montagne un peut moins à part les endroit très fréquenté
Après je dirais un vrais Sig en 45 acp ou alors un très belle réalisation de pistolet d alarme à gaz 😜😜😜
Merci pour ce partage a bientôt
Merci pour le message! Du côté des Alpes, proches de la Suisse, nous n'avons jamais eu de soucis donc on espère que ça restera comme ça :)
It's very stupid to discourage bringing guns. Guns save lives more often than take lives. This is fact.
Not sure that fact applies worldwide and for sure it's illegal to travel abroad with guns.
What is your home country. I thought Europe was anti gun.
Switzerland ☺
No problems in my trawels. Exept brown bear meeting o trails. 😉
What do you do when meeting a brown bear?
@@offtrackfamily O nothing much slowly back up to car and drove away and I always pack beear sprey. Just in case.
In the real world,it is not rational. But it is logical to carry firearms with machete just like carrying fire extinguisher just case fire breaks out. Bring firearms and machete just case things going south. To fear is normal but to be paranoid is not normal.
To be prepared is good but being paranoid isn't, I agree!
Ah but, ye are not really solo camping! There is always at least two of ye, but mostly four :)
When i go camping, which sadly is not nearly as often as i would like i always travel on my own, and i prefer remote areas. Probably comes from being born and raised on a farm, but i have no worries about being out in remote areas in the dead of night.
Is the story of Swiss gun ownership rates true, or one of those stereotypes that is greatly exaggerated?
Thanks for your message and sharing what you like to do! The Swiss gun ownership must be correct as all legally owned guns are registred.
Nah, I went surfing after watching Jaws. I was in 6th grade.
Haha, lucky to be able to go surfing right after a movie ;)
It's better to have a dog with you on overlanding trip
That's a good point! Thanks for sharing!
It is just a little in the middle of nowhere irrational commentary…just a little little
Fear is imaginary but danger is REAL. Thinking nothing bad will happen and you won’t need a firearm is naive. I bet you almost ever person murdered by a human or killed by an animal wished they had a gun. Don’t be a victim to your arrogance. Bad things can happen to anyone at anytime.
Yes but carrying a gun and crossing borders is illegal. Wouldn't risk going to jail because fearing a possible murder on camp scene. Btw not saying we wouldn't have on if it was legal but where we live you cannot carry one.
@@offtrackfamily understood about carrying across borders and the legal consequences. I would try my best to register to carry legally in whatever state or country I camp.
very much country specific. In most of Africa this advice is not appropriate.
Thanks for your message.
Pas peur, je roule en Toyota Land Cruiser. Lol.
Haha, ça change tout du coup ;)
J’aime le français
Merci!
No
:)
better to have and not need than to need and not have...rules and laws be damned..(u.s. travel only)
Seems to be the rule in US and some countries in Africa :) Not an option around here
@@offtrackfamily yes quite unfortunate..I don't travel anywhere I am prohibited to carry(most the time) so that limits your view for sure....safe travels to yall!
LoL...wow.
:)
Always take guns. That simple. Same as wearing your seatbelt.
Not a good idea when traveling through different countries...
@@offtrackfamily True! However Carry when you can where you can.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz fell asleep after leave your firearms at home
Where I overland in America that would not be very smart
So start off by telling us what country you live in then make a suggestion. You bet your Snickers I'm packing in my rig.
different country, different views. Not saying it's all teddy bears everywhere, certainly not! but I wouldn't carry around a weapon without knowing how to use it in a stressful situation. Meaning if I don't have the on-going training, I won't consider taking one. Taking a few training courses when buying one doesn't make you a good shooter, especially under pressure. The reality is that overlanding with a gun can only be applicable if you don't travel around the world and only stay in your own country, and maybe only in your state.
Horrible advice. Completely ridiculous logic. I can also see in the first 20 seconds that you're untrained and inexperienced with a firearm.
Might not be completely illogic for people living and traveling in countries where carrying guns is illegal. And it's crystal clear I'm not trained professionally in the use of a firearm ;)
Horrible world you must live in ... where we live, carrying a weapon (not only firearms) is a felony ... even historic, deactivated firearms need to be registered here, and failing to register a deactivated historic firearm here will get you jail time.
This is the 1st time I have ever given you a thumbs down. This is some of the worst advice I have ever heard.
Thanks for your message! Even if you didn't like the advice ;) Do you carry weapons when overlanding & free camping?
So, basically, you are so afraid all the time that you really feel the need to have a fire arm within reach?
@@Tillerman56 Its called being prepared. Sorry you live in fantasy land where nothing bad will happen but i live in reality.
@@hunglikehorse4339 Europe is totally different from the USA. We can live here without weapons. Not everybody is perfect but basically we trust each other. I like that.
Excellent video thanks !
Thanks for watching! Don't forget to add thumbs up and subscribe!
no
:)