I was homeless a few years ago. I camped in the woods and felt far safer than being in a city centre, that literally had blood on the pavement from drunken lads fighting. 😸
Yeah I know what you mean I'm homeless now living on a mountain in a field the farmer said he'll charge me rent I don't mind that better than being in a town or city and I have proper camouflaged my hideout which is a old horses shelter so with military camouflage netting loads of ferns sticks it's blended in really well even I'm unable to find it at times especially when I've got loads of branches and Holly trees surrounding my camp and I'm also keeping something else out like a big black puma type cat which I've seen and heard once on the mountains near the town I live in and then I heard low growling on a video I have that I recorded when we had bad weather back in march
As a retired American LEO - current protection consultant, one innocuous item of kit I recommend for self defense is the humble fire extinguisher. The multi purpose ABC works well, and they are available in a disposable size (for camping). Applying the principle of "you can't see, can't breathe, etc you can't fight"... An extinguisher discharged within 2-4 feet of an assailant will render the person unable to see and breathe, giving you time to retreat or.... Another spray device is the can of Spray Paint - though this can cause harm. It's unfortunate that the good citizens of the UK are forbidden to carry self defense items. And the laws here in America are often "strange"... in some jurisdictions you can carry a handgun, but not an expandable Baton. Enjoyed your video. New sub.
Thanks. I quite like we can't carry weapons as it means in most part if you get into a scuffle with somebody on the street its just fists and bruised egos rather than gunshots. They have controlled the supply so well I've not seen a firearm outside of the military or police. Don't get me wrong, if we had bears I'd want one too!
The powder type extinguisher, had one puncture in the back of my 4wd and I can confirm you won't be able to breathe. How about brake cleaner, good distance on spray and can also confirm it bloody stings in the eyes.
Same goes for the Netherlands, only we have Germany close and the Dutch are very known for being stingy bastards. So yes I own a baton (In Minecraft obviously)
@@dogdadoutdoors absolutely, the last time I went on Dartmoor, I had a hedgehog in my ground shelter, just bought some liver pate. I heard this, woke up, put on lamp, this cute animal just looked at me and continues to eat the whole slice! How can you deny this ? Lovely to see them 🥰👍
In the UK, I am pretty confident I am the scariest thing in the woods at night, when I am in the US, I will have a 45-70 Rifle, which is very comforting to sleep with, a bit overkill for the UK, where the scariest beast you might get is usually an inquisitive Badger, although there are some places where there are Wild Boar now, but not heard of any Wild Campers being bothered by them.
Best safety video I’ve watched about this topic! Thank you for sharing your experience, I feel more confident about my first solo camping trip, coming up
Glad I could help and good luck. Just remember most of the fear is all in your head and if you can manage that tiny bit of residual risk, all the better.
Thank you, from the States. Your video here is the first/only one that I've seen that addresses camping safety concerning other people. The most unpredictable animal is Man.
Another spot on presentation. I've been teaching personal protection for decades, ever since I left the MPs and I do all this stuff without thinking. Your video reminded me how valuable this knowledge is for everyone and yet how many might not have that knowledge. I liked the string barrier; stops them without tripping them and breaking their necks which might not be a good idea if the victim isn;t trying to get you and just an ordinary citizen. Great vid.
@@dogdadoutdoors used micro cord for weaving and cord to secure items in pockets/packs, hadn’t thought of using it as a ‘fence/barrier’. That is, as y’all say, brilliant. In TX we have a few more things we can use that I don’t believe y’all have access to, best of course is to avoid the conflict and use whatever level creates the best stoppage of the behavior with the least harm. Tools used for construction offer viable alternatives, as well.
Glad they are useful. I think I may be from your way Bev, I see you have a lot of videos around Southport, I'm Skem born and bred, but gone all 'posh' and moved down south now.
@dogdadoutdoors I have relatives in Southport. Yes used to live there.. yes I may move down South, but currently a nomad.lol. Am down South at moment.. may hop over to Portugal again..
Top advice 👍. Torches with strobe settings are good. Audio decoys can also buy time & space, a Bluetooth speaker hung nearby set to play Romanian voices.
@@dogdadoutdoors I have mine from my 92 Belfast tour, just upgraded it with a 12W 2000 lmn LED running off 2 26650 batteries. Doesn't lack in brightness and only slightly lighter weight.
I avoid confrontation if I can but where I live I have bears panthers and alligators southern Florida . Trip wires with alarms usually works 99 percent to scares off a predator. However I am American I’m not judging other countries you have to follow the laws your county provides. Here in Florida we have stand you ground laws which we are aloud to use deadly forced deemed necessary. In the woods I’m always have 12 gauge scatter gun or shotgun good useful and many different types ammo for hunting or self defense. Over all great video sir. Light is the number one sense of security.
Yeah I think if was camping where we have bears I would want a shotgun too. Biggest predator we have here is the badger and they try to stay out of your way!
Thanks for the useful video. Never had an unpleasant encounter while wild camping but better be safe than sorry. Ordered a Maglite though 😉. Greetings Dimitri
You are welcome. It's one of those, hope for the best, plan for the worst and its better to have and not need than need and not have. Most of the time its absolutely fine.
Having done a lot of work as a security guard I will second your recommendation of a 3 D cell Maglight. It is my primary go to flashlight when I'm working outside at night. Maglight has a variant using a proprietary LED that puts out an amazing amount of light, is highly resistant to damage from impact (unlike a bulb which could break if you dropped it) and has good battery life. The only real problem with a Maglight in general is that the rubber boot that covers the switch is prone to coming off. But some duct tape over the boot can be a reasonable fix.
This channel is mint. I've got more useful info in two shortish videos (also entertaining) than the previous year on youtube camping videos. The military approach to things is so useful. I don't want to carry a heavy torch, or anything heavy, but I'm thinking I might have to always use a heavy found log "for bashing in tent pegs and the like, your honour" instead. I might get a decent torch for pointing at people, though - I just have a very dim, unfocused head torch for stealth purposes. I'm going by bike, and have a pretty sensitive vibration alarm on the bike, so I'm now thinking I could set up a trip wire round trees and attached to the bike if I feel the location warrants it. Cheers.
I've just looked around my campsite with the idea of putting up a trip wire. I think green para chord will create a visible straight line. I might try painting areas of it with brown paint or earth.
That would work just fine, as a young lad we did this but used tin cans with a couple of stones in. We got bumped by a group of 5 or 6 lads looking for trouble but had plenty of notice and were able to stand-to and defend ourselves, I don't think they realised we had catapults, it didn't go well for them!
Excellent video. It's of course mainly about peace of mind. I myself have a large umbrella with a big knob handle. I only ever bivvy without a tarp, so hopefully I'll only ever need to use it when it's raining...:-)
Thanks, its a Helikon Pilgrim Anorak in Coyte Brown. Probably the best jacket I have ever bought for outdoors stuff. You can get them from military 1st in the UK or from Amazon too.
I've got 2 of the new 3rd generation LED Maglites, both very bright. A 2D cell and a 3D cell. They have a strobe feature on them which you could shine in an attackers eyes which will totally disorientate them and make it easier to strike them if necessary. I also have a 2AAA and a 2AA maglite which both can be used exactly like a kubaton but with the added advantage of momentarily blinding an attacker before striking. If you are camping then carrying a knife is deemed a necessary item so if my life was in danger i would have no hesitation to use it to protect myself
Well, there was this one time I woke up on high alert. I had no idea why, but I was on high alert & just knew something was up, so I lay very still & quiet. after a while I heard the wild pig grunting outside my little low profile 1P tent. It sounded like the pig settled down close to my tent & after quite some time I succumbed to sleep again to wake after dawn. Lay there a while, what to do, was the pig is a boar, still sleeping or nosing around nearby, would it be startled by me? I couldn't hear anything & well, my morning bladder needs decided the matter anyway. Never saw another sign of that pig, but I did pull up stakes and moved on by mid morning. I certainly don't fancy my chances in a run in with a wild boar, especially solo. Those tusks can have you bled out in a minute or two.
Useful video, thank you. Instead of “can I help you” I’d say “ you’ve got to be really stupid trying to sneak up on someones camp in the middle of the night” 😂
I fully agree. What on earth would someone even expect to gain from such a thing? Unless we are talking the Banjo and deliverance type of thing of course. I shudder! 🤣
Many thanks for your video, I'm slowly getting put off the idea of trying stealth camping lol, I have a couple of quite modern torches , aluminum, about 5/6" long , very bright, they both have a sharp teeth like ring around the lense , I was recently told it's to use as a self defense weapon.
The only people i know of who have encountered issues lone camping are those who get a big fire going, leave lamps out all around camp, music playing and then go to sleep like that, then they get all amgry or go jnto conspiracy theory mode because somebody has come up to their camp to see what the hell is going on. Get a good camo net, a low profile tarp you can see out of 360 all night and a proper torch.
When I was in the Scouts then Venture Scouts in the UK, we hiked and slept out in the forests many time. Being attacked or robbed in the night was something we never thought about or nearly happened. Also used to have a knife. lol
These are great tips for me living in the city 👍. I'm a fan of sensible personal defence, especially avoiding conflict where possible. Good ideas thank you 🙏
Years ago when I went canoe camping I used to carry mini flares whether I would use them I’m not sure but if it was a nutter who was going to kick my tent or gear I would have used it
48 years ago, having run out of money, I spent a night wild camping in a park in the centre of Athens, Greece. Lot of people around, but I scouted out some dense bushes right on the edge of the park and crept in there when it was dark. Had already spent 6 weeks wild camping on Crete. Back in those days I didn't snore😂 . Also I read that these days a lot of immigrants sleep there. Home next day by coach, in the days before cheap flights.
I'm lucky to own a PVS7 night vision unit, which is worth its weight in gold when out forest camping. Any suspicious noises and I can see anyone or anything approaching long before they see me.
There are some round bells (collar cat tipe, I don't remember its name in english) with a clip that are normally sold for fishing. These are good to be atached to the fishing nylon to crate a barrier with sound if they are touched. They are small and light to carry, and can be attached to anything. I would not recomend them if it is too windy though, bc it can make unwanted sounds if there is too much wind. But in normal conditions they are great.
I bet they work great, I know I've used tin cans with a couple of stones in when I was a kid, the bells are a definite step up from that and they can be pretty loud judging by all the 'jingle dogs' we hear when I'm out walking my two.
@@dogdadoutdoors yes, I found now there are also some more sofisticated ones, with light and an electrical alarm, with batteries, but I'd probably get this round bells with clips myself. I used to have also, an alarm but a small electric one, that I attached to my tent door, in campings where I had other campers around, and they stealing something from my tent could be a possibility. It worked really well. And they are quite cheap, battery operated. They sound much much louder, and in that scenario, much better to go to the toilet for example.
I lived in an incredibly remote farmhouse as far off the beaten track as you could imagine for 18 years... I could hear cars or tractors approaching from 1mile away. If ever anyone came down to the farm I'd be behind them before they knew, and I could run around in the pitch black because I knew every step and every corner. The other thing I used to have in my hand was a camera flash, just close and cover your eyes when it goes off. I remember trailing a group of squaddies on an excercise once who strayed from their path for a few hours and they never knew.
I have a dismembered firework big flash and bang..... Also the latest torch technology. I have the equivalent of a maglight with a strobe so strong that even the local hedgehogs have an epileptic fit when its turned on. The cord looks good though. Great advice by the way 👍
Thank you. Yeah a bright torch is fantastic, I would think when an attacker can't see, they would realise pretty quickly they are at a massive disadvantage and call it a night.
I have a 4 and a 6 cell maglite from years ago. Have been meaning to upgrade the bulb to led, so will probably get that done sooner rather than later. You're right, they do carry a reasonable amount of weight from the shoulder.
I have it on very reliable information that the safest way to take down a crackhead who is on warpath is an un boxed roll of bacofoil . They’re on a par with those hickory sticks they give you for guard duty
Excellent ideas. I was floored, however, when you said you can't carry an item for self defense in the U.K. That seems ludicrous. To my American way of thinking, many English laws fall into that category. I'll take my Springfield Armory XD and a torch thank you. Enjoying your videos.
It's just a different approach, but one that works very well. I know the NRA like to say if you outlaw guns only the outlaws have them, but what the UK government have done a pretty good job of is restricting the supply of guns, so very few people have access to them. Your average criminal simply won't have access to them, there are a couple in circulation but they are usually controlled by organised crime. As a result the UK is a lot safer, not even our regular police carry firearms! When people get angry or a bit of road rage etc it comes down to fists and more often than not, its black eyes and bruised egos rather than anybody getting shot. We do have a bit of knife crime in the inner cities, but still lower than the USA fortunately as there are restrictions around carrying those too. But I get USA and UK are very different cultures and the UK leans considerably more to the left than the USA. We also don't have natural predators like the USA, if I was in bear country I'd definitely want to be armed!
A response that gives me food for thought. Thank you kindly for it. I know you're making some changes to your channel, however I do hope you find enough reserves to keep them coming.
While stealth camping (wild camping is illegal in my country) in a forest last year, I heard a sound like something clearing its throat at around 3AM and crashing through the bushes. Since I was in the middle of a forest, it was most likely an animal (a deer?). Nothing better to wake up quickly 🙂 (not that I slept much, because of some damm night bird keeping me awake the entire night).
A follow-up video on "Actions on" would be really interesting including examples and tips on how detailed and diverse these plans need to be. After all there are countless things that could happen to you and every szenario might come with its own challenges and unexpected plot twists.
They are generally very short and snappy, for example if you get a contact to the front the 'actions on' are for everybody to run forward into an extended line and return fire, after that the NCO's will dictate what happens, but that could well be by calling out another well rehearsed series of actions.
As a global traveller I learned that one of the best weapons to learn to use was a 4' stick. There is virtually nowhere in the world where you cannot find or improvise one. It makes a great dissuader for both humans and many animals. In some parts of the world I put a point on the stick. In the USA I would want a firearm if possible.
Slightly off topic but if you've stopped for a cuppa it's makes a chance meetings with land owners or dog walkers less confrontational if the stove etc is already packed away out of sight. Then break out asap
All 3 of those would get you 5 years in prison in the UK! But even in the states where they are allowed you are safer if you can avoid confrontation because no matter how well armed you are, or well trained, there is always a risk to yourself.
@@dogdadoutdoors A purpose to carry is such a foreign concept to us here. Now of course there are cities in the US where you can't carry anything (as well as national parks), but in state forests they're usually unrestricted. A shotgun or a serious full-sized revolver are probably good wendigo/dog-man defense.
@@dogdadoutdoors LOL! Thanks for the response! Howdy from Texas. I do a lot of solo camping and the other thing I bring along is bear spray. I have a fairly large canister that can spray out to about 15 feet either disbursed spray or directed spray. It can really put a halt to any advancing predators 4 legged or 2 legged. Fortunately I've never had to use it.
Have had the odd run in over the years, worst was a duck hunter left rip with a 12 gauuge feet from my camp at 4am in the morning, scared the shiit out of me. My workmate wild camping had a group of drunk scum bags try androb him at a lakeside camp, 6d cell maglite and a skull fracture later had them back off, last resort bbut he did what he had to do. thank you for the tips, still alittle jealous of US views who can packa ligthweight handgun for protection, but for me her in Aus that isnt an option. Definately going to deploy your suggestions to feel a little more secure in a wild camp situation.
Ah but you can't have a pointed or beaded article here without justification, and self defence isn't a justification, it would be classed as an offensive weapon! I know it sounds very restrictive to those in the U.S but it works for us. Then again, not being able to cross the road where you feel it's safe seems very restrictive to us!
@@dogdadoutdoors " but it works for us." except it doesn't. You can cope as much as you want, but the fact of the matter is it works for literally nobody, and certainly not the victims. Every single victim would have preferred a REAL self-defense tool before they died or worse. It's a verifiably fact throughout all of history that a disarmed populace makes more victims, and it's been proven time and again in just the last 100 years. Go ask Stalin's political opponents if having no self-defense options worked for them. Or Mao's. Or Hitler's. Or Pol Pot's. Ask the Uighurs if having no options to defend themselves is working out for them in Xi's China.
@@The_world_is_not_worthy_of_Him and yet the homicide rate in the UK is many, many times less than it is in the U.S even taking into account the difference in population size. If a disarmed populace makes for more victims, can you explain why is the homicide rate in the UK 9.9 per million, whilst in the armed U.S it was 78 last year? That is nearly 8 times higher, a LOT. I'm not intentionally going to criticise our American cousins but if you are going to come in hot like that I will ask you to justify it.
You do, and one of the outcomes of that is that you have a homicide rate 8 times higher than the UK. You guys can do what you want in your own country, but our ways work for us.
@@Soulcritic Of course you would. How many paid days off do you get each year? How much free time do you actually have with paid days off and time off work?
@@Soulcritic Its not the crown, there is a clear separation between the Crown, the Executive, the legislative and the judiciary. How are your rights of free speech going? with reference to one of your former presidents no less? What was it he said that got him into trouble? Some restrictions are necessary. Imagine a situation where an ex-prime minster of the UK who lost an election claimed it was all fake and stolen. We would look like a banana republic wouldn't we?
Apologies for late reply, I got a very 'Mr T' vibe from that one! Dogs are great, as deterrents and if nothing else, giving you plenty of warning. If a mouse breaks wind two streets away my dogs let me know about it!
One of the best things is don't overthink. Be realistic. What are the odds. The risk is actually extremely low. I am concerned this video will make people overthink the reality of it. Interesting mind you
The chances are very small, this is really to give people who do overthink something practical to think about rather than worrying, it can make them feel safer. That said, a friend and I once had to do an orderly retreat after a group of teens started throwing stones at us. They didn't quite plan for the fact we had both brought our catapults for something to do and we ended up pepper potting our way out whilst keeping them out of their range. I also had to bug out last year when I woke in the middle of an exercise!
Something that people should know It is illegal to set trip wirers in public areas and if someone happens to be walking in the woods at night like I do and they are injured you will be arrested and charged. Before anybody says what are you doing walking in the woods at night. Simply put woods are far more interesting during the cover of night you can hear a lot more animals and it's so peaceful.
I carry a bushcraft knife, pocket knife and camp knife. These are perfectly acceptable for camping in national parks/privately owned woodland (with permission). If you genuinely had to use a blade for defence, and its part of you're outdoor equipment it is different. I wild camp often, in Britain and other countries. If a psychopathic axe murderer tried to attack (exaggerated i know) then there is a genuine reason to protect your life. Just saying 👍
I agree you may get away with that in those extreme circumstances. I think in most situations it wouldn't come to that though, I think you are more likely to face an angry karen than an axe murderer.
I'm doing it for the second time but first time with a dog, I'm worried she will give our location away by growling or barking when I want to be stealth, any advice?
Honestly, not really. One of mine will bark if a mouse breaks wind 50m away 🤣. It Made for a very apologetic morning after camping in a commercial campsite when something kept setting the geese off on a nearby lake.... All I can say is embrace it, they may give you away, but at least you'll have plenty of warning and they could be an effective deterrent. My Nova is a complete sweety, but she is bordering on the giant size and she sounds intimidating when she barks. She is quite reassuring at night in the dark and if I head that low growling and deep bark and was up to no good I would re-evaluate pretty quickly!
Just want to let you know that you need to get a cholesterol check rapidly as the inside of your eyes are showing signs of very high cholesterol I know as I suffered the same deposits on the inside of my eyelids. This is one of the most serious signs pall please get it checked out. Statins will reduce the build up. Video was good 👍
Absolutely, even if you fight and win, there is always a risk you are either going to get injured or get into some kind of legal issue. Best avoided if you can.
@@welshman64 stick is far better as it breaks bone I all way get under a bush or fallen trees so i cant be easily attacked at night dont use a tent wild camping natural over head cover
"Its illegal to carry any item you intend to use for self-defense" "If somebody attacked me, I'd hit them on the head with this big torch I have on me" Man, if you get into an altercation, I hope nobody watches this.
Ahh, you got it wrong. It’s best to sleep in your full birthday suit because what grown man wants to fight a completely naked dude that just busted out of his tent with crazy eyes all hootin’ and hollering? And if you want to take it a step further, try not to poop before bedtime, save that for morning. Then if someone does confront you and you feel like you are going to be at a disadvantage you could force a poop into your hand and and start charging at them while screaming incoherent sentences. Now not only do they have to fight a naked dude, they have to fight a naked dude crazy as a bed bug with a hand full of crap and seriously, who wants to deal with that level of crazy? 😂
if your tent was the deciding factor in whether or not I lived through the next week, a bit of dick and shit is nothing to me. It ain't like I'm gonna be sticking around your rotting naked corpse anyways. If I can come to that conclusion as a sane, sober man; you can bet a delirious and desperate junkie has already done it ten times over, and they won't care about the corpse. You ain't crazier than someone on Death's door, I promise you that.
What would I do if approached, I'd have a small alter with some candles and pentagrams daubed around, when the assassin approached, I'd start to chant in latin, mentioning the main religious characters occasionally, then standing up from my alter, my robe falling away to reveal my full nudity not yet facing the deadly assailant as they approached, I would pour 2 pints of milk over myself, then covering my face in blood, I would scream banshee like, turn around and face the stranger, elevating the wails and then screaming "death", over and over with my arms extended outwards, perhaps with a small wicker doll in one hand.
I've got spaniels I take, the only issue is that there isn't anyone or anything that doesn't know we're in the woods because they're like a bull in a china shop 😂 They are quite good at telling people the camp is their camp and nobody else's though 👍
Sounds like my Nova, if a mouse breaks wind a kilometre away she very enthusiastically tells me, but she is a big old girl at 98lb, she loves everybody and everything, but when she growls or barks it can be pretty intimidating. Mostly she just loves everybody to death though!
It's because in UK law there is no such thing as a defensive weapon. If you carry a weapon it's there to hurt somebody with no matter how good a person you are. It actually makes us a lot safer than countries that are allowed to carry guns like America nobody pulls a gun on you because nobodies got a gun!
Imagine if you could hook something up to make a horrific growling sound. I reckon only a complete psychopath would hang around after THAT sound. 😂 Oh and body spray could be a justifiable self defence item wouldn't it? Your setting up, getting a bit hot, been walking round for a spot for a while? 😉 They get too close, they're getting it in the eyes as well as being temporarily blinded by the torch. 😂
I'm lucky, I've got a big dog (7 stone), she's lovely but if I saw her or heard he growling I'd make myself scarce. She's part Caucasian Shepherd, part Turkish Kangol, German Shepherd and Pointer. She looks like an overgrown pointer that works out.
That doesn't bother me... let's just say if I hear my tent zip in the middle of the night I feel very sorry for whoever is on the outside theres a not so nice surprise for them..
The number of times my equipment got stolen by group's of thugs was unbelievable especially if it is military grade or as near to military grade as you can get from a good camping outdoors stores and it usually happens because these type of people decide that they want your gear and have no idea where to even buy it assuming they wanted to part with the cash because with hunting around you can get quite good bushcraft gear at a reasonable price you just have to avoid all the junk items
Sorry to hear this happened to you. This is why I tend to keep a low profile when I'm out camping. Nobody can give you any trouble if they don't know you are there.
Solar powered garden trip lights are going to be my next purchase, that combined with trip wire should be an excellent combo. I always carry a Kabar USMC combat knife (NoI did not serve) on my belt and I always sleep fully clothed with my knife on me
@@allbushnocraft3031 I don't take chances with others after the things I experienced growing up. People out hiking/walking randomly being attacked or murdered by groups of drunk teens,even I got jumped by a group of them when I was 19. It's better to be safe than sorry in my experience, seen it happen too many times
If no one knows that you walked in , it's very unlikely that someone will randomly find you in the dark. Even if they wanted to find a victim they would get really bored
Probably a good tool in countries that allow it and I applaud having non-lethal options. I know here you can't, pepper spray is classed as a firearm in the UK which carries a 5 year minimum jail sentence for possession. I was working with the cadets at an airshow once and so we had armed police manning the gates and patrolling inside. They searched people on entry and some guy (from Poland I think) had a can of pepper spray as he didn't know and he was put in the back of the van, didn't find out what happened to them though.
Problem is, depending on where you are in the world you could get into real trouble for that. In the UK you have to use 'Reasonable' force, you would struggle to justify that was reasonable unless for example they were coming at you with a knife or similar but it does vary country to country.
Dog dad, if god forbid you ever hurt someone, for whatever reason, do you think this particular video might be used in a case against you, as submissable evidence? Kind regards M
Hi Marie, I don't think they would. If they enter that this video as evidence they enter all of it. That shows I go to extreme lengths to avoid confrontation, I advocate going where people aren't, actively trying not the be seen or draw attention, moving way if confronted to avoid confrontation, telling people to get back if attacked, and then using a perfectly legal and justifiable item to dazzle in a non-violent way to deter before as a last resort, if feel my life is threatened, defend myself with an item I have good reason to be holding. If anything, I would draw attention to the video to use in my defence! The only thing the video proves is I have knowledge. I could equally use a tent peg in a more lethal way. Prosecution would need to prove I carried the torch for defence, which I don't, I carry the torch to see in the dark with and that is perfectly justifiable in a dark forest. You don't have to be a victim. I will always seek to avoid confrontation but if somebody takes that choice away from me and puts me in a situation it's potentially me or them, I will choose them every single time and the law in the UK is on your side in that situation. Even if it wasn't, I am talking about the choice between getting in trouble with the law, or potentially being murdered, whichbis no choice at all really. Better to be tried by 12 in court than carried by 6 at my funeral.
Thanks for some great tips, hadn't thought of these, especially the micro-cord and tripwires. Seriously in the UK you can't carry defensive weapons, seriously?!? Did a bunch of gang members pass those victim disarmament laws, insane. Some similar nonsense up in Canada, so glad I live in the USA. I think they had similar defense restrictions in the Ukraine, until Ivan invaded, then they were handing out AK's to everyone. Every human being has the inalienable right to an armed self-defense, don't accept government over-reach.
Thing is, in the UK not carrying weapons has led to us having a homicide rate one eighth that of the US taking different population sizes into account. It works for us, obviously the US and UK are very different places and I wouldn't comment on what is right for the US, but for us, no weapons makes us a lot safer from crime.
Male dogs may be bigger but female dogs are more protectove by nature and a better guard dog for children but are more bitey to stranger's than the boys
My female dog is definitely very protective of me, she's not keen on other dogs getting close and makes a point of putting herself between me and other big boisterous dogs, she is very sweet though, and a big girl at 45kg.
Not an option here, but a bit overkill for the UK too, the squirrels aren't that dangerous! I know in he US its a different story, big predators and more importantly, other people have guns.
Not really an option in the UK, its a 5 year minimum sentence for carrying a firearm. I do prefer it though as nobody else has one either. Drunk guys fighting after the bar tends to result mainly in bruised egos, cuts and bruises rather than gunshot wounds. It works for us.
I never feel worried out in the wild. Humans are the worst threat of all. Even so, I'm more of a concern to other than they are to me. Oh and I'm armed, I'd have a knife and possibly an axe. But I'd prefer not to engage with them.Yes use the environment.
Very true, but they aren't allowed to bring them to the UK!😆 All jokes aside, you need to tailor to your own environment and circumstance. Thats why I say YOU need to think what YOUR actions will be, and then I explained mine. In some cases if you are young and fit it may be to run, your actions are what is best for you, in your circumstances.
@@syrus3k Absolutely, I've been wild camping for over 40 years, never had any real problems (except midges 😡). I've been solo camping in East Africa often, totally different issue in a game reserve. You do get used to it though. Always a fire at night 👍
I agree you are very unlikely to be attacked whilst camping at night. I'd argue its also very unlikely for your house to burn down whilst you sleep but lots of people still have smoke alarms and insurance. But this video is really for people who DO feel nervous and it gives them some tools and techniques to help get over that. If you don't need those to feel safe, that's great.
Yeah a big dog or two is a great deterrent. One of mine is bordering on giant, she can be so intimidating with her size and her bark but she just wants to be friends with everybody!
Thanks for the concern Phil, its appreciated. I am comfortable with it as there is a difference between carrying a tool for self defence, and knowing how to use the tools you justifiably carry. I have the maglite because it's a reliable, robust torch and that is why I carry it. I dont advocate carrying weapons for self defence as I point out in the video, that is illegal, but you can use what you justifiably carry to defend yourself. If the video was ever admitted into court it would only serve the prosecution that i had knowledge, and knowledge is not illegal. Ultimately it would be down to the prosecution to prove that I, who by their own evidence goes out of their way to avoid confrontation, to deter it and who advocates breaking contact and only defending themselves when they are under threat after several warnings, was carrying a torch as an offensive weapon. While I, innocent until proven guilty only need to justify why i had a torch, a recommended item on any outdoor list, at night in the forest, even if i was fully aware of hiw else it could be used. It's the same for tent pegs, my belt, my boots, they can all be used for weapons.
@@dogdadoutdoors I was attacked once and stuck my attacker in self defence. One hit only but it was hard enough to cause an injury that needed hospital treatment. In hospital the man made a statement to police that I attacked him. I was arrested and charged with ABH. Only after a 2 year investigation were the charges against me finally dropped. The police investigation was more harrowing than being assaulted in the first place. Even if you are in the right it does not automatically follow the law is on your side. Having said all that thankfully the chances of being attacked when out on a camping trip are small especially if you choose your pitch wisely
@@phililpb Totally agree, that's why I think avoiding, deterring, breaking contact are far preferable to getting into fisticuffs. Even if you come off better, its an unnecessary risk and potentially a whole load of stress afterwards you don't need. That said, if somebody takes that choice away from you, always better to take the initiative and explain yourself later. Nobody gets any points for being beaten up.
You feared for your life , you used self defence. Nothing should have happened, always say you feared for your life, especially where you where. As the attacker should not have been there
You can't legally carry a knife in the UK for defensive purposes, its classed as an offensive weapon, can land you with 4 years in prison and an unlimited fine. If you have a knife for other purposes and you used it defensively, unless your life was really at risk and your use was 'reasonable' there is a good chance you would go to prison for that.
@@tri_crisis_tc721 Not if you get stopped by the police it isn't! I think Mr Miyagi had the best idea on defence. You have to remember if somebody attacks you and you pull out a knife, use it or not, even if you 'survive' unless your response is deemed reasonable your life is pretty much owner. Your are going to prison, will lose your job, your wife will likely meet a new 'friend' and you'll be in danger every day in prison trying not to pick the soap up. Then at the end you will have to rebuild your life with a criminal record. You would be much better off just giving them your stuff.
@@tri_crisis_tc721 Still classed as an offensive weapon. You can use items if its reasonable but you can't use or carry anything for the purpose of defensive, including everyday items that have been adapted for defence like a rock in a sock. Obviously you can do what you want, but you should be aware of the law and its ramifications.
Dog Dad. Or anyone in the comments.. how many times have you been walked up on ny peope who made your feel threatened? Ive been an avid wild camper and woodsman for a long time since leaving the Army and I have had it happen a grand total of zero. But I do see alot of people running channels and making out that this kind of stuff happens regularly
I have only felt threatened once, and to be fair that's because they were throwing stones at me but I have had unwanted attention a couple of times. I suspect it depends on the people where you go.
@@dogdadoutdoors thanks for the reply. Love your videos. Stone throwing? If I go by the other channels that definitely must without a doubt be big foot. Haha. Where did this happen if you don't mind me asking?
@@jamesburns9975 Nah, just local teens. That was in a disused quarry in Lancashire, somewhere near Skelmersdale. I was with a mate and we had it well under control, we had both bought our catapults for a bit of a practice and we could out range them! We literally broke camp and pepper potted a retreat, keeping them beyond range.
Obviously, camping in the UK is much different than in America. When you have 70 million people on a tiny island, there are not a lot of places remote enough to avoid people. Personal protection is much more limited. In America, your problem is more trailhead crime. People are breaking into cars. If you follow the two mile rule(hike in at least two miles), then 99% of your people problems disappear. Although tweakers(meth users) are very persistent. I have found an abandoned camp used for manufacturing drugs far out in the wilderness at very high altitude. Hiking around Northern California, I could see someone stumble on a cartel grow. That would be life ending. America has greater fauna than Britain. I know where I live, larger animals are a threat to people. To go into the woods where I live without some protection is not just ill advised, it is foolish. We have grizzlies, black bears, wolves, and cougars. Plus, there are a number of other exotic predators. Most people don't know, but dogs are the NUMBER ONE bear attractant. Equal to not practicing camp hygiene. Bears consider dogs to be wolves or coyotes. Which are a predator to bear cubs. Bears will avoid humans generally. But if you have a dog, they all of a sudden become interested. A great deal of bear attacks happen with a dog present. In the northern states of America, bringing your dog. can bring you problems. Especially the Pacific Northwest. So even if you don't encounter two legged predators here, you have to beware of the other varieties. It is tragic that level of camp safety is required understanding in the UK. I watch a couple of camping channels from there. It seems strangers wandering through camp is commonplace there. Even in the middle of the night or someplace that seems remote. The legal policy on self defense in the UK is absolutely ridiculous. Not being able to have a fire so you don't attract attention? That sounds like it tears out the soul of camping. Blessings brother.
We definitely have a much denser population than the U.S and so getting away from people can be harder and thats why we keep bumping into people, there isn't a 'wildnerness' as such. Parts of the some of the bigger national parks like Snowdonia can be very quiet, so long as you avoid the tourist areas. Our self defence policy always seems odd to Americans, but you have to remember whilst we speak (almost) the same language and share a lot of common values, its a very different culture. I actually did a video on that one which kind of explains some of the logic behind it. th-cam.com/video/VjVq7FCyvHM/w-d-xo.html
A compact pistol with a double stack magazine chambered in 9 Luger makes security easy. Any assailant shows up just stand your ground and defend yourself in your castle for the night.
Not in the UK though, I think its minimum 5 year sentence for carrying a firearm and up to 14 years, that is just for possessing one. I prefer our system though as we do a really good job of controlling the supply so you whilst you won't have a firearm yourself, the chances of ever coming up against anybody who is armed is negligible. Our regular police officers don't even carry them as they just don't need to. We do have armed response a bit like your SWAT for when they do. What this all means is anybody going out to attack somebody else has to close and personal and risks getting hurt themselves so they are less likely to and angry/drunken fights don't escalate to a shooting. We normally only get funs when there is organised crime, I've never seen one outside of Police/armed forces. As a result our homicide rates per 100k of the population are about 1/8th of the states and we haven't had a school shooting since 1996, after which we banned all hand guns. Not a criticism at all, its just a culture thing. We acted collectively against gun violence by deciding to make ourselves collectively safer by acting together. I know in the states you have more of an individualistic approach to things like security, welfare and healthcare and so our approach wouldn't sit well with a lot of you. You guys seem happier with your system and we are definitely happier with ours and so we are all winners.
I would be more scared of animals than people in the woods. Very few killers would walk aimless in the woods. If you there you there for a purpose, camping, fishing or work. A angry moose is a different story.
Please! Do not use fine mesh products around camps in the woods or around the margins of fields. Deer will become entangled in it and then panic. They are strong enough to drag it away and it will cause a miserable and long drawn out death when they get snagged and caught. I have seen the results of exactly this in its miserable. I stalk deer for food as well as doing bushcraft and camping. It's vital that we respect the wildlife around us in their habitat when we spend recreational time. Likewise thin cords can cause harm and damage to limbs of deer if they hit it at speed. They often run through woodland areas at night and during the day. Much of this video is based on paranoia and fear of a threat that really isn't there. If you wild camp, just choose your location very carefully with a decent recce and intelligence gathering prior to setting up. Remember too that in many of the circumstances involved in these potential conflicts, YOU will likely be the trespasser on someone else's land. Of course our personal security is important and I use camouflage and proper prep. But if challenged, it's really time to go away. It is highly unlikely that you are going to be attacked in your camp! Just carry a powerful torch, a phone and make sure you stay as far away as you can from routes where anyone who is likely to be a nuisance will go. I love all these outdoor pursuits and yes, I am very cautious about solo overnight wild camping....but I have never had any issue if I go a long way off the beaten track. Remember that anyone with potential mal intent is very likely to want to be within easy escape routes via footpaths or lanes or roads......just go further than they are likely to be bothered about. Have fun and remember not to carry anything as a 'weapon'. By the way....nice smock! I have the same one!! 👍🏻😊
Camouflage netting is used right up to where you are sleeping and I should think most deer would know you are there and keep away. Put it this way, I suspect more deer are harmed hunting them for food than they are by camouflage netting! :). The trip wires 'give' as soon as you run into them as one end is released and so these are also highly unlikely to cause any damage, there is less resistance than walking into a bramble. But yes, this video is about helping people manage a perceived fear, rather than an actual likely threat. That's not to say the threat isn't real because it can happen and it has happened to me, only once in many years, but it has happened. I look at it like home insurance, the chances of my house burning down whilst I sleep are really, really small, but I still have buildings insurance and smoke alarms, and I don't think anybody would question that.
@@dogdadoutdoors Thanks for the reply. The netting I was talking about was not camo netting. I use it all the time and of course it is no risk whatsoever. The netting you mention is fine mesh bird netting. This has absolutely no place in the woods. It causes huge issues for deer and other mammals. It would be a very bad idea to deploy such a material just on the off chance that one might be interrupted at camp. I have seen the end result when deer come into contact with such materials deployed between trees, and it's not pretty. The humane instant despatch of deer in culling and stalking for food is quite a different matter and takes into account hours and hours of careful prep and so often results in no shot being taken as it would not result in a humane or safe result. There is vast respect shown for the welfare of the quarry. The other worrying demo in your video is the chest or waist height thin line that you say is almost invisible and as demonstrated by you, and does not give way easily when walked into. With clothing on, the chance of injury to a person at slow walking speed is minimal. For a deer charging through the trees on its normal way through, again it will cause injury well before it gives. It's like a cheese wire. Severe cuts can occur. I totally understand the points you make on insurance at home....that is an entirely separate and spurious argument when lined up next to this situation. I also come across the debris left behind by those who have deployed trip wires and other cordage that they cannot be bothered to remove and it's lethal. Just camp safely, and away from places that are likely to attract undesirable attention in the first place and if you are so concerned about your personal security and just enjoying the peace and tranquility of the woods.....well it's probably not a good activity for that type of person to be in trying in the first place. Now, if we were hiding out as resistance fighters.....that is a totally separate matter!! 😉
I was homeless a few years ago. I camped in the woods and felt far safer than being in a city centre, that literally had blood on the pavement from drunken lads fighting. 😸
That seems to be a common theme from what I've heard from those who are or have been homeless. Glad you are back on your feet.
Yeah I know what you mean I'm homeless now living on a mountain in a field the farmer said he'll charge me rent I don't mind that better than being in a town or city and I have proper camouflaged my hideout which is a old horses shelter so with military camouflage netting loads of ferns sticks it's blended in really well even I'm unable to find it at times especially when I've got loads of branches and Holly trees surrounding my camp and I'm also keeping something else out like a big black puma type cat which I've seen and heard once on the mountains near the town I live in and then I heard low growling on a video I have that I recorded when we had bad weather back in march
respect for making it back
My wife and I are homeless. Thanks to God we are in a shelter now. Winter in a tent sucks. Great video.
Same here. I was homeless through COVID. 2 years I spent in the woods. Much safer than the town.
As a retired American LEO - current protection consultant, one innocuous item of kit I recommend for self defense is the humble fire extinguisher. The multi purpose ABC works well, and they are available in a disposable size (for camping). Applying the principle of "you can't see, can't breathe, etc you can't fight"... An extinguisher discharged within 2-4 feet of an assailant will render the person unable to see and breathe, giving you time to retreat or.... Another spray device is the can of Spray Paint - though this can cause harm. It's unfortunate that the good citizens of the UK are forbidden to carry self defense items. And the laws here in America are often "strange"... in some jurisdictions you can carry a handgun, but not an expandable Baton. Enjoyed your video. New sub.
Thanks. I quite like we can't carry weapons as it means in most part if you get into a scuffle with somebody on the street its just fists and bruised egos rather than gunshots. They have controlled the supply so well I've not seen a firearm outside of the military or police. Don't get me wrong, if we had bears I'd want one too!
The powder type extinguisher, had one puncture in the back of my 4wd and I can confirm you won't be able to breathe. How about brake cleaner, good distance on spray and can also confirm it bloody stings in the eyes.
Same goes for the Netherlands, only we have Germany close and the Dutch are very known for being stingy bastards. So yes I own a baton (In Minecraft obviously)
The new LED mag lites are very bright. It would really blind someone. Thanks for the tip on holding the light.
A few Claymores around the Perimeter would be suffice 🤣🤣🤣
Well, yeah that would about do it too, probably don't even need to get out of bed to check either....
@@dogdadoutdoors absolutely, the last time I went on Dartmoor, I had a hedgehog in my ground shelter, just bought some liver pate. I heard this, woke up, put on lamp, this cute animal just looked at me and continues to eat the whole slice!
How can you deny this ? Lovely to see them 🥰👍
@@PokeEyeSlapSlap nuke the site from orbit, it's the only way to be sure
The claymore roomba 😂
In the UK, I am pretty confident I am the scariest thing in the woods at night, when I am in the US, I will have a 45-70 Rifle, which is very comforting to sleep with, a bit overkill for the UK, where the scariest beast you might get is usually an inquisitive Badger, although there are some places where there are Wild Boar now, but not heard of any Wild Campers being bothered by them.
"the scariest thing in the woods"? Love that creepypasta video!!!
Best safety video I’ve watched about this topic! Thank you for sharing your experience, I feel more confident about my first solo camping trip, coming up
Glad I could help and good luck. Just remember most of the fear is all in your head and if you can manage that tiny bit of residual risk, all the better.
Thank you, from the States. Your video here is the first/only one that I've seen that addresses camping safety concerning other people. The most unpredictable animal is Man.
You are welcome.
You can use trip wires with them window alarms attached to sticks when the wire is pulled the sticks separate and the alarm is set off
Good tip, thanks.
Another spot on presentation. I've been teaching personal protection for decades, ever since I left the MPs and I do all this stuff without thinking. Your video reminded me how valuable this knowledge is for everyone and yet how many might not have that knowledge. I liked the string barrier; stops them without tripping them and breaking their necks which might not be a good idea if the victim isn;t trying to get you and just an ordinary citizen. Great vid.
Thank you.
@@dogdadoutdoors used micro cord for weaving and cord to secure items in pockets/packs, hadn’t thought of using it as a ‘fence/barrier’. That is, as y’all say, brilliant. In TX we have a few more things we can use that I don’t believe y’all have access to, best of course is to avoid the conflict and use whatever level creates the best stoppage of the behavior with the least harm. Tools used for construction offer viable alternatives, as well.
Thank you -- your advice is helping me manage my fears and enjoy camping
Am glad its helpful, thanks for taking the time to comment.
Good advice. Thanks. If I’m ever found asleep in the woods it’ll be because of my snoring! It does play on my mind that it could give me away.
Same! I have even taken tonrecording myself to see how bad it is. I am thinking of doing a video on snore aids to see if they work.
The first to die in a zombie apocalypse will be the snorers and sleepwalkers
Thanks so much for videos willl watch them all when can. Obviously subscribed. Have good day.
Glad they are useful. I think I may be from your way Bev, I see you have a lot of videos around Southport, I'm Skem born and bred, but gone all 'posh' and moved down south now.
@dogdadoutdoors I have relatives in Southport. Yes used to live there.. yes I may move down South, but currently a nomad.lol. Am down South at moment.. may hop over to Portugal again..
It's nice to find intelligence upon You Tube. Liked/Subscribed.
Thank you.
Top advice 👍. Torches with strobe settings are good. Audio decoys can also buy time & space, a Bluetooth speaker hung nearby set to play Romanian voices.
Great tip! Why Romanian specifically?
Why the Romanian voices 🤣
Maglites...lol..a blast from the past. Led upgrades still have them in the bottom division, lumens and functions wise. Top bats though.
Rock solid reliability though, I've had that one at least 20 years!
@@dogdadoutdoors I have mine from my 92 Belfast tour, just upgraded it with a 12W 2000 lmn LED running off 2 26650 batteries. Doesn't lack in brightness and only slightly lighter weight.
I avoid confrontation if I can but where I live I have bears panthers and alligators southern Florida . Trip wires with alarms usually works 99 percent to scares off a predator. However I am American I’m not judging other countries you have to follow the laws your county provides. Here in Florida we have stand you ground laws which we are aloud to use deadly forced deemed necessary. In the woods I’m always have 12 gauge scatter gun or shotgun good useful and many different types ammo for hunting or self defense. Over all great video sir. Light is the number one sense of security.
Yeah I think if was camping where we have bears I would want a shotgun too. Biggest predator we have here is the badger and they try to stay out of your way!
Thanks for the useful video. Never had an unpleasant encounter while wild camping but better be safe than sorry. Ordered a Maglite though 😉. Greetings Dimitri
You are welcome. It's one of those, hope for the best, plan for the worst and its better to have and not need than need and not have. Most of the time its absolutely fine.
Having done a lot of work as a security guard I will second your recommendation of a 3 D cell Maglight. It is my primary go to flashlight when I'm working outside at night. Maglight has a variant using a proprietary LED that puts out an amazing amount of light, is highly resistant to damage from impact (unlike a bulb which could break if you dropped it) and has good battery life. The only real problem with a Maglight in general is that the rubber boot that covers the switch is prone to coming off. But some duct tape over the boot can be a reasonable fix.
LOL! one of my maglites is missing a rubber boot, I'll get the duct tape out!
This channel is mint. I've got more useful info in two shortish videos (also entertaining) than the previous year on youtube camping videos. The military approach to things is so useful. I don't want to carry a heavy torch, or anything heavy, but I'm thinking I might have to always use a heavy found log "for bashing in tent pegs and the like, your honour" instead. I might get a decent torch for pointing at people, though - I just have a very dim, unfocused head torch for stealth purposes. I'm going by bike, and have a pretty sensitive vibration alarm on the bike, so I'm now thinking I could set up a trip wire round trees and attached to the bike if I feel the location warrants it. Cheers.
Thanks, glad you are finding it useful.
A perimeter tripwire alarm is good too, whether a bought one or just a DIY one with a couple of used tins,and use red light at night.
Totally agree, I did a video a couple of weeks back on making one using a personal attack alarm. Great little bit of kit to have in your toolbox.
I've just looked around my campsite with the idea of putting up a trip wire. I think green para chord will create a visible straight line. I might try painting areas of it with brown paint or earth.
wonder how effective fishing line tensioned with bells would be
That would work just fine, as a young lad we did this but used tin cans with a couple of stones in. We got bumped by a group of 5 or 6 lads looking for trouble but had plenty of notice and were able to stand-to and defend ourselves, I don't think they realised we had catapults, it didn't go well for them!
Excellent video. It's of course mainly about peace of mind. I myself have a large umbrella with a big knob handle. I only ever bivvy without a tarp, so hopefully I'll only ever need to use it when it's raining...:-)
😉
Some very interesting points. great stuff.
Glad you enjoyed it.
More great information, thank you for making these.
No worries, glad you liked them.
Great video, good information. Personally, I prefer bungee cords to para-cord for setting up bashas. Easier to put up and take down, IMO.
I was trained with bungees for exactly the same reason, although you do have to watch you don't lose an eye!
I worked with a guy who lost an eye from a bungee cord! He was a machinist, who would lean in close to watch his work, often without glasses....
I like your jacket. What make is it / where can I get one from?
Thanks, its a Helikon Pilgrim Anorak in Coyte Brown. Probably the best jacket I have ever bought for outdoors stuff. You can get them from military 1st in the UK or from Amazon too.
@@dogdadoutdoors Thanks!
I've got 2 of the new 3rd generation LED Maglites, both very bright. A 2D cell and a 3D cell. They have a strobe feature on them which you could shine in an attackers eyes which will totally disorientate them and make it easier to strike them if necessary. I also have a 2AAA and a 2AA maglite which both can be used exactly like a kubaton but with the added advantage of momentarily blinding an attacker before striking. If you are camping then carrying a knife is deemed a necessary item so if my life was in danger i would have no hesitation to use it to protect myself
Well, there was this one time I woke up on high alert. I had no idea why, but I was on high alert & just knew something was up, so I lay very still & quiet. after a while I heard the wild pig grunting outside my little low profile 1P tent. It sounded like the pig settled down close to my tent & after quite some time I succumbed to sleep again to wake after dawn. Lay there a while, what to do, was the pig is a boar, still sleeping or nosing around nearby, would it be startled by me? I couldn't hear anything & well, my morning bladder needs decided the matter anyway. Never saw another sign of that pig, but I did pull up stakes and moved on by mid morning. I certainly don't fancy my chances in a run in with a wild boar, especially solo. Those tusks can have you bled out in a minute or two.
Wild boars could definitely ruin your day!
Useful video, thank you. Instead of “can I help you” I’d say “ you’ve got to be really stupid trying to sneak up on someones camp in the middle of the night” 😂
I fully agree. What on earth would someone even expect to gain from such a thing? Unless we are talking the Banjo and deliverance type of thing of course. I shudder! 🤣
@@ChristoferB.44 magnum raging hunter barks.
So does 3 in. buckshot.
Excellent advice, thanks.
You are welcome!
Many thanks for your video, I'm slowly getting put off the idea of trying stealth camping lol, I have a couple of quite modern torches , aluminum, about 5/6" long , very bright, they both have a sharp teeth like ring around the lense , I was recently told it's to use as a self defense weapon.
Ah don't be, its 99.9% finding the right spot, arriving late and leaving early.
The only people i know of who have encountered issues lone camping are those who get a big fire going, leave lamps out all around camp, music playing and then go to sleep like that, then they get all amgry or go jnto conspiracy theory mode because somebody has come up to their camp to see what the hell is going on. Get a good camo net, a low profile tarp you can see out of 360 all night and a proper torch.
When I was in the Scouts then Venture Scouts in the UK, we hiked and slept out in the forests many time. Being attacked or robbed in the night was something we never thought about or nearly happened. Also used to have a knife. lol
Very Useful
I really enjoyed ur vid!
Glad you enjoyed and thanks for letting me know.
These are great tips for me living in the city 👍. I'm a fan of sensible personal defence, especially avoiding conflict where possible. Good ideas thank you 🙏
Years ago when I went canoe camping I used to carry mini flares whether I would use them I’m not sure but if it was a nutter who was going to kick my tent or gear I would have used it
I wouldn't do that to protect my gear, but if my life was in danger, that's different.
Thanks for the good tips
You are welcome.
48 years ago, having run out of money, I spent a night wild camping in a park in the centre of Athens, Greece.
Lot of people around, but I scouted out some dense bushes right on the edge of the park and crept in there when it was dark.
Had already spent 6 weeks wild camping on Crete.
Back in those days I didn't snore😂 .
Also I read that these days a lot of immigrants sleep there.
Home next day by coach, in the days before cheap flights.
I'm lucky to own a PVS7 night vision unit, which is worth its weight in gold when out forest camping. Any suspicious noises and I can see anyone or anything approaching long before they see me.
Definitely handy if you are awake!
There are some round bells (collar cat tipe, I don't remember its name in english) with a clip that are normally sold for fishing. These are good to be atached to the fishing nylon to crate a barrier with sound if they are touched. They are small and light to carry, and can be attached to anything. I would not recomend them if it is too windy though, bc it can make unwanted sounds if there is too much wind. But in normal conditions they are great.
I bet they work great, I know I've used tin cans with a couple of stones in when I was a kid, the bells are a definite step up from that and they can be pretty loud judging by all the 'jingle dogs' we hear when I'm out walking my two.
@@dogdadoutdoors yes, I found now there are also some more sofisticated ones, with light and an electrical alarm, with batteries, but I'd probably get this round bells with clips myself. I used to have also, an alarm but a small electric one, that I attached to my tent door, in campings where I had other campers around, and they stealing something from my tent could be a possibility. It worked really well. And they are quite cheap, battery operated. They sound much much louder, and in that scenario, much better to go to the toilet for example.
I lived in an incredibly remote farmhouse as far off the beaten track as you could imagine for 18 years...
I could hear cars or tractors approaching from 1mile away.
If ever anyone came down to the farm I'd be behind them before they knew, and I could run around in the pitch black because I knew every step and every corner.
The other thing I used to have in my hand was a camera flash, just close and cover your eyes when it goes off.
I remember trailing a group of squaddies on an excercise once who strayed from their path for a few hours and they never knew.
Knowing the area definitely helps with things like that!
I have a dismembered firework big flash and bang..... Also the latest torch technology. I have the equivalent of a maglight with a strobe so strong that even the local hedgehogs have an epileptic fit when its turned on. The cord looks good though. Great advice by the way 👍
Thank you. Yeah a bright torch is fantastic, I would think when an attacker can't see, they would realise pretty quickly they are at a massive disadvantage and call it a night.
Great channel. You're covering topics rarely talked about on most outdoor/survival tools channels. Enjoy the content immensely. Sub'd.
Thank you.
I have a 4 and a 6 cell maglite from years ago. Have been meaning to upgrade the bulb to led, so will probably get that done sooner rather than later. You're right, they do carry a reasonable amount of weight from the shoulder.
I have it on very reliable information that the safest way to take down a crackhead who is on warpath is an un boxed roll of bacofoil .
They’re on a par with those hickory sticks they give you for guard duty
It can be used as a weapon and you can’t be done for carrying it as it’s a torch🏴⛺️🚙🔥
@@welshman64 they can try to say that you are going equipped though.
Sobaco foil wins that one . Baked potato?
Excellent ideas. I was floored, however, when you said you can't carry an item for self defense in the U.K. That seems ludicrous. To my American way of thinking, many English laws fall into that category. I'll take my Springfield Armory XD and a torch thank you. Enjoying your videos.
It's just a different approach, but one that works very well. I know the NRA like to say if you outlaw guns only the outlaws have them, but what the UK government have done a pretty good job of is restricting the supply of guns, so very few people have access to them. Your average criminal simply won't have access to them, there are a couple in circulation but they are usually controlled by organised crime. As a result the UK is a lot safer, not even our regular police carry firearms! When people get angry or a bit of road rage etc it comes down to fists and more often than not, its black eyes and bruised egos rather than anybody getting shot. We do have a bit of knife crime in the inner cities, but still lower than the USA fortunately as there are restrictions around carrying those too.
But I get USA and UK are very different cultures and the UK leans considerably more to the left than the USA. We also don't have natural predators like the USA, if I was in bear country I'd definitely want to be armed!
A response that gives me food for thought. Thank you kindly for it. I know you're making some changes to your channel, however I do hope you find enough reserves to keep them coming.
While stealth camping (wild camping is illegal in my country) in a forest last year, I heard a sound like something clearing its throat at around 3AM and crashing through the bushes. Since I was in the middle of a forest, it was most likely an animal (a deer?). Nothing better to wake up quickly 🙂 (not that I slept much, because of some damm night bird keeping me awake the entire night).
Could well be a deer and yes, definitely one way to wake-up when you hear something like that!
A follow-up video on "Actions on" would be really interesting including examples and tips on how detailed and diverse these plans need to be. After all there are countless things that could happen to you and every szenario might come with its own challenges and unexpected plot twists.
They are generally very short and snappy, for example if you get a contact to the front the 'actions on' are for everybody to run forward into an extended line and return fire, after that the NCO's will dictate what happens, but that could well be by calling out another well rehearsed series of actions.
What color microcord? is that black?
As a global traveller I learned that one of the best weapons to learn to use was a 4' stick. There is virtually nowhere in the world where you cannot find or improvise one. It makes a great dissuader for both humans and many animals. In some parts of the world I put a point on the stick. In the USA I would want a firearm if possible.
Bit like a kubotan I guess, you can use a new small LED torch the same way.
Slightly off topic but if you've stopped for a cuppa it's makes a chance meetings with land owners or dog walkers less confrontational if the stove etc is already packed away out of sight. Then break out asap
Yes, I agree. Am ok here though as it is managed access. It's OK to hang about, wander off the paths etc.
I bring my flashlight and 9mm. If im going deep into the woods my 12 guage might come along as well. I always carry pepper spray no matter what.
All 3 of those would get you 5 years in prison in the UK! But even in the states where they are allowed you are safer if you can avoid confrontation because no matter how well armed you are, or well trained, there is always a risk to yourself.
@@dogdadoutdoors A purpose to carry is such a foreign concept to us here. Now of course there are cities in the US where you can't carry anything (as well as national parks), but in state forests they're usually unrestricted.
A shotgun or a serious full-sized revolver are probably good wendigo/dog-man defense.
A wood walking stick is good for many purposes..
Definitely, and something simple like that can really give you an advantage.
Did you detect that bigfoot watching from the trees behind you?
Bigfoot is OK, he keeps away from cameras!
@@dogdadoutdoors LOL! Thanks for the response! Howdy from Texas. I do a lot of solo camping and the other thing I bring along is bear spray. I have a fairly large canister that can spray out to about 15 feet either disbursed spray or directed spray. It can really put a halt to any advancing predators 4 legged or 2 legged. Fortunately I've never had to use it.
@@ChefDuane you are welcome. If we had predators like that here I'd definitely want some of that too.
Have had the odd run in over the years, worst was a duck hunter left rip with a 12 gauuge feet from my camp at 4am in the morning, scared the shiit out of me.
My workmate wild camping had a group of drunk scum bags try androb him at a lakeside camp, 6d cell maglite and a skull fracture later had them back off, last resort bbut he did what he had to do.
thank you for the tips, still alittle jealous of US views who can packa ligthweight handgun for protection, but for me her in Aus that isnt an option.
Definately going to deploy your suggestions to feel a little more secure in a wild camp situation.
Yeah I think that would scare the bejesus out of me too!
A little tanglefoot “dog runners” with sharpened guide sticks goes a long way.
Ah but you can't have a pointed or beaded article here without justification, and self defence isn't a justification, it would be classed as an offensive weapon! I know it sounds very restrictive to those in the U.S but it works for us. Then again, not being able to cross the road where you feel it's safe seems very restrictive to us!
@@dogdadoutdoors " but it works for us." except it doesn't. You can cope as much as you want, but the fact of the matter is it works for literally nobody, and certainly not the victims. Every single victim would have preferred a REAL self-defense tool before they died or worse. It's a verifiably fact throughout all of history that a disarmed populace makes more victims, and it's been proven time and again in just the last 100 years. Go ask Stalin's political opponents if having no self-defense options worked for them. Or Mao's. Or Hitler's. Or Pol Pot's. Ask the Uighurs if having no options to defend themselves is working out for them in Xi's China.
@@The_world_is_not_worthy_of_Him and yet the homicide rate in the UK is many, many times less than it is in the U.S even taking into account the difference in population size.
If a disarmed populace makes for more victims, can you explain why is the homicide rate in the UK 9.9 per million, whilst in the armed U.S it was 78 last year? That is nearly 8 times higher, a LOT.
I'm not intentionally going to criticise our American cousins but if you are going to come in hot like that I will ask you to justify it.
In America we stand our ground!
You do, and one of the outcomes of that is that you have a homicide rate 8 times higher than the UK.
You guys can do what you want in your own country, but our ways work for us.
@@dogdadoutdoors I' d rater live in dangerous freedom than peaceful slavery!
@@Soulcritic Of course you would. How many paid days off do you get each year? How much free time do you actually have with paid days off and time off work?
@@dogdadoutdoors Hows that lack of free speach going? Post something the crown don't like you get arrested!
@@Soulcritic Its not the crown, there is a clear separation between the Crown, the Executive, the legislative and the judiciary.
How are your rights of free speech going? with reference to one of your former presidents no less? What was it he said that got him into trouble?
Some restrictions are necessary. Imagine a situation where an ex-prime minster of the UK who lost an election claimed it was all fake and stolen. We would look like a banana republic wouldn't we?
I travel alone quite often. I bring my dog and sufficient personal protection.
I would pitty the creepers foolish enough to think I am vulnerable.
Apologies for late reply, I got a very 'Mr T' vibe from that one! Dogs are great, as deterrents and if nothing else, giving you plenty of warning. If a mouse breaks wind two streets away my dogs let me know about it!
One of the best things is don't overthink. Be realistic. What are the odds. The risk is actually extremely low. I am concerned this video will make people overthink the reality of it. Interesting mind you
The chances are very small, this is really to give people who do overthink something practical to think about rather than worrying, it can make them feel safer. That said, a friend and I once had to do an orderly retreat after a group of teens started throwing stones at us. They didn't quite plan for the fact we had both brought our catapults for something to do and we ended up pepper potting our way out whilst keeping them out of their range. I also had to bug out last year when I woke in the middle of an exercise!
Something that people should know It is illegal to set trip wirers in public areas and if someone happens to be walking in the woods at night like I do and they are injured you will be arrested and charged.
Before anybody says what are you doing walking in the woods at night. Simply put woods are far more interesting during the cover of night you can hear a lot more animals and it's so peaceful.
Hi George, can I ask what law makes it illegal? I am not aware of one.
70% species lost where can I see and hear some of the great sports creations so few birds left
I carry a bushcraft knife, pocket knife and camp knife. These are perfectly acceptable for camping in national parks/privately owned woodland (with permission). If you genuinely had to use a blade for defence, and its part of you're outdoor equipment it is different.
I wild camp often, in Britain and other countries. If a psychopathic axe murderer tried to attack (exaggerated i know) then there is a genuine reason to protect your life.
Just saying 👍
I agree you may get away with that in those extreme circumstances. I think in most situations it wouldn't come to that though, I think you are more likely to face an angry karen than an axe murderer.
stick a pair of underpants on my head, pencils up my nose and pretend to be mad. Discourages most people 🤣
It's an approach! :)
I'm doing it for the second time but first time with a dog, I'm worried she will give our location away by growling or barking when I want to be stealth, any advice?
Honestly, not really. One of mine will bark if a mouse breaks wind 50m away 🤣. It Made for a very apologetic morning after camping in a commercial campsite when something kept setting the geese off on a nearby lake....
All I can say is embrace it, they may give you away, but at least you'll have plenty of warning and they could be an effective deterrent. My Nova is a complete sweety, but she is bordering on the giant size and she sounds intimidating when she barks. She is quite reassuring at night in the dark and if I head that low growling and deep bark and was up to no good I would re-evaluate pretty quickly!
Just want to let you know that you need to get a cholesterol check rapidly as the inside of your eyes are showing signs of very high cholesterol I know as I suffered the same deposits on the inside of my eyelids. This is one of the most serious signs pall please get it checked out. Statins will reduce the build up. Video was good 👍
Cheers mate, am aware and under care.
Statins are poison.
avoidance shows your much more realistic in your approach ... only fight if you must right
Absolutely, even if you fight and win, there is always a risk you are either going to get injured or get into some kind of legal issue. Best avoided if you can.
I always go camping by myself..here in the USA 🇺🇸 I carry a pistol and rifle..
I can see why you need one in the USA, if we had bears, cougars or wolves I think I'd want something too!
carry a walking stick is best and looks ok
Yes and again, perfectly justifiable thing have on you.
My mini dashund has a very loud bark , people will think it’s a big dog
@@welshman64 stick is far better as it breaks bone I all way get under a bush or fallen trees so i cant be easily attacked at night dont use a tent wild camping natural over head cover
"Its illegal to carry any item you intend to use for self-defense"
"If somebody attacked me, I'd hit them on the head with this big torch I have on me"
Man, if you get into an altercation, I hope nobody watches this.
Ahh, you got it wrong. It’s best to sleep in your full birthday suit because what grown man wants to fight a completely naked dude that just busted out of his tent with crazy eyes all hootin’ and hollering? And if you want to take it a step further, try not to poop before bedtime, save that for morning. Then if someone does confront you and you feel like you are going to be at a disadvantage you could force a poop into your hand and and start charging at them while screaming incoherent sentences. Now not only do they have to fight a naked dude, they have to fight a naked dude crazy as a bed bug with a hand full of crap and seriously, who wants to deal with that level of crazy? 😂
Well yeah I'd definitely stay well away!
if your tent was the deciding factor in whether or not I lived through the next week, a bit of dick and shit is nothing to me. It ain't like I'm gonna be sticking around your rotting naked corpse anyways. If I can come to that conclusion as a sane, sober man; you can bet a delirious and desperate junkie has already done it ten times over, and they won't care about the corpse. You ain't crazier than someone on Death's door, I promise you that.
What would I do if approached, I'd have a small alter with some candles and pentagrams daubed around, when the assassin approached, I'd start to chant in latin, mentioning the main religious characters occasionally, then standing up from my alter, my robe falling away to reveal my full nudity not yet facing the deadly assailant as they approached, I would pour 2 pints of milk over myself, then covering my face in blood, I would scream banshee like, turn around and face the stranger, elevating the wails and then screaming "death", over and over with my arms extended outwards, perhaps with a small wicker doll in one hand.
Well that's one way to go! 🤣
Hopefully that will be on video
I'd pay to see that!😂😂
now that line is great.
Thanks.
Shalom
Shalom
I've got spaniels I take, the only issue is that there isn't anyone or anything that doesn't know we're in the woods because they're like a bull in a china shop 😂 They are quite good at telling people the camp is their camp and nobody else's though 👍
Sounds like my Nova, if a mouse breaks wind a kilometre away she very enthusiastically tells me, but she is a big old girl at 98lb, she loves everybody and everything, but when she growls or barks it can be pretty intimidating. Mostly she just loves everybody to death though!
Seems strange that a defensive weapon is illegal . ?
It's because in UK law there is no such thing as a defensive weapon. If you carry a weapon it's there to hurt somebody with no matter how good a person you are. It actually makes us a lot safer than countries that are allowed to carry guns like America nobody pulls a gun on you because nobodies got a gun!
Imagine if you could hook something up to make a horrific growling sound. I reckon only a complete psychopath would hang around after THAT sound. 😂
Oh and body spray could be a justifiable self defence item wouldn't it? Your setting up, getting a bit hot, been walking round for a spot for a while? 😉 They get too close, they're getting it in the eyes as well as being temporarily blinded by the torch. 😂
I'm lucky, I've got a big dog (7 stone), she's lovely but if I saw her or heard he growling I'd make myself scarce. She's part Caucasian Shepherd, part Turkish Kangol, German Shepherd and Pointer. She looks like an overgrown pointer that works out.
That doesn't bother me... let's just say if I hear my tent zip in the middle of the night I feel very sorry for whoever is on the outside theres a not so nice surprise for them..
The number of times my equipment got stolen by group's of thugs was unbelievable especially if it is military grade or as near to military grade as you can get from a good camping outdoors stores and it usually happens because these type of people decide that they want your gear and have no idea where to even buy it assuming they wanted to part with the cash because with hunting around you can get quite good bushcraft gear at a reasonable price you just have to avoid all the junk items
Sorry to hear this happened to you. This is why I tend to keep a low profile when I'm out camping. Nobody can give you any trouble if they don't know you are there.
Solar powered garden trip lights are going to be my next purchase, that combined with trip wire should be an excellent combo.
I always carry a Kabar USMC combat knife (NoI did not serve) on my belt and I always sleep fully clothed with my knife on me
I guess just be careful that any actions you take are 'proportionate'.
Oh dear
@@allbushnocraft3031 I don't take chances with others after the things I experienced growing up. People out hiking/walking randomly being attacked or murdered by groups of drunk teens,even I got jumped by a group of them when I was 19.
It's better to be safe than sorry in my experience, seen it happen too many times
My hero!
If no one knows that you walked in , it's very unlikely that someone will randomly find you in the dark. Even if they wanted to find a victim they would get really bored
Agree completely, that's why I always advocate for arriving late after most people have left for the day. The rest is all just extras.
Love your videos! Great tips as always!
Bear spray. It stops more than bears.
Probably a good tool in countries that allow it and I applaud having non-lethal options. I know here you can't, pepper spray is classed as a firearm in the UK which carries a 5 year minimum jail sentence for possession. I was working with the cadets at an airshow once and so we had armed police manning the gates and patrolling inside. They searched people on entry and some guy (from Poland I think) had a can of pepper spray as he didn't know and he was put in the back of the van, didn't find out what happened to them though.
@@dogdadoutdoorsJesus.
My Axe under my pillow is my security system
Problem is, depending on where you are in the world you could get into real trouble for that. In the UK you have to use 'Reasonable' force, you would struggle to justify that was reasonable unless for example they were coming at you with a knife or similar but it does vary country to country.
Dog dad, if god forbid you ever hurt someone, for whatever reason, do you think this particular video might be used in a case against you, as submissable evidence? Kind regards M
Hi Marie, I don't think they would. If they enter that this video as evidence they enter all of it. That shows I go to extreme lengths to avoid confrontation, I advocate going where people aren't, actively trying not the be seen or draw attention, moving way if confronted to avoid confrontation, telling people to get back if attacked, and then using a perfectly legal and justifiable item to dazzle in a non-violent way to deter before as a last resort, if feel my life is threatened, defend myself with an item I have good reason to be holding. If anything, I would draw attention to the video to use in my defence!
The only thing the video proves is I have knowledge. I could equally use a tent peg in a more lethal way. Prosecution would need to prove I carried the torch for defence, which I don't, I carry the torch to see in the dark with and that is perfectly justifiable in a dark forest.
You don't have to be a victim. I will always seek to avoid confrontation but if somebody takes that choice away from me and puts me in a situation it's potentially me or them, I will choose them every single time and the law in the UK is on your side in that situation.
Even if it wasn't, I am talking about the choice between getting in trouble with the law, or potentially being murdered, whichbis no choice at all really. Better to be tried by 12 in court than carried by 6 at my funeral.
Thanks for some great tips, hadn't thought of these, especially the micro-cord and tripwires. Seriously in the UK you can't carry defensive weapons, seriously?!? Did a bunch of gang members pass those victim disarmament laws, insane. Some similar nonsense up in Canada, so glad I live in the USA. I think they had similar defense restrictions in the Ukraine, until Ivan invaded, then they were handing out AK's to everyone. Every human being has the inalienable right to an armed self-defense, don't accept government over-reach.
Thing is, in the UK not carrying weapons has led to us having a homicide rate one eighth that of the US taking different population sizes into account. It works for us, obviously the US and UK are very different places and I wouldn't comment on what is right for the US, but for us, no weapons makes us a lot safer from crime.
Male dogs may be bigger but female dogs are more protectove by nature and a better guard dog for children but are more bitey to stranger's than the boys
My female dog is definitely very protective of me, she's not keen on other dogs getting close and makes a point of putting herself between me and other big boisterous dogs, she is very sweet though, and a big girl at 45kg.
When I'm camping I have at least one firearm on me. So I don't worry about personal protection too much.
I would worry more, if I can carry a firearm, that means others can to!
I a 12g boom stick
Not an option here, but a bit overkill for the UK too, the squirrels aren't that dangerous! I know in he US its a different story, big predators and more importantly, other people have guns.
When we camp out. I carry my 18 rounds 9 mm.
Not really an option in the UK, its a 5 year minimum sentence for carrying a firearm. I do prefer it though as nobody else has one either. Drunk guys fighting after the bar tends to result mainly in bruised egos, cuts and bruises rather than gunshot wounds. It works for us.
I never feel worried out in the wild. Humans are the worst threat of all. Even so, I'm more of a concern to other than they are to me. Oh and I'm armed, I'd have a knife and possibly an axe. But I'd prefer not to engage with them.Yes use the environment.
I think it was President Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy, "speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far". Sound advice!
That's wonderful advice but most people in the states have guns!
Very true, but they aren't allowed to bring them to the UK!😆
All jokes aside, you need to tailor to your own environment and circumstance. Thats why I say YOU need to think what YOUR actions will be, and then I explained mine. In some cases if you are young and fit it may be to run, your actions are what is best for you, in your circumstances.
Is bear spray allowed in the UK? That could clear an area real quick..
@@BB-st6mb I think it would be treated the same as pepper spray i.e classed as a firearm!
You're very unlikely to be attacked in the woods in the UK. You've watched too many scary movies.
@@syrus3k Absolutely, I've been wild camping for over 40 years, never had any real problems (except midges 😡).
I've been solo camping in East Africa often, totally different issue in a game reserve. You do get used to it though.
Always a fire at night 👍
I agree you are very unlikely to be attacked whilst camping at night. I'd argue its also very unlikely for your house to burn down whilst you sleep but lots of people still have smoke alarms and insurance. But this video is really for people who DO feel nervous and it gives them some tools and techniques to help get over that. If you don't need those to feel safe, that's great.
To true
Bears and Wolf's does change the equation even if they generally avoid people
They do, fortunately we don't have to deal with them in the UK. The creature we are most likely to come into contact with is an angry squirrel!
I don't even think along these lines I want sum 1 ta try it gr8 fun fa me make my night free food fa the dog's 2 lol
Yeah a big dog or two is a great deterrent. One of mine is bordering on giant, she can be so intimidating with her size and her bark but she just wants to be friends with everybody!
If you ever hit anyone with that mag light this video could be used to prove your intention to use as a weapon
Thanks for the concern Phil, its appreciated. I am comfortable with it as there is a difference between carrying a tool for self defence, and knowing how to use the tools you justifiably carry. I have the maglite because it's a reliable, robust torch and that is why I carry it. I dont advocate carrying weapons for self defence as I point out in the video, that is illegal, but you can use what you justifiably carry to defend yourself.
If the video was ever admitted into court it would only serve the prosecution that i had knowledge, and knowledge is not illegal.
Ultimately it would be down to the prosecution to prove that I, who by their own evidence goes out of their way to avoid confrontation, to deter it and who advocates breaking contact and only defending themselves when they are under threat after several warnings, was carrying a torch as an offensive weapon. While I, innocent until proven guilty only need to justify why i had a torch, a recommended item on any outdoor list, at night in the forest, even if i was fully aware of hiw else it could be used.
It's the same for tent pegs, my belt, my boots, they can all be used for weapons.
@@dogdadoutdoors I was attacked once and stuck my attacker in self defence. One hit only but it was hard enough to cause an injury that needed hospital treatment. In hospital the man made a statement to police that I attacked him. I was arrested and charged with ABH. Only after a 2 year investigation were the charges against me finally dropped. The police investigation was more harrowing than being assaulted in the first place. Even if you are in the right it does not automatically follow the law is on your side. Having said all that thankfully the chances of being attacked when out on a camping trip are small especially if you choose your pitch wisely
@@phililpb Totally agree, that's why I think avoiding, deterring, breaking contact are far preferable to getting into fisticuffs. Even if you come off better, its an unnecessary risk and potentially a whole load of stress afterwards you don't need.
That said, if somebody takes that choice away from you, always better to take the initiative and explain yourself later. Nobody gets any points for being beaten up.
You feared for your life , you used self defence. Nothing should have happened, always say you feared for your life, especially where you where. As the attacker should not have been there
Always carry a knife and learn how to hold it properly. Carry a firework that don't explode
You can't legally carry a knife in the UK for defensive purposes, its classed as an offensive weapon, can land you with 4 years in prison and an unlimited fine. If you have a knife for other purposes and you used it defensively, unless your life was really at risk and your use was 'reasonable' there is a good chance you would go to prison for that.
@@dogdadoutdoors better to packing than to be lacking
@@tri_crisis_tc721 Not if you get stopped by the police it isn't! I think Mr Miyagi had the best idea on defence.
You have to remember if somebody attacks you and you pull out a knife, use it or not, even if you 'survive' unless your response is deemed reasonable your life is pretty much owner. Your are going to prison, will lose your job, your wife will likely meet a new 'friend' and you'll be in danger every day in prison trying not to pick the soap up. Then at the end you will have to rebuild your life with a criminal record.
You would be much better off just giving them your stuff.
@@dogdadoutdoors a sock and a rock
@@tri_crisis_tc721 Still classed as an offensive weapon. You can use items if its reasonable but you can't use or carry anything for the purpose of defensive, including everyday items that have been adapted for defence like a rock in a sock.
Obviously you can do what you want, but you should be aware of the law and its ramifications.
Dog Dad. Or anyone in the comments.. how many times have you been walked up on ny peope who made your feel threatened? Ive been an avid wild camper and woodsman for a long time since leaving the Army and I have had it happen a grand total of zero. But I do see alot of people running channels and making out that this kind of stuff happens regularly
I have only felt threatened once, and to be fair that's because they were throwing stones at me but I have had unwanted attention a couple of times. I suspect it depends on the people where you go.
@@dogdadoutdoors thanks for the reply. Love your videos. Stone throwing? If I go by the other channels that definitely must without a doubt be big foot. Haha. Where did this happen if you don't mind me asking?
@@jamesburns9975 Nah, just local teens. That was in a disused quarry in Lancashire, somewhere near Skelmersdale. I was with a mate and we had it well under control, we had both bought our catapults for a bit of a practice and we could out range them! We literally broke camp and pepper potted a retreat, keeping them beyond range.
@@dogdadoutdoors fire and maneuver with catapults.....brilliant.
Obviously, camping in the UK is much different than in America. When you have 70 million people on a tiny island, there are not a lot of places remote enough to avoid people. Personal protection is much more limited.
In America, your problem is more trailhead crime. People are breaking into cars. If you follow the two mile rule(hike in at least two miles), then 99% of your people problems disappear. Although tweakers(meth users) are very persistent. I have found an abandoned camp used for manufacturing drugs far out in the wilderness at very high altitude.
Hiking around Northern California, I could see someone stumble on a cartel grow. That would be life ending.
America has greater fauna than Britain. I know where I live, larger animals are a threat to people. To go into the woods where I live without some protection is not just ill advised, it is foolish. We have grizzlies, black bears, wolves, and cougars. Plus, there are a number of other exotic predators.
Most people don't know, but dogs are the NUMBER ONE bear attractant. Equal to not practicing camp hygiene. Bears consider dogs to be wolves or coyotes. Which are a predator to bear cubs. Bears will avoid humans generally. But if you have a dog, they all of a sudden become interested. A great deal of bear attacks happen with a dog present. In the northern states of America, bringing your dog. can bring you problems. Especially the Pacific Northwest. So even if you don't encounter two legged predators here, you have to beware of the other varieties.
It is tragic that level of camp safety is required understanding in the UK. I watch a couple of camping channels from there. It seems strangers wandering through camp is commonplace there. Even in the middle of the night or someplace that seems remote. The legal policy on self defense in the UK is absolutely ridiculous.
Not being able to have a fire so you don't attract attention?
That sounds like it tears out the soul of camping.
Blessings brother.
We definitely have a much denser population than the U.S and so getting away from people can be harder and thats why we keep bumping into people, there isn't a 'wildnerness' as such. Parts of the some of the bigger national parks like Snowdonia can be very quiet, so long as you avoid the tourist areas. Our self defence policy always seems odd to Americans, but you have to remember whilst we speak (almost) the same language and share a lot of common values, its a very different culture. I actually did a video on that one which kind of explains some of the logic behind it. th-cam.com/video/VjVq7FCyvHM/w-d-xo.html
A compact pistol with a double stack magazine chambered in 9 Luger makes security easy. Any assailant shows up just stand your ground and defend yourself in your castle for the night.
Not in the UK though, I think its minimum 5 year sentence for carrying a firearm and up to 14 years, that is just for possessing one. I prefer our system though as we do a really good job of controlling the supply so you whilst you won't have a firearm yourself, the chances of ever coming up against anybody who is armed is negligible. Our regular police officers don't even carry them as they just don't need to. We do have armed response a bit like your SWAT for when they do.
What this all means is anybody going out to attack somebody else has to close and personal and risks getting hurt themselves so they are less likely to and angry/drunken fights don't escalate to a shooting. We normally only get funs when there is organised crime, I've never seen one outside of Police/armed forces. As a result our homicide rates per 100k of the population are about 1/8th of the states and we haven't had a school shooting since 1996, after which we banned all hand guns.
Not a criticism at all, its just a culture thing. We acted collectively against gun violence by deciding to make ourselves collectively safer by acting together. I know in the states you have more of an individualistic approach to things like security, welfare and healthcare and so our approach wouldn't sit well with a lot of you. You guys seem happier with your system and we are definitely happier with ours and so we are all winners.
@@dogdadoutdoors I'm feeling an invasion vibe, and I think they will have guns at some point.
@@Another-Address Twerp
I would be more scared of animals than people in the woods. Very few killers would walk aimless in the woods. If you there you there for a purpose, camping, fishing or work.
A angry moose is a different story.
It does depend on the environment. The Apex predator in the UK is the badger, now if we had bears or moose, it would be a whole different story!
@@dogdadoutdoors The apex predator in the UK stands on two legs
Wasp spray.
Is that white Anglo saxon protestant?😂
This guy worries about laws too much. Do what you have to to defend yourself, worry about the law later.
That's an odd way of looking at it when you can do what you need to do to defend yourself within the law. The law just stops you being excessive.
Please! Do not use fine mesh products around camps in the woods or around the margins of fields. Deer will become entangled in it and then panic. They are strong enough to drag it away and it will cause a miserable and long drawn out death when they get snagged and caught. I have seen the results of exactly this in its miserable. I stalk deer for food as well as doing bushcraft and camping. It's vital that we respect the wildlife around us in their habitat when we spend recreational time.
Likewise thin cords can cause harm and damage to limbs of deer if they hit it at speed. They often run through woodland areas at night and during the day.
Much of this video is based on paranoia and fear of a threat that really isn't there. If you wild camp, just choose your location very carefully with a decent recce and intelligence gathering prior to setting up. Remember too that in many of the circumstances involved in these potential conflicts, YOU will likely be the trespasser on someone else's land.
Of course our personal security is important and I use camouflage and proper prep. But if challenged, it's really time to go away.
It is highly unlikely that you are going to be attacked in your camp!
Just carry a powerful torch, a phone and make sure you stay as far away as you can from routes where anyone who is likely to be a nuisance will go.
I love all these outdoor pursuits and yes, I am very cautious about solo overnight wild camping....but I have never had any issue if I go a long way off the beaten track. Remember that anyone with potential mal intent is very likely to want to be within easy escape routes via footpaths or lanes or roads......just go further than they are likely to be bothered about.
Have fun and remember not to carry anything as a 'weapon'.
By the way....nice smock! I have the same one!! 👍🏻😊
Camouflage netting is used right up to where you are sleeping and I should think most deer would know you are there and keep away. Put it this way, I suspect more deer are harmed hunting them for food than they are by camouflage netting! :). The trip wires 'give' as soon as you run into them as one end is released and so these are also highly unlikely to cause any damage, there is less resistance than walking into a bramble.
But yes, this video is about helping people manage a perceived fear, rather than an actual likely threat. That's not to say the threat isn't real because it can happen and it has happened to me, only once in many years, but it has happened. I look at it like home insurance, the chances of my house burning down whilst I sleep are really, really small, but I still have buildings insurance and smoke alarms, and I don't think anybody would question that.
@@dogdadoutdoors
Thanks for the reply.
The netting I was talking about was not camo netting. I use it all the time and of course it is no risk whatsoever. The netting you mention is fine mesh bird netting. This has absolutely no place in the woods. It causes huge issues for deer and other mammals. It would be a very bad idea to deploy such a material just on the off chance that one might be interrupted at camp.
I have seen the end result when deer come into contact with such materials deployed between trees, and it's not pretty. The humane instant despatch of deer in culling and stalking for food is quite a different matter and takes into account hours and hours of careful prep and so often results in no shot being taken as it would not result in a humane or safe result. There is vast respect shown for the welfare of the quarry.
The other worrying demo in your video is the chest or waist height thin line that you say is almost invisible and as demonstrated by you, and does not give way easily when walked into. With clothing on, the chance of injury to a person at slow walking speed is minimal. For a deer charging through the trees on its normal way through, again it will cause injury well before it gives. It's like a cheese wire. Severe cuts can occur.
I totally understand the points you make on insurance at home....that is an entirely separate and spurious argument when lined up next to this situation. I also come across the debris left behind by those who have deployed trip wires and other cordage that they cannot be bothered to remove and it's lethal.
Just camp safely, and away from places that are likely to attract undesirable attention in the first place and if you are so concerned about your personal security and just enjoying the peace and tranquility of the woods.....well it's probably not a good activity for that type of person to be in trying in the first place.
Now, if we were hiding out as resistance fighters.....that is a totally separate matter!! 😉