Poll: What Scares You When You’re Camping?

Judging from the numbers, I’d guess that nearly every regular AJ reader plus a whole bunch of new ones read Krista Langlois’ provocative essay, Stop Telling Women Not to Go Into the Backcountry Alone. The piece raised important points and kicked off quite the discussion, and it also got me thinking about the many and varied things that can spark fear while camping, especially when we’re alone.

Like Langlois, I’ve been concerned about my fellow campers, and, also like her, the closer I am to the frontcountry the less safe I feel. On the other hand, I’ve been wigged a few times in the backcountry, too, worrying about a flash flood in Havasupai, rolling off my cliffside bed ledge in the Tantalus Range, and being de-sanguinated by chupacabra pretty much everywhere. But fear is one of the many spices of adventure salsa, sometimes resembling jalapeño, sometimes habanero, but always something to be embraced, not just for the frisson of life that it brings, but also for the stories you get to tell afterward.

Have at it. This week’s poll is multiple choice-pick as many as you like.

Added Getting Injured, Snakes, and fixed “your.”

WIN SMITH SUNGLASSES JUST BY VOTING
This week, one poll participant will receive Smith Optic’s Rockford sunglasses. We’ll pick the winner via random number generator (and announce it here) – all you have to do to enter is vote and leave a comment so we have your email to contact you. Must have a U.S. or Canadian address. Contest ends Sunday, April 10, at midnight PST.
Congratulations to Win Huffman, who wins the Smiths this week!

Photo by Paolo