Another tip is don't let someone you just met and don't really know, come into your RV where they can see the layout and where you sleep. Talk to them outside only.

Being the mother of all daughters, one of the most important things I tried to teach the girls was: If your gut tells you to go, GO! Don't ask yourself a bunch of questions, you can go over your questions after you are safe! Take a self-defense class. Always go over the basics of those classes or take a refresher class! All women should take a self-defense class! It builds confidence in their abilities to know how to defend themselves no matter what your size! Take every kind of self-defense class you want and or learn how to defend yourself with a firearm! (My girls opted for self-defense classes because they were not comfortable with a firearm. Other things I tried to teach the girls: If your red flags go up about someone, Get Away From Them! Don't stand or sit there telling yourself that you are being silly! Get to a safe place, and then you can ask yourself all the questions you want! IF you are being attacked by someone, Never, EVER allow anyone to take you to another place! A lot of women have died because they went with their attackers to another place! Always stay with your car or building you are visiting! Keep a whistle on your key chain, A loud whistle! Blowing it near the ear of someone will hurt enough for you to get to safety. I am really enjoying your videos! It is my retirement dream that my husband and I can buy and RV and go traveling!! Someday, I hope this dream can come true, but in the meantime, I live vicariously thru others that are already living the RV lifestyle! Capone is a beautiful dog! Having a dog or a cat truly enriches your life! Now that the weather has gotten colder, my dog and my cats are always sitting beside me on the couch! They are just good company! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us! Take care and God bless!

Love the videos! Another cheap effective defense tool is a can of Wasp/Hornet spray. It's cheap and will knock a man down, stop a dog attack, kill a snake or rodent if needed. It shoots 14 to 20 feet. It also is something you can have in your hand that is not threatening as you are trying to decide whether to use it or not. Keep the videos coming!

For securing your side door(they are flimsy). Buy 2 door hinges. Remove the hinge pins. Sand down hinge pin shafts till they will slide easily in,and out of the hinges. Mount hinges inside above and below the door latch. Half the hinge mounted to the door.Half mounted to the jam/frame. When the door is closed for the night,slide the pins into each hinge. This will work for both house and RV doors.

As retired law enforcement, I agree, it was time to go. That sounded like a disaster waiting to happen. Thank goodness it turned out fine.

Dear Carolyn, As a woman who has traveled with and without a husband over the last 4 decades, I really appreciate your suggestions and would like to add two more: I strongly urge a traveler to treat EVERYONE with courtesy and respect. I mean when you encounter them on the trail, at a park or just visiting a store. You never know when someone will "go off" with a perceived slight. This doesn't mean you invite everyone to dinner... Second: When at a camp or convenience store, I always get one or more items for my "husband", whether or not I'm traveling with him. It is usually a tobacco product or beer. As I neither smoke nor drink myself, they are always handy for trade goods later on. This does not target me as a female traveling alone.

I tried to read through all the comments, but there are a lot. I want to suggest a replacement for a bat. A bat is too long to be an easily wielded weapon. When I lived in FL and traveled at night I carried a home made billy club. Measure from your wrist to the inside of your elbow, that's how long it should be. A shovel handle works well because it's harder than cement. For a good hand grip, wrap with leather, d rill a hole for a leather loop. Get it in hand the second you think something's up. It's lightweight, and can crack open a skull or fracture a knee. I've carried it hiking too. Last thought, always have a pair of shoes by the bed that are easily slipped on, you can't run in the woods with bare feet.

Very well thought out video thank you. As a over the road trucker may I also suggest being observant before leaving your rig. In my occupation truck stops are the most dangerous. Not only the trucks passing by me but the people that mean you harm. Know what's happening around you, look in your mirrors before opening a door don't go into dark areas. Also walk with purpose, don't let people think your an easy target. Have a safe trip and a wonderful time.

Having lived through a couple of dangerous episodes, anything is a weapon and I always have things strategically placed about my home and have taught my friends. Cast iron napkin holder on the table,cast iron spoon rest on the stove, even a small pot of hot water. Thank you for your tips! I love your sense of humor

Great tips! When I was younger I car camped in the PNW by myself a lot. I was physically better able to protect myself, and I had a big Chow mix. Thinking about buying an RV eventually to live and explore in. I was a long haul trucker for a bit and I slept with a hunting knife. I'm black, and female and had to watch by back at truck stops. Some of the scariest looking dudes turned out to be the nicest people who helped me out.

Good advice. Watching what the "nomadic fanatic" has gone through in his travels, I also suggest you never let anyone on KZfaq know where you are specifically until after you have left. There are allot of people with nothing better to do than to 'troll' online. Enjoy your life travels!

Excellent practical tips! Thanks! I'm not a van dweller, but came to solo camping in my late 30s and I agree with you in that the most danger usually comes in more populated areas, not amongst folk who are out enjoying nature. I've always been shocked by the number of people who think I'm going to be killed, kidnapped, assaulted when I go out camping and I'm not even backpacking. I adapted my Honda Element for car camping and my primary goal was personal security and the ability to leave quickly if need be and not have to exit the car before doing so. And Intuition IS our best defense. I always ask the fear mongers if they think I'm so foolish to actually stay someplace where I think I'll be in harms way? Like I'm going to be wandering through the woods naked, with a steak tied to my ankle, waving 100 dollar bills, while banging a dinner bell, shrieking "Come and get it!"

I've done archaeological survey alone in the wilderness and have worked in grizzly country as a park ranger. I feel a million times more safe in the outback than in the city.

Once for the first things my fir martial arts instructor told us was that you best weapon is you body and any weapon you put in your hand can be taken from you and used on you.

My shooting range advisor suggested to NOT display the NRA sticker etc. He said that the sticker advertises that there are weapons available to the criminals that are looking specifically for guns ! So it's a triple edge sword !

I'm waiting for the sale of my house to be completed, and I'm already looking at the RV I want. It's been a dream of mine to do what you've done since I was a small child and I'm months away from living it. It was fate that I came across your videos!! Watching them (I've watched three so far, and counting) gives me butterflies as I genuinely can't wait to get onto the open road! Your safety tips are awesome, I am going to be a female alone so I'm going to watch this again and make notes. The men's boots and parking in the direction you may need to escape were just two things I wouldn't have thought of. At the moment I have a small day camper van and the seats in the back convert into a bed... It has a fridge, sink, and cooker but it's no good for living in 24/7 although it's been good as practice for my adventures to come. I live in Ireland, but I plan to travel to France, Italy and Spain in my motor home, they are places I've visited as a tourist and I'm hoping that going off of the beaten track will be a completely different experience. Thank you for these videos, I am literally hanging off of your every word!!

I was very impressed by your opinion on guns. Thank you for being level headed and honest about it. On the topic of bear spray I would say you made a good choice. As a Navy veteran who has taught force protection I would recommend that you expose yourself to pepper spray so you know what to expect. If you have to use it you may render yourself helpless, it only takes a shift in the breeze. Spray some of that small sized stuff in a trash can and take a good whiff of it. We had to get sprayed in the face and do a self defense obstacle course. You really need to know how it will effect you and how to fight through it.

a lot of good ideas...wasp spray is really good, it sprays a long way as well !!!

#2 Trust your gut! Exactly!

get a big used target from a shooting range put it on a stick 20 yards out

Hi, love your tips. One thing to add to your 'extra person' set up, a beer can on the TV tray. Or just a cup with something in it. A paperback book or something that indicates activity. I've traveled alone but never camped alone, I think I would have been too afraid. You are a brave and prepared person!

Hi Carolyn, we follow your adventures. We recommend wasp spray, it is only less than $4.00 and sprays 20+ ft in a straight line. It has a protective nozzle so you can not accidentally spray yourself. AND it’s legal everywhere 😎

I've gone from listening to fear-mongering Alex Jones since January of 2020, thinking everyone is hunkered down at home, til' last week, when I started binge-watching Your amazing travel channel. I can't wait to retire & live a similar lifestyle. May God continue to richly bless You & Your beautiful dog !! @0:07

Just wanted to touch on guns...they are also quite useful for snakes and other dangerous animals...I live in the country and I carry a .38 loaded with snake shot...lethal to snakes, but also a detriment to others...my 9mm is more for the 2 legged variety...I am trained to defend, however, I am now disabled, so a gun became necessary...a gun is like any other tool...learn to use it safely and there won't be a problem...please don't judge those who carry...we may be the ones who save you...be safe, have fun...da wookiee

I've had a CCW for many years and always carry a handgun. We lived on the road in a 21' Class C for nearly three years and I also had a legal cut-down 12 gauge pump shotgun like the police carry. It stayed in the corner behind the driver's seat.

RVs are hard to break into . MEtal framed doors, automotive safety glass windows with small panes. BUT you must have a dead bolt installed because the keys for the doors are NOT EXCLUSIVE and many keys will fit into other rigs. RV KEYS are NOT safe. Get a deadbolt. $20.

Hi Carolyn. Great video with lots of good info. In my book, the 2 most important items are this: 1. Risk management (like you said-trust your gut) Scope out the area and choose a spot that is low risk compared to other options. 2. Situational awareness. (also something you talked about) Always be aware of what is happening around you. Just like if you are in a city, being aware of your surroundings and actively minimizing your risk are usually the lifesaving factors. One suggestion though. You spoke of your baseball bat. I'd get a trucker's tire bat instead. They are shorter but can be just as damaging and probably more so considering where you would be using it.. They are also a better (read that as easier to use effectively) weapon in the tightly confined quarters of an RV or camper. Just try swinging a full sized baseball bat inside your RV and you'll see what I mean. That's also the reason why a naval officer's cutlass isn't as long as an army officer's sword. Naval officers had to fight in close combat in confined spaces and the shorter length made the weapon a better tool for the job. Keep putting out the great videos! Happy Travels!!!

I appreciate you being candid about what you've learned!

My dear Carolyn! Thank you so much for this amazing video, I am just totally loving all what you do. And as you said in one of your videos that may be your authenticity makes people like your video, I do truly believe that is the case. Thank you for every piece of advice you give. Many times I watch them over and over. Enjoy your trips, stay well and be inspiration for all of us.

Hi Carolyn, Trying to make to transition myself to the RV Boondocking life. I'm a male so maybe not quite as concerned for particulars but can really appreciate your outlook and practices. Even though not boondocking yet I have been in all 48 contiguous states as well as 5 provinces in Canada driving a 45ft tour bus/private coach. A couple of items I think worth mentioning are: 1. I would not advertise in any form that you may have firearms in your RV. (I.E. stickers like, "Smith & Wesson" or "NRA Member") Sometimes, if somebody is really targeting you or your RV, a sign like that is a confirmation that there is something worth taking inside of your RV. Some idiots would just sit back, behind a tree or someplace, watching and waiting for you to leave and then help themselves. Lots of thieves work in pairs, or more, so while one is keeping track of you, the others can have free range with your items. I would think it would be better not to advertise it, but actually have a firearm for protection should it be needed. If they would be scared off by a simple sticker they'll be running like hell facing the real deal! 2. An earlier post commented about using a fish bat instead of a full size bat. You can find a "tire billy" at most any truck stop. They are about half the size of a bat and most have a arm string attached to them. You can also use them for their intended purpose of hitting the tires with them to check for inflation. Inner duals are checked easily this way. Enjoying your videos. You was actually close to me when filming the one near Susanville off Hyway 44. I live near 44 on the east side of Redding. Love that area you was in. Good Luck to you and Happy Holidays!!

Love, love, love your videos. I travel alone, not full time, but your advice and thoughts on different subjects is so much appreciated. I have come to think of you as a friend because I can tell you give honest and thorough information. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this for all of us.

Sharing that those closest are the ones that hurt us more than strangers, is major bravery on your part. That statement struck a cord for me as well. I've been watching your current videos for a couple months. I've got a couple breakers to replace on my generator before breaking trail, so I decided today to start at the beginning of the things you've chosen to share. Thank you for sharing your Journey. Wishing you nothing but the best ❤

Hi Carolyn, thank you for this excellent video and for the courage and time of sharing "lessons learned" with the community. One thing I would add, is to consider "dual use" tools/weapon when I purchase camping or tool supplies. For example, I have folding hammers, carry a survival knife (which uses like a Boy-Scout issue from back when BSA allowed knives), folding ice pick used by mountain climbers, telescopic heavy-duty metal walking stick which could double as icy surface protection as well as self-protection, ... always having looking for alternate exit/out when I arrive in a new place to spend the night... My cell-phone is usually set to "quick dial" local authorities, and my RV is equipped with a siren/alarm that I can activate remotely. Be safe, happy holidays to you, Ciao, L (Veteran)

Agree with the flash light. Bloody good video. well done cheers

Finally became a member so listening to your vids from the beginning!!! Happy travels, stay being you!

yeah for you! and congrats on multiple recovery as you determine it. good for you. I think your lesson is to do what you love, outside, travel, and enjoy! hope to see you on road or in the desert later ! thank you for sharing your story!

Baseball bats make no noise, you rack a short barrel pump shot gun, that scares the hell out any one that wants to mess with you.

Thanks Carolyn. I think another one you can add would be 'clean campsite'. Keep foodstuffs and garbage inside and dispose often if you can. The 2 legged creatures aren't the only ones you need to be wary of.

More wonderful information. I picked up a couple pearls of wisdom. I kayak often with others and alone. Safety is always #1. Good stuff. TY

👍♥️🙏🙏🙏. Thank you. I always enjoy listening to you and find your information extremely helpful including some of your followers comments.

A tip I'd add: get a good high lumen flashlight. They are very good for blinding people if you ever get in a bad situation, and there are lots that will serve as bludgeons too if need be.

you go girl. dont know how I tripped across your videos but cool. sound like you are smart enough to enjoy this adventure. be careful and enjoy what most of us are not brave enough to do. that ford will last - take care of it and see america.....what a neat thing you are doing.

Brilliant advices, thank you Carolyn !! Really enjoying your videos and experiences!

Very good tips, Carolyn! Thank you

Another good item to have around (I learned about this from another female big rig driver, when I was driving long-haul) is a full-sized can of wasp and hornet spray. Because you obviously don't want to be too close to a hornet's nest when you start dealing with it, the spray usually shoots, with considerable force, between 20 - 30 feet, depending on the brand. Another main point is that it is LEGAL in all 50 states and Canada, which is a concern when driving OTR, as you could be dispatched to just about anywhere. You don't want to have to worry about whether you're crossing state lines into a place where pepper spray, or similar, is illegal. I've been told that if you hit someone in the face with hornet spray, they are instantly completely out of commission.

Thanks so much for sharing. I too enjoy my alone time, very independent lady. I have a class A motor home and as soon as I sell my house I plan on getting on the road for adventure! Stay safe! Carol

I always, always, always trust my gut feelings about everything! Great tips Carolyn. Take care-Debbie

great information! I plan on living in a rv, or trailer too. The shoes and extra chair is something I didn't even think of.

Great information and good job with the video !

Always have situational awareness.

I'm really enjoying your videos. I camp alone a lot and I love your safety tips. Never thought about a second chair or a pair of large boots but they will be part of my next camping trip. Thanks.

Thank you for taking the time to share your tips with us. Living in fear brings fear.

Yay, Capone! Thanks, Carolyn. Good tips.

You go, Girl!!!! "Trust your instincts!!! Your instincts are there - FOR A REASON!!!" Great job - thank you for your work in putting together your tips from experience!! (You could not be more correct - people you know [so called family or friends] can do more harm than strangers) Thanks again !!!

Thank you for this video. Very thought provoking.

This was really great and did a lot to waylay my fears. Thank you for taking the time to create this particular video.

Carolyn, You have just become my RVing YODA! lol. As a female veteran I commend your lessons in personal safety for women. I will be hitting the road in April. Gives me plenty of time to watch and learn from your videos. From this one I learned to move my storage spot for the tools, duh. For people uncomfortable with bear spray...hornet spray is another option for use on humans. It has a long range, causes severe pain and permanent blindness if sprayed directly into the eyes. Safe travels, honey.

After "tenting" full time for ten years Spirit [my four legged buddy!] and I have switched to a small slide in camper. Great video for women/men you have. Things have changed so much these past ten years. Love the two chairs idea! Someone has given me also the idea to have a very thick chain attached to the camper with a big bowl! Meaning giving the idea of having a big dog... Leasing a SAT phone is not a bad idea as a last 911 aspect if no cell service available. Just keep in mind that SAT 911 rings in New Jersey so one has to know the emergency number. A SPOT which we also have is a great idea having an instant 911 Satellite button. You can also have the SPOT on line and have Friends/Family follow you and even have an OK message a couple times a day. Just thoughts... I have not read the comments but happy that you "do" look at the aspect of boon-docking with a positive attitude. Anyhow, stay well, stay safe. Ara and Spirit. And yes, "gut" feelings [I call them "vibes" are the best...

Great information for anyone traveling alone! Thanks Carolyn!!

These are great common sense tips that everyone can benefit from and my husband has given me most of them! : ) He's always giving me scenarios if someone would break in you can use this or this for a weapon, pick up sand for their eyes, spray anything you can find etc. I love what you said about parking in the direction of your escape route and also getting the name of the area you're in or the gps coordinates, something I hadn't thought of. Thanks for sharing your experiences. God Bless.

You are a very pragmatic thinker! This video is simple, but at the same time, BRILLIANT! The first victim of overt emotionalism & panic...is always REASON! Self reliant survival & preparedness is extremely important to me, so this RV video ranks as one of my favorites (Im subscribed to 33 RV channels & many Bushcraft channels)! On a lighter note, Im 56...I so remember Molly Hatchet lol! Cheers you two!

Great video! We (myself & wife and Brutus) do a lot of back woods camping in NH. We have a Brutus, 145lb Rottweiler and we have guns. My wife has been trained to use all the guns we own, safety shooting and cleaning. If the dog doesn't do the job, one of us will. Usually one bark from him, does the trick. No one comes by our site, including the rangers, they sit in there truck and talk to us. We have met up with single woman and given them some of the tips you mentioned, always good advice!

Thank you for making this video. Keep up the awesome work!

I am just finding this. I'm looking into traveling, thank you, this not only helps me feel better, but my mom will feel better that I know these.

Intuition is so important for safety. As you say, we are taught to override it. It has led me into few bad situations when I ignored it and it was nothing todo with travelling. Thank you for this info.

Hi, my name is toni. I am researching all the info, as much as i can, so that when i retire in one year, i'll be informed. You gave me much hope. I already know a lot of other rv, van dweller and bus conversion peeps, and I like your story and you seem as brave as me, maybe braver. I want to meet up with you one day....i am not a loner, i am a hairstylist, but i am ready to bust away from drama, and be calm and serene...no biggie, no pressure, just one day...thank you for sharing your scary stories and other life lessons...sincerely, toni doyle...aka peroxide hair studio, hattiesburg..nice to meet you.

These are wonderful tips and I really like the way you present and present yourself as a lady being by herself...stay safe and happy trails to you!

I just found your videos last week and I'm binge watching them! I'm deciding whether to do Tiny House or RV living full time and you are teaching me sooo much. I don't agree with everything you say but I can listen to other points of view. We have to stop hating each other and picking sides. We are all Americans - united we stand, divided we fall. God bless!!

Subscribed. 👍 you are living my hearts desire. I want to do it and capture sunrise and sunsets each place I go. Continue to enjoy your rebirth so to speak. proud for you.

Thanks so much. Thinking about going RV again. Living in Mx. now but would like to spend some winter month in Az. and do some traveling back east. Lots of good tips. Liked the bear spray. Cheers and happy trails.

These are wonderful tips! Thank you, AGAIN!!

Super tips! Thanks for sharing. This will help a lot of folks.

Good insight ! Be safe, maybe a security cam on door side of RV ?

When I was living in my van I had alot of close encounters with stranger dangers. I tricked one guy who wouldn't leave and kept touching my arm . I asked him go get us some coffee, when he left to get it, I took off. Whew. I know other traveler women have all had some strange encounter. I don't get why they don't really bother Carolyn, glad She was safe able to drive away that time. If I travel again I need a hunting rifle forget that concept that nothing barely will ever happen to you. One of the most popular camping adventure channels on here she always travels with her pistol in case. Everyone respects a smart cautious woman. To each thier own way. But dont have prove your fearless peoples, fear is given for a reason, it's a warning.

Great tips Carolyn...thank you for sharing!! Safe travels Hello Capone :)

All excellent points. Thanks for sharing!

Good tips. trust your gut instincts. Remember, most of us hunters and backpackers love the outdoors as much as you. We will go out of our way to make sure everyone is safe and fallowing the laws. Yes, sometimes you run into the idiots like those in the trucks.. that isn't all hunters, nor all locals.

What great suggestions--- I think you are very smart and very brave to go out on your own. Doing what lifts your soul is what life is all about. Thank you for taking us along with you--- be safe and well--hello to Copone---Deanna

i want to thank you for doing this video. i am a 51year old widow and will be hopefully rving fulltime this next year after my son graduates from high school and have planned all the ways i could break down and what to have incase of emergencies, but i havent thought of what to have in my rv incase of threats to myself. you have been a great help. maybe someday i will see you out there. take care& god bless

Carolyn, I left a warning post on your previous vid (knock on your RV while showering). You addressed my concern and more in this vid! My admiration of you grows with each video🌹🌼🌻🌷

Great tips. I bought my rig in April and have been living in it ever since. I left Florida for North Carolina and now I'm in Reno. Even though I'm a big burly guy you can never be to safe.

you are awesome woman ...i like what you doing and yes trust your instint plus your hansond companion..i planning to do that too🐶

Your updates have become one of my most appreciated in obviously the shortest time :D Keep it up, I reeeeaaally dig your approach to making videos and sharing experiences!

Hi Carolyn. I have been watching your videos for awhile now but I decided to start from the beginning. First, thank you for your channel. I am working on being fulltime in my motorhome and I love your tips and stories. Second, I love the idea of the rott picture in the window. I was going to add (because I don't have a rott - different dog tho.) I would have a sound effect of a big dog or rott barking or snarling I can play. Like you said in the beginning: Give the impression you aren't alone or that you have a big dog. 😊

I don't understand when people try to convince a person who is not comfortable with guns to get one. If you are comfortable with them then they can be useful, but if you're not comfortable with them then they become a safety liability. You're definitely better off without a gun than having one you are not completely comfortable with. One thing we've done is put safety lights on the outside of the RV front, back, and both sides so that they can be turned on, off, or motion activated. We also added security cameras. They are set up on our blind spots and since they are wireless we can monitor them when we are inside, or remotely while we are away. Most people who are up to no good are looking for an easy target, and anything which makes you look like you might not be worth it increases the chance that they'll just move along. The lights and cameras can help with this, especially with the motion-activated lights.

Good tips and some smart advise...to be had by all...

Great tips! More than protecting myself I care for my canine babies to be safe, and their safety depends on mine! Some of your tips I never heard of. Thank you.

Good info! Thanks for sharing!

ever brite motion detector lights. just stick em on ..cheap . recharge them selves .👀

Good advice Carolyn. May I suggest you get some paracord or something to make strong wrist straps for the bat and ice axe? You don't want an attacker to rip them out of your hand and use them against you. I would also conceal a bat and a bear spray outside the RV in a hidden place you can quickly reach.

Great video Carolyn.. It takes time to feel comfortable when you are out in the middle of nowhere. I am just at the beginning stages of taking longer trips out and that first night that I boondocked......well my mind went to all kinds of crazy places. Thank you for all the tips.

As a solo older woman planning to set out in the near future. Your comments and observations are invaluable to me; especially regarding trusting your gut. I’m sure I’ll be hyper vigilant just starting out, but your guts goes everywhere with you! Bless you for your comments and suggestions!

WOW! I am a retired "Old-fart" of 66 on my next b-day, which happens to be Groundhog Day. I have been single since Sissy died in 2004, just me and the cat, Winston (17 now!) in this little three-story house. If I weren't so much in debt, I think I would just chuck it all, get a nice used RV, and.. DO IT! Starting today, I will be keeping up with you, so teach us all as to what to look out for, and for me, to stay out of trouble... hee hee. Any who, I have a TON of respect for someone who can do what you do. And your cute to boot. Best of luck and safe journey to ya'. Oh_ my name is Michael, but my name does not have the 'a' in it. Said the same, though. Nice to meet-cha!

Thank you. Very informative. Peace

Many great tips to learn. Thank you for sharing!

I do like your videos and you have some great information (you are winded girl) hope your other video are straight and to the point. Safe and happy trails

Good video! If you get any kind of weapon, whether it is bear spray, a firearm or a baseball bat, don't just get it and forget it. Use it. Practise with it. If you get pepper spray, get two cans so that you can use up one can as you practise how to activate it, aim it and what sort of range it has. If you decide to get a firearm, plan on shooting at least one box of ammo each month for as long as you own that gun. Reading the directions may or may not help you in a real emergency; many people find to their dismay that they can't remember the directions or that the device they want to use isn't responding to their attempts to make it work. If you practise, you are much more likely to remember how to use it in an emergency. Armies since antiquity have relied on drilling to prepare their warriors for combat because that's what works. No army just tells their new members about combat and what they should do; even if they cannot afford real weapons for all their soldiers, they drill with sticks or other facsimiles. Sometimes all you need is something to scare the threat away, particularly animal threats. Get two canned air boat horns and use one up teaching your dog it is nothing to worry about (sound it when he's far away and give him a treat, then sound it a little closer and give him a treat, etc, until he drools at the sound of the air horn). Another good tool that can act as an improvised weapon is a fire extinguisher. Getting sprayed in the face by a blast from a fire extinguisher is disorienting and will often cause the target to cough and gag uncontrollably. Plus, since you will practise with the fire extinguisher, if the day ever comes when you need to use it against fire, you will for sure know how to do so. "Trust your gut" is good but vague for many people. Define for yourself at what level of potential threat you will take whatever level of protection. For instance, how threatened do you need to feel to call 911? How close will you allow a sketchy looking person get to you before you use the bear spray; if the answer is that you'd wait until they actually attack, you might as well save the money on the bear spray because there's a good chance an attacker could take it away from you and use it on you. For myself, I count red flags. I won't necessarily take action if I notice one red flag but I will always take action if there are three red flags, even if the person's actual behaviour is still on the legal side of the line. For instance, people always recommend carrying a cell phone. But there have been several cases of women abducted and murdered who were actually talking to someone on their cell phone when they were abducted. Leaving it too long to call for help means your cell phone might be more useful to weight your fist and bash someone in the face with. It would be cheaper to carry a rock with a sharp corner on it! Make sure that everyone you talk to regularly knows that if you are suddenly cut off, particularly if they hear something odd, they should call your local emergency services number. How would they know that? If you live a mobile life, start every single phone call with an update as to your location so that they will know where to call to get a welfare check for you. This is just common sense because if you're walking around while on the cell phone, you want the person on the line to call for help for you if you trip, fall and hit your head. Tangential thought: I know several police officers and every single one of them says they'd rather do 1000 welfare checks where it was a false alarm than not be called when the person really needed help. A welfare check that ends with nothing wrong is what police officers want to get. Define for yourself what sort of situations would cause you to call 911, so that you don't dither while things are going from "this seems off" to "OMG it's really an attack!"

A tad long winded, but concise & easy to follow. THANKS so much for the valuable safety tips. I tend to stay on federal lands. BLM, NPS, or Nat Forest Serv. lands or state parks. At least they're patrolled by a governing agency. You never know, those deserted roads could lead to a Manson ranch or such.....Cheers.

Great video Carolyn ! Situational awareness and listening to your gut..it works.

That was a great video! Thank you so much for the helpful advice. There are times when I travel and urbex, and have to stay overnight in very questionable locations in order to be close to the areas which I explore, and I will take your words into my future!