">
6 Safety Tips a Naked Hiker Taught Me
As part of my preparation to hike the AT, I go hiking a few times a week. Recently, I chose a canyon near my house for my hike. There was a lovely smattering of humans traveling my chosen trail, and I even ran into a couple of people I knew. After I had been hiking for about an hour, I turned a corner and saw a man hiking towards me with his dog. The man was wearing a backpack . . . and nothing else. I thought to myself, “Do my eyes deceive me, or is that man naked?” I thought maybe he was just wearing something skin-colored but then I realized the only skin-colored thing he was wearing was his skin.
Because I normally greet everyone I pass on a trail, my next thought when I saw this man was, “Well, am I going to have to talk to him? What do you say to a naked stranger on a hiking trail?” While the man got closer and closer, I thought of how my conversation with him might go, and I ultimately decided it was a conversation I did not want to have.
Now, I know there are a lot of hikers out there who feel naked hiking is a liberating way to commune with nature. Laugh all you want, but even though the man could have been a harmless hippie hiking au naturale, something just seemed a bit off about the whole situation. (Something was off. In particular, the man’s clothing.) Hiking naked is a criminal offense in my state, and I was just getting a weird feeling about this guy. Ultimately, remembering that I had just passed a couple, I turned around and met up with them. I explained to them that there was a naked stranger approaching, and I would rather not be alone when he passed–just in case he might be a creeper of the exhibitionist variety.
This experience inspired me to make a list of possible things to do when you encounter a sketchy situation on the trail. Now, we all have a different threshold for what constitutes a sketchy situation. But when you encounter something that, for you, falls into that category, here’s what you can do.
1. Buddy up.
If you know there are other hikers close behind you, think about going back and hiking with them until you pass the source of your discomfort.
2. Take a break.
Now seems like a good time to find a tree to water. Get off the trail, find a private location where you will be unseen, and take a break. Perhaps you need a moment to write in your journal or to have a snack. Take that moment now.
3. Be alert, and trust your intuition.
Sometimes, what looks like a threatening situation is actually innocuous. Other times, there is a reason you have a bad feeling about it. If you misread the situation, you could end up whacking an innocent person with your trekking pole or being dragged into a situation that really is sketchy. If you’re going to keep hiking, trust your instincts, and pay attention to body language. Be alert. If the person who is giving you the heebie jeebies is exhibiting threatening body language, revert to option 1 or 2. If options 1 and 2 are impossible, keep your hands out of your pockets and at waist level or higher (in a non-threatening way, i.e., avoid making a fist). That way, if you need to react, your hands (or trekking poles) are readily available.
An example of threatening body language. Photo credit: wearethewall.com.au
4. If you see something, say something.
You’ve seen this phrase posted in the subway; the idea also applies on the trail. If you see something sketchy, notify the proper authorities! Did you just see someone swipe a pack that did not appear to belong to them? Did you just stumble upon a group of people who seem to be offering human sacrifices to the trail gods? Did you just see someone punch a baby in the face? If you see suspicious behavior, tell someone. Notify a ridge runner, a ranger, or local law enforcement. If you’re hiking the AT, notify the ATC; they will be able to share the info with the appropriate channels. Their number is 304.535.6331. In an emergency, call 911. Obviously.
Look out, sketchy dark figures; I’m watching you. Photo credit: www.ci.temple-city.ca.us
5. Visualize.
Before encountering a sketchy situation, try to visualize how you would react in different scenarios. Not only can this be a great way to entertain yourself while you’re walking, but it will also help you react more effectively if you do encounter sketchiness.
6. Wear censorship glasses.*
For any unwelcome, naked-hiker situations, use these glasses I made. They automatically censor whatever you are looking at.**
* Do not. You will look ridiculous.
**They do not.
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
Comments 6
Thanks, it is useful
Your tips are good cautious strategies for hikers encountering dangers on the trail, BUT they don’t apply to encounters with naturists.
We have found through statistical interview with nude hikers, that 97% of other hikers will have no objection to a naked hiker, and 20% will feel confused as to how to interact, with the encounter. People in remote areas just are not bothered by nudity and are not surprised to stumble upon freedom.
Common sense will tell you that exhibitionists will go where they may be seen by others, not where they are less likely to be seen. Your encounter with a nude is not likely to be anything else than an encounter with a nude. Rape is an act of control. They are more likely to be dressed, a controlling expression.
You would react differently if you encountered a nude female, a couple, or a nude group, rather than a lone man with a dog.
Research and study has overwhelmingly, unquestionably found that seeing nudity harms no one, not children, not anyone. Only those raised within reinforcement of the social mores created by religious zealots and told to fear by laws created by these, are alarmed. It is neither reasonable, nor instinctual. It is simply irrational fear.
What you are purporting here has offended us. Please, research and try to understand that nudity in nature is a God given gift.
Iagree.,
Good comment
I agree with John M. Educate yourself about nudists/ naturists. Maybe try it and set yourself free.
Not to gang up on you, because I really liked what your post had to say with regard to bad things that can happen on the trail, but I agree that your assessment of the naked hiker was in all probability inaccurate. Nude does not necessarily equal lewd.