The Great OOTdoors

My street Merrells are great. I just dont want to be caught out in the back country without soles...

This one almost got me tonight. Went out for a quick 5mi out and back at sunset.

Such an odd color I just didn’t see him. Right in the middle of the trail. Almost stepped on him and he bolted to that bush and got himself ready. Daring me to come closer. Took a picture instead.

You can see he has an amazing set of rattles.

by pokeraz P

This one almost got me tonight. Went out for a quick 5mi out and back at sunset.

Such an odd color I just didn’t see him. Right in the middle of the trail. Almost stepped on him and he bolted to that bush and got himself ready. Daring me to come closer. Took a picture instead.

You can see he has an amazing set of rattles.

Dang, that’s crazy and scary! Were you solo or did you have someone with you to help get you out safely if you ever do get bit? Also, I’ve heard those “snake bit kits” they sell are a joke and do nothing. Know anything about those?

just grab him...

There is nothing you can carry to help for a snake bite. You have to call for help. My garmin inreach is my ‘snake bite kit’.

Honestly, it’s not that worrisome. The last thing that snake wants to do is waste his venom on something he cannot eat.

I see rattlesnakes frequently this time of year. Almost every hike.

This one was scary because I just didn’t see him until I was on top of him. The good news was that both of our reactions were to flee.

always carry a spare pillow case...
:p

Got some hill work in today. 11 miles.

No snakes today but this little fella stopped by to visit.

When you have to start decoding red, yellow, and black, I'm out!

The others, I can deal with. At least in theory.

I'm not Joe Backcountry, but I've been out and about in some prime habitat either fishing, hiking or playing golf and have never seen/heard a live rattlesnake. Found a dead one once on the cart path on a golf course that is plagued with ground squirrels. Nice job, dumbasses

by Garick P

👍

I'm snakeblind. I don't see one until someone points it out.

I was playing golf with some buddies some years ago and we arrived at a green that was up a steep hill. One of my friends, who was an avid hunter, suddenly let out a shriek. He had been surprised to see a couple of dead copperheads that someone had thoughtfully draped over a tree limb about 20' behind the green. None of the rest of us had even seen them, but he saw them (and reacted) immediately.

That’s quite the endorsement.

Great day for a ride. Desert Hills trailhead to Sidewinder to Apache Wash Loop and back. Roughly 18 miles.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer...

Top of Sidewinder looking SSE.

Very nice. We’re running out of good weather. Get it in while you can.

Yes. Have done a few things around Austin and North Padre Island.
In a month or so going to take this:

to west Texas/southern New Mexico around Guadalupe Peak

https://www.overlandtrailguides.com/post...

i highly praise the phrase brooding Guadalupe Mountains and the surrounding desert plains and prairies

by blacklab P

Yes. Have done a few things around Austin and North Padre Island.
In a month or so going to take this:

to west Texas/southern New Mexico around Guadalupe Peak

https://www.overlandtrailguides.com/post...

Nice! Any tips for someone new to the overland thing?

Here's the things I think are a must:

• emergency contact - iPhone 14 and newer have sos text via satellite, if your phone doesn't, then something like a Garmin InReach or equivalent
  
• first aid kit
  
• winch, tow/kinetic recovery rope and shackles
  
• traction boards
  
• 1 gal water per person per day
  
• 2-3 extra days of food
  
• enough gas so you use 1/3 on way out, 1/3 way back, and 1/3 in spare. I have two 2.5 gallon tanks I mount on roof
  
• tire patch kit
  
• emergency battery Portable Jump Starter
  
• basic tools
  
• shovel/pick axe/axe
  
• full size spare tire
  
• air compressor
  
• fire extinguisher
  
• map software on phone/ipad/laptop such as gaia gps with maps of area downloaded
  

stuff that's nice to have but not required

• large jack
  
• auto tire deflators
  
• battery powered impact wrench
  
• second spare tire
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  

then your typical camping stuff

• food
  
• camping stove
  
• table
  
• chairs
  
• tent
  
• cot
  
• sleeping bag/pillow
  
• Insect repellent
  
• paper towels with heavy holder
  
• Kitchen towels
  
• toilet paper
  
• Wipes
  
• Hand soap
  
• trash bags
  
• lighters
  

Last weekend I built a bed for the truck and ordered a mattress for it so I'm skipping the tent for the next trip and just sleeping in the truck.

and also in the nice to have but not required is something to wrap around a tree or rock if you need to winch out.
I decided on this one as it can be buried in the sand if there are no trees or rocks around

https://www.deadmanoffroad.com/collectio...

Thank you for such a thorough post! I just installed some MOLLE panels in the rear of the Runner and mounted my first aid kit, tire repair kit, and fire extinguisher. I’m going to mount some of my other recovery tools soon.

I will eventually get a winch but want to get some rock sliders and a proper roof rack, first. In the meantime, I’ll probably just keep a come along in the rig and hope I never need to use it.

Have you ever heard of or used a Lifesaver Jerrycan Water Purifier? I’m considering getting one but I’m on the fence given the price is a little steep for what it is.

This. Really nice area. It's been years since I was up there, but as I recall, the hike is pretty long, medium difficulty. But you're rewarded with great views once you get to the top of Texas.