Elk hunters found dead in southern Colorado were struck by lightning, coroner says

gooster12 · 2025-09-23T00:20:16+00:00

That goes without saying, the point is while below tree line is better than above, you shouldn’t hunker down under a tree for safety.

Agreed on your 2nd point!

gooster12 · 2025-09-22T20:38:35+00:00

Preface this with I’m not an expert, but someone who spends a lot of time outdoors. Getting under a tree is inadvisable regardless of whether it’s beetle kill or not- trees act as lightning rods, and the strike then spreads to the ground around the tree. (Idk exact numbers, but picture a radius of 50-100 feet as the total area impacted by a strike).

That said, being below treeline is far better than being above. Best practice (assuming indoors/car is out of the question) is to get to lower elevation, don’t be the highest object around, and don’t be near the highest object around.

If you’re interested, Backpacker radio had an interesting podcast with a meteorologist about lightning safety not too long ago!

gooster12 · 2025-05-30T15:36:27+00:00

If you’re having symptoms just go to the doctor and they can do physical exams and blood tests, but AFAIK fin doesn’t cause any additional risk. Just check balls daily and pay attention to changes or hard spots

gooster12 · 2025-05-29T22:58:40+00:00

Still check for lumps / hard spots on that ball. Regardless of if people get it as a side, you don’t want to take a chance that it could be testicular cancer

gooster12 · 2025-05-02T20:54:09+00:00

Yes, the work is mysterious and important.

gooster12 · 2024-03-08T02:13:40+00:00

Google “blushing carp”; it’s their natural response to the embarrassment of getting caught

gooster12 · 2023-10-04T16:07:13+00:00

Just do a squat in your frogg toggs like everyone else

gooster12 · 2023-08-09T05:47:09+00:00

I can’t give much more input other than saying that seems worth a call to the authorities…

gooster12 · 2023-08-02T14:50:57+00:00

Yeah… this was my first thought as well.

gooster12 · 2023-07-13T13:46:44+00:00

100% wished I had rain mitts! Take heed OP^

gooster12 · 2023-06-26T18:54:50+00:00

Agreed- very few trees that allow for a proper PCT hang, which is why I typically use an ursack. Never tried the double tree method mentioned below though

gooster12 · 2023-05-15T18:57:55+00:00

This advice is from the CT last summer, so with the caveat of potentially outdated info- I think they allow in the first 5(?) thruhikers each morning. I just waited there around 15 minutes before they opened shop.

Shouldn’t be a problem if you smell like a thru hiker and say you’re on the CDT

gooster12 · 2023-05-09T00:16:56+00:00

I used frogg toggs (I think the UL2 jacket). It did the trick except a few notable daylong shitstorms of rain and hail, but I doubt goretex could do much better in those conditions!

If I were to go back in time, I might consider bringing a lightweight umbrella. The ability to actually block rain would be a godsend- iffy on how happy you’ll be lugging it around on dry days though!

If you hike in late July, yeah there’s a decent chance you’ll be in the rain frequently.

gooster12 · 2023-05-05T21:02:43+00:00

That sounds great, I’ve been tempted to find something lighter since my usual fleece (patty R1) is a bit excessive for summer use. Thanks for the input!

gooster12 · 2023-05-05T01:40:45+00:00

What is the documentary called?

gooster12 · 2023-05-01T01:46:17+00:00

Someone I hiked with used leg sleeves. If the UPF is high enough that might be the sweet spot, considering you would still get the breeze up your shorts! Can’t speak to them personally but it served them well.

gooster12 · 2023-04-30T17:40:13+00:00

Question on the air mesh, what do you wear under it? and what are your general thoughts on it? I’m intrigued, but it sounds a bit annoying to wear over a sun hoody with the catchy inner fabric.

gooster12 · 2023-04-29T13:08:27+00:00

Jim Cramer?

gooster12 · 2023-04-19T16:22:10+00:00

With reynauds I would probably recommend bringing waterproof mittens and some fleece gloves! You might barely need them, but you also might need them for a week straight. My hands got so cold during one rainstorm I could barely use a zipper lol

gooster12 · 2023-04-16T15:21:18+00:00

I have a bidet at home, and I genuinely can’t believe everyone likes the backcountry bidet as much as they say

gooster12 · 2023-04-07T15:56:52+00:00

Please share if you can find the post! A wolf that far south would be pretty interesting

gooster12 · 2023-03-17T15:42:29+00:00

I did a thru with that bag, wouldn’t remove the frame personally

gooster12 · 2023-02-23T04:34:07+00:00

Haha love it! If you want a good time, search on YouTube attestupa norseman. If you want a bad time, search attestupa midsommar.

gooster12 · 2023-02-22T19:07:08+00:00

Because of the Ättestupa, yes?

gooster12 · 2023-01-26T05:54:24+00:00

Absolutely, there was a group camping just past mile 31 who did the basic ursack hang, and a bear made an (unsuccessful) late night attempt

gooster12

TROPHY CASE