Backpacker Magazine - Bears and Hammocks (Ask a Bear)

**dejoha** · 09-08-2011, 09:15

I'm getting sick of this sort of sensationalism in journalism. The Backpacker "cites" some research that hammocks might be more dangerous than tents in bear country. Hog wash. Show me the research!

> http://www.backpacker.com/ask_a_bear...y/skills/15234

This is just the sort of click-baiting that these sites rely on for page views and advertising sales.

Hammocks are just as safe (or vulnerable) as tents. This column is, in my opinion, worthless as the advice is always the same: odors attract bears. Keep "smellable" items away from your sleeping area. Enough said!

**NCPatrick** · 09-08-2011, 09:21

Originally Posted by dejoha

I'm getting sick of this sort of sensationalism in journalism. The Backpacker "cites" some research that hammocks might be more dangerous than tents in bear country. Hog wash. Show me the research!

> http://www.backpacker.com/ask_a_bear...y/skills/15234

This is just the sort of click-baiting that these sites rely on for page views and advertising sales.

Hammocks are just as safe (or vulnerable) as tents. This column is, in my opinion, worthless as the advice is always the same: odors attract bears. Keep "smellable" items away from your sleeping area. Enough said!

Is this the same article discussed in this thread? I think it is...

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...acker+magazine

**ShadowAlpha** · 09-08-2011, 09:21

got a time out error on the site...

yes, show the proof that a hammock is less safe than a tent or a shelter on the AT or a cabin at a campsite.....

**dejoha** · 09-08-2011, 09:25

Originally Posted by NCPatrick

Is this the same article discussed in this thread? I think it is...

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...acker+magazine

Yes! Thanks for the link. Didn't see the old post, but it is in the member-only section.

**Beast 71** · 09-08-2011, 09:27

Originally Posted by dejoha

I'm getting sick of this sort of sensationalism in journalism.

I'd be hard pressed to call "Ask The Bear" journalism. It is a pretty stupid article.

**dejoha** · 09-08-2011, 09:33

Originally Posted by Beast 71

I'd be hard pressed to call "Ask The Bear" journalism. It is a pretty stupid article.

Yes, I agree. As a column, it is a clever approach to a unique subject. At times funny, but at other times, misleading. I think they want the column to provide solid advice in a fun way, but journalism should require a bit more due-diligence in citing research and quoting sources.

Most of the time, this column plays off of stereotypes and sensationalism.

**timabababaluka** · 09-08-2011, 09:35

I dunno... they've done studies--60% of the time the bear attacks the hammock every time.

**Deadphans** · 09-08-2011, 09:57

Originally Posted by Beast 71

I'd be hard pressed to call "Ask The Bear" journalism. It is a pretty stupid article.

Yea I hope other people can see that too lol.

**Cranky Bear** · 09-08-2011, 10:09

This is Backpacker Magazine, they think a 6lb tent is lightweight, recommend expedition boots for a day hike on the AT, and they know everything????? They make their money on praying on the weak and non-informed, the only good thing to come from them is the trail recipes, and nothing else!

**Doctari** · 09-08-2011, 10:23

Backpacker magazine is interested in the BUSINESS of selling magazines, not in promoting safe or efficient backpacking. They, for the most part will put in their magazine whatever it takes to sell more of their magazines. So take EVERYTHING they print with a grain of salt. I for one only read the "Movable feast" section, & I ONLY get the mag from the library & jot down the few recipes I like the sound of. IF I read anything else, it's usually for entertainment value, like the article about the "Ultra lightweight 5 Lb pack" from just a few years ago. I don't think it was meant to be funny, but it was Hilarious!!

Sadly, a lot of their advice is,,,,, suspect. And, aimed at unsuspecting new hikers, so,,,,,,,

They aren't the only ones doing that though. A few years ago on White Blaze a "Tour guide in the Smokies" advised that "You must NOT bring any form of shelter with you on the AT in the Smokies as you can always stay in the shelters!" So this clown, who presented himself as a trained & experienced expert gave dangerous advice that could have caused someones death or at least necessitated a very expensive rescue of a hypothermic hiker or more.

Being as shy & quiet as I am,,,,,, I lit into him with full force. He later said "I always carry a tarp just in case!" But, as others pointed out to him, he did not say that at first, "You said; MUST NOT bring any form of shelter!" He hasn't been back on WB since. Good riddance! I have always wondered how many of his clients were scarred for life by following this J*** A** into the woods unprepared.