Failed Adventures in the Wild

This one’s all outdoor mishaps and the recovery gear we wish we’d had. In this video, we share some of our most memorable (and sometimes cringe-worthy) outdoor failures! From misjudging the weather, to parking on a mound of dirt we’ve made plenty of mistakes in the great outdoors. Join us as we laugh, learn, and reflect on our adventures – and hopefully help you avoid making the same mistakes on your next trip. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a beginner, these stories will remind you that even the best can have their off days.

Related: Blake is going to hate us.

The Dirt Mound That Wasn’t a Ramp

A truck, a tempting dirt mound at an OHV staging area, and zero recovery gear added up to a textbook high-centering. Speed matters going up, but checking the backside before you commit matters more: the front looked like a gentle ramp; the unseen back side was steep enough to drop all four wheels off the ground at once. A stranger with real recovery gear (tow strap, the whole kit) bailed them out, laughing the whole time.

The Kayak Launch That Went Sideways, Literally

Pushing off a dock while still holding onto it is a great way to become the bridge between the dock and the kayak, and then end up in March-cold water. Push off cleanly or not at all; half-committing is how you end up swimming.

When Trees Start Falling Around You, Stop and Listen

Hiking three miles into a wind-thrashed scouting trip with trees actively cracking and falling nearby turned a fun outing into a genuine safety situation. The fix that worked: stop moving the instant you hear a crack, identify which tree is going, then move once you know its direction: never just keep walking or running blind through falling timber. A local logger with a chainsaw ultimately helped clear the safest way out.

• Always check the far side of an obstacle before committing a vehicle to it
• Commit fully when pushing off a dock or shoreline: hesitation causes more capsizes than confidence does
• In high wind with active tree fall, stop and identify the sound before moving, don’t just keep walking

FAQ: Outdoor Mishaps and Recovery Gear

What recovery gear should I always carry off-road?

At minimum, a tow strap or come-along, traction boards, and a way to communicate if you’re out of cell range. Learning to use them before you need them matters as much as owning them.

Is it safe to hike in the woods during high wind?

High wind significantly increases the risk of falling trees and limbs, especially in timber with standing dead or weakened trees. If you hear cracking, stop and assess before continuing rather than pushing through.

We laugh about these now, but a couple of them were genuinely scary in the moment. Thanks for listening, and tell us your own failed outdoors story in the comments.