One nice thing about the 10000 rule is that it can help you with irrational fears. e.g. Bears. They're only scary until you look at how astronomically improbab

One nice thing about the 10000 rule is that it can help you with irrational fears. e.g. Bears. They're only scary until you look at how astronomically improbable it is to be killed by one. When you look at the benefits of hiking, backpacking, etc., it really is a no-brainer to ignore your fear of bears. Sure, learn how to avoid encounters and how to manage them if it makes you feel better. Heck, buy bear spray if you feel you need to. Just don't avoid the wilderness because of bears!