>What did you do?
>Did you know anyone who died?
>What tips are actually useful and what are bullshit?

I ask because I've been hiking for more than a decade and done thousands of miles but this year became a father. I've never had a problem with snakes, even though I've come across them regularly. I wouldn't care too much if I died, but I'd hate to leave my kid without a few final words. So I don't know if I should prepare for snakes or keep on hiking as I already do and not worry.

I don't hike super deep, but I usually go 20 miles into wilderness, so a snakebite deep innawoods probably means a 4-6 hour hike (at best) back out. If I got a bit that far innawoods, should I just leave my last note for my kid? or do I have hope for making it out?

I always hike with shorts and sandals because it's just that much more comfortable and never had problems (other than the snake worries I'm having now). I know there are snake gaiters and bdsm boots for protection, but I don't see a need when in 10 years, i've never even had a close call.

so tell me your experiences, especially if you've actually been bitten and (obviously) survived, or sadly, seen someone die.