Teen Hiker Accused Of Harboring Nefarious Plans When Her ‘Dangerous Tools’ Shockingly Surface At Family Barbecue

“I just like to be prepared for anything.”

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• January 14, 2024

A wise person once said, “Readiness is the compass in the wilderness of life." And for our spirited narrator (Original Poster), this was more than just a mantra; it was a code she chose to live by. 

Since OP’s late teens, her heart beat for hiking and the thrill of preparation. She was the proud bearer of an Everyday Carry (EDC) arsenal, which, at first glance, could pass as any ordinary woman’s bag. 

But it wasn’t just any bag; it was basically a survival kit. From a first aid box and protein bars to a pocket knife and pepper spray, you wouldn’t catch OP without her trove of essentials. 

Fast forward to a family barbecue, a grand reunion featuring relatives old and new. OP carried along her trusty bag as usual, and it didn’t take long for it to come in handy too.

One of the kids burned themselves, and OP triumphantly produced some hydrogel dressing. Before long, a cousin requested for a pad,

 and as she directed them to the middle pocket of her trusty bag, she couldn’t have predicted the cascade of events that followed.

As her cousin rummaged through the bag, her pocket knife and tools were sighted—and it was pure mayhem. Accusations flew, chaos unfolded, and the atmosphere turned explosive. 

Older family members even wrongfully assumed they were under attack, but thankfully, things soon came under control. Sadly, the barbecue was ruined.

OP was labeled an 'asshole' for bringing ‘dangerous tools' to a family gathering, and now she wrestles with the fallout. 

Is our adventurer truly in the wrong, or is it only a clash of worlds?

The story in detail

A bit of background

OP’s family had a important gathering with everyone in attendance after years of not seeing each-other. But little did she know that her innocent EDC was going to be the center of attraction

OP offered her cousin a spare pad from their bag, only for the nosey lady to rummage through and expose the pocket knife

OP’s family slammed her for bringing “dangerous tools” to a family gathering. However, she argued that she likes being prepared for emergencies

Here’s how the Reddit community reacted to the story:

“They aren't ‘dangerous tools’ - they're simply items that you keep for emergencies.”

“What is going on in this girls house that a pocket knife sends her into hysterics?”

“Lots of people I know carry multi tools that have knifes in them too.”

“Your cousin should have just taken the pad, she was a total AH for rummaging through your things.”

“Nope, NTA. You did a woman a solid by offering her a pad, then she went through your stuff.”

“There's nothing particularly weird or outlandish as part of your kit, and she should not have been looking through your entire bag.”

Redditors unanimously cry foul at the cousin's audacious judgment. Those aren't 'dangerous tools' but vital emergency provisions. 

To back it up, a community member familiar with rural terrain affirms the wisdom of being prepared for the unforeseen. Be it injury, stranded situations, or potential threats, you never know what might happen. 

The consensus? The entire family overreacted.

Do you agree with this verdict? Let us know in the comments.

Jesse