those people, i've encountered them too, don't give a shit about anything let alone being safe around wildlife. If prey distress calls could be confused with music they'd be blaring that just as well.

That's what "bear bells" are for...in bear country.

Mountain lions are avoidant at all times unless it's a mother with cubs and even then they'll let you know well in advance.

Otherwise, just normal conversation, your smell with even a light breeze, and the vibrations on-trail will alert all animals to your presence.

In other words, the "trail music" theory is bullshit. They just want to listen to their music.

These people probably don't do it for this reason, but you're correct, at least when it comes to bears.

lol.

that's like harley riders with unmuffled motors "for safety".

On the other hand, I remember being in japan and watching some construction vehicles in tokyo. They were surprisingly quiet. After a while I realized what it was - in the united states all construction vehicles have these annoying "beep-beep-beep" sounds while they're working (for safety).

I wonder if one day they can play those only when someone walks nearby or play in some technologically quieter way.

Huh? I’ve never met anyone in the backcountry that played music to keep predators away. Even when forced to hike at dusk, the primary risk is quietly stumbling on a predator out stalking, or worse, a predator’s offspring. At most you clap every so often, maybe talk/sing to yourself, or dangle some stuff from your pack at higher risk times. Animals will do the hard work of avoiding you When you’re nearby, but its quite unnecessary to notify everything with in a 1km radius of your presence.

This is my reason for blasting music from my bicycle. Feels less rude than clicking a bell at the pedestrians and somewhat more effective at attracting attention.

I can confirm the earbuds thing. Not the mask thing. Modern jelly ended "earbuds" just feel awful. They irritate my sense of momentum, never stay in, and it constantly feels like I have altitude pressure buildup in my ear canal when I wear them. The old hard plastic first generation iPod style in-ear earphones however I have had no problem with. Gravity keeps those in place and so there isn't that constant pressure of expansion in your ears. Those or over-ear headphones are what should be recommended to people, and if neither of those options work then they're just using it as an excuse.

I can sympathize with this, but

1) earbuds are not the only headphone style

2) listening to speakers is not a necessity.

So fine if you don't want to use earbuds, but not necessarily fine to annoy those around you with music/talk shows or whatever sounds you want to introduce to the enviroment.

Maybe go without headphones and pay attention to your surroundings instead. I have zero patience for such excuses from people who choose to impose their preferences on other people.

I found some good bone-conduction headphones... very comfy, only $35, Shokz-style. Full-day battery.

I can't stand the way earbuds feel. That's why I wear over-the-ear headphones or bone-conducting headphones. There are so many options for personal audio. Even if you're truly allergic to all of them, that doesn't give you the right to inflict your noise on others.

Imagine if everyone decided they were entitled to play their music on speakers. The result would be a cacophony where nobody can hear their own music and life is worse for everyone. People who play music in public spaces are claiming a common resource for their own exclusive use.

Sincerely - someone who's lived with 7 other people in a 3-bedroom house.

I'm one of those people - I find any "in-ear" headphone/earbud to be outrageously uncomfortable.

Great news - there are a TON of alternatives! You're still an asshat if you play loud music without regard for your surroundings.

My personal pick? Get a bone conduction headset (ex: Shokz or cheaper alternative). Comfortable, lightweight, waterproof, you can still hear your surroundings.

Why would earbuds be the defacto standard here? Get headphones. They're great, I promise. I'll even send a link https://www.bestbuy.com/product/sennheiser-momemtum-4-wirele...

There are a lot of different types of headphones.

I recommend Koss Porta Pros with Yaxi pads.

Just get the shower style ones.

definitely not cultural

now, imagine showing up to a hike and the person youre meeting whips one of these out and proceeds to blast rap music. its happened to me and it feels like Seinfeld but 2020s