Sofia: What type of mental preparation do you need to survive harsh conditions?

Bear: I always try to keep a can-do attitude and say "Why not?" instead of "Why?" I plan things well and give it my whole heart.

mrmck325: What is the most dangerous animal you have come across face to face?

Bear: A very close call with a very tough adder in Kenya. These are especially dangerous, and kill more people than any other snake in Africa, the reason being they tend not to get out of your way because they're fat and lazy. They also have the fastest strike of any snake in the world.

Brownski: Love the show. How much do you depend on 'experts' vs. your own knowledge?

Bear: I rely on my knowledge and research with local advice from local experts. It's good teamwork, really.

oslegend: What do you do when you face something overwhelming, but it has to be done?

Bear: If something has to be done that is just scary, I tend just to decide how good an idea it is after I've done it! But that's very different from assessing the risk of what you're doing, which is another matter altogether. It's like parachuting. As an old sergeant used to say, "Make up your mind once you're out the door."

SteveZ: Do you give lectures or classes that teach survival skills? If so, ever in the USA?

Bear: I do a lot of speaking in the US, but mainly to corporations and mostly about things that happened to us on Everest. Really, I guess, they're motivational/inspirational thoughts. That sort of thing.

SamNY81: I want to get into climbing, but it's so damn expensive to supply yourself. Any tips for a cheap climber?

Bear: It shouldn't be expensive. There are local clubs anywhere, and it's actually one of the cheapest sports in the world — part of its magic, I think.

bigfoot: Are you always by yourself while surviving? Have you ever rescued someone else?

Bear: Yes, I helped save my best friend's life in a climbing incident in the Himalayas. But that's another story …

Randy: Isn't there a natural salve to keep the mosquitoes at bay?

Bear: Camphor resin in the jungle was very good. And caking on thick mud in the swamps will be something I do on the show I'm about to film.

marathongirl: When you get back to civilization, what is the first thing you treat yourself to eat and drink?

Bear: Avocados, mayonnaise, chocolate, and a bath with both my kids.