The Mountain Man's life was one of skill. Not only was he a trapper and woodsman without equal, he was also a trader, blacksmith, horsewrangler, teamster, doctor, gunsmith, tailor, explorer, packer and guide.
There was little room for softness in the life of the Mountain Man. He had to be as hard as the elements he lived in. Although today's "historians" often attempt to picture him as a careless ne'er-do- well, there was really no room for carelessness or timidity in his life. He had to be constantly alert for signs of danger and ready for immediate action. As long periods of time might, and often did, pass without his seeing another man, it was necessary that he be self-sufficient, able to live from what nature provided. The Mountain Man had to possess that spirit of adventure that makes a man wonder just what is up the river and over the mountain, then go and find out, regardless of time or danger.
Perhaps most important of all, the Mountain Men had the complete loyalty toward one another that can be found only in a brotherhood of rugged men of like spirit. To quote Kit Carson, "There is alway a brotherly affection existing among trappers and the side of danger is alway their choice." The Mountain Men were strict individualists. They seldom asked for help when danger threatened or a Brother was in need. Asking was just not necessary.
