Bear seems like a very nice guy and he is entertaining as heck. That to me counts for a lot.

Hey, don’t sell him short You’ve also got to give him credit for his willingness to do some pretty crazy stuff. The fact that he can’t spend every night out in the elements and that he has to use safety equipment should not diminish the fact that he puts himself out there so that those of us who will never have the opportunity to visit those places get to see them from a truly unique perspective. The stuff he eats isn’t really my cup of tea but I have to admit that his ability to hold that stuff down is also pretty impressive. lol.

Well said, ra. None of the things you mention make Bear "fake." He is still climbing those rocks, hiking through rough wilderness, eating wacky stuff, etc. That's all "real."

And to the OP, you're right too. And don't forget about all the charity work he does! He helps a lot of people through his efforts.