🎥 What’s this all about?
‘Never Hike Alone’ is a 2017 fan-favorite film produced by Womp Stomp Films. In just under an hour, it follows Kyle McLeod – a lone backpacker – as he ventures into the terrifying woods near the infamous Camp Crystal Lake. Using his GoPro, Kyle documents his journey, but he ends up encountering the legendary Jason Voorhees.
🌲 Pacing and Atmosphere
Rather than being a nonstop gorefest, Never Hike Alone builds tension gradually. It leans into suspense, ignoring the original films – howling wolves, disturbing scenes, classic jump scares. One Redditor commented that the film “plays like a true thriller rather than a comedy”, with “real tension everywhere” after Jason arrives .
🩸 Jason and the Chase
The film focuses on a battle of wills—Kyle doesn’t run endlessly; he fights back. The change has received mixed reviews. Some praised the intensity, saying it “made me jump out of my chair.” Others found it a departure from the traditional Jason story:
“Jason’s actor… walks like a tall limping young man… not a supernatural monster who’s not dead.”—ikarikh reddit.com
However, GameFAQs fans countered, saying “Jason’s actor was fantastic” in the cat-and-mouse chase.
👍 Fan reception
The community’s response has been largely positive:
“This movie is better than any of the previous official movies!!!… MORE!!!!!!!!”
Despite minor disagreements about the pacing, sound design, or Jason’s portrayal, many agreed that it was “one of the best fans ever.
🎬 Production and Easter Eggs
What makes Never Hike Alone shine is its artwork—strong cinematography, smart pacing, and a genuine respect for the source material. It includes clever throwbacks: a cameo by a familiar character, sly references to Pamela Voorhees, and nods to classic kills and camp legends.
✅ Should you watch it?
If you’re a Friday the 13th fan looking for a faithful but fresh homage, this is a must-see. It captures the tone and atmosphere of the original films without overstaying its welcome. Yes, Jason looks thinner and the chase scenes are more direct—but the end result? Totally worth it. One Reddit user put it perfectly:
“The last ten minutes… went from ‘this is so well done’ to ‘fucking awesome.’ Don’t read anything else about it — just watch it.” reddit.com
✍️ Blog Summary
Title: Why “Never Hike Alone” is the Best Fan-Made Friday the 13th Tribute You Need to Watch
Introduction:
Introduce it as a high-quality fan celebration of Jason Voorhees that stays true to the spirit of Friday the 13th.
Section:
Plot and Setup – Briefly describe Kyle’s trek and the terrifying atmosphere.
Building Suspense – Focus on the tension of the bloodshed.
Jason Reimagined – How is this version different and what works or doesn’t work.
Fan Response – Highlight Reddit praise and criticism.
Production Value – Emphasize craftsmanship, cinematography, and Easter eggs.
Final Verdict – Encourage viewers to participate with minimal spoilers.
Call to Action:
