The Ultimate Guide to Safe and Enjoyable Solo Hiking Adventures
For many people, solo hiking is considered both scary and dangerous. Dangerous because if something happens then you’re all by yourself, and scary, because the idea of being completely alone in nature can be absolutely terrifying.
However, it certainly doesn’t have to be. In fact, hiking alone can actually be an incredibly rewarding experience.Â
I’m an enthusiastic solo hiker, usually trekking without a companion. From brief day hikes to longer expeditions, I am entirely content and secure hiking by myself. This assurance has taken me some time to cultivate; however, whenever fear tries to stop me from doing something – such as venturing onto the path unaccompanied – I never let it overpower my ambition.
With this guide, allow me to help equip you with all the necessary knowledge so that you can make sure your trip is as rewarding and safe as possible. And after reading through it all, maybe you’ll be inspired enough for your first-ever solo adventure!
Benefits of hiking alone
Go at your own pace
As a “quick hiker”, I often find that I’m the first one in our group. This becomes an issue as from time to time I have to wait for the group and this prevents me from feeling challenged and truly pushed to my limits. The more people join us on our hikes, the greater this problem gets.
Personally, I prefer trekking together with companions of similar pace, but honestly, it’s typically easier to hike solo and proceed at your preferred pace without having to consider the speed of others.
Stop as often as you wish
As a passionate photographer, I often find myself drawn to capture images of ordinary items that other members in my hiking group may not be interested in. This can be problematic if the rest of the group wishes to keep moving; it makes me feel as if I am being rushed. Additionally, sometimes when we reach the summit I would like to stay longer than everyone else so that I can get some great shots—but this situation can make for an uncomfortable dynamic among those eager to descend .
The freedom
If you want to set off on that hike that no one else is interested in, or if you simply desire an early start and a timely return home – solo hiking offers the perfect solution. With such autonomy over when and where your adventure takes place, planning your solo hike isn’t nearly as daunting as planning it for a group! Plus, I’m able to predict my ending time with much more accuracy than when I have company along.
Strengthen your mental fortitude
Many of us grapple with insecurity and a lack of faith in our own capabilities, thus feeling the need to rely on other people. Fortunately, going hiking alone can help you get out of this habit because there is no one else that you can depend upon – it’s just you against the elements! If something tricky pops up during your adventure, then it’s all down to how well-prepared or resourceful you are. Fear not; facing those fears head-on will empower and embolden you like nothing else!
Sense of achievement
After completing a hike, there is an indescribable feeling of pride and accomplishment. When you make it all the way to the peak solely by yourself, without any external motivation from others, this sensation is amplified twofold. Many people lack the internal drive necessary for such undertakings; however if you possess sufficient willpower and dedication to reach your mountaintop destination alone, then that sense of elation will truly be incomparable!
Focus on what YOU like about hiking
There are a multitude of reasons why people choose to hike – the physical exertion, mental stimulation, time spent in nature’s embrace, those awe-inspiring summit views, photography or simply admiring all that flora and fauna. If you opt for hiking alone it allows you to focus on whichever aspect appeals most to you personally; for me it is pushing forward physically as well as seeking out new photographic shots while also enjoying spectacular summits.
Planning for a solo hike
Moving onto the details, if you’re planning a solo hike, it’s important to be meticulous in selecting your route and understanding what will await you. This information can help inform many of the decisions that follow as part of your preparation.
Pick an easier or popular trail
If you’re a hiking novice, selecting an easy or known path is the perfect way to start. Doing so limits potential anxieties involving navigation and safety, enabling you to savor your solo experience with no distractions.
If solitude in the backcountry fills you with anxiety, then opt for a location where there are likely to be other hikers. A popular trail or national park is an ideal way to ease into solo hiking. That way if anything unexpected occurs, or conditions change abruptly, you can feel assured that others will be around and able to help out. Additionally, well-traveled trails are usually easier to follow and have better upkeep which reduces certain risks as well!
Related reading: Discover The Best Hiking Trails Around The World
Know what the trail will entail
Prior to embarking on a hike, it is critical that you are aware of the essential information such as distance, incline, terrain and estimated completion time. This will allow you to be adequately prepared and ensure safety during solo hiking trips.
It is essential to do your due diligence and investigate whether any permits or national park fees are required. Additionally, make sure to check if there are specific closure times for the designated area.
At this stage, consider whether you have all the necessary navigation or information for your hike. Incorporating a GPS file, app on your phone, paper map and screenshots from blog write-ups or walking brochures can help ensure that you are well prepared before venturing out. The more data points from various sources at hand will equip you with the best possible chance of success!
When it comes to trail planning, AllTrails is an invaluable resource. Not only does the app provide detailed information about trails and routes but also allows you to read reviews from other hikers who have already experienced them – offering that extra level of assurance with regards to their suitability for your particular needs.
Check the weather beforehand
Before you embark on your hike, it’s essential to gain an understanding of the typical weather patterns in that area. Understand what types of seasonal rainfall is common and use this information as a guide when packing for your journey.
Take the time to examine a detailed weather report before you set off on your hike. If it appears that conditions could be treacherous, don’t hesitate to reschedule for another day when the elements may cooperate better. Challenging weather conditions can be a big obstacle when it comes to hiking, making the trek uncomfortable and less than ideal if you’re walking solo.
Learn how to prevent animal encounters
When I decided to go on a solo hike in British Columbia, my greatest fear was running into bears; after all, they abound here and confrontations with them aren’t unheard of.
In the event that you come face-to-face with a bear, it is critical to know how to react. While having bear spray on hand can be useful in an emergency, it should only be used as a last measure. The best way to avoid any potentially dangerous situation is by making your presence known while hiking – this will allow bears time and space they need to move away from you.
When startled, bears tend to react defensively and can become aggressive in their response. Thus, the majority of bear attacks are a result of surprise confrontations. When I’m hiking solo, I always accompany myself with a bear bell attached to my pack. When moving through isolated areas, I play music on my phone (though please only do this on trails that are not filled with other hikers). Other safety tips include carrying a whistle which you can sound in the presence of bears.
Tell someone where you’re going
The single most crucial step to take before beginning a hike is notifying someone of your plans. Whether it be a family member or friend, make sure that they are aware of the route you’ll taking and how long will be away . This simple act can end up being quite invaluable to you in an emergency situation.
Make sure you pack the 10 essentials
When you embark on a hike alone, self-sufficiency is the name of the game. As you are solely responsible for your safety and wellbeing, it’s essential that you are well-prepared with all necessary supplies.
That’s why packing appropriately is incredibly important – here are 10 items every solo hiker should consider bringing: water; food; clothes appropriate to weather conditions; an emergency blanket; map & navigation to keep on course; sun protection such as sunscreen or sunglasses ; a first aid kit if anything goes awry during your trek; fire starters like matches, flint strips etc.; headlamp/torchlight for when hiking at night time becomes inevitable and finally – a knife/multi-tool.
Related reading: What To Bring On A Short Hike
Pack light
For solo hikers, packing lightly can be a cumbersome task since you won’t have someone to help share the load. Carrying everything on your own back results in packs that are often heavier than necessary. That’s why it is essential for hikers traveling alone to learn how to efficiently and effectively pack light!
An overloaded backpack not only makes your journey uncomfortable but can be an added danger. A hefty load that you’re unaccustomed to may cause instability and clumsiness, like my experience on the Larapinta Trail – I slipped because of a lack of training with a heavy backpack.
With the right preparation and practice, you can become accustomed to lugging around a heavy pack. However, if you want to make your journey more comfortable for yourself, then it may be beneficial to reduce your weight as much as possible.
Related reading: Expert Tips For Hiking With A Heavy Backpack
Bring an offline map and power bank
It is essential that you have an offline map stored on your phone or other navigation device. Additionally, ensure your power bank has a full charge; if you become lost while travelling, the last thing you want is for your cell phone to die due to lack of battery life. With a power bank handy, rest assured knowing that you can recharge any time!
Power banks are now so affordable and lightweight that there is no excuse not to carry one—they can recharge your phone multiple times from 0% all the way up to a full 100%. Additionally, having an offline map on hand gives you peace of mind while traveling; if ever lost, it’s easy enough to get back on track.
Paper maps are not optimal as they make it difficult to locate your exact position and many people do not know how to read them properly anyway. Online maps can help you navigate but require dependable cellular coverage which is often hard to come by while on trails – thus making this twofold setup essential!
Bring a satellite navigation device
In the past, I thought that it was unnecessary to invest in a satellite navigation device when hiking with other people. Furthermore, I even trusted my luck and went on solo hikes without one due to its hefty price tag. How wrong I was! Nowadays, if I’m going out for an adventure alone, you can be sure that a satnav is always by my side. Its cost has been nothing compared to the value of safety and security it provides me while out there exploring nature’s beauty.
In the case of an emergency, a satnav device provides me with the capability to stay in contact with my loved ones and alert them immediately by sending out an SOS featuring my exact coordinates. Moreover, I can keep friends/family updated throughout my hike via messaging them my current location so they are able to check-in on me from time to time.
Understand the potential dangers
Prior to setting out on any hike, be sure to thoroughly examine the potential risks associated with your destination. The dangers can vary significantly depending on the trail, park or country and thus require research from credible sources such as a national park website or government agencies. Make sure you access up-to-date information every time so that you are well prepared for what lies ahead.
Be prepared for potential encounters with wild animals like bears or snakes, and pay attention to pesky insects such as mosquitoes. Uneven terrain and overgrown trails are also common dangers that you may encounter on your trek; altitude is another risk factor since it increases the likelihood of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Seasonal changes in weather should not go unnoticed either: snowfall, extreme heat waves – all must be taken seriously before starting a journey!
Be vigilant of your surroundings
When deciding to go on a solo hike, it is essential to stay aware of your surroundings. Scan the terrain before you and keep an eye out for other hikers or wildlife that may be nearby. It is important to remain cautious while enjoying nature’s beauty.
When I’m by myself, I find that I’m naturally much more cautious. When there are no other people around to distract you, you tend to be more in tune with your body and be more aware of your surroundings. However, it’s important to remind yourself to stay vigilant because after hours of hiking, anyone can occasionally become disengaged and lose concentration.
A crucial—and perhaps contentious—aspect of remaining alert is not listening to music or having earbuds in while hiking. Listening to music while hiking alone is not a good idea because it can drown out any sounds that you might need to pay attention to.
Leave no trace
Be considerate of the area you’re exploring and the trail itself. To protect these locations for future use, it’s critical to follow the leave no trace philosophy.
Simply take all of your trash out with you, and leave only your footprints behind.
