A Complete Guide to Solo Hiking
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Loading... - Denise Ntolo
- 30 Aug 2022
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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 and, in fact, hiking alone can actually be an incredibly rewarding experience.
I’m an avid solo hiker. In fact, I mostly hike alone. From short day hikes to multi-day treks, I’m quite happy and comfortable to be out on the trail hiking alone as a woman. It’s certainly a confidence that I’ve slowly built over the last few years, but I’ve always tried to never let fear stop me from doing anything and that includes hitting a trail by myself.
I’m used to people either telling me that I’m crazy or that it’s dangerous, but I also happen to think that solo hiking is the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself. It’s also not as dangerous as you might think if you properly prepare.
So, I’ve put together this guide to solo hiking that covers everything from the benefits of it to practical tips on safety and planning. This post will help you get the most out of a solo hike, as well as, make sure that you’re completely prepared for it. It might even persuade you to hit the trail alone for the first time!
Should you actually hike solo
Some people would argue that hiking alone is never a good idea. The risks for some far outweigh any benefits. So, is it ever a good idea to hike solo? Well, I wouldn’t be writing this guide if I thought it wasn’t.
Still, I acknowledge that hiking alone carries serious risks and without adequate experience or knowledge it can be quite dangerous. It’s common for many national parks or trail guidelines to recommend not walking alone, however, it really comes down to being a personal choice or preference.
I also have to say that when it comes to questioning whether hiking alone is a good idea, it’s usually directed at women. Some people consider being a woman on your own as being inherently dangerous. There have been countless times when people have warned me of the dangers of hiking alone and I’m sure that my male counterparts probably don’t experience this quite as often. However, in my opinion, the dangers of solo hiking are pretty similar no matter your gender and being a female does not automatically mean that it’s something you shouldn’t do.
At the end of the day, many of the risks can be mitigated by planning and preparing properly and following general safety tips for hiking. In my experience, being alone also makes you much more aware of your surroundings and in tune with your body that it can actually mean accidents are less likely. Either way, going out in the wilderness alone will always carry risks but if you have a read of these solo hiking tips at least you’ll be more aware of what it might require.
Benefits of hiking alone
I’m going to start this post on a lighter note and explore the benefits of hiking alone (because there are many). This could actually be a blog post topic in itself and I could write all day about the benefits of hiking. Here’s just a quick run-down of why going for a solo hike could be a good idea:
You don’t have to wait for someone else
Have you ever wanted to do something and then decided not to because nobody else wanted to go with you? This is why getting comfortable with solo hiking can be a great advantage. You simply don’t have to wait for anyone else and you can make all the decisions yourself about where you go and how long you hike.
You can hike at your own pace
Everyone has their own way of doing things and it’s the same when it comes to hiking. Some people stop to take photos every ten steps, while other people don’t want to stop until they reach the end. Hiking alone means you can set your own pace and rhythm of your hike. For me, this is one of the most enjoyable parts of hiking alone.
It builds character
On a less physical note, hiking alone can be a real character-building exercise. It requires, and at the same time, builds a genuine sense of self-confidence. It can foster self-assurance in knowing that you’re completely capable on your own and there is also a real achievement in doing something by yourself. These are qualities that can help you in many other life situations. Read More...
