Feeling Safer While Hiking Alone With These 10 Tips
Picture this: The sun peeks over the horizon as you set out on the trail, surrounded by nothing but the sounds of nature and your own footsteps. For many outdoor enthusiasts, solo hiking offers freedom and a great chance to connect with the wilderness. But it also comes with its own set of challenges and safety risks.
Hiking in remote areas without another person you can trust can make even the best hiker a bit nervous at first. Whether you're an experienced hiker looking to split from a group or a beginner curious about solo trekking, this guide will help you feel safe and prepared when you set out on your first solo adventure.
Why You Should Want to Try Hiking Alone
There's something magical about exploring nature at your own pace, free from the limits of hiking in a group. Solo hiking allows you to fully escape into nature, challenge your limits, and enjoy moments of quiet reflection. It can boost your confidence, self-esteem, and make you feel even more accomplished. However, it's very important to be ready and aware of the challenges that come with hiking alone so that you know how to keep yourself safe. If you follow the ten tips listed below, you should feel safer and more confident to start your solo hiking adventure off right!
Tip 1: Start Small
Begin your solo hiking journey with shorter, well-marked trails that are close to cities or towns. As you get more experience and grow your confidence, you can slowly build up to more challenging routes. Starting small lets you develop your skills and feel out your comfort level in an environment where less things can go wrong. And if you decide solo hiking isn’t for you, it’s a shorter walk back to civilization.
Tip 2: Research and Plan Before You Go
Take time to thoroughly research your chosen trail, including how difficult of a hike it is, what the terrain is like, the weather conditions on the day you’re going, and any possible hazards. Plan your route, know how long it should take, and have backup options just in case. Make sure you know the local laws and regulations fro where you'll be hiking and write down what emergency numbers to call. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be and feel!
Tip 3: Share Your Plans With A Friend You Can Trust
Always tell someone about your hiking plans, including the route you’re going to take, when they should expect you to return, and the details of the vehicle you’re going to take. Set up plans to check-in and agree on when they should alert the authorities if you don't return or miss a planned check in. This way, if anything happens to you, someone will know where you are and how long you have been gone for.
Tip 4: Pack The Essentials (And Some Extras!)
Never hit the trails alone without packing the ten essentials: navigation, a headlamp, sun protection, a first aid kit, a knife, a fire starter, some form of shelter, extra food, extra water, and extra clothes. For solo hikes, you should also think about packing extra safety gear like a personal locator beacon or a satellite phone. If you live in a place where it is legal to own and carry, you may also want to consider your options for carrying Mace or pepper spray for extra personal protection.
Tip 5: Stay Connected and Charge Up
Bring a fully charged phone and a portable battery pack. Download offline maps that you don’t need Wifi or cell service to access, and consider investing in a reliable portable GPS device. While you shouldn’t be dependent on technology for help or finding your way, it can be life-saving in emergencies.
Tip 6: Work On Your Navigational and First Aid Skills
It’s always a good idea for anyone to take courses in wilderness first aid and navigation, but even more so if you’re hiking alone. You should practice these skills often. Knowing how to read a map, use a compass, and handle minor injuries can be life-saving when you're in the wilderness alone. Talk to other hikers or search the web to find in-person or online classes that fit your schedule and lifestyle. Watching a few youtube tutorials can even help you brush up on your skills and knowledge if you’re out of practice.
Tip 7: Be Aware Of and Ready For Wildlife
Before you hit the trails, research local wildlife in the area and the appropriate safety precautions you need to take. Carry bear spray in bear country and learn how to use it. Make noise while hiking to let any animals in the area know you are coming. Remember, most wildlife encounters end peacefully if you stay calm, remember your preparation, and do what you are supposed to do.
Tip 8: Trust your Instincts and Know When To Turn Back
Listen to your gut feelings when you are hiking alone. If something doesn't feel right – whether it's the weather, trail conditions, or how you are feeling mentally or physically– don't hesitate to turn back. There's no shame in choosing to get home safe instead of finishing the hike. You can always come back and try again when conditions are better and you’re feeling up to it. It’s better to regret turning back over nothing than to push through and regret getting hurt.
Tip 9: Stay on Marked Trails and Leave No Trace
This tip should be followed by all hikers, but especially solo hikers. Stay on established paths to take away some of the impact your hike has on nature and limit your chances of getting lost. Follow Leave No Trace rules to protect the environment so that the fantastic wilderness you get to hike through is still there for others to experience in the future.
Tip 10: Build Your Self-Confidence
Solo hiking can be more mentally challenging than hiking in a group. To make it a bit easier, practice positive self-talk, mindfulness, and stress management techniques before you go and while on the trail. Build confidence in yourself and your abilities by gradually building up to bigger challenges and celebrating your achievements, no matter how small.
Tackle Trails While Feeling Safe
Remember, solo hiking isn't about proving anything to anyone else – it's about challenging yourself, connecting with nature, and finding peace in your own company. By following these safety tips and respecting your own limits, you'll have all the tools you need to enjoy the benefits of hiking alone.
So lace up your boots, pack your backpack, and step out onto the trail feeling confident and safe. Your new solo hiking adventure awaits!