Solo hiking/camping

JenAndSome

I have a very strong desire to go camping and hiking. I don't get a lot of free time. I work a lot. I am constantly surrounded by people and I really just want to be outside and be alone. Am I nuts? I went for a short hike near the lake where I live last week and every one who found out nearly lost their minds that I would dare to go by myself. I never felt in any danger. I rarely feel uncomfortable alone. I am very self-sufficient so I saw no problem with it. Does anyone else ever do this and have any advice or tips for me if I do decide to take a few days off to go play in the woods?

scg17

I have flown to different states to hike alone. Just be smart. Know your fitness level (example, I have no problem doing 10 miles a day backpacking, but if I'm going alone I would cut that down, just in case I'm injured). Have times you check in with people (ie, I will be in cell range by 2pm Monday, I will text), and review the trip beforehand to make certain it is safe (as in safe from vandals, creepy folks, etc). Bring a little extra gear. If possible, pick a hike that actually has cell reception (easier and easier to do these days).

gothchiq

I see no problem with it. Just take precautions. Make sure you have a cell phone and are in a location where it will work. Carry one of those flip-out batons and pepper spray, and a loud whistle. Be sure to have a first aid kit, emergency numbers, know how to reach the park ranger if u are in a park, etc. And if possible bring along a great big dog.

girlwithcurls2

gothchiq wrote: »

I see no problem with it. Just take precautions. Make sure you have a cell phone and are in a location where it will work. Carry one of those flip-out batons and pepper spray, and a loud whistle. Be sure to have a first aid kit, emergency numbers, know how to reach the park ranger if u are in a park, etc. And if possible bring along a great big dog.

QFT. Lol about the big dog... Seriously, do you know anybody with a dog you could take? My neighbors let me take their dog running. It's a great deal for both of us. I think it's an awesome idea. If you're careful and plan well, you should be fine. Have fun!

Need2Exerc1se

Good recommendations above. Just be aware and always let someone know your route in case of emergency.

retirehappy

If your cell phone has good coverage in the area and you go to a State or National park/forest areas and you check in with the rangers, I would say yes, do it. I have never camped out alone, but hiking alone I have done often. I would probably opt for an established campsite, so others will notice if you don't return. You just have to let people know where you are headed, make sure no storms etc. are headed your way. Use your head to stay safe.

If it is bear country make sure you know what to do with your foodstuff etc. Don't go to bear country during TOM!!!! That is asking for trouble. If it is major snake country, you might want to avoid trails early in the mornings when they are sunning etc. Usually they want less to do with you, then you want to do with them. Have a small first aid kit in your pack. Don't forget to have enough water to hydrate with you at all times.

I love to hike alone so I know how you feel about this.

JenAndSome

Thanks for the safety tips. If I go it will definitely be in state. I will check cell reception for the area. I didn't even think about that. I guess I could train a carrier pigeon if nothing else, but yeah, checking in with someone is a good idea. I do not have access to a big dog to take with me, but I kind of wish I did. I guess not having to share a tent with a dog is on the plus side of that equation, though.

JenAndSome

Thank goodness I am not in bear country at all. We do have some snakes around here but I have yet to run across anything more dangerous than a garter snake. I am okay with keeping it that way.

cwolfman13

I personally wouldn't recommend packing into the forest without a "buddy". I wouldn't think twice about a short walk or day hike so long as someone knew where I was going and when I'd be back...but hiking into the wilderness for miles and days is not something I would do without accompaniment.

There is a lot of awesomeness deep in the woods...and there's a whole lot of *kitten* that can go wrong to regardless of how self-sufficient you are.

ETA: after reading others responses, I guess my idea of hiking and camping are different from what other people think. Where I am, there is absolutely no cell coverage anywhere in the mountains...just millions of acres of wilderness and mountains. If *kitten* goes wrong, you're toast.

I have "car camped" numerous times on my own in established forest service campgrounds...in most cases, there are many people there so it's not like I'm really on my own...hiking into the bush is a different matter.

chivalryder

Bring some pepper spray and use it on all of the nay-sayers.

erickirb

coyotes have been known to attack and even kill hikers here and there around here (Nova Scotia), usually people hiking alone, as they wont attack groups of people.

remelign

I've hiked and camped by myself many times. Always bring a whistle, and a dog is a great hiking companion. Bring extra food and water if you can, in case you get lost/off track/just want to stay longer than expected.

Once, when camping alone near King's Canyon NP in California over Memorial Day weekend, it had snowed the whole week before, so NO ONE ELSE showed up at the campground. Every site, except the one I had booked, was covered with snow. It was amazing! A little scary at first, but the quiet, peace and serenity of the forest was perfect for meditation and relaxation. The site was next to an open meadow, and I saw deer, fox, and lots of birds including eagles! I could use a trip like that again. It was right in the middle of my last "get fit" journey, and really helped me focus my objectives for life and living.

jonnyman41

are there any groups you could join of like minded people for camping? We camp in Uk with a group that consists of single adults, couples, friends and the odd family. By day we all do our own thing but at night various people have camp fires and you just choose where to join in or stay at your own tent. Round the fire is usually very laid back with people just enjoying the outside air. Feels very safe if going alone though as there are people near by if there was an issue but your space is respected too

JenAndSome

erickirb wrote: »

coyotes have been known to attack and even kill hikers here and there around here (Nova Scotia), usually people hiking alone, as they wont attack groups of people.

I did a quick search of coyote attacks because we definitely have those. It looks like most of the attacks that happen around my area are in more urban areas where the coyotes have a lessened fear of humans. That is definitely something else to keep in mind, though. Most likely I would be staying at dedicated camping areas so I won't be completely isolated from others.

Virkati

I was JUST looking at available camping spots in my state this morning. I used to go camping and hiking alone every other weekend years ago when I was more fit. And I loved every minute! I wanted to get back into it since I feel healthier now. All the useful advice from above are pieces of gold! I never felt threatened either, so I understand how you feel. I learned to keep it to myself that I was going alone, because listening to everyone else made me question my own sanity. When the reality is...going alone is what KEPT my sanity!! Now though, I have friends who understand my need for solitary time and I tell them my plan and I check in when I say I will.

JenAndSome

cwolfman13 wrote: »

I personally wouldn't recommend packing into the forest without a "buddy". I wouldn't think twice about a short walk or day hike so long as someone knew where I was going and when I'd be back...but hiking into the wilderness for miles and days is not something I would do without accompaniment.

There is a lot of awesomeness deep in the woods...and there's a whole lot of *kitten* that can go wrong to regardless of how self-sufficient you are.

ETA: after reading others responses, I guess my idea of hiking and camping are different from what other people think. Where I am, there is absolutely no cell coverage anywhere in the mountains...just millions of acres of wilderness and mountains. If *kitten* goes wrong, you're toast.

I have "car camped" numerous times on my own in established forest service campgrounds...in most cases, there are many people there so it's not like I'm really on my own...hiking into the bush is a different matter.

If I go it will be on a well established trail complete with dedicated camping areas and whatnot. I don't live in the mountains and I am pretty sure there are very few areas in my state without cell reception. I am not brave enough to just take off into the wilderness with nothing but a compass and high hopes just yet.

Follow_me

Carry a pistol

Carol_

Many years ago, I would have said, go for it. But nowadays? No. I like being alone in the woods too and do it often. I would never do it alone overnight. Better...safe, than sorry. At least camp near other people. Please be careful.

rybo

I have camped and hiked solo. Sometimes in areas of cell service sometimes not. Sometimes in bear country, sometimes not. This summer i plan to just disappear into the woods for a weekend with only what I can carry.

Michael190lbs

I hike alone and Carry Bear spray and a cell phone

jchite84

I've done this a few times, never had any problems. Know your limits - ie how far you can hike in and out. Bring ample supplies including some emergency electrolyte powder, and some sugary snacks for use in the event that you bonk. Wear convertible clothes in case you need to lose or add a layer for weather. Make a firm plan and be sure to check in with the park rangers about the length of your stay, more or less where you intend on staying, and which trails you intend to use to get there.

EDIT/ADDITION: Android and iPhone both have GPS beacon apps. I'd definitely get one, and let the rangers know you have it. If something happens and they need to find you, they will appreciate it.

dpwellman

I regularly go on 6-10 mi short hops near where I used to live.

For most anywhere, overnight backcountry camping requires registration (sometimes, but not usually, a fee).

Always have a map. Better yet, a topo map. Even better: both. Know which blazes or cairns to follow. Something like RoadID is a good idea.

Must have:
A good knife.
A good water filter.
A lighter and/or waterproof matches.
A hat

Nice to have:
A head lamp (Princeton Tec Remix is good value) + extra batteries
A small journal and something to write with
NSAIDs (asprin, naproxen ibuprofen)
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)*

*Benadryl does additional duty as a frontline antiemetic and, when taken with NSAIDs, eases muscle pain more effectively.

luv_lea

I sometimes go on smaller hikes, or runs at a local park (that has a really bad name because crime has been happening there a lot lately.) I also have a tendency to go on night runs. I am just sure to always carry my phone on me. Before I leave I call a friend or family member and simply tell them my plans, where I'm going, and that I'll text/call when I return home. That way, if heaven forbid something did happen to me, my friends or family know that I didn't return, where I was planning to go, etc. Over all this concept has made me feel safer.

JenAndSome

Follow_me wrote: »

Carry a pistol

That's a possibility but I am not sure how necessary it would be. I keep one in my home but don't really feel the need to carry though.

JenAndSome

dpwellman wrote: »

I regularly go on 6-10 mi short hops near where I used to live.

For most anywhere, overnight backcountry camping requires registration (sometimes, but not usually, a fee).

Always have a map. Better yet, a topo map. Even better: both. Know which blazes or cairns to follow. Something like RoadID is a good idea.

Must have:
A good knife.
A good water filter.
A lighter and/or waterproof matches.
A hat

Nice to have:
A head lamp (Princeton Tec Remix is good value) + extra batteries
A small journal and something to write with
NSAIDs (asprin, naproxen ibuprofen)
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)*

*Benadryl does additional duty as a frontline antiemetic and, when taken with NSAIDs, eases muscle pain more effectively.

Thank you. Very good suggestions. I would have never even thought about Benadryl.

JenAndSome

jchite84 wrote: »

I've done this a few times, never had any problems. Know your limits - ie how far you can hike in and out. Bring ample supplies including some emergency electrolyte powder, and some sugary snacks for use in the event that you bonk. Wear convertible clothes in case you need to lose or add a layer for weather. Make a firm plan and be sure to check in with the park rangers about the length of your stay, more or less where you intend on staying, and which trails you intend to use to get there.

EDIT/ADDITION: Android and iPhone both have GPS beacon apps. I'd definitely get one, and let the rangers know you have it. If something happens and they need to find you, they will appreciate it.

Thanks. I will look into beacon apps.

ASKyle

A day hike wouldn't be a problem. Pack as if you are staying overnight (extra food, water, warm clothing, etc).

Need2Exerc1se

JenAndSome wrote: »

Follow_me wrote: »

Carry a pistol

That's a possibility but I am not sure how necessary it would be. I keep one in my home but don't really feel the need to carry though.

If hiking in city, state or national parks be sure to check regulations before packing a pistol. Unlocked firearms are often prohibited.

jchite84

There seem to be 2 camps here: 1 that is giving advice regarding wilderness preparedness and 1 giving advice regarding crime prevention. It's interesting to see the trends about people's priorities. I guess I'm used to more remote/bigger wilderness where it would be hard for me to imagine coming across another person, let alone a person intent on hurting me while backpacking/hiking.

JenAndSome

jchite84 wrote: »

There seem to be 2 camps here: 1 that is giving advice regarding wilderness preparedness and 1 giving advice regarding crime prevention. It's interesting to see the trends about people's priorities. I guess I'm used to more remote/bigger wilderness where it would be hard for me to imagine coming across another person, let alone a person intent on hurting me while backpacking/hiking.

Your area is probably much more remote than anywhere I will be anytime soon. I hope I don't see a lot of people since that is the point of the trip, but I know I am not ready to be in the complete wilderness just yet. Taking a little bit of both sides of the advice seems like a good idea to me. I'm really more concerned about being attacked by coyotes than people at this point, though. Still seems like a minimal risk either way.

JoRocka

Even day trips are an issue.

If you aren't used to being in the mountains ish can go down hill REALLY quickly. My friend just completed the Alto Leob trail in NC- says experienced hikers 2 days- but 3 preferably- they are all fracking nuts- and did it one day.

And they had several people go down (it was an event with check points etc etc) and she herself (who is an experienced rucker) was really concerned about being out there by herself after dark- and they got some folks rounded up to finish the last 7 miles with the small group.

I spent several afternoons on horseback as a child in CA looking for lost hikers on the PCT- only going out for "day trips' got lost and couldn't get their way back to anything remotely close to civilization. Be prepared- have the right clothes- start with small trips- go with experienced people- do research on real hiking forums/books etc. read peoples experiences- see what obstacles they had- how they overcame them and what they did about it mentally/physically.

but start small- day hikes in local parks/camps is wise. never trust your phone. have water- an actual map- have enough water- bug spray- sun screen- water- a pocket knife- water- water proof your phone/map.