Although outdoor activities have always provided me with a sense of grounding and spiritual connection, my initial experience of solo camping was quite unsettling. I had not fully prepared myself for the significant differences between camping alone and camping with others. For instance, I encountered difficulties in packing my tent into its compact bag, despite having done so numerous times before. Additionally, my blow-up mattress pad felt much heavier than I had remembered. While trying to fall asleep, I became paralyzed by the sounds of creaking and rustling leaves, constantly fearing that an ax murderer was lurking outside my tent. The aspects that had once brought me comfort during previous trips seemed much more intimidating and challenging when I was alone. Gradually, through several solo hiking and camping excursions, I have eventually started to find enjoyment in them. As with anything else, practice is key to achieving perfection!
Don’t Overdo It
Rather than planning an elaborate journey for your first solo backpacking trip, it is better to choose a location that is familiar, simple, and safe. Going solo is already a challenging task, so there is no need to complicate things further. It is important to set realistic expectations, identify potential points where you can seek help if needed, and avoid planning excessive distances or venturing into dangerous terrains. Instead, focus on your strengths and try to minimize situations that cause anxiety. For instance, if you are nervous about being alone in the dark, opt for a trip during the summer season when the days are longer and you won’t have to spend as much time in your tent.
Get Out of Your Head
The mental aspect is likely the most challenging part of solo backpacking. While being cautious is important, most fears about potential dangers in the wilderness are primarily in our minds. Therefore, when beginning to go solo, it is a good idea to have strategies for dealing with scary thoughts and emotions that may arise. Bringing a personal locator beacon, like a SPOT satellite communication device, is an excellent way to ensure peace of mind that assistance is available if necessary. Additionally, downloading music or podcasts can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort once darkness falls. It is also advisable to have a bright headlamp, spare batteries, and even a camp light in order to create a more positive atmosphere.
Stay Safe
When you are backpacking, prioritizing safety is crucial, particularly when you are alone. It is equally essential to exercise caution in bear-populated areas, have knowledge about treating injuries, and be ready to confront different weather conditions, as you cannot depend on hiking companions for assistance.
When backpacking solo, it is crucial to prioritize feeling secure. To achieve this, one can begin by choosing a location that witnesses a significant amount of traffic. Opting for a popular trail can help diminish the sense of solitude and create a more lively atmosphere. Alternatively, commencing the journey by hiking towards a shelter, similar to those found on the Appalachian Trail, can be even more beneficial. At such shelters, encounters with fellow hikers who are cooking or asleep are highly likely. Even if one chooses to set up their tent elsewhere, they can still partake in a communal experience. Numerous backpacking destinations offer cell service, allowing individuals to call their loved ones while snuggled into their sleeping bags without any restrictions. There are no hard and fast rules for solo backpacking.
Get Comfortable with Your Equipment
Before using your equipment on your own for the first time, it is important to ensure that you are completely comfortable with it. Familiarize yourself with any new equipment or brands as there may be various details to grasp. It would be unfortunate to go out alone and then realize that you are missing a component or a battery. Personally, I highly recommend setting up tents in one’s backyard ahead of any planned excursion.
Even if you are familiar with operating all your equipment, ensure that you are physically capable of lifting it. Prior to any situation, such as hiking, it is crucial to practice carrying your suitcases or camping gear alone.
Be Prepared
When preparing for a hike, ensure that you have the necessary items such as food, water, flashlight, bug spray, and extra layers. It is wise to anticipate unfavorable conditions and assume the worst-case scenario. Assume that the temperature at the summit will be 20 degrees colder, assume there might be an unexpected downpour, and assume that you may fall and injure your knee. Therefore, it is essential to bring a first aid kit. There are numerous comprehensive travel first aid kits available that can easily fit at the bottom of your backpack. Additionally, it may be worthwhile to consider bringing pepper spray or bear spray as an extra precautionary measure in case you require additional protection beyond your boxing classes.
Ensure that you set up your campsite during the daytime for the best results. Being able to see your tent makes the process easier, plus having extra time may enable you to obtain additional supplies before it gets dark, if necessary.
Are you in need of one more friendly reminder? Don’t forget to check the weather!
Do Your Research
The AllTrails app has become like a best friend to me. Is the trail excessively exposed to the sun? Are there any sections that lack clear markings or are difficult to navigate? Occasionally, a trail will be labeled as “easy,” even though the reviews on the app suggest otherwise. It’s better to have this information beforehand in order to prevent unexpectedly embarking on a challenging 10-mile hike!
When you are planning to go camping, it is important to conduct research beforehand. This includes researching the campsite, obtaining necessary permits, and purchasing firewood, among other things. By doing this in advance, you may have the opportunity to select a more desirable campsite, such as one closer to the ocean or within reasonable proximity to bathroom facilities.
Attitude is Everything
Solo backpacking primarily depends on having the correct mindset above everything else. In case you genuinely feel scared, trust your instincts. Perhaps it would be beneficial to build up your self-assurance through group adventures initially. Once you feel prepared, avoid overexerting yourself or being overly critical, instead take a relaxed and leisurely approach, and most importantly, enjoy yourself! By embarking on a solo backpacking journey with a sense of curiosity and amazement, directing your attention towards the Earth’s magnificence and observing its intricate nuances, you acquire an invincible ability that cannot be stolen by anyone.
