5 Tips on Hiking Alone
I never thought twice about hiking alone and whether it was dangerous or not. Now, after talking with others and hearing conversations, I realize that solo hiking can feel scary for many women.
I usually hike alone or only with my dog because it’s how I find peace. I seek nature out as a way to slow down, heal, and unwind from whatever stressors are present in my life. It’s the calm and the quiet that I need to feel like a somewhat-sane human. When I am out in nature, I work to quiet my mind, breath, and become fully present in the moment. This mental peace stays with me for days, even when I am not on the trails.
The purpose of this post isn’t to tell you that you absolutely must hike by yourself. But if you want to hike alone or if you don’t have hiking buddies, I can give you some tips about hitting the trails safely.
Start Small
This is a good way to start and become comfortable. . Go to a state park or nature preserve where you already know the trails a bit, or where you know the trails are well maintained and marked. In a state park, there are usually plenty of other people around, so you can get backup if needed. Once you’re comfortable here, begin to branch out.
Research
Before attempting harder trails, do some Googling, reading, and study maps. Apps like All Trails are great. You can download maps so you always have them on the trail and people leave great reviews about the trail conditions and level of difficulty. It’s a great place to start.
Make note of the mileage and elevation gain so that you know the hike is achievable with your level of fitness. Keep an eye on the weather. Read hiking blogs and follow outdoorsy people on social media.
Pack the 10 Essentials
No matter how short or long the hike is, always always always pack your ten essentials. You just never know!
Navigation: map, compass, GPS, All Trails, etc. If you plan on using your phone for navigation, bring a backup charger
Headlamp and extra batteries
Sun protection: sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, etc.
First aid kit
Knife and/or multi-tool
Fire: lighter, matches, tinder, flint and steel. I always bring two options with me (usually a lighter and my flint and steel)
Shelter: a tarp is a good option, but I also include rain gear in this category
Extra food
Extra water
Extra pair of socks
Mother Nature is beautiful but she’s unpredictable, so it’s best to plan for a little of everything. You just never know. And you burn up more calories hiking in nature, so bring just a little more food than you think you would need, just in case. It’s also so important to stay hydrated to avoid unpleasantness such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and hypothermia.
Wildlife
I live in black bear territory and have stumbled upon a few on my hikes. As much as we don’t want to be near them, they definitely don’t want to be near us. The only time to be concerned is if the mama bear has cubs. In that case, back away slowly and then put as much distance between you and the bear family as possible. We’ll save the topic of food storage and bears on camping trips for another blog post.
Also! Black bears aren’t always black. Sometimes they are brown, red, or gray. Which is kind of cool!
If you plan on travelling to grizzly bear territory, definitely do more research and talk to local experts before venturing out. It might even be a good idea to hire a guide.
It’s completely understandable to worry about other creatures sharing the natural world with you. Spend some time researching what lives in the area you’ll be hiking through and prepare as needed. But they usually give you plenty of space.
People also count as wildlife. I have never had a weird experience on my hikes with other people (knock on wood). They have always been friendly and are there to enjoy the woods. But stay alert, just in case, and remember that you have your knife on you and within reach. Or get a dog, which I highly recommend anyway.
Tell Someone
Make a plan, tell someone the plan, and stick to the plan. Let them know what trails you’ll be on, when you’re starting, and when you expect to be home. Plus, hearing about your adventures might make this person jealous and they’ll want to join you.
I hope this helps! If you are nervous about getting outside by yourself for the first time, I completely understand. But it’s absolutely doable when you prepare and plan properly. And if you’re still nervous, come on a hike with me and I’ll share what I have learned. I am planning on doing hikes in the future that are exclusively for the female-identifying population, so keep your eyes on the schedule for those!
Happy hiking!