There was a post in a private forum I’m in where a woman explained that she really wanted to start hiking alone, but indicated that some places make her feel uncomfortable. She said she was looking for “tips and suggestions”, but it was unclear to me where her discomfort was focused. That being said, this is a great topic to discuss because hiking alone can be such a fulfilling experience. So I’m going to share my response to her, which will be slightly edited to remove some of the parts that were directed specifically toward the original poster.
I’ve been on numerous “short” solo hikes in state parks and nature reserves. I’ve also hiked up Mount Katahdin alone, as well as a section of the AT in Shenandoah (despite my mom’s repeated attempts to get me to not go; haha. Moms.).
I’ve never felt unsafe or that anyone was a threat to me on any of these hikes. Mostly, I was worried about a part of the trail being too technical and Murphy having his day (this is especially true when I was at Katahdin. I’m not great with heights and there were a few places I had to suck it up big time on my way up.)
My high comfort level on these hikes was due to past self-defense training I’d done, in combination with some basic survival knowledge.
Pivoting back to the original post, it would help to know what her greatest concern was. But let’s focus on you, the reader. What prevents you from going on solo hikes or taking solo hiking trips? To me, there are two obvious hang-ups, but maybe there’s something else I’m not considering.
Hang-up number 1: Being attacked by a psycho on the trail.
Hang-up number 2: Getting lost on the trail.
The discussion regarding either looks a bit different, so I’ll try to hit the high notes:
If you’re worried about being attacked, I’d re-evaluate the place you’re considering for a solo hiking trip. If it’s the least bit sketchy, I’d recommend finding somewhere else. As I mentioned above, my solo hikes are usually in places that were well maintained and freqented by other hikers. I was never ALONE, alone. Though I went alone, I would see other hikers on the trail. (With the exception of one private land reserve outside of Burnet, TX. I was basically alone out there. But I digress.) To give you some comfort, find a self defense course in your local community (I’m partial to Israeli self defense/fighting, because I trained in it for a few years and I loved it). Learn some basic ways to stop an attack. Carry a knife and learn how to use it. Carry mace if you couldn’t imagine stabbing someone, even if they were attacking you.
If you’re worried about getting lost or running into a survival situation, I’d strongly recommend taking a basic survival course (this is where I will direct you to read my blog post about Texas Survival School). There you’ll learn about strategies to keep from getting lost (biggest one being advance planning and preparation and truly knowing where you’re going by studying the map of the area where you’ll be) or what to do if you get lost. Buy a water filter (I love my Katadyn filter and even take it on day hikes). Learn how to use a compass. Get a tarp and learn how to turn it into a shelter. Buy a bivvy bag. Learn how to start and maintain a fire for warmth. There’s more I could say, but I’d just be droning on…so instead, I’ll direct you to read my blog post about what goes in an emergency kit.
Bottom line, putting lots of “tools” in your toolbelt (and when I say “tools”, I’m mostly referring to knowledge), will give you a ton of confidence to hit the trail solo.
So, you tell me, if it’s not the two variables above that are keeping you from hitting the trail solo, tell me what is, and let’s talk about it.
Email me at Astrid@IndieAuthorAstrid.com for the fastest response.
Until next time…
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