Solo Hiking: Camping Plus Guide to The Essentials

While we at Camping Plus love camping, we also appreciate all of the activities that come with it. One of our Favorite hobbies is hiking. Hiking can be done in a tour group, with companions, or alone. If you read any of the other blogs about hiking alone, you’ll see that the reviews are mixed. Some argue that it is risky and should be avoided (nonsense), while others promote it. Camping Plus encourages both group and solitary hiking. Of course, solo hiking is not without danger, and we wish to assist people who are new to solo hiking in determining whether it is for them, and if so, how to do it safely and appropriately.

What is solo hiking?

The term “solo hiking” or “hiking solo” pretty well speaks for itself. Some people, however, may have never gone on a solo trek before and may be familiar with what to expect. It is more than just going on a trek on a route by yourself. There is a distinction between going on a trek on your local beach boardwalk alone and going on a full-day climb through the mountains alone. If you’re just starting out, stick to smaller local trails.

The benefits of solo hiking

Many benefits can be derived from hiking solo, such as:

Build A Relationship With Nature

Hiking alone helps you to disconnect from the social construct of society and spend time with yourself. This means you can stop chatting, thinking, and glancing at your phone and go hiking. You are having no one else to talk to while hiking will help you absorb the natural surroundings and take in all the sights, scents, and sensations of the natural world. You will most likely notice things you have never seen before. Hiking alone reduces distractions and allows you to focus on yourself, leading to personal insights and creativity.

Challenge Yourself

Hiking solo allows you to go at your own speed and push yourself as much (or as little) as you like. You no longer have to consider how people move, where they go, what they do, or say. This provides a tremendous sensation of freedom.

Overcome Irrational Fears

Although hiking solo can be difficult and dangerous (for example, not having someone to help you if you fall), it can also be a wonderful experience if you stay within your boundaries, plan ahead of time, and prepare well. These excellent solo hiking experiences may help you conquer your fear of hazardous animals, exercise, or being alone. Going on a solo trek may cause worry, but if done gradually, it may be really satisfying.

Improve Fitness

Obviously, hiking more will help you get fitness. However, hiking alone allows you to go at your own speed, which will help you develop your fitness on your own terms.

Solo hiking essentials

Let’s look at the essentials for your solo vacation. You will never regret bringing these things.

Travel light

Pack just what you know you can carry for the duration of the hike. Because you are going alone, you will not have a hiking companion to turn to if your load becomes too heavy. Choose lightweight food and trekking gear, and walk a moderate distance with your fully filled bag before the hike. Adjust the pack’s weight as needed.

Sturdy hiking boots

When hiking, especially alone, you need to protect your feet and ankles. Purchase a nice pair of hiking boots and break them in before going trekking alone. This helps to prevent blisters and injuries, which might jeopardize your vacation.

Emergency kit

Always have a comprehensive emergency kit with you; do not rely on passing hikers for first aid supplies.

Portable lights

These are essential for any solo hike. Even if you’re planning a short excursion, you should be prepared to be on the path after dark.

Do not rely on your phone’s flashlight; instead, use a bright, reliable, and long-lasting light source.

Portable phone charger

If you want to bring a cell phone on your trip, you’ll want to make sure it stays charged so you can use it for communication and navigation.

Solo hiking tips

Once you’re on the route, here are some helpful ideas to make your trip more fun and less stressful.

Keep track of time

It’s easy to lose track of time while on a beautiful alone trek. Looking at the clock on a regular basis is essential for keeping track of your progress on the route about the time of day. To avoid being trapped on the route after dusk, plan your trip ahead of time. This makes it easy to compare your actual and projected path progress over time.  Make any necessary pace or route modifications to complete the trek before dusk. Trails become more dangerous after dark since you are more prone to lose your bearings or balance.

Take photos of important turns and landmarks

Even if you’re completely secure in your sense of direction, take photos of every important curve and landmark you pass. Trails may seem extremely different depending on the time of day, and it’s easy to forget a little detail after a long day of hiking. Having a useful visual reminder is a simple, cost-free way to avoid getting lost on your journey.

Stay on trail

Hiking off-path can be enjoyable, but it’s simple to become hurt or disoriented on a solo trek. When hiking alone, consider adhering to trails to safeguard your safety.

Trust your instincts

This is essential if you’re trekking alone. If something does not feel right, it most likely isn’t. Trusting your instincts might be difficult, but it’s a valuable ability to develop before and throughout your solo trip.

Final Thoughts

Solo hikes are an excellent opportunity to relax and reconnect with yourself; they provide all of the benefits of hiking while also increasing your confidence and autonomy. trekking alone may appear scary to some, but it is just as safe as trekking with others provided you take the proper measures. As long as you’re aware of the challenges you can face alone on the route and prepare properly, you’ll have a fantastic hiking excursion.  Plan your hike ahead of time and anticipate the inner journey.