Solo Hiking Is Worth It
And planning helps
I like hiking with other people. It’s fun. But on some weekend in 2020, I wanted to go to my nearest national park to hike, and no one was available to come with me. I realized that I could research, plan, and go by myself.
Now, most of my hikes are solo. I like how I build self reliance, get a chance to do some thinking on my own without distractions, and can choose my own pace and when and where I eat lunch. Every hike is its own mini adventure.
I’m careful, though. Nothing in life is without risk. But I want to lessen the risks and have a fun and anxiety-free day in nature. I like knowing that if a rain shower threatens, I have a jacket to wear. If I get hungry, I have some snacks. And I have a map and know where I’m going.
When I started hiking alone, I read about the 10 essentials and started making sure I had them with me in my day-hiking backpack.
Checking in with others
Before starting the hike, I let two people know where my car is parked, what trail I’m going to be on, and when I should be back. And then I tell them when I’ve returned to my car and when I get home.
Navigation
I research the trail (and the expected weather) before getting there. I have a trail map downloaded on my phone and a backup paper map in my backpack. I know about how long the hike should take. I also give myself permission to turn back early if I get tired before hiking my whole intended route. There’s no need to impress anyone with feats of speed or stamina.
I also keep a road atlas in my car. The chances of having to use it are low, but isn’t it nice knowing that if technology fails, you have a way to navigate home? I think so.
Lighter, headlamp, hat and sunnies
I carry a lighter and some waterproof matches. It’s hard to imagine ever needing to use those, but they’re not heavy and they’re on the 10 essentials list, so they come along. I have a headlamp in case I unexpectedly get stuck out on the trail after dark. For relief from the sun’s rays, I wear a hat and have some sunglasses with me.
First aid kit
I have some basic first aid supplies: bandages, some antibacterial ointment, some bug-repellent wipes, and the like. Hand sanitizer and a face mask are always in my backpack, too.
Food and water
I bring a lunch and some extra granola bars and snacks. I have water for the day and a water filter in the unlikely event that I need to purify more water than what I’ve brought with me.
Layers for the unexpected
I bring a rain jacket and an insulated puffy jacket rolled up in the bottom of my backpack. I also have a wool beanie and a small and light emergency blanket. My basic philosophy with layers is to answer the question: What would I need for a sudden temperature change or an impromptu night in the outdoors if I got lost or injured?
Personal safety
I have a small pepper spray canister. I don’t think I’ll need it, but there’s some peace of mind to bringing it along.
One of the best books I’ve read about safety is Gavin de Becker’s The Gift of Fear. The lesson I took from the book is that if something feels off, listen to your intuition. If I run across someone who gives me an uneasy feeling, I’ll do whatever seems to make sense for the situation, like heading back to the parking lot or staying in a place where there are other hikers.
But the hikers I’ve seen on the trail have been friendly, positive people enjoying nature too. I like how it’s unspoken hiker etiquette to greet or at least nod at every hiker you pass. Everyone seems happy to be out there, and that’s part of the fun.
Extras
Sometimes I bring a small notebook. I often bring a small digital camera or a film camera like a Polaroid or Holga.
Conclusion
If you go hiking by yourself, either because you don’t have anyone to go with you or just because you feel like hiking in solitude, preparation can help you have a better day.
Having a plan and some supplies frees up my attention so I can be present and focus on the exercise and on nature’s sights and sounds.
If I see you on the trail, I’ll say hello.
