Hiking alone can be one of the most fun, beautiful, mentally and physically rewarding things anyone can do. When planning a solo hike, however, the task can sometimes seem daunting. If you want tips for hiking by yourself, look no further. We’ve put together some solo hiking tips with the help of our friends Ocho the Hiking Arachnid and adidas Terrex athlete and lifelong outdoors enthusiast Abby Dione for you to feel prepared for your next journey into nature. Plus, we’ll leave you with some inspiration on what you stand to gain by being a present part in the nature that surrounds us all.
Think about this: What is your role within the flow of nature? As we live our day-to-day lives, it can be easy to become disconnected from the planet we call home. Hiking can be a good way to reconnect with this side of ourselves, and hiking by yourself can further enhance that experience by giving us the opportunity to reflect on what our bodies are capable of and what nature has to offer. But even a seasoned hiker like yourself must know, it is not an easy task to undertake.
PREPARE YOUR PLAN FOR HIKING BY YOURSELF
With that being said, here’s some solo hiking tips to ensure you have a smooth and safe time while on the trail. When planning and undertaking a solo hiking trip always:
- Research Your Route: The importance of this cannot be said enough. Even the most experienced hikers research their routes beforehand. This can be anything from checking the weather, identifying landmarks on the trail, knowing what kind of wildlife inhabits the area, identifying hazards or things to look out for while going hiking, and much more. If you’re still unsure about your route, Abby suggests printing off a map of the route or taking notes along the way. Nature can be unpredictable and the only surprise you want while hiking alone is a happy one.
- Tell Your Friends/Family Where and What You are Doing: When hiking alone, no matter how long or short your trip is, accountability is always a good safety measure. As Abby told us, there is no benefit to making our loved ones worry about us while on the trail. Letting your people know can manifest in many ways. You could tell loved ones where you are going and what time they should expect you back, share your location via GPS should you get lost or sidetracked, or if you have signal on the trail periodically keep them updated on your whereabouts. Regardless of which way you choose, the more people know where you are, the better help can come if needed.
- Leave Landmarks: On an unfamiliar or particularly difficult trail, it may be a good idea to leave behind markers to retrace your steps while hiking by yourself. You’ve seen it in the movies with breadcrumbs, but it can be as simple as trying a string to a tree or counting steps and taking in your surroundings. Leaving a trail for yourself is a great practice that may come in handy when you least expect it.
- Know Yourself: Although hiking alone can be seen as a challenge to be conquered by some, you should never go too far out of your comfort zone or physical ability, especially in the wilderness. A great way to stay safe and enjoy hiking alone is by knowing the limits of your body. If you have injuries or health limitations do not put yourself in a position where they can hold you back. Take account of hikes you’ve done in the past. Note the distances, terrain, and how they went. Let those experiences influence what your scope of limitations should be. Welcome a challenge, but never set yourself up for a bad time when hiking alone.
“Basically, it’s the little things that allow you to feel safe.” -Abby Dione
PACK TIGHT, PACK RIGHT
When planning a solo hiking trip, bringing the right gear can make all the difference. What to pack depends on a variety of factors including where you’re going, how long you’ll be out for, how much space you’ll have, and what the conditions could be like. That said, we’ve listed out some general things that we think are helpful in any situation in nature:
- Personal Protection Item: You should always have a personal protection item no matter where you hike. This can be anything from a knife, bear spray, a walking stick, a small axe, or any other kind of deterrent. Whether it be for defense or as a tool, a personal protection item provides an amazing sense of security while out on the trail.
- Water and Snacks: This may seem obvious, but hunger and thirst can sneak up on you quickly while hiking. Solo hiking can be strenuous, and the last thing you want to hear is your stomach grumble. We suggest compact foods packed with energy-rich nutrients to keep you going; like granola bars or trail mix. In that same vein, water is a must. Keep your body hydrated to keep it going. While what you bring is up to you, definitely pack for the occasion. No matter how long you’ll be out, always pack a little extra water or a few more snacks.
- Safety Tools: Like the PPI, safety tools are another layer of security that can really come in handy while hiking alone. Safety tools such as a whistle, light source, flare, radio, flashlight, fire-making supplies, and others are items to consider. Having them can only help you should you ever need them. Always know what you’re getting into and be ready if something doesn’t go according to plan.
- Extra Clothes: Depending on what the weather is like on your trail, an extra set of clothes or a particular clothing item can make a world of difference. Abby recommends a packable rain jacket, a warm base layer, an extra hat, a set of gloves — all of these could prevent an uncomfortable time on the trail, should weather change drastically or you are out longer than planned.
- Socks: This one is so important it gets a section to itself. When hiking alone, you might be on your feet for hours or even days. Why not thank your feet with a fresh pair of socks? Changing socks can reduce chance of injury and be an ultimate morale booster on the trail. As Abby told us in our interview, she would reward herself with clean socks every day on her most intensive mountain hikes. Make sure you bring the right socks, usually something durable and rugged to handle the terrain, like wool.
- Cell Phone: Although some trails may not have service, bringing your phone can really help in a pinch. From music to a pocket flashlight, phones can be used in a variety of ways aside from calling people. Of course, if you need help and have a signal, call for it.
If you want more tips for hiking by yourself like a more in-depth list of supplies you should bring or a breakdown of the gear you should have, you can find it here.
“Hiking alone is a formative adventure.” -Abby Dione
QUESTIONS ABOUT HIKING ALONE
Solo hiking is a popular pastime, and because of that people often have a lot of questions. We always suggest doing your research before taking a trip, so here are some questions and answers we hope might guide you on your next adventure.
- Is Hiking Alone Safe? Any outdoor activity, especially hiking, has its dangers associated with it. Nature can be unforgiving at times so always respect it and be careful. That being said, there are ways and practices you can keep in mind (like what we’ve listed above) to help ensure safety while on the trail.
- If I Am a Beginner, Should I Hike Alone? While you know yourself best, oftentimes it would be wise to get some experience under your belt before hiking alone. Most solo hikers are seasoned and have had experiences and time to learn what is best for the trail. If you want to get into hiking, we suggest going with friends, joining a hiking group, or asking hiking vets for advice.
- What Kind of Trails Should I Hike Alone? This again is personal preference, but a good rule of thumb is to keep yourself out of harm’s way along the trail. Good trails to hike solo are well-traveled trails, ones that many people go on that can assist you if things go south. Another tip is to find trails that aren’t too steep to avoid injury and look for trails with fair weather and non-dangerous wildlife.
- What if Something Goes Wrong? If something were to go wrong on the trail the best thing to do is not panic. Address the situation with a clear head and figure out the best way to seek help. Take account with what is in your pack that can help and trust in your instincts.
- Is Hiking Alone a Form of Self-Care? Yes! Hiking solo, if done safely, can be a fun and rewarding experience for anyone. It is a beautiful thing to surround yourself with nature and we encourage experienced hikers to try it if they feel capable. If you want a list of various physical and mental benefits hiking can provide, check out our article about it here.
"Let nature tell you it’s story.” -Abby Dione
THE JOY OF HIKING ALONE
As stated before, it is a wonderful thing to witness a living Earth. Hiking solo can be a great self-centering experience that we can all benefit from. Next time you’re out on the trail, stop and take a second to just be. Close your eyes, take a breath, engage your ears, and open your heart. Listen to the sound of your environment. Feel yourself as one with it. Everything in nature has a purpose, especially you. We are stewards of our home and nature has a way of reminding us we are welcome.
In our busy lives we can experience a lot of stress, anxiety, insecurity, and loneliness. Sometimes, a detox and a return to our roots is what we need. As you hit the trail, be mindful of yourself and your place in our shared world. Within every stone is resilience, every new sprout a second chance, every footprint forgiveness, and every ray of light a reminder that we are seen. The truths in nature are the same ones within us. If you need a reminder, try going out into this big, beautiful place we call home and see for yourself.