SOLA in the outdoors: your first time solo hiking
The weather’s cleared, the scenery’s green, and I’ve made it a point to lace up my boots, grab my dog’s leash, and take my Difficult Pursuits training outside as much as possible. Because school is still in session and the cool weather sometimes seems like its wants to loom around a bit longer, spring is a spectacular time of the year to enjoy solitude in parks and trails all over the country, even on weekends.
Day 2 of the Pemi Loop in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, 2017.
Of course sharing moments in the outdoors with loved ones and company is a fun way to get outside, but this blog is about doing things alone. In my case, it’s not always a blissful choice, but rather a lack of one. If I waited until my husband had a free weekend off work, or some of my friends had a free time slot on their schedules, I would waste time, barely get out and do what I like, hence why I don’t look back and just go. The message is not to overlook family time and alienate yourself from others purposefully, but to not see lack of company as an obstacle to getting after what you want.
“If I waited until my husband had a free weekend off work, or some of my friends had a free time slot on their schedules, I would waste time, barely get out and do what I like, hence why I don’t look back and just go.”
However, hiking, especially alone, is not for everyone. I’ve been aware that many women consider hiking alone, just like traveling, a potentially enriching experience that causes way too much anxiety and confusion up front. There are many more questions and concerns than there seem to be answers. My goal with this blog post is not to answer these questions, but to provide some guideline tips on how to prepare as best as possible for a solo hike when you do feel ready for it.
Here it goes! And for the seasoned solo hikers, it there’s anything I overlooked, please share in the comments below.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR ALL FIRST TIME SOLO HIKERS
+ Do your research
My then fiancé could only fly out Saturday for our vacation out West, so I flew out to Vegas Thursday and drove to Death Valley to hike and camp by myself.
Solo hiking is a micro version of a full solo trip, and because of that it’s important that you do your due diligence. Seasons, time of day, weather forecasts, length of trail, elevation gain, net elevation are all important parameters to consider when planning any solo hike, especially your first. There are many excellent resources out there to find trail lengths, hike ease, current trail conditions, etc., but my favorites are REI’s Hiking Project and AllTrails apps. Engage with people on FB or Reddit forums, too. My absolute favorite community to reach out for outdoor advice specific to females is the She Explores Podcast FB group.
For general hiking advice, tips, and tricks, I cannot recommend REI’s Expert Advice enough.
+ Start out small
If it’s your first time hiking alone, choosing a local trail you’ve done in the past with others, or a new one that is easily accessible to a main road may be a smart choice. If you’re decided on doing a longer trail, try to find out that is interconnected with other trails, and thus allows you to have “bail-out” points along the trail in case you need to evacuate.
+Stay alert
Most trails from major and even local park systems are very well marked, but it’s important that you remain alert. I would suggest minimizing use of stimulating media (music or podcasts, for example) while hiking alone. It’s a good idea to use all your available senses to watch out for strange sounds, smells, and maintain focus on trail markers. Popular trails will usually never be completely solitary, so it’s also good to watch out for trail runners, dogs off leash (don’t be that owner, please), or people hiking with children.
+Employ safety systems
Always let a trusty friend or family member where you will be going and any other pertinent information that may prove useful if something were to happen to you. For example, if you’re doing a trail system (a route composed of various trails), it’s likely a good idea to mention what trails you plan to hike and in what order, and where you parked your car. Sending a pin is also a great alternative.
+Be prepared
Preparation for a wilderness adventure re quires a totally different mindset as the risks and exposure are different to when you prepare for a night out with friends in the city. By “preparing”, I mean, at a minimum:
Keeping a map nearby — if you download an app like AllTrails or REI Hiking Project, you can download offline maps of the trail or trail system you’re hiking. Even if you lose cell service, you can usually course correct if you stray off trail.
Enough food and water, and even some more
Layers, even if just a light jacket
Headlamp if you’ll be doing a sunrise or sunset hike
Power bank if you expect to be out for a long time
+Know your limits
You know yourself better than anyone else. For your first solo hike, stick to your physical and emotional capabilities. You have nothing to prove to anyone, and the experience isn’t meant to terrorize you. You can’t control everything for sure, but you are in control of putting yourself in a situation where you are likely to succeed.
+Go take local hiking classes
If you still don’t feel convinced of your hiking skills but would love to try a solo hike sometime, take a local hiking class.
Yes, there is such a thing.
Local outfitters and giant outdoor brands like LL Bean and REI usually have free walk-in classes on multiple topics, including hiking and backpacking, that you can take advantage of. I’ve taken some hiking classes myself even if most of what I’ve learned has been through exposure. I even went to a talk on female solo travel because you never know what you might learn :)
Regardless of how well you prepare, there will always be risks you have to accept. Solo hiking isn’t 100% safe or foolproof, but honestly neither is anything else in life that’s exciting. I hope this list gives you at least a basic idea of where to start to look and what you need to consider before you head out alone into the woods or mountain trails.
Throughout the next few months, I’ll be sharing stories and some tips on how to engage in the outdoors by yourself. If you have any special questions or requests, shoot me an email at ownyouraventure.sola@gmail.com.