Solo backpacking is the ultimate in “me time” for a lot of people. No one to talk to means no words are put between you and the beauty around you. Everything is as smooth as the water flowing. You can decide when to eat or when to rest. You may even want to take a dip in the nearby lake! Knock yourself out, my friend! Very few experiences can rival this.
A solo backpacker also is vulnerable. You are effectively doomed should you twist an ankle or incur a similar injury. Is it possible for you to survive without a single morsel of food for an extended length of time? How can you make your solo backpacking trip safe? No. It’s inherently more dangerous to go alone into the wilderness. However, you can always make such a trip safer at the very least.
Solo Backpacking Tips
Tell someone where you’ll be, and when you expect to return. It always helps to give them information such as an emergency contact number and a map of your destination.
Bring a cell phone. Personally this isn’t my style but I may do it in the future, given that cell phones can save lives. If you find it too bothersome, you can always turn it off or leave it on silent.
You will, of course, need a fully working first aid kit, as well as enough matches and iodine tablets because once these supplies run out you cannot depend on anybody else’s safety items as you’ll be on your own.
If you’re not sure of your abilities, or have a bad knee or other potential problem, stick to well-traveled trails. This is because you would be likely to meet another backpacker along the way. That’s good to know if you’re in trouble.
Learn well how to read a map and use a compass. This applies as well to compass usage – if you stray from your route with no cell phone signal and your knees give in, you are in deep you-know-what. Even if you like to wander, you should be able to know where you are on the map for safety.
Don’t try to do too much. Know your capacities and don’t go backpacking for a longer distance than what you’re used to.
Travel light. Traveling alone eliminates the convenience of sharing communal items such as tents, stoves and other backpacking gear. With your backpack as the only thing you’ll be bringing with you, the tendency to overload increases, which may be dangerous. Do some research on ultralight backpacking and you should be set.
Many people find great thrill in solo backpacking despite the inherent dangers. Try it, and you might agree. That is, provided you follow the proper safety measures.
