Solo hiking has come up in a big way within the new generation. It is no longer the exclusive domain of the old weirdos and seasoned hikers but a lot of young and adventurous people are starting to travel and hike solo as a way of self-discovery. If you are planning a solo hiking trip some time soon, here are a few pointers that will help.
Do your research
Gathering information about your destination is not only a critical step in having an overall good time but is actually a learned skill that requires consistent practice. If you are the type that always rely on others to do this work in a group setting, what will happen when you are out on your own? Better to read up all you can on the routes and destination before starting your journey.
Navigation
When it comes to navigation, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. When it comes to navigation, there are no one perfect solution for all the time. There can be electronic malfunctions or more commonly, you can run out of batteries. Whereas paper maps require a foundational understanding of orienteering and the maps are often outdated and do not show less popular trails. Your best bet is to cross reference multiple source which can help you get insight on where you need to go.
Don’t take unnecessary risk
Almost everyone is guilty of this specially if you are trying to impress your friends and fans in social media. Try not to define a successful day in the wilderness by overcommitting to a goal in non-optimal conditions. You don’t have to risk a hike in cloudy conditions just because you drove a few hours to reach there. You don’t need that picture for your Instagram if it any ways jeopardizes your well-being. It is always better to remain humble and be aware of your limits.
Tell someone back home
This idea may seem morbid to you right now but the reality is that we are always at risk when travelling in the wilderness and that too alone. Leaving an itinerary with someone you know back home will help minimize panic among your loved ones. In case something doesgo during your solo hike, the information provided by you prior to your hike will help focus the search efforts of those people who are putting their lives on the line to retrieve you.
Have enough to spend the night
In case you lose your trail during a hike, you should be prepared to spend the night at get some rest to keep your mind clear and your energy levels up even when you have depleted your food and water. This doesn’t mean you will have to bring all of the luxuries of a camping trip but maybe just an emergency bivvy which doesn’t weigh much anyway.
