Hiking alone may be a little out of your comfort zone. Heck, hiking itself may even be out of your comfort zone. That’s ok. You can start small.
Whatever your hesitation, with careful planning and following safety precautions you’ll soon be hitting the trails with confidence!
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Benefits of Hiking Alone
While hiking with friends or family can be enjoyable and memorable, there are some pretty rewarding benefits about embarking on a solo hiking adventure.
Complete control over your itinerary, pace, and route
You can walk as fast or as slow as you want. You can stop and rest, explore side trails, or stop and take a bunch of pictures all without having to consider the preferences of anybody else.
More attuned to your surroundings
Your senses become sharper, and you can appreciate the sights, sounds, and scents of nature more fully.
Enhanced Mental Health
Spending time alone in nature has been proven to have positive effects on mental health. It can reduce anxiety levels, relieve symptoms of depression, boost mood regulation abilities, and increase overall psychological well-being.
Improved decision-making skills
Solo hiking encourages self-reliance and decision-making. You must assess risks, navigate, and solve problems on your own, which can enhance your problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Your whole goal is to have a successful hike. So, before setting out on your solo adventure, invest some time in planning.
Decide where you want to hike
Research local trails, parks, or natural areas to find a suitable destination. Consider factors like distance from your location, difficulty level, and the type of scenery you prefer.
Learn about your chosen trail
Read reviews, study maps and familiarize yourself with the terrain. Know the distance, elevation gain, and any potential obstacles (like stream crossings) you may encounter. AllTrails is a great resource for this.
Know your limits
Be honest about your fitness level and abilities. Choose a trail that matches your current fitness and hiking experience.
Start small if you need to
Everyone has to start somewhere. You’re not going to start off with a hike through the Swiss Alps! Maybe your first hike is a short walk on a paved path through a local park. Confidence and ability will build little by little.
Basic Hiking Safety Tips
Safety is the priority regardless of if you are hiking alone or not. There are some basic safety tips to follow when doing any hiking.
Check the Weather Forecast
Always check the current weather conditions and forecasts before heading out. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and extreme weather can pose serious risks to hikers. This information helps you make informed decisions about whether it’s safe to proceed with your hike or if you should postpone or alter your plans.
Know When the Sun Sets
Knowing the sunset time allows you to plan your hike more effectively. You can estimate the duration of your hike and ensure that you have enough daylight to complete your planned route safely. If you plan to hike in the mountains, it will actually start getting dark way before sunset, as the sun falls back behind the mountains pretty quickly.
Trust Your Instincts
Always trust your intuition. If something feels wrong or unsafe, turn back. It’s better to be overly cautious than to put yourself in harm’s way.
Stay on the Trail
Stick to the marked paths to avoid disorientation and difficulties in finding your way back, especially in unfamiliar terrain. Be extra cautious where two or more paths cross each other so that you’re sure you are still following the correct path.
Pay Attention to your Surroundings
It’s natural to want to always look down when you’re hiking but you need to look EVERYWHERE! Look up and notice where the sun is, look around and notice any landmarks, look behind you to see what it looks like. All of these things can help get your bearings if you get lost or confused.
Tell Someone Where you are Going
Before starting your hike, let a family member or trusted friend know your plans, including your estimated return time. Check in with them once you’ve completed your hike to confirm your safe return. If you don’t check in as planned, they can initiate a call for help. I enable “find my iPhone” with my family so that I have an extra layer of location awareness.
What to Pack When Hiking Alone
Obviously, you’ll be carrying whatever you pack so you’re going to want to pack light. Packing light doesn’t mean you should compromise your safety though. No matter the length or difficulty of your hike, at a minimum, you should ALWAYS have some essential hiking gear with you.
Printed Map
Don’t rely on using your phone for a map. Your phone may not have a signal or the battery may die. Always take a printed map with you. If you’re not going to take a printed map, at least take screenshots of the map and directions.
Compass
A real compass too, not the one on your phone. And you should know how to use it.
Whistle
You’ll probably never need it but take it anyway. Better to be safe than sorry. Remember, you’re by yourself. You can put it in the first aid kit.
First Aid Kit
One of the small kits with bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tape, pain relievers, and something for bug bites will do just fine. I also throw tweezers in mine for the inevitable splinter I always seem to get.
Food and Water
You’re going to get hungry, and you need to stay hydrated. Even if there’s supposed to be a hotel with a restaurant along your hike, it may be closed. Take enough food and water to get you through the hike.
Flashlight (with batteries)
Again, not the one on your phone. A real flashlight. It gets dark pretty fast when you’re hiking in the mountains.
Sun and Insect Protection
It’s no fun when you return home sunburned and covered with bug bites.
Identification and Emergency Contact Information
If you require urgent medical care, first responders will need to know who you are and who to contact.
What to Wear Hiking
What you should wear when hiking depends on several factors, including the season, weather, and the specific trail or terrain you’ll be exploring.
Layering is key, as it allows you to regulate your body temperature by adding or removing layers as needed. It’s essential to stay dry, comfortable, and protected from the elements.
Moisture-Wicking Base Layer
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture. Opt for synthetic fabrics (polyester) or merino wool for this layer.
Insulating Layer
Depending on the weather and season, add an insulating layer to trap body heat. A lightweight fleece or down jacket is a good choice in cooler conditions.
Outer Layer (Weather Protection)
Your outer layer should provide protection from the elements. Choose a waterproof and breathable jacket or shell to shield against wind, rain, or snow. Ensure it has vents to prevent overheating.
Hiking Pants or Shorts
Wear comfortable and durable hiking pants or shorts. Choose a style based on the weather and your personal preference. You’ll also want to make sure that any pockets are sized large enough so that anything you have in them doesn’t fall out when you’re hiking. I usually find that pants or shorts specifically geared towards hiking are best.
Hiking Shoes
Select sturdy and supportive hiking boots or trail shoes that fit well and offer good traction. And to avoid sore feet and blisters you’ll want to make sure they are broken in before going on your hike. I love my Merrell hiking boots.
Socks
Depending on your personal preference and the terrain you’ll be hiking, you can choose from different levels of cushioning. Hiking socks also come in various heights, from ankle socks to crew-length socks. Choose a sock height that suits your hiking boots and provides the right amount of protection for your ankles.
Hiking alone is an incredibly rewarding experience
By thoroughly planning your trip, being prepared with essential equipment, and practicing sound judgment while on the trail, you can minimize risks and fully enjoy the tranquility of solo hiking.
