10 MISTAKES to Avoid When Hiking Alone | How to Stay Safe While SOLO HIKING
10 MISTAKES to Avoid When Hiking Alone | How to Stay Safe While SOLO HIKING
10 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiking Alone | How to Stay Safe While Solo Hiking // Solo hiking can be intimidating for ANYBODY, whether you’re a man or a woman.
With all of the solo hiking and backpacking trips I’ve gone on and all of the solo hiking and backpacking videos I’ve created and posted here on my YouTube channel over the years, a question I see pop up in the comments and get asked all the time is,
“How can I stay safe while hiking alone?”
In this video, I’m going to share with you 10 mistakes to avoid when hiking alone that will help you stay safe while solo hiking.
Don’t let fear (or someone else’s fear) hold you back and get in the way of something you’re passionate about and want to do for yourself. If you want to give solo hiking a try, do your research, properly plan and prepare for your adventure and then go out there and have fun.
Read on the Blog: https://www.the-hungry-hiker.com/2023/06/06/10-mistakes-to-avoid-when-hiking-alone-how-to-stay-safe-while-solo-hiking/
WATCH THESE VIDEOS NEXT:
• Why I Love Solo Hiking https://youtu.be/zUp5XXjaKPI
• How To Prepare For Your First Solo Backpacking Trip https://youtu.be/VXEuJssUHB8
• 10 Tips To Help Overcome Your Fear of Backpacking Solo https://youtu.be/cdJKKkspNrE
• How I Plan A Solo Day Hike https://youtu.be/7uC4uLjdQZ8
• Why I Created an Online Backpacking Program For Women | The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System https://youtu.be/l0WW6ywtoZU
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I am older male long distance backpacker, mostly because all my friends my age have packed it in when it comes to backpacking. This said a couple of things I would add. The first one is be very careful at road crossings and parking lots at road crossings. I have heard of multiple people running into some strange people. Also don’t camp near the roads. The locals get bored and messing with the hikers is a thing for some. I personally have never had an issue but I know people who have. Make sure you pack a paper map. Yes I love my Far Out app and use it all the time but a recent bad experience on the Long Trail in Vermont changed all of that trust. Vermont has been getting a lot of rain throughout the month of June and well into July and it was also very warm for Vermont. My phone was acting up because of the extreme humidity. To make a long story short I got caught out in a very bad rain storm, over 10 inches of rain in less than 24 hours. A couple people drowned, one an AT hiker. Try using a touch screen phone in pouring rain with super high humidity. It’s pretty much impossible. I will now invest in an In Reach. Not knowing the weather was very bad. Rain was in the forecast all week but this massive storm that flooded much of Vermont including it’s capital was not called until late in the day. I run into lots of solo women on the trial and I always try to make them feel comfortable. People hiking are generally very nice and supportive. I have assisted in a rescue and a couple years ago I helped two young women find their way. One was crying and really stressed. I hiked back about a mile and got them on the correct trail. I don’t think bad people are your biggest problem. In the east it’s deer ticks. Take care
Thanks for watching! Are you thinking about going hiking solo, but not sure how to do it safely? What’s the one thing you’re afraid of when it comes to getting out on trail by yourself? I know I’ve made my fair share of mistakes while out solo hiking over the years. What are some mistakes you’ve made while out hiking alone? Tell me in the comments below.
I step off the trail and let all princesses go by………don,t want to listen to them…….don,t camp with them either….yap yap yap
I am an avid Wisconsin hiker and am always prepared, as I usually hike alone. I ALWAYS have my CC 9MM, a hunting knife, or 3, and a Striker blade placed properly for quick access. If I decide to camp, I always bring 12 Gauge perimeter blank shots, so nobody can get too close without me knowing while sleeping. Always bring more food and water, or water filter than you plan to use. If you get lost and it takes longer than you planned, you’re prepared. Be safe all!
I did all my life hike alone. But not anymore. A few things happened to make me rethink that 😅.But I always had everything you need to survive if you get lost or hurt for a week. And I always carry a side arm that will stop anything moving on this planet. But there are things out there that a firearm will do you no good 😅. The spirit world is very real.I have been hiking for 40 years.
Other’s fears – boy that’s a big one. I’ve recently starting hiking, walk training and building up my miles. I do have my own fears and it does stem mostly around how others could hurt me or bug me on trail. Other friends know I’m doing this via my posts on FB (which are always after I’m done with my hike), but all I’m hearing is how I need to get a big dog, bear spray and on and on. You put it nicely when you said "having to deal with our own fears and the fears of others too".Thanks for this video, very informative.
Solo hiking is where its at for me! You have a better connection with the natural environment, you will learn valuable skills much faster but you will also be confronted by your fears and limits, most of which a mental obstacles. Plan your routes, bring enough food and water, take a basic survival kits(you will never use it), backup battery for recharging phone. Stay hydrated as this will help you will think clearer. Biggest killer in the mountains is hypothermia. Think about how you could maintain your core temperature should you have to spend an unexpected night. Enjoy your hikes!
What pack do you have on in this?
A Glock 26 is the ideal gun for a female hiker. It is lightweight and compact, yet powerful – shoots 9mm cartridges. Solo female (and male) hikers should always carry, and know how to use it.
A basic NOAA rescue beacon has no monthly charge and will bring help at the push of a button anywhere you can see the overhead sky. A used one is OK if it passes the self test. I also carry a handheld 8 Watt HAM radio that receives and transmits on government and other emergency channels. Anyone can legally broadcast on any frequency (channel) in an emergency.
I would say, if asked if I’m alone, “my buddy Guido or Bruno are just behind me”! Lol!,😅
I’m from the UK and have hiked for many years but have never felt threatened by human beings, in this country, inquisitive cows have been my biggest problem. I also hike a lot in France and have never felt threatened there either, and their cows always seem to be particular docile.
I am used to travel alone for past 15 years and do my solo hiking since 2 years ago. Still your video helps me a lot! Thanks for investing your time for making this video. ❤
Is it onX Offroad? Thanks!
For females solo on the pct… use initials or a neutral gender trail name at pct sign in logs. You are ultimately identified by your permit number that is also on the sign in logs if for some reason it’s needed. Had a guy catch up to me when he saw a solo female name on a sign in log. Total nuisance.
My family tells me I shouldnt do it because it’s dangeroys. Hell, I’ve been through dangerous moments and scary things, but that won’t stop me from getting my dose. I love hiking and nobody around me does as much, plus I enjoy it more alone, I can’t explain it. Is like a drug. Important to never underestimate the mountain.
Love for that information
When hiking alone carry a gun! I’ve been hiking since the 70’s and from my experience it’s the two legged animals you have to worry about more than the four legged ones.
Planning my first hike this summer and these videos are helpful for taking notes. Thanks! 👍 (this is my hitch-hiking thumb)
I am 81 and love hiking alone. I always take my dog, map, compass, bear spray, GPS locator, and gun. You never know what can happen.
Great advice! Thank you.
Wow! Great video. You did an excellent job covering this topic. As an older male solo hiker I learned some things. Every hiker should watch this and review it occasionally. Nice job.
I am your newest subscriber.
Actually hiking and camping off by yourself somewhere is probably the safer way to be on your own because most nutjobs aren’t interested in finding anyone if it takes a lot of effort. Camping in a car is a LOT more dangerous because they can pull up right beside you and get away quickly. That’s what they are looking for.
OMG my backpack has a whistle!!! Didn’t even know….thanks xoxo
Can anyone pls advise on the name of the navigation app she mentioned in this video.. thank you
Very interesting video!!
Great video, I subscribed 👍
I’ll be honest, I never go into the woods without some kind of firearm! I was always taught to carry one into the woods. The one time I blew that off, a wild hog chased me and my Scottish Border Terrier up a blown down tree. God was looking after us because the tree was a few yards away. I think the hog smelled my dog, because it placed its hooves on the the tree, sniffing and grunting. It only left because the rest of the herd was moving away. I only had my camp knife at the time. I now carry a small light weight revolver that is easy to conceal and always kept on my body. If your not comfortable with a gun, then a small can of mace is your next option. Their are a lot of pocket sized ones out there.
If possible, travel with at least one other person such as a friend or a family member so you can use the buddy system in case of an emergency.
I’m wearing the same purple hoodie right now in the mountains in cloudcroft ..mountain hardware tunic?
What a nice video thank you
I was alone alone one morning hiking out, the bushes moved right next to me and I screamed like a wild animal. A little squirrel ran out…
just what i needed. thnks
Very well done! I liked and subscribed. Thank you for posting! I’m so sorry I missed the enrollment period for your Confident Solo Female Backpacker System, but I enrolled in your trip planning masterclass.
Thank you for making this
We have my friend, Joan Burlingame, to thank for saving the bridge up the Middle Fork! She was assisted by TRM Wood Products in Maple Valley. Thanks, Joan. You may see her on her mules someday up there when you are adventuring. L
I am an acid day hiker that is looking to get into thru hiking. Sometimes with my family but mainly alone with our young lab. I am new to hiking culture. Is there a way to greet/encourage other solo hikers that won’t creep them out?
Love your channel sis 🫶
#3 is good …but I’d suggest that you *always* chat with the people you run across and let them know your plans. I’m male, so I don’t have the same problems that women have, so I understand having to be a little bit evasive. But i’ve been hiking solo where search and rescue people are out searching for lost hikers. It’s really important that people on the trail have a general idea of your plans so that you can be found if needed.
I’m really sorry that this is a more difficult thing for women that are solo hiking.
Thanks for this video. I just started my channel on my passion – hiking and being outdoors. Not many of my friends want to hike, so solo hiking will be a big thing for me… wish me luck !
Since I am visually impaired ticks are my greatest fear. It holds me back from my desire to go both backpacking or hiking 16:59
Thank you so much for making this video!! It was really helpful and helped to put a few of my fears at ease.
Awesome information! ❤❤❤
I’m at beginner but long time tent camper and hiker, but a beginner for backpacking that is. Thank you for this valuable information.
Always carry where permissible scare away those critters!
Carry a red pencil.
When going off the trail to relieve yourself take only 20 steps each & every time. Put the pencil with lead facing the direction of your trail. Always face the direction of your trail while doing your business. After zipping up pick up your red pencil and take 20 steps back in that direction on to your trail. Then continue on your way.
You have excellent communication skills.
Thanks
BELLA
Ciaoooo
I always carry a giant knife on one hip and a can of bear spray On the other. Is it necessary? Probably not, but it makes me feel better and therefore leads to a more enjoyable trip.
The best way for a female or a group of females to be safe in the wilderness is to have a male with them. Just one is needed.