Hiking alone can be a real feast for your mind. During your solo trip, you will be left alone with your own thoughts, and you won’t have to adjust to anyone else. Introverts might find this way of hiking appealing and relaxing as there is no disturbance in the form of other human beings – just you, your mind, and mother nature. Sounds perfect, right?
Many of us simply need some alone time, and what better way to find it than to go on a long hike? As easy as this way of spending your spare time might seem, it surely demands more preparations.
But don’t worry about it – keep on reading to find a useful guide and some tips to bear in mind while preparing for a solo hiking trip!
Pack for Every Possibility
Since you are traveling alone, you can’t rely on other people anymore. That is why you want to pack all the important items to make your trip more enjoyable and safer.
You definitely want to pack light. Thus be sure to get rid of all the things that aren’t necessary. Then, you may replace a typical plastic bottle with a Hydration Bladder for hiking so that you can fit more things, such as a power bank, medical kit, and an extra pair of socks, to your backpack.
Depending on how extreme your hiking trail is, take sufficient amounts of food to have enough energy to continue your adventure.
You never know what might happen once you start your hike. That’s why having a map downloaded on your smartphone to be accessed offline should be one of the first things to do before beginning your adventure.
Also, keep in mind that as you walk alone, you should definitely pack something for self-defense – objects such as a knife, whistle, or pepper spray should make you feel safer in every situation.
Know the Benefits
We all know that any type of physical activity means pushing our boundaries and doing wonders for both our body and mind. ‘Hiking solo is an amazing idea for a self-improvement journey – you get to be alone with our thoughts, without any distractions,’ say specialists from Self Development Secrets.
Treat this adventure as a therapeutic tool for some of your problems. We are not saying that a quick walk around the mountains will cure a mental illness but distancing yourself from your daily struggles might help you clear your mind and regain some peace.
Create a Plan
The biggest mistake made by many hikers (especially beginners) is usually not planning the trip. Spontaneous decisions can be fun but are not always safe. Before starting your adventure, you want to define your route or check the temperature to wear suitable clothes.
It is also crucial to find out what time the sun sets in your chosen location so that you can avoid coming back in the dark, which is highly unrecommended. As while hiking, we get closer to nature, we cannot forget about the wildlife, so be sure to learn more about wild animals you can encounter during your trip.
Tell Someone Where You’re Going
During our solo hike trip, we should make our safety a priority. Not all situations can be predicted, but you should at least try to prepare for some unpleasant surprises.
Besides the right equipment, make sure to inform your close friends or relatives where you are going and what time you are planning to come back. This way, in case anything happens and you don’t come back, the right procedures can be implemented in order to help you.
Choose Nicer Accommodation
In case of an overnight trip, don’t hesitate to spend a little more money on your accommodation. Solo travelers are strongly advised to sleep in popular hotel chains or boutique hotels from Airbnb. By doing so, you can provide yourself with comfort and safety while resting after a long hike.
Adjust the Trail to Your Abilities
As a beginner, you definitely shouldn’t choose the hard trail. You will surely end up unhappy and with no motivation to repeat your adventure. Instead, look for well-marked and easy options to help you unwind and enjoy your time alone.
Time it Right
Hiking in a crowd might be one of the most annoying things to happen on your trip. We all want to walk freely and admire nature rather than be squeezed between other people or wait in a line to access stairs. That is why we highly recommend starting your hikes in the early mornings to avoid the crowd and get the best out of your trip!
The Bottom Line
Solo hiking adventure is a perfect way to rest from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, especially if you are an introvert. However, during this trip, you need to take special care of your safety and definitely make a detailed plan.
As you can’t rely on other people to remember things you might forget, you should equip yourself with all the necessities to be prepared for all kinds of scenarios.
Treat this adventure as a time for self-improvement. You can learn so much about yourself by spending some time on your own and being alone with your thoughts. Stay careful but curious and make your solo hiking trip unforgettable!
