Camping is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of work and just life in general. We sometimes need to escape and find a way to reset and recharge our minds and bodies. One way is going camping. But what if you don’t have anyone to go with or your friends ditched out on you at the last minute?
You go alone!
While going solo can feel impossible and overwhelming, it’s a very therapeutic experience and even a confidence booster. However, if this is your first trip solo, you’ll want to be prepared.
Location:
With real estate is all about location, location, location. This saying applies here as well. Your first solo trip should be somewhere near home and not too far away if backpacking. Even just going to a campground in a state park to get comfortable being alone and using your gear.
With that being said choose an area that you’ve been too before. Whether that’s from a day hike or a group camping adventure. For your first solo trip you just want to get your feet in the door, then start branching out further once you gain more confidence.
Share Your Location:
While on the topic of location, sharing your plans with your friends and family should not even be a question. Let them know the day you plan to leave and the day you expect to return, as well as the area you plan on hiking and camping.
Night Life:
The woods can be a scary place at night. Especially alone! The nightlife really comes alive, and your mind can play tricks on you in the dark. A squirrel can sound like a giant Bigfoot is stomping through your campsite. Get familiar with nightlife sounds such as owls, coyotes, etc. When you hear a sound in the woods and can identify it, that will help settle your mind down from its race to think the worst.
I like to download a movie or two on my phone beforehand to watch and fall asleep to. If doing this, make sure you have a portable charger to be able to keep your phone charged — especially if using it for GPS.
If the night life noises are bothering you a simple trick that has worked for me. Simply take your camera or phone camera out and just document those noises and/or just talk to the camera, tell a story until those noises pass or you start to feel more comfortable.
More Tips on how to sleep better while camping. Click Here
Know Your Gear:
When you are out alone, it’s just you and nature. You don’t have anyone else out there to rely on. Learn how to pitch your tent or hang your hammock at home, as well as how to start a fire. Knowing your gear in and out will create one less obstacle to worry about.
When I am solo backpacking, I always carry a little more food and water. Things happen, and I like to prepare an extra day’s worth of food and water due to injury or if hiking takes longer than expected.
Check the Weather:
Be prepared for the unknown. Things can happen, such as changes in the weather. Checking the forecast before heading out on your adventure and making sure you are prepared for those potential weather changes is important.
Solo camping is an amazing experience that will connect you to nature, but also yourself. The more solo trips you go on, the easier it gets. So pack up and hit the trails.
Leave No Trace and Happy Hiking.
