Hiking Alone: Is It Foolish Or Perfectly Fine?
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What Do You Think About Going Solo in the Backcountry?
Speaking for myself, I've only hiked alone a handful of times and always on trails that were well known to me and well-used. I've never gone on a multi-day backpacking trip by myself (although I had no specific hiking partner when I set out on the Appalachian Trail amongst a large number of other wanna-be thru-hikers). But that's not because I think there's inherently something wrong with going alone. I'm just more comfortable having a buddy on the trail, even if we don't hike together most of the way. And I like the shared experience, which might mean just comparing notes at rest stops, at the top of a mountain, or at the end of the day if we've not walked together on the trail.
Photo Credit: Stock.xchng / CC
Do You Hike or Backpack Alone?
"Her mother says she's not an irresponsible hiker, yet she did the most irresponsible thing a hiker can do and that is go it alone. I admire her for wanting to see the real world and not the tourist version, but it's simply not smart to go into the back country, no matter where you are, by yourself."
Comment on CNN news story
What Do I Think Of Hiking Alone?
My Opinion:
Photo Credit: Stock.xchng / CC
Well .... as long as someone is hiking a trail or route that is within their level of ability (ie. isn't ten miles long if they've only ever hiked three miles), goes prepared with the proper gear, has a map and knows how to read it or knows the trail well, and tells somewhere where they're going and when they expect to return, then I don't think it's irresponsible.Many people thrive on alone time in the great outdoors, and I don't fault them for going out and getting some. I don't think hiking solo is inherently dangerous; although, one could be more of a target in the very unlikely event the solo hiker or backpacker runs into someone who wants to do them harm. It happens, but it's statistically very uncommon ... even though those types of stories make the news headlines and make it seem like much more of a risk than it is, in my opinion. Still, even when that happens, I don't blame the victim.
"I still don't get it why people do this kind of stuff... Hiking alone in an area that you don't know at all? What if you fall and get injured? How do you get help? Some people just seem to be lacking the most basic common sense..."
Comment on CNN news story
Tell Us What You Think
What's Your Opinion About Hiking or Backpacking Alone?
Do you think going solo is a foolish or reasonable thing to do?
I think hiking or backpacking alone is irresponsible!
Deb says:
If you're lost/injured it's not only yourself that you harm but all those that care about you, as well as the volunteers who leave family & jobs behind to search for the lost! "It won't happen to me" is either stupid or stupid ego!
There's nothing wrong with hiking alone!
Cathy says:
I'm a 57 year old woman and an avid hiker - I hike alone all the time and see nothing wrong with it. I always email friends and family my trip plans, carry a cell phone and GPS. a first-aid kit and essential supplies.
kyle says:
Its a completely different way to appreciate the outdoors.
macmaki says:
I've hike alone many times. I think cell phones have changed alot too, because know (as long as there is coverage) you can communicate when a problem occurs. Still, we should never rely on that. Great Lens though!
Shoshana says:
I love hiking alone! I always make sure somebody knows where I'm going and when I expect to be back.
MysticTurtle says:
If I had to wait for someone to go with me, I'd never get to do anything!
Hiking Solo
Read another discussion about
hiking alone
Precautions To Take When Hiking Alone
Photo Credit: Stock.xchng / CC
This advice certainly applies to hiking with a buddy or a group too, but I think it's even more crucial when going alone.- Leave an itinerary -- a trail/route and expected return time -- with a friend or family member. Contact them when you return so they know you're back and don't call for help unnecessarily. (Don't have a friend or family member you can leave this information with? One alternative would be to go to a ranger station near where you will be hiking. Tell them where you intend to go and how long you plan to be gone. Ask where you can park or tell them if you already know. Give them your license plate number, the make and model pf your vehicle, and when you will check in with them on the way out.)
- Take a 24-hour pack with ten essential gear.
- Carry an emergency locater device, such as a PLB or SPOT Personal Tracker
(and know how and when to use it).
- Check the weather forecast before you start hiking.
- If you've never hiked the trail or route before, know what type of terrain you'll encounter and any special skills or equipment you may need, then assess your ability. Be honest with yourself! Study the map before you start hiking and be sure to take it with you.
- Don't wear headphones. Listen to your surroundings. Music is great but it can be distracting and prevent you from hearing things like someone approaching from behind, thunder, or animals.
- Consider using trekking poles. I've found they've saved me from sprained or even broken ankles on numerous occasions, as well as prevented me from falling. Getting injured on the trail is never a good thing, of course, but it's even worse when hiking alone.
- Don't take unnecessary risks. Be conservative. For example, don't take that extra step towards the edge of a cliff just to see further down into the canyon.
- Stick to your plan. Don't change the itinerary, trail, or route you left with your friend or family member on a whim.
A "Just In Case" Device For Hikers, Solo Or Not
SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger unit, Orange/Black
Amazon Price: $98.23 (as of 06/01/2012)
Product Features:
* Faster GPS acquisition for quicker 911 response
* Sends check in message, capable of tracking, sends help assistance message, alert SOS for emergency assistance
* More satellite detection than any competitive product on the market
* Operates under the harshest environments, temperature, altitude, humidity, corrosion, vibration, waterproof, and buoyant
* New smaller size, lighter weight
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Gadgets For Hikers CAN Potentially Be Lifesavers
If you know how AND when to use them ... and if they work.
The Use And Misuse Of The SPOT Satellite Messenger
Imagine someone calling 9-1-1 from a remote area of the Grand Canyon because the water they filtered tastes kind of salty, setting in motion a risky rescue operation. Or...
News Stories About Solo Hikers Who've Had Bad Luck
- Missing Hiker Found Dead With Dog Sitting At His Side
- Peter Choi, 38, was reported missing by his sister after he failed to return from a one-night camping trip. He was camping alone with his dog.
- Missing Hiker OK After Spending Night Alone in Gorge
- What began as a day hike in the Linville Gorge for 55-year-old Ronnie Greer turned into a punishing 30-mile trek.
- Searchers Step Up Efforts To Find Missing Hiker
- Search-and-rescue teams are step up their efforts find a Northeast Portland fisherman missing since July 12, when he hiked alone into a Mount Hood National Forest wilderness area.
- British Hiker Found Dead After Going Missing in the Italian Dolomites For 11 Days
- Robert Collins, 68, was last seen leaving his hotel on July 7 after telling his wife and hotel staff he was going into the mountains.
- Hiker Found in Gorge Got Lost in Snow
- A Portland man missing after he headed out for a day hike in the Columbia River Gorge Wednesday has been found, authorities said.
Most Of These Folks Did Go Hiking Alone
Hikers From The United States Missing in Foreign Countries
While I was in Nepal during the summer of 2010, an American trekker went missing in the Himalayas. Since I'm involved with Search and Rescue here in the States...
Any Other Comments About Hiking Solo?
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visitor
May 2, 2012 @ 3:04 pm | delete
- Going solo-be prepared and cautious. Let people know where you are going and when you expect to return. The value of solitude in nature is immeasurable. Those who say it should NEVER be done and that it is irresponsible to do so should consider the consequences of a life lived in fear, totally and constantly surrounded by the limiting mindset of the herd.
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getmoreinfo
Feb 8, 2012 @ 8:55 pm | delete
- I have only heard the bad when it comes to hikers, basically what is reported on the news and like you mentioned they seem to only cover the missing ones, I would have to say that going with another hiker or group could be just as dangerous as going solo because unless the people you are with are experienced or have common sense to know what to do in a risky situation it could be bad news for everyone.
Some people do better by themselves and they have a plan and know how to navigate themselves on the hike while others may do better in a group or with a partner, it just depends. Each person would have to use their strengths and talents and be cautious.
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ZestCareerCoaching
Aug 10, 2011 @ 2:07 pm | delete
- I agree that you have to be responsible about it and hike well within your ability, erring on the side of caution. I met a solo hiker in the Sierras a few years back who didn't know how to navigate and called the rescue guys every time they got lost & unfortunately hikers like that give solo hikers a bad name.
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TravelingRae
Jun 27, 2011 @ 5:04 pm | delete
- I don't think that it's any more dangerous to hike solo or with someone so long as you leave an itinerary and research the hike so you know what you're getting into. Carry a basic first aid kit (and know how to use it!). Take fewer chances.
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DinaDLG
Jun 1, 2011 @ 10:07 pm | delete
- I don't like doing anything alone, so I don't really see myself hiking alone. I'm not sure where I come down on hiking alone being stupid or not, it's a case by case situation probably.
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A Bit About Me
A hiking writer ... who usually hikes with a buddy around somewhere
by Ramkitten
I'm glad you've stopped by! So what's with the Ramkitten thing, you ask? Well, that's my trail name in the long-distance backpacking community (and now... more »
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SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger unit, Orange/Black
Amazon Price: $98.23 (as of 06/01/2012)
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