Seven Solo Backpacking Tips

by Steve Gillman

Solo backpacking means peace and quiet. No one to talk to means no words are put between you and the beauty around you. The miles just flow. Its entirely up to you to say when you eat or take a break. Want to jump in that alpine lake? Its your decision alone. Its a unique experience.

A solo backpacker also is vulnerable. Twist your ankle, and theres nobody there to help you. Have you ever been stuck alone without food for days? How can you make your solo backpacking trip safe? You cant. Its inherently more dangerous to go alone into the wilderness. What you can do though, is make it safer.

Some Solo Backpacking Tips

1. Tell someone where youll be, and when you expect to return. Its probably best if you leave a map with them, and let them know who to call if you dont return on time.

2. Bring a cell phone. I dont do this yet myself, but many lives have now been saved by cell phones. Turn it off and put it in the bottom of your pack so it wont bother you.

3. Bring the usual safety items (matches, 1st aid, iodine tablets, etc), but double-check to see if they are there and in working order, as youll have nobody elses supplies to back you up.

4. If youre not sure of your abilities, or have a bad knee or other potential problem, stick to well-traveled trails. On many routes, another backpacker will be by every hour. Thats good to know if youre in trouble.

5. Learn well how to read a map and use a compass. If you are two miles off route and cant get a signal on your phone when your knee gives out, youre in trouble. Even if you like to wander, you should be able to know where you are on the map for safety.

6. Know your abilities. Dont plan on twenty-mile days if you havent done them before.

7. Learn to lighten your load. When youre alone, you lose the efficiency of sharing the load for stoves, tents and other common items. Its easy - and dangerous - to become overloaded when yours is the only backpack. You might want to read up on ultralight backpacking.

Solo backpacking is riskier, but for some of us, its well worth the risk. Try it, and you might agree. Just be sure to take the necessary precautions.

Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of ultralight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.TheBackpackingSite.com