Solo Hiking: A How-To Guide

Many individuals, understandably, view hiking alone as a terrifying and dangerous activity. Seen as risky because of the isolation if something goes wrong, and the idea of being along in wilderness itself can be intimidating. However, it doesn’t have to be, and in fact, solo hiking can one of the most personally enriching experiences possible. Also, if you're well-prepared, the risk isn't as high as you may believe.

To put your mind at ease, we’ve compiled this guide to solo hiking, which includes information ranging from safety precautions and pre-hike preparations to get you ready. This post will show you how to make the most of a hike by yourself and will help you pack everything you'll need, and hopefully give you more confidence to go hiking for the first time on your own!

Is it a Good Idea to Hike Alone?

While some people perceive hiking alone as too risky to outweigh the reward, solo hiking offers unparalleled benefits that make it worth considering. The freedom to explore at your own pace, the opportunity for self-reflection, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from navigating nature independently are just a few of the many advantages.

The risks often associated with hiking alone—such as getting lost or facing an emergency without immediate help—can be significantly minimized with thoughtful preparation. By researching your trail, packing essential safety gear, and informing someone of your plans, you can mitigate potential dangers and fully enjoy the unique, empowering experience that solo hiking provides.

We will break all of this down below so that you'll have a better idea of what to expect if you decide to venture into the wilderness on your own.

The Joys of Solo Hiking

First, we’ll discuss the upsides of solo hiking (because there are many). Consider a few brief reasons why solo hiking can be an amazing option. 

You Don’t Need to Hold off for Anybody Else

Has there ever been times where you’ve opted against an activity you really wanted to do because no one else seemed interested in joining you? Becoming comfortable with doing things alone (whether that be hiking or any other activity) opens up a world of possibility. When it comes to hiking it gives you the added benefits of going at your own pace, choosing both your destination and length of trek without having to consult anybody else.

You can do Things Your Way

Like any activity, everyone has their own preferred method when it comes to hiking. People vary greatly in how often they choose to pause along the way; some will want to snap pictures every ten steps, while others will not. If you're out hiking by yourself, you may go at your own speed which for many can be one of the best elements about going on solo hikes.

An Opportunity for Character Development

For reasons other than fitness, going on a hike by yourself can be a great way to build character. It calls for and fosters an authentic feeling of self-assurance. Having the confidence that comes from knowing you can handle anything on your own is a wonderful feeling, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from achieving anything difficult all on your own is a bonus. You may take these skills and use them in other areas of your life.

It's Like Hitting the Refresh Button

A little stroll can do wonders for your mental state. Putting one foot in front of the other for hours can feel like meditation when you're removed from daily life and all its distractions.

It also provides ample time for contemplation and processing of any thing that may be on your mind. It's remarkable how often you return after a walk or trek feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead.

It's a Great Way to Pick up Some New Skills

Being in nature may teach us a wide variety of life lessons, from the purely practical, like navigation, to the really personal, like overcoming fears or stretching one's comfort zone. Hiking by yourself can provide its own unique set of challenges, and learning how to triumph over them is a great way to grow as a person.

An Opportunity to Appreciate Nature Even More

When you're by yourself, you often become more aware and in tune with your immediate environment, for example noticing the sounds of the birds and the wind in the trees. When you're alone, you may find that you enjoy things much more.

Preparing for a Trek by Yourself

Now let's get down to business. When it comes to organizing your solo trip, you should be meticulous when it comes to selecting a path and understanding what it includes and the circumstances you’ll experience. Much of the following planning will hinge on this knowledge.

Choose a Path that is More Travelled or Less Difficult

If this is your first solo trek, try sticking to a route that you're already comfortable with. Streamlining things this way reduces the amount of time spent worrying about topics like navigation and safety.

Pick a trail where you're likely to run into other hikers if the thought of being utterly alone in the outdoors feels uncomfortable. Beginning your solo hiking adventures by visiting a well-known path or national park is a smart idea. This way if something was to happen or there was a sudden shift in conditions, you may be reassured that there will be other people nearby. In addition to being less dangerous overall, a frequently used route is often well-maintained, making it easy to follow.

Be Familiar with the Path Ahead of You

Never embark on a hike, no matter how short or long, without first familiarizing yourself with the area. Get at least a basic understanding of the route's length, ascent/descent, topography, and typical walking duration. If you do this, you'll be better able to become hike-ready in a practical and secure manner.

You should also find out whether you need permission and if there are any expenses associated with visiting the national park. There may be park closing hours that you need to be aware of, as well as parking and logistical considerations.

At this point, it's also important to think about whether or not you'll need additional navigational or hike-related information on the trail. Depending on your needs, you could use combination of a paper map, a GPS file or app on your phone, and a walking brochure. The greater your breadth and depth of source material, the more ready you will be for any situation.

We recommend installing Maps.Me on your mobile device as it is one of the greatest offline GPS tools for any trip or walk. Mark the trail and pin some landmarks on Maps.Me early on in the planning process so you can easily find them afterwards. AllTrails is another useful resource and app for route planning, since it includes evaluations written by other hikers, who may provide valuable first-hand insight based on their own experiences.

Check the Forecast

The weather before a trek is something that should always be checked. This may be as simple as knowing the typical seasonal trends of the area, such the average amount of rain that falls during each season.

Getting an in-depth forecast the day before can help you prepare accordingly. Putting off your hike is totally acceptable if the forecast has you worried.

Some people don't think weather is a big concern, but it may make trekking more difficult and uncomfortable, especially if you're on your own.

Getting Ready for a Hike by Yourself

Prior Experience is Key

Some prior bushwalking or wilderness hiking expertise is recommended before venturing out on a solo hike. If you've never been hiking before, it's a good idea to go on a guided hike or a trek with a group to learn the ropes.

To gain confidence before venturing out on a more challenging path alone, we recommend beginning with a shorter or more well-known route.

10 Essentials for Your Hiking Pack

Hikers who venture out alone must be self-reliant. Being entirely alone carries with it inherent dangers, so you must be ready to handle everything that may come your way. What you bring along on your hike is, thus, crucial.

Water, food, appropriate clothes (including footwear), emergency blanket or shelter, map and navigation, sun protection, first aid, fire starters, a headlamp, and a knife or multitool, are the 10 basics for every hike.

This basic gear will ensure your safe navigation and survival on any trail. They are suggested since they include not just necessities for everyday life but also potential items needed in more dire situations.

Only Pack the Necessities

When you're on a trek by yourself, you don't have somebody to help you carry your gear, making it harder to travel light. It means you have to lug about your own weight for everything you need, which can lead to heavy, cumbersome packs.

Your journey will be less enjoyable and more hazardous if you carry too much gear. Having a heavy pack can cause you to become unbalanced, and less nimble. So shedding as much weight and you can and only bringing what you really need is always a good idea.

Solo Hiking Safety Advice

When hiking alone, safety should be your top priority. If you want to reduce the hazards of hiking alone, this is the point when you need to be the most careful and well-prepared. Sounds scary, but being prepared for emergencies and other problems while alone in the great outdoors is essential.

Let Someone Know your Whereabouts

A simple and essential step is to let someone know your destination. Make sure at least one person back home or at work knows your exact whereabouts, the route you'll be taking, and the duration of your absence.

Bring a Personal Locator Beacon or Satellite Phone

If you're going to be hiking alone in a rural area or somewhere with no cell phone service, you should bring along a Personal Location Beacon (PLB) or satellite phone.

Some of the items on the list of 10 must-haves for any hiker include food, water, and shelter, but you should also bring along a means to contact aid in case of an emergency. Any time help is needed, a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite phone can contact rescuers.

Even though everyone venturing into the bush should bring a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite phone, for a lone hiker it is even more important as there is no one else there for assistance in the case of an emergency.

Know the Risks that Might be Involved

Before setting out on your hike, it's important to do some study to familiarize yourself with the possible hazards you might face. You should check the most recent and relevant information, ideally from a reputable source like a government or national park website, as this may vary by trail, national park, or country.

Potentials Hazards:

• Animals like bears and snakes, as well as insects like mosquitoes
• The state of the trail, such as if it is rough or overgrown.
• High altitude and acute mountain sickness (AMS).
• Winter weather, summer heat, or other climatic extremes that may require extra precautions.

It's important to pay attention to how the trails have changed recently, such as after a storm or a fire. As a rule, this kind of information may be discovered on official websites.

Don't Overexert Yourself

Not pushing yourself too hard is another crucial solo hiking safety guideline. Knowing one's own limits and constraints is an admirable talent that may be developed via experience and introspection. Never push yourself beyond your limits, especially if doing so may put you in harm's way.

If you're uncomfortable or worried that you're pushing yourself too far on a trek, there's no shame in turning around. It's smart and appropriate to pay attention to your own thoughts and feelings.

Have Fun!

Having a good time and enjoying the hike is the most crucial component of the activity. Some people might assume that going on a hike by yourself wouldn't be that enjoyable because you won't have someone to chat with, but for most that's not the case!

The nicest part of going on a hike by yourself is having the time to yourself. The experience of isolation and introspection, however daunting it may seem at first, can prove to be highly beneficial.

Many of the advantages of hiking alone are more inwardly focused than they are externally useful. One of the greatest blessings of life is gaining the ability to accept and love oneself; and going on a hike alone is a great way to start the process.

Taking Pictures Yourself

Two great tools for capturing excellent shots while hiking on your own are a tripod and self-timer, so you can still be in the photos too!

Or if you and some other hikers are at a picturesque viewpoint at the same time, you can always ask them to snap your picture for you. Most people are more than happy to do this.

Be Kind to one Another When Hiking

Hiking alone? Brush up on your trail manners. Trails are often filled with pleasant people, and hikers are among the friendliest individuals you'll ever meet. It's important to say hello back to other hikers, especially if you're just starting out. As is customary on most trails, you should make way for hikers going upward and allow quicker hikers to past you.

Although it may seem little, respecting trail etiquette makes for a nicer experience for everyone. We are, after all, sharing the same outdoor experience.

Kindness is especially vital for hikers who travel alone, since a friendly greeting may go a long way when you're on your own.

Follow the Leave no Trace Rules

Having a good trail etiquette includes not only being respectful to other hikers and campers, but also to the path and surrounding ecosystem. To ensure that these areas may be used in the future, it is crucial that visitors follow the leave no trace policy.

Here are the 7 ‘leave no trace’ principles:

• Do you research and prepare in advance
• Follow the path and camp in durable places
• Pack all trash out with you
• Leave what you find
• Reduce the effects of a campfire
• Be respectful of wildlife
• Be considerate of others

Final Thoughts

Solo hiking is an incredible way to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and enjoy some well-deserved "me time." The key to a successful adventure lies in being prepared—choosing the right trail, packing the essentials, and staying aware of your surroundings. With thoughtful planning and a positive mindset, you can focus on the joy of exploring at your own pace, soaking in the scenery, and embracing the serenity of the great outdoors. Most importantly, remember to have fun and savor every step of the journey, knowing you’re creating an experience that’s uniquely your own.