Safe Solo Backpacking Tips
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. It's entirely up to you
to say when you eat or take a break. Want to jump in that
alpine lake? It's your decision alone. It's a unique
experience.
A solo backpacker also is vulnerable. Twist your ankle, and
there's 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 can't. It's 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 you'll be, and when you expect to
return. It's probably best if you leave a map with them, and
let them know who to call if you don't return on time.
2.) Bring a cell phone. I don't 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 won't 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 you'll have nobody elses supplies to back you
up.
4.) If you're 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. That's
good to know if you're in trouble.
5.) Learn well how to read a map and use a compass. If you
are two miles off route and can't get a signal on your phone
when your knee gives out, you're 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. Don't plan on twenty-mile days if
you haven't done them before.
7.) Learn to lighten your load. When you're alone, you lose
the efficiency of sharing the load for stoves, tents and other
common items. It's 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, it's well
worth the risk. Try it, and you might agree. Just be sure to
take the necessary precautions.
About the author:
Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of
ultralight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at
http://www.TheBackpackingSite.com
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