Hiking has two sides that involve unlimited fun and calculated risks. The Big Question is, ‘Is it safe to go hiking alone?’ Well, a solo hike allows you to build unforgettable memories, get loner time to meditate on the move, and overcome your biggest fears. On the dark side, you might have a hard time overcoming the obstacles that might befall you while riding solo. With adequate preparation and equipment, you can manage a solo hike in any location of choice.
Preparing for a Solo Hike
Choose the Right Gear
You need to make adequate preparation for your solo hike. Invest in the right gear for your safety and comfort during the outdoor trip. As you prepare for the solo hike, I recommend that you should be equipped with the appropriate shoes, GPS trackers, socks, bags, and communication devices like a satellite phone or a beacon.
Conduct Research Beforehand
You need to avoid surprises as you hike in familiar or unfamiliar terrains. Please choose the right trail and familiarize yourself with key points along it before the hike. Ensure that you check the weather updates to make adequate preparations beforehand.
Make Psychological Preparation
The mind is a powerful weapon that you need along the hiking trail. Be ready to enjoy the trip independently without having to interact with more people along the way. You need the time to wallow in deep thoughts and formulate new plans.
Communicate to Someone
While on a solo hike, you should talk to a close friend or relative and let them know of where you are headed. You can also update your status on Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp. Keep the location settings on for your safety.
Pack Cautiously
On a solo hike trip, you need to ensure that you carry essentials to last you for the entire trip. Pack light so that the weight does not slow you down or prevent you from exploring heights. Ensure that you have protective and tools for communication.
During the Hike
For your safety and well-being, you need to consider the factors highlighted below.
Know your Limits
You should use your strengths and weakness to your advantage along the way. Most importantly, you need to realize when you need to venture further or retreat from the hike. You should trust your intuition at all times as you explore the unfamiliar grounds.
Stay Open to The Idea of New Friends
you might come across other solo hikers along the way. If you are warm to the idea of making new friends, you can find your circle getting bigger along the way. However, stay vigilant to avoid getting close to the wrong group.
Sign the Log Book with the Park Ranger
When you go hiking in the national or state parks, you might be required to sign in. You should provide accurate names, dates, time, emergency contact, possible return time, and other relevant information that is needed.
Keep Track of Time and Proximity
You need to stay within safe zones while on a hiking expedition. Learn to read your GPS tracker and map before you go hiking. You should also keep track of time to avoid getting stranded when the night falls.
Benefits of Hiking Alone
The solo hike allows you to enjoy the benefits outlined below.
Solo interaction with nature
A solo hike allows you to enjoy the gifts of nature from a different perspective. You can also explore your location of choice whenever you chose to. The frequent chats with friends during a hike can prevent you from fully appreciating the beauty of nature around you.
Overcome your fears
The solo hike is an ideal opportunity that allows you to identify the full capabilities of your body and mind. You also overcome the fear of being self-independent as you explore the limits of your body.
You can Exercise Independence
You can take the shortest time possible to choose your trail and make the appropriate plans. You also have the opportunity of staying within your financial budget as you explore the wonders of nature. You move at your own pace all the way.
Learn a New Language
You can use the loner time to improve your linguistic skills. You can make errors and corrections as you learn a new language. You can also boost your voice projection and public presentation skills as you talk to an imaginary audience along the way.
Stay Healthy
The long trip burns fats, strengthens bones, and gives the body a quality cardio exercise as you explore the environment. Regular hikes also reduce your risks of heart disease, keeps weight in check, improves balance, levels of blood sugar, reduces stress, and blood pressure.
Dangers of Hiking Alone
You should be ready to handle the risks highlighted below during a solo hike.
You handle the challenges Alone
When you are hiking alone, you shall have to be prepared for the solo venture. You might have to fight off hostile humans and animals on your own. You shall need to make adequate preparation to help you stay safe all the way.
Harsh Weather
you need to have the Weather on your side if you need to complete your trip safely. You are urged to make relevant research to identify the possible Weather on the day of your hike. Make appropriate preparation for the Weather or abort the mission if need be.
Dangers of Getting Lost
Hiking in the unfamiliar terrain exposes you to the risks of getting lost. Making a wrong turn can affect your trip and safety. If you lose communication, you risk getting lost for longer than you might have projected.
How to Find a Hike Group
If you are not into solo hiking, you can find a crew on the following platforms.
On Social Media
Social media allows you to meet new people and explore different limits. You can join Facebook or WhatsApp hiking groups of people that you can easily link up with. You can get closer as you organize more hiking expeditions.
Create as Group with Close Friends
A hike allows you to create stronger bonds with your friends and relatives. You can mobilize your friends into going on hiking trips with you. It is safer and more reliable when you move with the people that you are familiar with.
Build New Friends on your Trail
You can also begin your hiking trip alone before you make new friends. When you find new friends along the trail, you can organize for future expeditions. The expeditions get more fun with time as you share interests with the new group.
Conclusion
Solo hiking is appropriate when your group decides to abort the hike at the most inopportune time. You can also opt for the solo hiking trip when you feel like having a loner time as you enjoy exquisite views delivered by nature. Despite what most people tell you, a solo hike is safe for both men and women that make adequate preparation.
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