Today's Hiking Tips post is about solo hiking:
I hike alone almost weekly because it is my favorite ways to clear my head
...but it does concern some of my friends and family:
"What do you mean you go by yourself?!?"
"What about bears?"
"Do you take a gun or mace?"
"But you are a girl. You shouldn't be out there by yourself"
"What if you get hurt?"
I recognize there are risks to hiking alone - but since I (and millions of other people) don't intend to stop, let's talk about doing it more safely:
1) Be prepared/take the essentials - this applies for every hike, but it is especially important if you are on your own.
2) Be realistic about your skills - if you are new to hiking, trying a 10 mile boulder scramble at high elevation by yourself might not be the best plan.
3) Personal safety - this is a very personal choice....and usually causes the biggest arguments. Whatever you decide, please be proficient and comfortable with whatever you decide to carry.
4 ) Tell someone where you are going - I don't always do this if I am just doing a few local miles. If I am going somewhere far away or out of state, I let one of my friends know where I am going and when I expect to be back. She jokingly refers to them as the "in case you fall off a cliff texts".
5) Situational awareness - I think this can be the most important one on the list. This awareness applies to animals and other people.
Be familiar with the animals that can be expected where you are hiking. Solo hikers are usually quieter than groups, so there is a greater potential to encounter wildlife.
As far as interacting with other people - if someone makes you feel uneasy for any reason - listen to that and leave the situation!
What are your favorite tips for hiking alone?