Staying Safe while Hiking Solo

Hiking solo will always bring risks group hikers might not face. Falls, injuries, dangerous weather and more are all good reasons to hike with a partner or as part of a group. These tips can help solo hikers stay aware and avoid catastrophe:

Before You Go

Before heading out to the trail, fully preparing for the hike is the most important thing a hiker can do. This is important for hikers going alone or as part of a group. Making sure you have the necessary food, water and equipment can go a long way toward ensuring safety.

Doing the proper research is just as important as ensuring you are fully physically prepared. Solo hikers should do their best to pick popular trails. This will make sure there is likely someone in relative proximity during the hike in case of an accident or fall.

Before setting out, tell family members and friends where you will be hiking and how long you expect to be there. If you fail to return in the allotted time, someone will be able to come after you if they know where you are.

Lastly, it is important to be prepared for and aware of weather conditions. If weather conditions look like they might be too perilous, it might better to postpone the hike or plan for a different trail.

During the Hike

During the hike, it is just as important to stay aware of your surroundings as you were while you were preparing.

On your way to your hike, stop by the ranger station if you see it. Tell the rangers about your hike and, like your family and friends, how long you expect to be gone. If they do not see you come back, they will search for you.

Once you’re finally out on the trail, it is important to stay on the marked part. Getting lost is an easy ticket to getting hurt or worse. In addition to staying aware at all times, bringing your dog and a knife along for the adventure will offer you some protection against other animals and potentially hazardous people.

When it comes down to it, staying aware and making others aware of your adventure give you the best chance at staying safe on a solo hike. Keeping a full pack of equipment and notes on the region you are camping in can only have a positive impact on your outdoor adventures.