John Aebi-Magee
May 30, 2007

Have you ever walked for 20 miles in the wilderness and not seen another person the entire time? Or camped on the shore of a mountain lake that you share only with the eagles and osprey? Solo hiking is a very wonderful experience. You see more wildlife, you travel at your own pace, you can go where ever you want, and most importantly, your mind can wander for hours without any distractions.

When you walk long distances, the constant flow of oxygen-rich blood to your brain, combined with nature and the rhythm of walking, puts you in a state of awareness that is unknown to most people.

Over the course of the day, if you walk more than 10 or 15 miles, you pass through different states of thoughtfulness. In the morning, you have lots of energy from the fresh air and exhilaration of hiking. You may be actively thinking about new ideas or problem solving. By afternoon, you start to enter a very mild trance. Time passes more quickly and your thoughts change from active ideas to being more in the moment. This is the time when I start to notice every step and every breath. Ideas are more limited to my own body and what is ahead on the trail. Each hike is different, but these times are always precious.

If you are walking with other people, even your best friend or spouse, the experience will be different. You will tend to take more breaks, have conversations, make small compromises regarding how far you walk, where you camp, etc. This is not bad; it is just very different from going solo.

I highly recommend giving solo hiking a try. But do you have fears? Let me tell you how to make it as safe as possible.

The most likely danger when solo hiking is that you will twist your ankle or become suddenly ill. There may be no one to help you for hours or days. Bigger dangers may include a sudden snow storm, serious injury, bear attack or getting lost.

10 Rules for Solo Backpacking Safety

1. Travel ultralight to avoid the most common back and knee injuries

By ultralight, I mean 8 pounds plus food and water. It you are carrying more, consider going with a friend and sharing a tent. Think about leaving most things at home and invest in ultralight gear so you can really enjoy walking.

2. Leave a detailed trip itinerary with someone

Even though you may not follow the exact route, leave your anticipated route with a person who will know when you are expecting to return.

3. Take a cell phone

Leave the cell phone turned off to conserve battery power and use only in emergencies.

4. Carry an accurate map and know how to use it

Never head into the wilderness without a detailed topographic map and appropriate map skills.

5. Stick to well traveled trails if you are a beginner

Find out about the trails you are planning on hiking. Do you mind not seeing anyone for 24 hours? If you are a distance hiker (20 miles per day) you will quickly loose the crowds.

6. Check the weather forecast before leaving and don’t go if it is questionable

If you are going to higher elevations, be prepared for any possible weather condition. Postpone your trip if a storm is approaching.

7. Know your abilities and don’t push your limits on solo trips

Loop trails are tempting, but try to find alternate routes that are shorter in case you are getting tired. Just because you hiked 20 miles a day once doesn’t mean you will always be up to that much every time you go.

8. Carry a can of bear spray

This is a tough decision for ultralight hikers because a can of bear spray weighs 12 ounces and costs $45. If you are going solo in black bear or grizzly bear country, you have to bring this along with you. Bear spray will protect you from bears, mountain lions and weirdoes. Here is more infirmation about Bear Spray.

9. Carry a personal locator beacon

This is another tough decision for ultralight hikers. The lightest PLB on the market is 10 ounces. If you are going to a wilderness area where there is not a steady flow of hikers on the trail, you must take a PLB along. This is an expensive rule because they cost over $550. I value my life, so I carry one. Read more about my experience with Personal Locator Beacons.

10. Carry the 16 essentials

1. whistle
2. waterproof matches
3. compass with signal mirror
4. knife
5. first aid kit
6. sun protection
7. water purification tablets
8. 50 feet of twine
9. 3 feet of duct tape
10. flashlight
11. extra clothing
12. map
13. extra food
14. cell phone
15. bear spray or personal mace in non-bear country
16. personal locator beacon in wilderness areas

Read more about the 16 essentials.

More articles about UltraLight Living by John Aebi-Magee may be found at UltraLightLiving.com