Adventure Junkies Africa

Some people will say that the point of backpacking is to experience the outdoors with good friends. But who’s to say that a solo trip can’t be just as rewarding? Here are a couple of reasons to consider going alone:

So you can go at your own pace: Whether you’re always faster than your hiking pals or they’re the ones waiting for you, going solo lets you travel at exactly the pace you want to. You can hike briskly to the summit or take a nap partway there—the decision is entirely up to you.

To push yourself: Doing things alone isn’t always easy. On a backpacking trip, you’ll be responsible for carrying all the gear, making all the decisions, and figuring out what’s making that creepy noise in the middle of the night. While a solo trip can certainly be challenging, it will also give you a chance to get outside your comfort zone and find out what you’re capable of. There’s a good chance you’ll learn something about yourself along the way.

In a world with so many stresses and distractions, spending time with yourself on a solo backpacking trip can provide the opportunity to disconnect, focus wholly on an objective and create exactly the type of trip you want. Solo backpacking can be freeing and fun. But it can also be stressful and even scary at times. Here are some tips to help you have a positive experience:

Go solo car camping: If the idea of sleeping alone in a tent makes you extremely anxious, then try a few nights of solo car camping. You’ll get a feel for what it’s like to be on your own but without the commitment of hiking in several miles. If you decide you don’t like it, just take down your tent, hop in the car and drive home.

Stay calm: The snap of a twig in the middle of the night can send your mind wandering down all sorts of scary paths. Try your best to stay calm. Take some deep breaths, bring yourself back to the present, and think logically about the situation. A forest makes all sorts of noises at night, most of them caused by completely benign things, like small animals crawling around or just a simple breeze. The more familiar you become with these sounds, the less scared you’ll likely be when you hear something.

Bring distractions: To keep your mind from wandering too much and to stave off boredom, consider bringing something to entertain you for a while, such as a book to read, music to listen to, or a game to play.

Find companionship: If you’re lonely and not having any fun, make some friends out there. This will be tough on a desolate trail, but on a popular route, such as the Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to strike up conversations with fellow hikers.

Find inspiration from other solo backpackers: Despite the mental and physical challenges, numerous backpackers have explored the wilderness on their alone and have rewarding stories to share. Connect with others who have done it to get advice and suggestions to prepare for your trip; join a local hiking club or find others in online communities such as REI Conversations. Read one hiker’s account about overcoming the fear of hiking alone or books like “She Explores,” a collection of stories that celebrate taking on new solo adventures.

Connect with other backpackers and build an inclusive outdoor experience: Reach out to one of the many organizations working to provide welcoming and affirming spaces for historically underrepresented groups, including some of our partners. Even if you’re not prepared yet to go solo, by following these organizations on social media, participating in their programs, or joining one of their local networks, you can get connected with advice and resources, find community, and lay the foundation for solo trips in the future.