The Question I Get Asked Most Often…
How do You feel when you HikE and Travel Solo?
Why do You do it?
How is it possible?
Anything is possible, my friends. But that doesn’t mean it’s without challenges or that it’s comfortable and joy inducing all the time!
Since 2016, I have truly loved my solo hiking and travel adventures, whether I’m in Banff, Ibiza, or Lake Placid. Similar themes and principles apply, no matter where you are headed.
Even though lately I take my partner with me and am fortunate to have a wonderful crew who is down to hike, I still love my solo adventures and cherish them deeply. It keeps me sharp and allows me one-on-one time to process events and emotions with Mother Earth.
Although I don’t disagree with people who say that you should have a buddy (or 2) when out on the trails or traveling, I find that the reality is, it just isn’t always possible. I also strongly believe in the inner power of going at it alone on occasion and building up various facets of strength (with preparation.)
Sometimes living your fullest life means taking a solo hike, whether it be a 2-mile waterfall hike or a 50-mile through-hike. While there is always a level of risk involved, I believe there are steps you can take pre-hike to mitigate them or know how to handle them. I’ve made most of the mistakes in the book, and am more than happy to share with you the learnings and missteps so that you can hopefully take my learnings and apply them.
There is no secret recipe, but I aim to live by the 3 E’s in most areas of my life:
experience. Education. empowerment…
and learning to embrace it all.
That said, it’s important to be “teachable” from mistakes made and being open to evolving and improving. The work is never truly done; but that’s what makes the journey exciting!
(As always, the links I include below are what I truly recommend - meaning no commission is given to me from these sites or brands. They are intended to help!)
Resources that have helped guide me and some tips:
This might seem basic, but research thoroughly online (for most recent info) and even in physical books for history and timeless information, depending on the nature of your trip or hike. While I am all about gathering insight from different sources and perspectives, be conscious of the source’s experience as it may or may not apply to you and/or be vastly different (it’s not bad, just something to note.)
Start short and local: this will help you build your confidence and also allow you to try out different gear/ pack set-ups when you’re alone without being 8 miles into the backcountry (for me, this included many Hudson Highlands hikes and fire tower hikes but it could be a short local trail!)
How is the road to the parking lot? Will you have cell service and will you feel comfortable driving your vehicle there alone? I try to include these details in all my hike reports because half of the battle is getting to the trailhead. If something happens to your car, will you be able to contact help safely alone, or what are the chances of others being around? This isn’t meant to scare you, but to empower you to gather as much info as possible.
Tools for safety, depending on your level of comfort (and not including the 10 essentials) - I bring a pocket knife, bear spray (depending on where I’m going) and an extra whistle (one is already built into my pack.) A Garmin inReach GPS is also on my radar to purchase. Despite the $ investment (and subscription required), it is valuable in that if you lose cell service, you can still call for help and be tracked by family/friends (and more for peace of mind knowing this.)
Mitigate surprises: the weather at the summit most likely will be vastly different than at the trailhead, indicating you will need to ensure you are prepared with proper gear (whether it be extra layers, socks, hand warmers, etc.) You can always remove layers but there won’t be mittens magically waiting for you at the summit or a buddy to lend you theirs. I check summit weather here.
Share and write out very specific details to at least 2 people of where you are going - trailhead, route, estimated time to be completed, and emergency/ranger numbers.
Learning and education: Here are some suggestions below for courses to further your knowledge and empower you, whether you’re alone or with others (learning is fun!!) They also have complimentary articles and information to browse through on their sites.
NOLS Wilderness First Aid - incredible, full 2-day (16 hour) investment that taught me SO much (I will be renewing over the next year.) There is no test as this is different from a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification.
REI courses and events (usually a fee, discount for co-op members.)
ADK Mountain Club Skills Workshops (fee) may still offer some remote options but mostly in-person.
Want non-selfie photos to share your experience on the trail? Bring a lightweight tripod with a remote! Click here for the one I use (it usually lasts 1-2 years depending on how often you use it.)
Read some more on my other post here for more tips (and a story….)
Now, for the tougher part:
You can prepare, learn, and plan everything possible and still not feel ready to go.
How do you overcome the limitations set by your mind?
Unless you are really not feeling well, the answer is: you do it anyway. Sometimes the hardest part is showing up to the trailhead.
I will caveat by saying if you are en route to a hike and something just feels off, it’s okay to turn around and go home. Listen to your intuition if something doesn’t feel right about that day - the mountain will be there for you next time!!Focus on how you will feel during and after the hike; remember your WHY. Don’t let your fear consume you.
You don’t have to justify your actions to anyone. I’ve had so many people close to me ask me why I hike alone. The answer is, I love it. It brings me clarity and empowers me to learn and grow as a hiker. You will have your own reasons, but remember they are your own - don’t let others bring you down with their opinions.
Instagram and social media is often a highlight reel - not everyone you follow will share their struggle (and that’s OK and their choice.) But don’t feel down when you see others accomplishing major milestones that you haven’t, since they most likely face inner challenges and learnings that aren’t visible to you (or any of us!) That said, curate your feed to make you feel empowered, educated, and ultimately happy. But also think before you want to judge someone else and their situation.
Lastly: believe in yourself!!
You are capable of way more than you think you are!
Please email me if you have any questions or other advice! My work in solo hiking lessons will never be complete; and that’s what makes it so special and exciting to me.
———————————————————————-all photos below taken by me on my solo adventures, whether it be a good ol’ selfie or via my tripod.
