Following The Right Safety Measures When Solo Backpacking

Posted: June 4th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Outdoor Activity | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

Solo backpacking is the ultimate in “me time” for a lot of people. That’s right – no friends, family or children getting in the way of your commune with nature. Everything is as smooth as the water flowing. It is your discretion whether you want to stop for a few minutes and have a quick bite. Do you want to take a swim at that nearby body of water? Knock yourself out, my friend! It’s a unique experience.

However, a solo backpacker needs to take extra care. If you dislocate any part of your body, you’re down on your luck and on your own. Is it possible for you to survive without a single morsel of food for an extended length of time? Can you go solo backpacking and be assured of 100% safety? Uh, maybe not. It’s inherently more dangerous to go alone into the wilderness. What you can do though, is make it safer.

Solo Backpacking Tips

Let somebody know that you’ll be backpacking and when you will most likely be returning. It’s probably best if you leave a map with them, and let them know who to call if you don’t return on time.

Never leave home without your mobile phone. I don’t do this yet myself, but many lives have now been saved by cell phones. If you find it too bothersome, you can always turn it off or leave it on silent.

Bring the usual safety items (matches, 1st aid, iodine tablets, etc), but double-check to see if they are there and in working order, as you’ll have nobody elses supplies to back you up.

Stick to a trail that is familiar to the majority of hikers and backpackers if you’re a novice, or dealing with a medical condition. This is because you would be likely to meet another backpacker along the way. This could help you in case you really need it.

It’s an absolute must to have some map-reading knowledge. If you are two miles off route and can’t get a signal on your phone when your knee gives out, you’re in trouble. Let these two things – the map and compass – be your best friend especially if you like wandering off the trail to explore.

Know your abilities. Don’t plan on twenty-mile days if you haven’t done them before.

Learn to lighten your load. When you’re alone, you lose the efficiency of sharing the load for stoves, tents and other common items. With your backpack as the only thing you’ll be bringing with you, the tendency to overload increases, which may be dangerous. You might want to read up on ultralight backpacking.

There are dangers in solo backpacking, true that, but it’s a risk worth taking for a lot of people. Try it, and you might agree. That is, provided you follow the proper safety measures.

Author bio: Writer Eugene Graham is a dog enthusiast. If you’re looking for the pick of the litter, check these English bulldog puppies for sale. These litters of English bulldogs for sale are wrinkly with a massive nose rope and overdone. One of these classic dogs is perfect for your family.

Leave a Reply