Sometimes you just need to disconnect and enjoy your own company. Of course, most backpacking tips begin with the instruction of never going alone, but once you’ve successfully completed your first solo trip, the feeling of accomplishment is inevitable!

I find that it’s important for me to break away on these solo trips once in a while to not only enjoy my own company but brush up on my backcountry skills, learn more about myself & my weaknesses and all while building self-confidence.

The rewards for solo hiking are well worth the challenges that come along with hiking alone and when fully prepared, one night alone in the backcountry can change your life forever.

✨ Reasons to Try Solo Backpacking ✨

Improves self-confidence. When you hike solo, YOU are your own cheerleader. With no one else to give you motivation and encouragement, you have to rely on your own skills and positivity to push through.
Learn about yourself. Alone on the trail with your thoughts can be intriguing. You start to talk to yourself and really pay attention to the person you are when no one else is around. You’ll learn to make your own decisions and hopefully learn to trust your good judgment.
Test backcountry skills. Hopefully, this isn’t your first backcountry adventure and you’ve gotten some backcountry experience under your belt. Now that you’ve gone solo, it’s time to test those backcountry skills, from navigating the trail to building a fire and setting up camp. If you usually rely on your partner to do these things, it’s best to learn for yourself!
Freedom & empowerment. Imagine this: planning a trip around your own hiking pace and schedule; & being able to come and go as you please without having to wait on anyone- that’s the freedom of solo hiking.

✨ Tips for your First Solo Backpacking Trip ✨

Have a plan & do your research. Having knowledge about your surroundings and the trail you are attempting is important. From distance to elevation, weather, and camping options, you can never be too prepared for the backcountry!
Stay positive. No matter how much planning you do, some things just don’t always go according to plan. Staying positive and knowing that plans always change is important.
Be realistic. Plan an easy route that you are familiar with. It’s important to know your limits. If you’re just starting out hiking solo, stick to a familiar trail and know when to give up if needed. Understanding your skills and limits allows for easy planning.
Emergency contact card. Something so simple as leaving behind a piece of paper with vital information might save your life in case of an emergency. Including your name, DOB, and emergency contact.
Have fun! Embrace this alone time! You are out on a trip that you planned by yourself, for yourself! Be proud and enjoy!

✨ How to Prepare for Your First Solo Backpacking Trip ✨

Choose a destination. I’ll always recommend trails and areas that you are familiar with. You know that day hike you love doing…how much further does it go? Are you allowed to camp overnight?
Do the research. Whether you are backpacking a trail that you are familiar with or not, do the research! Check for current trail conditions, closures, and reroutes.
Pack the right gear. Get familiar with the 10 essentials and with every trip you go on you will have a better understanding of what works best for you and what you can leave at home.
Tell someone about your plans. I will admit, I don’t do this often. When I am on an extended solo backpacking trip I do check in with family members on my Garmin inReach. It never hurts to let someone you trust know about your plans.

If you’ve made it this far, hopefully, you feel a little more confident about hitting the trail solo. These wild places that we explore have the ability to teach us so much if we just take the time to listen. ♡