if i calculate the risk of soloing vs 2 or more people, considering many factors as such as ability, camp site labor, distance, gear hauling, the hike its self. over the years i have determined for my preference that its safer for me to solo. but hey thats just me. never had a prob on my long hikes, been soloing since i was 16, im 22 now. i do carry a SPOT, which my family pays for to relieve their worrysome senses as a their "christmas present"