Aimless I agree, the greatest solo hiking danger out there is hypothermia <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> And I too gaurd against it at every turn of the trail during a hike.

I still say that's what did in that fellow who was on the Ozark Trail a month back IMO.

I relate to Pika's views, trailrunners', WD's et al It's the reasons that I do and don't hike with others. A point to be made that another could go for help is ok; but the 'other' has to be able to go it alone <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

I remember the guy in the Wind Rivers WD, he was a preacher, and it was a very poignant story that i still have a copy of today......in my papers somewhere. Though I re-read it before each solo trip <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

In the end you have to decide what your skill set is, and where you are heading with it before going alone IME. I'm not bashful to entertain the thought of taking someone familiar with the area I'm headed to if I have any doubts.