A coworker of mine has an 18 year old daughter who has just discovered backpacking. She's strong-minded and adventurous, and after a fun experience backpacking with friends, she's decided that she wants to spend a week or two alone on the Juan de Fuca and/or West Coast Trail. These are fairly well traveled trails, and they don't have a history of predatory behavior (from other people).

My coworker doesn't want to stop her from doing these sorts of things (and probably couldn't) but has come to me seeking advice. He's wondering what extra precautions his daughter should take, both in gear and in personal safety. So far I've come up with this list, but would love to hear advice from others (especially fathers and daughters!)

-Check in and out of the trail - this service is provided on the WCT but not the JDF
-Have an itinerary and stick to it, be home when you say you'll be home
-Make sure other people know your itinerary
-Carry a cel phone (they work in a few key spots on these trails)
-Take a wilderness first aid course, and let the instructor know you'll be going solo
-Keep your pack light to avoid injury
-Bring a full day of emergency food

some things I'm not sure about: rape alarm, pepper spray, self defense course...
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