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#129891 - 03/02/10 01:48 PM Re: solo backpacking [Re: Jake28]
MeByNature Offline
newbie

Registered: 03/02/10
Posts: 1
Loc: Wisconsin
My most memorable trip was a solo trip. I was witness to more wildlife than anytime I was with a group and I met some very cool people. My only advice would be to be well educated on the area you will be hiking. Not just the terrain, but the wildlife in that area as well as any "interesting" hazards.

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#129895 - 03/02/10 03:05 PM Re: solo backpacking [Re: MeByNature]
oldranger Offline
member

Registered: 02/23/07
Posts: 1735
Loc: California (southern)
There is a way to have the best of both solo and group hiking, but I would not recommend it.

I started a trip with two friends, learning that I still suffered from a bum ankle acquired on an earlier excursion. I could do th hike, but I traveled at a very slow pace. I had to get up early, get going, and hike slowly and steadily to keep up with my friends. So I was hiking alone most of the time, and quietly, much slower than my usual pace. I, too, had a wildlife bonanza.


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#129904 - 03/02/10 06:07 PM Re: solo backpacking [Re: phat]
Glenn Offline
member

Registered: 03/08/06
Posts: 2617
Loc: Ohio
I agree, Phat - I do pretty much the same routine for my wife (sans the hiking-literate buddy; only one left these days, and he's usually with me.) She might not understand it all, but the itinerary and a highlighted map I leave her can be faxed to the appropriate agency to really narrow down search areas.

I had let my first-aid kit dwindle over the last few years, but recently gave it a few more ounces of muscle (and replaced the meds and creams that had expired in 2006.) I'm like you, though; mostly, I carry only what I can use on myself in whatever condition I'm in - though I did add a couple of things for helping some other solo hiker I happen to stumble across.

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#129905 - 03/02/10 06:16 PM Re: solo backpacking [Re: phat]
DTape Offline
member

Registered: 11/23/07
Posts: 666
Loc: Upstate NY
I do the same, except I email the map, forest ranger #'s, itinerary, etc... to my wife. Even if I am going off trail, I still already know my general route. A to B via C.
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#129908 - 03/02/10 06:46 PM Re: solo backpacking [Re: phat]
Jimshaw Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/03
Posts: 3983
Loc: Bend, Oregon
If I may edit this a 3rd time. It seemed to me that a lot of the people responding were talking about "advanced" solo backpacking and their own habits based on experience and maybe it wasn't a real good place to get into this on the beginners forum.

There certainly are places for beginners to solo backpack, especially if they stay on the trail.

There are more places where quite a bit of experience is required to solo backpack. I don't want beginners to think that just taking off cross country without all of the skills required is a good idea. And for those of us who do take off cross country, we need to talk about in a different forum.
Jim


Edited by Jimshaw (03/02/10 10:39 PM)
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These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.

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#129912 - 03/02/10 07:25 PM Re: solo backpacking [Re: Jimshaw]
phat Offline
Moderator

Registered: 06/24/07
Posts: 4107
Loc: Alberta, Canada


[Jim, I messed up and accidentally "edited" your post when replying to it. ARGH. if you have the old one please repaste or PM it to me and I'll fix it..

My reply:


I think we disagree here. I think everybody has to start someplace. Yes, it's best if solo is not your *first* trip, but solo is very feasable for a relative newcomer, or "backcountry beginner" in the right setting.

Put it this way, with appropriate precautions (what I've previously mentioned) I'd have no trouble with my conscience sending a newbie who has spent a few trail nights to understand their gear, weather, and how to not walk off the trail and get lost down and established trail in the rockies, like for example, skyline in jasper. it's 3 days, there are others on it, its' fun, and very doable by a soloer with little risk.

Would I send them into say, route finding through chown valley, or limestone lakes? heck no. But there are appropriate places for newcomers to take solo trips as long as they understand the risks and how to mitigate them by not doing anything really stupid. In that context the biggest danger to your health in solo backpacking is driving there. In the end it's just walking.
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#129939 - 03/03/10 01:49 AM Re: solo backpacking [Re: oldranger]
TomD Offline
Moderator

Registered: 10/30/03
Posts: 4963
Loc: Marina del Rey,CA
Originally Posted By oldranger
The "official" word on solo trips is always - dangerous, no room for error, can't advise you do this.

And then we all turn around and do it. But the precautions mentioned can make it a lot safer. The advent of the PLB can potentially help.

The attractions and rewards of a solo trip are worth the risk.


Actually, I don't claim soloing is particularly dangerous and in spite of all our warnings, there is room for error. My last trip is an example of that. It is more about knowing what you can or can't do. You can be two miles from a trailhead and it will feel like the most remote place on earth if you are alone. It is a unique experience and not for everyone. Having a companion can be a great comfort or an annoying burden. Depends on who they are.

Being with some people could be more dangerous than being alone. The only time I got hurt in years of scuba diving was when I was with someone I knew I never should have gone diving with. Fortunately, he did help me get out of the sticky situation he got us into without too much damage. The lesson there is to go with people you know and trust and don't let anyone talk you into something you know seems sketchy.
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