Solo Backpackers: 8 Essential Tips
The following are eight tips for the solo backpacker.
For the serious backpacker, there's nothing more special than the contentment and peace that the solitude of a solo backpacking trip provides.
However, the wilderness can be dangerous for one alone. An accidental misstep or misdirection can lead to injury or death with no backup available to help. The following are eight tips for the solo backpacker.
1. Give A Friend Your Itinerary. This may seem simple, but many fail to let others know where they are going or when they are expected to return. By letting someone else know your basic plans, they will know when and where to start looking for you in case anything does happen. Sometimes it's the most basic things can be a lifesaver.
2. Carry an LED flashlight. You should always have a light source for any hiking trip, even if you're only planning a day trip. An LED flashlight is lighter, more compact, and more energy efficient than traditional flashlights. In addition, a flashlight with an LED bulb is usually brighter than conventional flashlights and can be used to signal for help in case of emergency.
3. Pack a multi-tool or a folding knife. A folding knife is an easy to carry essential survival tool that can be used for gathering firewood, building a shelter, or making other useful tools. For versatility, consider a multi-tool, which can feature a knife, a saw blade, pliers and more.
4. Carry a hiking stick. A hiking (or walking) stick helps navigate rough terrain, allowing you to keep your balance and overcome obstacles. A hiking sticks isn't just for appearances, it is a useful tool to help you avoid injury.
5. Pack Light. It's just going to be you out there, packing all your necessities such as your tent, sleeping bag and cooking gear. With everything you do need, it's easy to overload a pack. But an overloaded pack can increase the chances of injury. So pack smart, with compact, lightweight and versatile items, such as multi-tools, LED flashlights and other gear with multiple functions.
6. Bring a Whistle. A whistle can help you attract attention if your lost or injured, and is such a small item to carry there is no reason the solo backpacker shouldn't have one.
7. Pack that old reliable compass and map. It's elementary, but every backpacker should know how to use a compass and map. GPS devices and cell phones, although good items to pack in, are unreliable in the wilderness. Even a shorter trip can end up with you lost and without reception. So always carry a compass and a map of the area you're in.
8. Keep alert. Although it's easy for some to let their mind wander while backpacking, it's especially important to be aware of your surroundings when hiking alone. Keep an eye out for potential hazards and take notice of features that may become useful if things go wrong.
These tips are just a few of those that a solo backpacker needs. For gear, remember that in addition to an LED flashlight and folding knife or multi-tool, you will need to pack a lightweight first-aid kit, water purification devices or tablets, cooking stove and other basic survival gear.
About The Author:Find quality made and top of the line equipment such as a LED flashlight or multi-tool on the Coast website. Coast Products is a quality manufacturer and distributor of outdoor accessories, and has the perfect folding knife or headlamp for your next adventure.
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