People go on solo hikes for various reasons: someone wants to be alone with nature, someone is going to conduct scientific research, and someone is simply unable to find a company. But all the solo tourists have one thing in common: they are called desperate. In fact, in solo trips there is nothing to worry about, especially if it is good to prepare for them.
Together with Yegor Berkut - an expert of the Thule brand and a lover of tourist vacations - we have gathered 10 important tips for those who still decided to get out into the nature alone.
Gain experience
If you turn to an experienced tourist with the question “What to take on a solo trip?”, The answer will most likely be disappointing: “If you don’t know what to take on a solo trip, don’t go there at all.” Let it sound harsh, but nevertheless: an inexperienced traveler should not rush “off the bat”. Our 10 tips, including, will not make you a pro: this is just a so-called check list. So how should you prepare? Competent tourists have deduced the formula for a sequence of hikes for a gradual immersion in the topic: group summer, group winter, solo summer, solo winter.
Campaigns, of course, are listed as complexity increases. There is another option (which does not contradict the formula, but rather complements it): go on a group trip, but, for example, separate from the group at night. The degree of independence (distance from the group and the length of being alone) can be gradually increased - of course, by prior arrangement with the team. And at some point you will feel that you are ready for a full solo trip.
Do not neglect safety precautions.
No matter how sad it may sound, there will be no one to save you in a solitary trip, so observing all the rules is much stricter. The more careful you act, the less likely accidents will be. If solo trips are new for you - be careful already at the stage of route planning.
Explore the area
Even if your chosen route is not particularly difficult - pay special attention to its study. The option “someone from the team will tell you will not work”; this, by the way, also applies to navigation tools - you need to learn to use maps / compass / navigator before the start of the trip. Pay attention in advance to the relief of your route and the nearest sources of water - you may have to replenish supplies. Also, it is better to consider options for action in the event of force majeure: consider options and methods of “throwing” from different sections of the path.
Do not overload yourself (literally)
The most unpleasant detail of the solo trip: you have to carry all the luggage yourself, the focus with dividing the equipment into backpacks will no longer work. Pay special attention to the choice of the tent: take, of course, is better than a single - it weighs a couple pounds less than more spacious options. Focus on the area where you will arrange parking - it affects which tent is better to take: high-mountain (with increased wind resistance), mid-mountain and lowland.
Carefully assemble a first aid kit
The most important piece of baggage is the first aid kit. It should have the necessary minimum: bandages, iodine and plasters for the treatment of open wounds; medicines for indigestion and poisoning; anti-inflammatory and painkillers. And, of course, individual medicines - only you know what your body cannot do without.
Don't take too much food
Again, to make luggage a little less heavy, discard a large amount of provisions. Instead of stews traditional for hiking, you can take, for example, smoked sausage (not cooked, which quickly deteriorates) - the stew is usually packaged in large cans, you will not eat a whole can at one meal, and it is categorically not recommended to keep it open. Take along a pair of chocolates - bitter or with nuts. Chocolate perfectly energizes, so necessary in a hike.
Take a break
Do not forget that a hike is, first of all, one of the types of relaxation, and physical fatigue is not the best companion. “You go on a trip alone and there is no one to be heroic, respectively - take breaks for yourself,” says Thule expert Yegor Berkut. This advice is especially relevant for those who hit the road in difficult terrain - sometimes halts are needed at least in order to restore breathing.
Think about leisure
“Well, but a hike is already leisure?” Yes, of course; but, if in a group trip you can always talk with colleagues in the group, then in a solo trip you will be left alone with your thoughts. In order not to start talking with your backpack - stock up on books, movies or your favorite music; it’s good that now it can be done with just one device.
Try not to be nervous for no reason.
In a solitary trip, you should be especially careful; but sometimes mindfulness becomes more like paranoia. If you spend the night in the forest - be prepared for the "local" noise: for example, a frightening sound, similar to steps, may turn out to be the sound of a falling branch.
Ask questions
No matter how experienced the traveler, be sure to consult other travelers before your first solo trip. All questions - even stupid ones - are best asked in advance; so you can plan your trip more carefully.
And finally, the most important thing: take care with you, but fear is best left at home. Solo trips are a great opportunity to experience unique emotions!
