Backpacking solo............

[Rob]

How many of you go solo when backpacking?

Most of my excursions are solo, by choice. No I am not anti-social, actually far from it. I have been Hiking and backpacking for probably 30 years. Yes I'm old. I grew up as the only boy with three sisters and they had no interest in the outdoors, so I found myself taking little trips through the woods by myself, As my intrests and skills grew I got into full blown backpacking. I learned to enjoy the solitude of nature and not having to worry about the pace I was keeping. As I grow older, I find myself slowing down a bit and STILL haven't learned to lighten the load, which I am currently working on. I was becoming a gear head, but thanks to reading everyones posts on here, I think I am making wiser choices in my gear selections.

Common sense tells you there are many dangers involved with solo hiking and after 30 years experience I have become aware of most all of them. In some ways, with tecnology advances, it has become safer, better gear, lighter loads, GPS, transponders, etc. Most of which I do without. Many think this is irresponsible, insane, or just plain stupid. But so is jumping out of a perfectly good aircraft at several thousand feet, which I have also done. Adreniline junkie!!!!

It may be getting close to the time this old dog needs to learn some new tricks, and meet some of the folks that share the same basic interests as I do, so I'm thinking of actually attending some of the planned excursions in the future, when the weather gets cooler and the load gets lighter, and of course the schedule (@#%$$#@@!! Schedule) gets more manageable. Until then, Happy Trails!!

[PastorLarryT]

Thanks for your thoughts Rob.  I too enjoy most of my hiking (and some of my backpacking) solo -- not so much by choice but just as a result of life.  I enjoy the solitude, peace, and beauty of GOD's Creation and am able to commune with HIM while I'm out on the trail.  It is wonderful to me to NOT have to keep to any schedule but rather just be in the moment. 

I agree that going solo should make us consider safety issues seriously.  I take precautions, equip myself wisely, let my family/friends know where I'm going, and trust GOD to work it out. 

I do enjoy the companionship of others with similar loves on backpacking trips.  Sharing the experience with those we care about makes the trip all the more special and produces golden memories. 

Hopefully we'll see you sometime on the Trail.

[Rob]

Thanks Pastor Larry......... To step out on Faith is always well rewarded. Let Go and Let GOD!

[Cuffs]

Solo hiker here.  I feel that as long as you are aware of your capabilities and dont overestimate yourself, you will be fine.  Ive logged over 300 miles solo and not once (knock wood) had any problems.  The closest Ive come to a 'problem' is from other hikers and those that come to the trails that are just off a trailhead (ie, partiers).

[ednotmilkman]

I'm a peaceful solo hiker too, although great trips can be with a group even if we only camp together and not walk within sight of each other all the time. I get the feeling that no matter what I put in a first aid kit, it would be something else I'd need in an emergency. If most any trail in the south is within 3 miles of a road, I'd hope I could crawl to a road if necessary if the phone didn't work and there were no others on the trail.

I tend to push myself farther when I'm alone, even after dark, but there is satisfaction in doing that within reason.

[Rob]

Good point Cuffs and Ed. Knowing and staying within your limits is probably the number one rule for the solo hiker, other than proper preparation.
You hit all of the key points Pastor Larry.