Hiking and hanging alone is ok sometimes

**Oms** · 08-07-2016, 07:16

I don't mind hiking by myself, but when it's time to sit and relax it's nice to have someone to chat with. Years past I had a hard time finding someone to backpack with. Chicago is not a hub for campers. I hooked up with a few people from Backpacker forum where I became friends with one guy. Then I fell into HFs and found lots of good people. Go to a few hangs and eventually you will find a person you really click with. Great group of folks at this site.

**MikekiM** · 08-07-2016, 07:48

To the OP... My treking buddy recently hung up his trail shoes so I am going solo. CT isn't too bad of a ride for me and since most of my past trips were in NJ, I'm looking to venture out into NY and CT.

Sent from East of Montauk

**JustinHEMI** · 08-07-2016, 08:14

I prefer solo, but like Shug, if I'm going with others, I prefer no more than 4. I've gone with large meetup groups before and it seemed we were stopping every 5 minutes for long periods of time.

I tend to just like to go.

**heyyou** · 08-07-2016, 10:15

I prefer solo. It is quiet and peaceful alone in the woods. The running joke among my retiree volunteer trail maintenance group, is five people with seven different opinions about how to remove that tree from the trail.

**STinGa** · 08-07-2016, 20:17

Due to my funky work schedule, most of my activities have been solo for many years (outside of family plans). I enjoy the solo outings. But, having others along to talk to does makes nice change of pace.

STinGa

**Wanderlost** · 08-08-2016, 06:33

It took me a while (and a SPOT device) to convince my smarter half to let me backpack solo. She seemed to think I'd get mauled by a bear or fall off a cliff. I enjoy my time alone in the woods. It's like a natural reset button on my attitude. That being said, just like others have said, after a few outing, I like some company. Backpacking is a different experience in a group. It's less of a revitalizing thing or more of a social bonding thing. And someone usually has a flask.

**ktitan** · 08-08-2016, 07:47

There are a lot of smaller boy scout troops that struggle with getting enough adult volunteers for camping and backpacking trips (especially backpacking). If you can find a good troop, you maybe able to make some new friends that are also outdoor enthusiasts and also get to mentor some young men at the same time.

Also, I would recommend meetup.com. There is probably a hiking group nearby If you did a couple of day hikes with the group you should be able to find a couple of like minded soulds for some overnight backpacking trips.

Also the appalachian mountain club does a lot stuff in ct and mass. You probably can find some trail partners at some of these events.

**wa4chq** · 08-08-2016, 08:04

I'm still new to backpacking but from the start, I've been solo. I enjoy being out there alone and not having to "wait" or "choose" etc. On the other hand, it also would be nice to, at the end of the day have someone to shoot the breeze with and make my dinner.

Just kiddin'...... My only gripe is I wish I hadn't waited so long to start backbacking!

**OneClick** · 08-08-2016, 08:10

Originally Posted by Shug

I just love love love a solo. Clears me. Calms me.
Easy to film a trip solo.
But after a few solos I am ready to go with another but really like to top out at 4 in the group.
Gets a bit muddled after that.
I am talking backpacking.
Group hangs are another thing all together.
Shug

I'm sort of the same way. For the past 8 years, I've done ALL solo trips. Unless you count one group hang with a little hike in. I like to go at my own pace and do whatever I want. It started since none of my friends were interested, but then I just got used to it. I think more than a few people would be a crowd, but I don't want to exclude anyone either...so it's just more work than I want to do trying to set things up and make it work.