Solo camping concerns

**DaleW** · 07-22-2011, 22:38

1. Do I need to hang my food in a bear bag?
Yes, we don't want to habituate any animals to feeding on our food. As other said, raccoons and rodents are problems too. Many people won't cook in camp to keep the food smells at a minimum-- they cook on the way instead.

2. Do I need to be concerned about any non-human predators?
Keep the food under control as above. Make some noise so you don't surprise a bear, especially one with cubs. Attacks are rare-- you're in more danger driving to the trailhead.

3. Is going alone a bad idea?
I usually go alone. It is my re-creation and I like the peace and solitude. I like hiking at my pace, stopping when and where it suits me.

Always let someone know where you are going and have a deadline. I leave a copy of the trail I'm going to and a "call by dark" deadline with my wife or adult kids. I don't do any technical stuff when alone--- falls are more a problem than anything. I always use maps and compass and carry the essentials.

It can be freaky to get out of your shelter at 3 AM to pee under a full moon. Your head just doesn't turn far enough around

**Fishpig** · 07-23-2011, 10:42

I don't know a thing about altitude sickness, however I have decades of solo canoe trips in the bdub.
1.) I switched to bringing nothing but dehydrated food. I quit hanging my food years ago. I stash it away from where I sleep. I don't cook where I sleep either.
EVER.
2.)l I always filter AND boil. ALWAYS.

3.) The world would be a better place if everyone knew a few simple knots with quick releases.

4.) Leave travel plans with a loved one.

5.) Leave the electronics at home, give yourself a break. Learn to be STILL.

6.) Read the Field Guide to Wilderness Survival by T. Brown and keep a journal.

7.) If you camp in Grizzly country without a Desert Eagle, You deserve to get eaten.

**Avenger** · 07-23-2011, 12:43

Originally Posted by sr1355

My only recommendation would be to leave a trip detail with someone and what they should do if you have not made contact by the predetermined time...

This should be a 'must do'.

**muttly** · 07-28-2011, 04:32

Originally Posted by DaleW

It can be freaky to get out of your shelter at 3 AM to pee under a full moon. Your head just doesn't turn far enough around

No truer words spoken (or typed).

2 cents: Take map and compass, learn to use map and compass, pre-plan exit routes if you need to bail. Talk to folks who know the area, be a little social to people on the trail so they will remember your face and where they saw you. Do the same for them.

**dukedante** · 07-28-2011, 08:57

Originally Posted by rbinhood

I am surprised that only one person warned you about going from your altitude to a much higher altitude at Vail. Altitude sickness can come on in a matter of hours and totally incapacitate you in a short time. If you get the cerebral edema form, it can cause unconsciousness in a few hours, and eventually death.

You can acclimate yourself easily by spending one night at moderate to high elevation (8000'). Car camp at the trailhead. If you have a headache in the morning, you may have mountain sickness, but it's not likely. This is how I prepared to climb Whitney, and I started getting mountain sickness only abot 12,000'. As soon as we hit the summit I rested and the headaches went away, especially when we started descending.

**dukedante** · 07-28-2011, 09:00

Originally Posted by Fishpig

7.) If you camp in Grizzly country without a Desert Eagle, You deserve to get eaten.

No glizzlies in Colorado. Black bears are pansies, even mamas with cubs. I used to haze them all the time as a park ranger. Mountain lions on the other hand......

**smoroF kcommaH** · 09-04-2012, 12:27

Dont count on other people being arround.
Do not go solo thinking i dont need to
Know the trail like the back of my hand because
The parks always have people going up and down
the trail.
Thats when the park is empty
Plan on being alone.

**ibgary** · 09-04-2012, 15:20

Originally Posted by shumway

Here's a suggestion from my experience. Don't camp too close to a rushing river. I did that once. It masked all other sound. It had me freaked right out knowing something could approach and I wouldn't hear it. I spent the day looking over my shoulder. My imagination was playing tricks on me. I didn't see anything that was actually a concern.

I on the other hand love sleep by a river, I like to travel by kayak.. I also like to take a book, but I almost never read it.
Ive done lots of solo camping and the 1st few times I was nervous. Now is rather camp in NF alone than in a campground.
Deffinetly hang your food. Don't eat near the hammock. "There more scared of you than you are of them" ya right.