Going Solo?

[griesl]

I think you just added to my potential anxiety.

I had a critter bump me in the booty last weekend. I had the tarp pitched way up high. I had seen rabbits cruising through the grass earlier in the night, so I assume that's what it was. No biggie. I have wondered what I would do if a bear came for a visit, but I doubt it will ever happen. Didn't even happen when a wigged out dude camped near our shelter and didn't clean up food well and didn't hang his food. All that said, I can empathize with the anxiety -- sometimes I feel it and have to deliberately relax myself.

[Chard]

Whoa!!

Just viewed the LOTR video and noticed that at the end, Frodo seemed to have been comfortably wrapped in some kind of "pea pod".. Know that's that's taking "hanging" to a whole new level...

Very Cool! Clearly even Tolkien knew comfort!!!!

(Long time Tolkien fanatic!!!)

[Southernfan6885]

Not trying to hijack this thread, but I want to thank everyone for all the advice and responses. Like the OP I'm struggling to overcome anxiety about solo camping, and what everyone has had to say is really giving me a lot of confidence! In fact, I'm now planning to take my 22 lb dog with me, cause Fronkey's video was just awesome!

[Matt65]

I would also add that I have never.solo hiked due to the risk of injury. Broken ankle etc. Anyone have input on this? That is my main concern that has kept me from going solo for days.

[PDA]

@ Matt65. I was trained that the minimum mountain hike team was three, so if one was injured, one could stay and one go for help. Made sense if you were to be fairly self reliant. Now I hike in MA and NH, alone. However, I see other hikers every ten minutes or so and don't (generally) go off trail, so I'm not really "alone" from a safety POV. For overnight camp, we tend to be corraled into group camping centers/shelters, so one is not really alone. It is possible to sneak off trail and hang in the woods alone, but I admit to not having done so to date.

[Doody]

I would also add that I have never.solo hiked due to the risk of injury. Broken ankle etc. Anyone have input on this? That is my main concern that has kept me from going solo for days.

Well there is always risk in anything. You just have to mitigate risk were you can. Last fall, while trying to solo through hike the SHT, I fell hard on the trail and separated my shoulder. I had notified friends of my timetable, and had established check in points where I knew from my scout trips I would have cell service. In the end, I had cell reception where the accident happened. It was getting dark so I elected to make camp and hike to a trailhead in the morning but I could have called for help and been evacuated if I was unable to proceed. If the worst had happened and I was unable to continue and not had a cell signal, I would have missed my check in and that would have triggered a help response. Not to mention that other hikers would eventually be by. I had emergency supplies in my pack for just such an event.

It sucked to have my hike ruined but I survived and It really boosted my self confidence. I enjoy solo hikes as much or more because I know I can handle it if something goes pear shaped.

[Macchina]

I would also add that I have never.solo hiked due to the risk of injury. Broken ankle etc. Anyone have input on this? That is my main concern that has kept me from going solo for days.

Not to mention how much it ups your chances of getting struck by lightning.

[Hawk-eye]

I would also add that I have never.solo hiked due to the risk of injury. Broken ankle etc. Anyone have input on this? That is my main concern that has kept me from going solo for days.

Well one concession I've made to my lovely wife is ... Solo ... I carry an ACR PLB. But she still worries. I do love solo trips but when you got great friends ... if they can go ... it's good to have them along!

[phatpacker]

See my previous post go where you know there will be others even a few. That way if you have a problem your good. No need to cut limbs off like the hardcore 127 hours guy. Save the week long thru hikes into bfe for going with a buddy and itinerary is everything.

[Fishpig]

Soloing is the best test of your outdoor skills. Experience has a way of comforting your mind. Whether it be a bear,( I left the Berkley Powerbaits in my tackle box!) A VERY close encounter. A Moose (Momma kicked him out and I looked like good company) A Closer encounter! Or a Killer SHREW Literally bit my boot! Fear makes you feel alive! Conquer your fears, relax, make video's, keep a journal, Eat well. Have a bump or two. LEARN HOW TO BE STILL. Enjoy your company. If something eat's you, think of the stories your friends and family will tell. You'll be a legend! I'm not an axe murderer, I just look like one!