an idea

[carrieann]

Hello everyone,
I'm Carrieann. I want to do some solo backpacking this summer.
Any advice?
equipment suggestions, experiences...

 

[CozInCowtown]

Start small, grow from there.
Short trips at first with very basic equipment. As you gain experiance and buy more stuff you will get better at it.
DC

 

[dinosaur]

My advice is to heed the wisdom of CozInCowtown.

 

[Lamebeaver]

Hey Carrieann, how much experience do you have, and where are you planning on backpacking.

Solo is not much different than with others. It's more imporatnt to leave an itineary with someone resonsable in case you get hurt, etc.

 

[oldsarge]

You've come to the right place with your question. Besides those who have answered already, once Refrigerator, Newanderthall, Lorax and a few others read your questions you should have more than enough info to start your adventure. Welcome to OBC!

 

[CozInCowtown]

My advice is to heed the wisdom of CozInCowtown.

That has never been said before!!!
"Wisdom" and my name are never used together I assure you!
layball:
DC

 

[bsmit212]

I agree with all of the above and also for your first couple of times out try to pick a very popular trail like the AT. This way if something does happen you are not on a trail where no one will pass you for a few weeks, it will only be a couple of hours maybe a day at most before someone will pass. Once you have been on a few hikes and feel comfortbal with your gear and ablities, then start looking for the less used trails and soloutide.

 

[dinosaur]

"Wisdom" and my name are never used together I assure you!

Gotcha! You'll never be able to say that again!

 

[Grandpa]

For safety sake, tell no one except immediate family where and when you are going. If a casual aquaintance happens to have a mean streak, you would be vulnerable on a trail. Save the excitement of the trip report until after the trip.

Leave the family (or close trusted friends) a detailed itinerary and under no circumstances do you deviate. Once on the trail, you should have no problems with the people you meet.

 

[IndianaHiker]

What everyone else has said and I would also add this. Don't over think it and talk yourself out of it. Backpacking is very simple. You load more crap than you need in a pack that you carry on your back. You walk, and walk, then at night remove some crap from said pack. Then in the morning put crap pack in pack and repeat. Its not as difficult as many like to make. Let someone responsible know where you are going and give them a good trip plan. Then get out and enjoy.

Edited to add:
The biggest difference about solo and with a group is the mental aspect. Some people are not able to go solo. The being alone in the words leads to self reflection and that for many is hard..

 

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...


Welcome aboard...you look fine today...!!


Do you already have all necessary equipment? If not, will your budget allow you to buy all fill-in gear?

Do you have new or used/surplus gear?

You already (should) know what water, food, first aid, shelter, fire, signaling, sleeping gear, clothing, footwear, maps, backpack, etc., are necessary. Do you already have this gear?

If not, you may get further help via reading some camping/backpacking-type magazines...plus much backpacking/survival info you can pick up on the 'net. Also, the AT forums.

 

[ppine]

Ditto. Go low and slow before you go high and fast.... and bring a dog.

 

[DMan]

Take time to get in shape and used to walking with a backpack on. Stay local at first until you gain confidence. Be sure to notify park rangers before venturing out to remote areas and also let your family know where you're going and how long you'll be away. If you can wear a watch that comes with a GPS so you can find your way around more easily. And get used to reading a terrain map.

 

[Davefromva]

Hello everyone,
I'm Carrieann. I want to do some solo backpacking this summer.
Any advice?
equipment suggestions, experiences...

For solo:

Other than you pack, tent, and sleeping bag & pad.

Dont forget to bring:

• 3 Compasses - Know how to use it also.
• Map of the area
• A way to sanitize water
• Good knife
• Some Cord/Rope - For backup shelter.
• Enough dry food to last 2 extra days
• 3 Ways to make Fire
• Construction String or Jute Twine
• Journal - To document your trip
• Camera with extra Batteries
• Metal Canteen or pot to boil water
• Some Form of a stove
• First Aid kit
• Rain Gear
• Duct Tape

Well, with all of this you should be able to survive on your own forever. lol.

Oh don't forget the kitchen sink. lol

 

[Lamebeaver]

Just curious,

Why do you feel the need for three compasses?

Some of the other items also seem a bit overkill for an overnight trip.

 

[dinosaur]

Just curious,

Why do you feel the need for three compasses?

Some of the other items also seem a bit overkill for an overnight trip.

It might be because even Gilligan and the skipper thought they were taking those folks on a three hour tour.

 

[MissyKitty]

I would suggest reading this forum, there is something about everything here

 

[agoodwriter]

.. Just take all the basics what you need for camping.. You don't need anything special if you are not going to do anything special..So if you are thinking to hunt anything, remember to take shotgun or some weapons with you!.. Also if there is any wild animals where you are going to camp at, take some knife or something with you, just for your own safety!

 

[Eppo]

The thing to remember when traveling is that the trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast and you miss all you are traveling for. --Louis L"Amour

 

[Eppo]

Risk is essential. There is no growth or inspiration in staying within what is safe and comfortable. Once you find out what is best, why not try something else?

--- Alex Noble