Backpacking Alone?

[Cappy]

PProlly over half of my outdoor experiance has been solo. Workig on a boat I get 2 weeks at a time off. It's hard to find folks who have the time to play with me.I have backpacked,canoed, and car cammped alone and never had a problem. When off trail or deep in the swamp ya aint likely to meet hoodlems. They aint as a rule nature fans. I feel much more at risk in a city than on the trail. The only problem I have with the AT is I can never get'dueling banjo's 'outa my head. In my HO the big risk is for natural injury/accidents. That risk has been greatly diminished by cell phones GPS spotters and tracckers. Be prepared, be safe, have fun and may God bless and protect ya Judy ann. Take plenty pics and please share

[Newanderthal]

Most bipedal predators stake out grocery store parking lots, apartment complexes, ATMs, etc.

The first step to not being a victim is to not look like one. If you look confident and capable, any predator will think twice before moving on you. They're looking for victims, not fights. Keep your head up, your shoulders back, and walk with purpose.

Wear a knife. A fixed blade knife with a 5 inch blade strapped to your hip will deter predators.

Make eye contact with other hikers, smile, and greet them. Acknowledging the presence of a person gives them the sense that you're alert and confident. It also tells them that they've already been identified which prevents any future crime from being anonymous.

Lastly, don't be afraid of anyone on the trail.

The chances that you'll have any trouble from people are very slim. The biggest problem people face on the AT when it comes to people are pickpockets. You'll sleep in a shelter with a group of strangers and wake up to find your headlamp missing or your wallet empty.

Go out and have fun.

[oldsarge]

Originally Posted by Newanderthal

Most bipedal predators stake out grocery store parking lots, apartment complexes, ATMs, etc.

The first step to not being a victim is to not look like one. If you look confident and capable, any predator will think twice before moving on you. They're looking for victims, not fights. Keep your head up, your shoulders back, and walk with purpose.

Wear a knife. A fixed blade knife with a 5 inch blade strapped to your hip will deter predators.

Make eye contact with other hikers, smile, and greet them. Acknowledging the presence of a person gives them the sense that you're alert and confident. It also tells them that they've already been identified which prevents any future crime from being anonymous.

Lastly, don't be afraid of anyone on the trail.

The chances that you'll have any trouble from people are very slim. The biggest problem people face on the AT when it comes to people are pickpockets. You'll sleep in a shelter with a group of strangers and wake up to find your headlamp missing or your wallet empty.

Go out and have fun.

Well said! One of the first lesson in self defense.

[Pathfinder1]

[QUOTE=Newanderthal;74055]Most bipedal predators stake out grocery store parking lots, apartment complexes, ATMs, etc.

Wear a knife. A fixed blade knife with a 5 inch blade strapped to your hip will deter predators.





Hi...


Your first sentence is exactly what was exposed in a TV program regarding Wall*Mart. That was where most of their 'adverse occurrences' happened, according to the article.

And that was only the tip of the Wall*Mart iceberg...!!

[JeepThrills]

I never use to worry about camping or hiking solo, but a woman got murdered on a trail near here and it really makes you think. I don't let it stop me from going out on my own, but I do keep an eye out all the time.

[ppine]

JudyAnn,
You are getting too much information. Just go out there and enjoy yourself. October is the perfect time.

This thread reminds me of a episode of "Two Men and a Boy" where they give advice to Jake as he is about to start Jr High School.

[oldsarge]

Originally Posted by ppine

JudyAnn,This thread reminds me of a episode of "Two Men and a Boy" where they give advice to Jake as he is about to start Jr High School.

Classic episode! Jake staring out the rear bus window as it drives away.

[Jack999]

Don't think about all the "what if's" just go for it. If you are worried about being alone choose a well trod route where you will come across other people.

[Judy Ann]

I am more than a little embarrassed to say that I am a major CHICKEN. My pack is ready, the family was prepared in person earlier this week during my trip in SC, they were supportive in that they did not try to talk some reason into me, but when I read about park closures in NC because of habituated bears I was very quick to change my mind about the trip next week.

Thank you all for the encouragement...so close yet so far! Thanksgiving will be my next group trip backpacking and maybe group trips should be enough, but I really wanted to make it solo once in this lifetime. Soon maybe.

[ponderosa]

The woods and mountains aren't going anywhere. You'll get your trip done when the time is right. No hurry.