First time Backcountry camping

[IndianaHiker]

I know some guys that have back packed for over 20 years. Very knowledgeable, in shape, and have the best gear that you can get that never do solo trips. They don't go solo not out of fear the wild but fear of boredom. Both of these guys are very out going social people that fear the would be bored out there alone. It does take a person that is very comfortable with themselves to spend an extended period of time alone. My self now I enjoy it when I was young not so sure I would have. Out alone leaves time for reflection and for some that is scary.

[Newanderthal]

Always be aware of your location and how to get out again. Constantly turn back to see your landmarks from behind (they look very different from when you approach from the other side) and only go in as long as you're confident you can get out again.

You'll be fine.

And if you get hopelessly lost, pick a direction, check your compass, and walk in a straight line until you find a road. In the eastern half of the country, this will probably happen in a few hours.

[ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Lamebeaver

We all deal with this. To some people, the thought of being alone, with no one to depend on but yourself is terrifying. You learn things about yourself when you're all alone. It's good for the soul.

Not only that, but there are a whole lot of people who think backpacking at all is crazy. I've had people tell me I shouldn't go without a man along, that it's too risky to bring my little girls into the wilderness, that I shouldn't go outside cell phone range, that I shouldn't go in the winter, that I shouldn't hike in grizzly country, that my (otherwise perfectly healthy) diabetic husband shouldn't venture more than a few hours from medical help...the list goes on.

[Lamebeaver]

Originally Posted by Newanderthal

Also, if you intend on walking deep into the woods, bring some marker tape. The thing, stretchy, plastic tape that comes in assorted neon colors. As you go into the woods, occasionally tie a bit onto a tree. You'll be able to follow your exact path back to the truck and you can take the tape down as you leave. This gives you a good backtrail to follow and doesn't damage the environment.

Please don't do this. There is enough crap in the woods already. It's ugly and in some places, like wilderness areas, illegal.

Learn to use a map and compass.

edit: I do in fact know people that will remove them if they see them.

[ponderosa]

I think it's unwise to rely on marker tape for navigation. You can't guarantee that someone behind you won't remove it, for the reasons cited by Lamebeaver (which I happen to agree with). You'd better be able to find your way home without it.

[Judy Ann]

My family used to fuss at me all the time about camping alone until I purchased a SPOT. Most of my camping is done out of cell phone range and the folks were concerned and worried about me. Now they complain that I don't post my "I wish you were here message" enough so that they can track my journeys. If I run into trouble I can push a button that tells them to contact the rangers in the district because I need help. I always give them the number before I leave. If I fall off a cliff and happen to survive there is a SOS button that I can press that will call in the troops to come and rescue me. Its waterproof so I take it whenever I canoe, kayak or go rafting.

Here is an example of what I send my family from the SPOT whenever I am wandering. My dad is 82 and he has a blast following my adventures into the unknown.
http://www.findmespot.com/mylocation...638N/81.88446W

Good luck on your personal journey!

Judy Ann

[IndianaHiker]

Originally Posted by Lamebeaver

Please don't do this. There is enough crap in the woods already. It's ugly and in some places, like wilderness areas, illegal.

Learn to use a map and compass.

edit: I do in fact know people that will remove them if they see them.

Sounds like you know me Lamebeaver. I have found things like that and removed them. I always figured that they must be trash that young kids left to show the way to what every spot in the woods they were heading to drink and not get caught. Never occurred to me that someone would actually use these dangerous method for find the way home.

[Lamebeaver]

To his credit Newanterthal mentioned that he removes his on the way out, but not everyone is this considerate, and you're bound to miss a few. Since there are others that will remove them deliberatly, I don't think this is a reliable way to find your way back.

[Newanderthal]

Marker tape tied onto trees shouldn't be removed by hikers. In many cases park rangers and other forestry management personnel use marker tape for various purposes, like indicating trees they are studying, potential paths for future trails, etc. Pick up trash, but marker tape on trees isn't litter, but something placed there for a reason and should be removed by the person who placed it there or the park service.

If a novice backpacker is using it to follow his backtrail, you'll be responsible for getting that person lost. If the park service is using it as a means of marking something important, you'll be responsible for disrupting it.

[sticks]

There is no reason why you should not be able to do a solo. I suggest you plan something in a loop 5-10 miles. That way if you feel you should bail it is doable. If bears are a problem in your area, practice bear hangs before you go out. Learning to toss a rock bag over a branch 20' high takes practice and best learned in the back yard.

Let someone know where you are, when you will return, and when you will contact them at the latest. Give them the contact numbers for the local police or forest ranger station where you are going.

Lastly leave that darn hatchet and machete at home...you will be fine. I have been going solo since the 70s and never carried anything for protection or to hack on trees.