an idea

carrieann · 04-01-2012, 12:53 AM

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

**CozInCowtown** · 04-01-2012, 07:58 AM

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 · 04-01-2012, 08:01 AM

My advice is to heed the wisdom of CozInCowtown.

Lamebeaver · 04-01-2012, 08:14 AM

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 · 04-01-2012, 08:22 AM

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** · 04-01-2012, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinosaur

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!

DC

bsmit212 · 04-02-2012, 07:10 AM

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 · 04-02-2012, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CozInCowtown

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

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

Grandpa · 04-02-2012, 07:42 AM

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 · 04-02-2012, 08:52 AM

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..