SCARED OF HIKING ALONE? 15 SAFETY TIPS FOR HIKING & BACKPACKING SOLO

One questions I get asked a lot is; are you not scared hiking alone? So in this video I want to share with you 15 safety tips for solo hikers to help anyone who is worried about hiking or backpacking alone and is looking for advice, as well as experienced hikers who may already be hiking solo to make your time outdoors as safe as it can be.

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Mentioned in this video;
As well as everything included in the above Pro First Aid Kit, I also include; Leukotape, Small Mirror, Tweezers, Swiss Army Knife, 1 x Burn Gel Sachet, Antihistamines, Hand Sanitiser, Anti-diarrheal pills & Rehydration salts.

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Thank you for taking the time to watch my video, I appreciate it so much.

Mary 💚

#solohiking #safetyfirst #solotravel #hiking #getoutside #explore

[LaurenceDay-dp]

I am an 81-year-old man and have hiked alone for 50 years or more, and enjoy it. Far from the madding crowd. Her tips for females also apply to male solo hikers. Good for her, and all solo hikers. Enjoy!

[steventinling]

I have followed you since your PCT days. You are so refreshing -- confident, positive and encouraging. I expect a lot of people have become closer to the outdoors because of you.

[steveduffy]

Most excellent advice Mary. I worked in, and lived near Yosemite National Park for many years and was always amazed at how unprepared, or under-prepared, so many people were. I was an extreme, off trail, wilderness, solo hiker, but took a course in orienteering (map& compass) before striking out on my own. No one should be afraid of being in the great outdoors, and with your solid advice, they should have many a happy trail.

[markmccann]

Wonderful advice, Mary...very straight forward and practical. EVERY time I hike, my family tells me how crazy I am for hiking alone. I used to be more afraid, but I've truly learned to see backpacking as a metaphor for my life journey. The trail is my escape from this crazy world, my alone time with God, my "get real" encounter with myself. It teaches me the value of suffering well, the joy of reaching summits, and the sheer beauty of finding oneself in the wilderness. Keep making your videos! Great job!

[allencrider]

I was scared hiking alone after I saw a bear. Even though the bear ran when he heard me, I was still paranoid miles later, and was constantly looking behind me. But the next day it was as if I had never been afraid.

[ronaldrose]

Hello 👋 Mary, thank you for sharing this informative video. Greetings from Northern California. You shared some excellent pointers for those venturing into the outdoors. Did you trek along the PCT a few years ago? You look quite familiar. All the best of good things for you. Always stay safe out there 🏕️. 😊

[theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

I solo hike as well and the comments and reactions sound so familiair. 😊

Maybe a good tip as well for when you are doing a long hike is to add points to your route and number them. Leave the same map with someone else and send them a message at each number. If something happens they know where you last have been.

[Swimdeep]

Well done. Important to point out that women (and others) are most often attacked IN TOWN (cities, rural areas). Confidence and proper preparation is the absolute key to a safe and exciting adventure.🌿

[joshgeiger]

What a knowledgeable, kind, likable person you are. You are a real treat and hour energy is just so light. Thanks for the wisdom.

[willek]

Hi. Great video. A couple of things I'd like to add.

Everyone I meet on a hike ask
1. Are you hiking alone?
2. Where are you from, heading to, where I'm going to sleep, etc.
This is small talk 101 on every hike. This is a check to see if I'm a trustworthy individual. If I carry my shoulders on my ears, people might avoid me.

Last thing. Tall people walk faster than shorter people, because they have a longer stride. Just because a bigger person is closing in on you, is probably because you're the slow person on the escalator. Make room and walk with one ear free from your headphones. You'll be less scared, and the other person less annoyed.

Thank you.

[anitavincent]

Wonderful advice Mary.
I’ve always loved my solitude that’s just my personality, and even though I can be sociable my preference is to be alone (but never lonely) so hiking, biking or any other activity can be most enjoyable if you take the precautions that you so expertly advised.
Happy trails to all introverts and extroverts alike, there’s nothing like enjoying the great outdoors no matter what.
Thanks for a very meaningful video.
🙏🏻😊💚

[sietskevandiejen]

My moms advice a long long time ago. If you dont trust a situation whit a stainger. Pretend you are calling someone (of even better, be on the phone with somebody). People will think twice before attacking you if they think your in direct contact with someone.

Thanks for all the tips Mary!!!

[sdhales]

I have done a lot of solo hiking and backpacking. This is an excellent video on the basics, very well organized and presented. As usual very well done.
O

[mikefleming]

In dangerous situations you chose to hike with a group! The High Sierra, Mt Whitney and at the end of your trip, not going it alone. I'am glad you did! Plus hiking the PCT, you had companions in case of emergency! You were Great!

[OutandAboutwithTrev]

I done heaps of solo hikes down here in Australia. Years ago a mate and did hikes but I only saw him at the start, lunch times and when I get to the campsite for the night. During one up at Mt Feathertop I thought damn it, I'm hiking alone. So the next one I did by myself was great - I didn't to hike quickly just how I wanted to, when to have lunch, stops and then get to where I wanted to camp. Now, over 30 years later I still hike by myself. In the next few weeks, I'm going do a solo snow hike up to Mt Bogong the highest mountain of Victoria. I've been up there many times and looking forward to getting there again. I use a GPS and carry maps, compass and PLB so if I get injured and can't hike out - I can have support. I also make sure one of mates have the planning for my trip in case something really bad goes on and I can't contact or the PLB get broken he can call the Police and advise my route, where I was planning to camp etc...staying safe is my most important issue for my sole hikes but it's also nice to meet other people on the track.

[waynevnj]

You are a very good communicator Mary!

[derekfox]

A wonderful and inspirational video sweetheart. I’m sure it will be of great help to new and also experienced hikers. I hope this video inspires people to go out and enjoy hiking like all of your other videos 😘

[lisamansfield]

Really great advice here. Thank you so much for sharing your advice and thoughts AND enthusiasm for solo hiking 💕💕

[KirstenBayes]

Really good video! I love hiking alone these days. Provided you have the basic equipment and knowledge, and keep your wits about you, (all of which you cover!) it is good fun.

[clairebarnes_]

This is exactly the video I needed. I really want to ultimately be able to solo hike, just that hesitancy around being out as a lone female. This video has really helped put some fears to rest.
Also extra thing I plan to do...take my dog!! 🙂