Ten Tips for Solo Female Hikers
Hiking solo can be one of the most serene and empowering experiences out there. Being smart and prepared can make it less intimidating and more fun. We’ve compiled ten tips for the adventurous female who wants to take on solo hiking. We want you to be confident, safe, and smart.
“Confidence comes from being prepared.”
Know your Trail: It’s important that you know your trail before you arrive at the trail head. Know the length, difficulty, and any potential danger. There are a few ways to get to know a trail you’ve never hiked.
Download the All Trails app, and then download the map to the trail you are hiking. Read the reviews and look at any turns on the map you need to be aware of. (If you are going on a hike that will last longer than your phone battery, make sure to pack a charging stick.) If you have the trail map downloaded, it will track you as you hike and show you if you’re on the trail.
Print off a physical map. Highlight any turns on your map and know the distance and terrain. Take the map and a compass with you as you hike.
Talk to someone you know who has done the hike before, and ask them for any tips specific to the trail.
Tell Someone You Trust: Make sure to leave an itinerary including start and return times with someone you trust. Ask them to check-in on you when you are supposed to be back.
Carry your phone, a personal locator beacon, and/or satellite messenger device: If you have service during your hike make sure to bring your cell phone in case of an emergency. If you plan on being out of service, take a personal locator beacon or satellite messenger device. Our favorite is the Garmin inReach.
Pack Your Essentials: A lot of potential danger can be minimized, especially as a solo hiker, by carrying essentials. Here are some items to pack:
Extra water
Extra food
Matches or a lighter
Emergency blanket
First aid kit
Knife or multitool
Allergy medication
Flash light or headlamp
Navigation tools
Sun protection
Whistle (three blows is an international distress call)
5. Know Your Limits: If you’ve only ever hiked three miles, it’s probably not a good idea to try a 16 mile hike by yourself for the first time. Work your way up to it and know your limits.
6. Know about the Local Wildlife: It’s important to be aware of what type of wildlife lives in the habitat you are hiking in and how to react if you encounter it. For example: If you see a cute moose, don’t get closer for a good picture!
7. Watch the Weather: Make sure there isn’t a chance of weather putting you in danger. Be aware of flash floods, extreme temperatures, thunderstorms, and blizzards.
8. Be Aware: Don’t wear headphones, don’t sit on your phone in the parking lot at the trail head, and remember you don’t need to be chatty with everyone you meet on the trail. Most importantly, trust your instinct. If something doesn’t feel right, turn around! You can also…
Carry pepper spray or arm yourself with a personal defense weapon of your choice if you are nervous about a human threat.
Give an impression that your hiking partner should coming along soon, even if your hiking partner is made-up.
9. Take Your Dog if You Have One: Hiking with a dog can help you feel safe from a threatening human or animal. It can scare a lot away, especially if you have a protective dog.
10. If You Get Lost - STOP
S – Stay calm. Sit down and relax.
T – Think. Get out your map or phone and see what you can learn.
O – Observe. Look for landmarks or footprints.
P – Plan. Make the best plan according to the situation you are in.
There are a lot of women in the world who go hiking alone and have a fun, safe experience! However, it’s up to you to make a personal decision on what feels good. Remember, if hiking in a group sounds more fun to you, stick with groups and don’t feel like you have to go hiking solo. If hiking solo is calling your name, you can join one of the many female solo hikers and plan your first solo hike!
Remember: These are just tips. Please hike at your own risk.