ActiveHiking & WalkingHow to stay safe if you’re hiking aloneHiking on your own? These top tips will help you to keep you safe out on the trailsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveHiking & WalkingHow to stay safe if you’re hiking aloneHiking on your own? These top tips will help you to keep you safe out on the trailsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Hiking on your own? These top tips will help you to keep you safe out on the trails
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Decathlon)
(Image credit: Decathlon)
Hiking alone can be a fun way to enjoy nature and get some space from the bustle of normal life. It’s great exercise, burning between 300-600 calories per hour depending on your weight, terrain and what you’re carrying. Not to mention, it’s a great way to switch off and prioritise your mental health.
While hiking alone is great for many reasons, there are some considerations to bear in mind. A pleasant day on the mountain can quickly turn into a nightmare if you aren’t prepared for possible issues you might encounter, whether that’s the UK’s maritime climate making for changeable conditions, or getting lost en route. Depending on where in the world you’re hiking, you may have more to consider too, from dangerous wildlife to blizzards or flash floods.
Before you even set off on your solo adventure, make sure you’re kitted out with thebest hiking bootsto avoid any slips or trips, as well as thebest hiking backpackfor all your day hike essentials. Read on for some top tips on how to stay safe on a solo hike.
#1. Check the weather
Always look at the weather forecast when planning a trip. Thunder storms, heavy rain, snow, and flash flooding can be fatal if you are not prepared. If it’s been particularly dry, be aware of hiking in areas prone to wildfires, as these spread rapidly. Another thing to bear in mind is that even if the weather is pleasant on the day you plan to hike, poor weather in the days prior to your trip can dramatically change the landscape. Rivers may be running higher and faster, parts of the trail may have been washed away or made unsafe and trees or rocks could have been destabilised, making them a falling risk. Packing awaterproof jacket, even on a warm day, is a sensible idea, because the weather can change quickly at high altitudes.
#2. Don’t wear headphones
Remember that not everybody you encounter will be friendly and they might want to cause you harm as a lone hiker. Never tell anyone you don’t know where you’ll be camping for the night and be careful sharing personal information.
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#3. Plan your route
If you plan your route before heading off you are less likely to get lost. Sharing your route and informing someone of where you should be at different times during your hike will also make you easier to track down if you get lost or veer off route. An itinerary is hugely helpful for mountain rescue teams, as it narrows down their initial search area.
Villafuerte recommends learning to read a map so you can anticipate the difficulty of a hike. “The contour lines allow you to read the steepness of an area so you can plan effectively,” he says. “Anticipate problems before you step out – glaciers and snowfields are featureless so you should consider carrying route marking wands and create an escape route if bad weather or visibility arise. Always think about the return.”
Our guide to thebest water bottle for hikingwill also keep you hydrated on the trails.
(Image credit: Mobvoi)
(Image credit: Mobvoi)
#4. Carry a personal tracker/GPS
A bonus safety feature on top of a well planned route is to carry a personal tracker or satellite phone. Technology that keeps track of your location can make it easier to find you if you go missing or get injured and can reduce the time it takes for emergency services to find you.
Villafuerte also advises investing in a PLB radio beacon. “PLBs have a dedicated search and rescue system and these allow you to send your location to emergency responders,” he says. “PLBs have stronger signals than satellite communicators, which send out locations to emergency responders via private companies. There is one way or two way communication with these and some models double as GPS navigation devices.
Most of today’sbest outdoor watcheshave some kinds of GPS function, but better still might be to invest in one of thebest hiking GPSsystems, which are specialised for the job, and often offer much longer battery life and features like emergency contact / location trackers.
#5. Be aware of wildlife
If you’re hiking alone in an area with bears, such as the US or Canada, make lots of noise and the bears will generally give you a wide berth. They hate being startled and often attack if they are, so making noise ensures they know you are there. If you do encounter one, keeping a can of bear spray in your hiking kit might be a life saver. If a bear approaches you, do not run – you are encouraging it to chase you.
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