LOCALadk Magazine

38 Summer 2020 LOCALadk Magazine LOCALadk There might not be a more rewarding outdoor experience than exploring the wilderness all alone while solo backpacking. The physical, mental, and emotional challenges can be immense, and are exceeded only by the feelings of accomplishment and self-reliance that come from thriving in the wilds with help from no one. Whether seeking out a challenge, looking to escape from the hectic modern world, or simply not having anyone to go with, there are many reasons to embark on a solo backpacking trip, especially in this time of uncertainty and social distancing. This article will provide useful tips for both experienced explorers and neophytes alike to have a safe and enjoyable solo backpacking experience. Note: Please follow all local and federal guidelines when getting outside during the COVID -19 pandemic. 1. Ease Into It Before immediately diving into a multiday solo trip, incrementally gain experience and knowledge by first backpacking with other, more experienced backpackers. This will instill you with the confidence and skills to venture into the wilderness solo. It's also far better to make a rookie mistake while in the company of a seasoned vet than to learn things the hard way when you're all alone. Once you feel com- fortable enough to go solo, get a few low mileage, one- or two-night trips under your belt before biting off that week-long epic you've been dreaming about. 2. Tell a Friend/Family Member Your Itinerary If things turn bad while you're solo, no one will be there to provide medical assistance or run out to the road or a ranger station to get help. Leaving a detailed itinerar y with a loved one is always a good idea even when backpacking with others, but is im- perative to your safety and well-being when going solo. 3. Consider Using a Satellite Messenger Along the same line as Tip #2, carr ying a satellite messenger such as a SPOT or DeLorme inReach can be a soothing security measure for you and your loved ones while you're off the grid alone. These messengers range in capability, but a couple of rec- ommendations include getting one with a "check-in" feature that lets the people of your choice know that you're ok and provides your GPS coordinates via text and/or email, along with an SOS feature that alerts local search and rescue of your location and that you're in danger and in need of rescue. 4. Double- Check Your Gear Extra care and diligence needs to be taken with gear before heading out on a solo backpacking trip, as there won't be anyone there to lend you spare gear or help with repairs in the event of a failure. Opening up your tent, sleeping bag, and pad before packing them to inspect for damage or mildew from storage, re-waterproofing rain gear and boots, and checking how much fuel is in fuel canisters are just a few of the things that should be done each time before hitting the trail. 5. Lighten the Load An advantage of backpacking with a group is the ability to split up gear among multiple people, help- ing to keep ever yone's pack at a reasonable weight. When backpacking solo, it's up to only you to carr y all that is needed to thrive in the wilderness, and pack weight can quickly balloon to an ungodly level that prohibits efficient travel and personal enjoy- ment. For high mileage solo trips, the added cost of lightweight gear is worth ever y penny. Another use- ful way to eliminate unnecessar y weight is to keep track of what you pack for each trip, and what you actually end up using. This is an easy way to identif y the items that have earned a place in your pack, and those that can be left out. 6. Develop a Daily Rhythm Solo backpacking involves much more work than just the act of hiking. Camp needs to be made, water gathered and purified, food cooked, perhaps fire- wood collected. If such tasks are procrastinated and completed haphazardly, solo backpacking can quick- ly feel more like a chore than an enjoyable escape. Developing a daily rhythm will ensure that tasks are efficiently completed and free up more time to hike and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. 7. Mitigate Risk Solo backpacking is inherently more dangerous than hiking with a group, and extra care needs to be tak- en when solo to avoid danger and unnecessar y risks. Pushing onward when the weather's bad, crossing a swollen river, and venturing onto uncomfortably dangerous terrain are just a few of the high-risk sce- narios that should be avoided as much as possible when backpacking solo. There's no shame in turning back when a dangerous situation outside your com- fort zone presents itself while solo.

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