Help me go Solo!

Love your post Adan.

Nothing like yelling at wildlife in the middle of the night.
"Knock it off out there!'

Positively cathartic.

Wow, Thanks for all the feedback and support!
I've been off my main computer for a week so forgot to check this, wish they had an instant email option.

I thought of another thing that would help. The cicadas are so loud you really can't hear anything during the summer. I think I'll go invest in some bear spray though.

Unfortunately I don't want to drive an hour and a half to test if I can do Solo since I can't really camp alone any where close for free legally. (At least not until I'm home from school for the summer.)

I probably won't do ear plugs since I find them unconformable and they would fall out anyway. I have a h51w so it's a pretty bright light, but I feel it's not the best idea the spot a large animal with your light. Even though it's most likely just going to get scared and run off. I'm currently using a Tarp Tent Contrail as my tent so I can somewhat see out the sides.

Thanks again!
Rocco

" wish they had an instant email option."

Click the Watch button at the top of the thread.

Rocco, let's say that the worst case animal at night is a black bear, at least for you. I don't know about those North Carolina black bears, but the ones in Yosemite are really scaredy cats. They will come snooping around late at night looking for food. If you come charging out of your tent with a bright light, you shout a lot and start throwing rocks at them. It works every time. They will be gone in an instant. However, they may return once you get quiet again. They just want the damned food, and they really don't want to have to deal with an irate human. That's why some of us use bear canisters. If the food is safely inside the bear canister, then the bear has just about zero chance of breaking it open, so you can just let it play soccer with it while you sleep inside the tent.

–B.G.–

I haven't read through this entire thread, and I know I'm a little late, but I currently live in Western North Carolina (Asheville) and exclusively backpack alone. I mostly enjoy backpacking alone, I set my own pace, I go where I want to go, stop when I want to, etc. Also, I like to fully immerse myself in my surroundings and nature, and sometimes others distract me from doing that.

I'm not sure were you do most of your hiking, but I'd recommend doing a small section on the AT first, or even doing a loop in the Smokies. Especially this time of year, you will most likely be sharing a campsite with someone, especially in the Smokies. And now when you purchase a backcountry permit, it even tells you how many hikers will also be staying at your designated campsite or shelter. So even though you won't know them, you still won't be alone. And chances are you may even hit it off with them.

Very rarely do I find myself completely alone in this area, but when I do I'll listen to some music or audio books on my iPhone if I bring some headphones along. And to echo another previous comment, try to set up camp and familiarize yourself with the area before it gets totally dark.

" you will most likely be sharing a campsite with someone, especially in the Smokies. And now when you purchase a backcountry permit, it even tells you how many hikers will also be staying at your designated campsite or shelter"

That's not my definition of solo.

"That's not my definition of solo."

Nick, refer to his original post. He didn't say that he cared to backpack alone, rather that he didn't want to rely on others to get out. Sorry for trying to give some advice that actually pertains to the area that he lives?

With all the zombies out there, he'll never really be solo….

Yeah, you can never be too careful with those zombie bears wondering around out there. ;)

To echo BG's comment: I just scare black bears away. In California many times. I'd expect it to be even easier in the Carolinas, where there is more black bear hunting and poaching. I have no issues with blackies in Alaska, except for how long to cook the bear sausage at breakfast – they don't even come around. They are not top predator, never have been, and they know it.

That doesn't mean you won't lose some sleep, but I rarely lose much sleep directly from a CA bear. Rather, it from other humans making noise but not being convincing enough.

After reading this thread I decided then and there that I am going to go solo backpacking, at least for one night, before the end of the summer. My first step in that process began last night. I car camped next to the Carson River by myself in a mesh tent without a rain fly. My two previous group backpacking trips (gotta start some time!) helped a lot, and I did't feel very nervous. Funny thing is I usually pay to stay in a campsite to be near other people, but this time I camped a few miles up the road where the camping is free but there are no facilities. It was supremely peaceful with nobody else around. I felt great when I woke up this morning. Thanks for the encouragement and advice.

Very good young grasshopper! When you suddenly realize how noisy and annoying ANY other humans around always are, then you will have truly found the way!

If you do car camping in this way I highly recommend, as an additional intermediate step at some point "cowboy" camping on top of a picnic table with a car-camping style thick pad. This might allow you to get into, or at least try out, going sans shelter when weather and insects permit. There is nothing like falling asleep while looking up at the stars or even waving tree branches. There is a reason so many folks on here say they like to cowboy camp whenever possible – it isn't just laziness. The picnic table may allow you to get used to the idea but with a breaking in period where you will be relatively separated from the ground.

I still like doing this when car camping if I don't want to bother with a shelter. You will be able to see a lot more wildlife, potentially, in the morning. Until you stir from your bag it might as well be a blind. In west Texas one time a pair of skunks were sniffing about under the table and my head peeping out through the hole in the bag never seem to register to them as anything to worry about. Also sunrise and all the attendant noises and sights can be experiences most directly. I had some wild Turkeys staring me point blank in the face one morning when I opened my eyes.

Solo in the black hills one time, however, a herd of buffalo passed a few feet away from my tent. The bulls were making loud snorting noise that sounded a little angry and they seemed HUGE from the door of my tent. That was actually one time where I might have wigged out a bit waking up to that while cowboy camping, though I'm sure the tent was not actually much real protection from getting trampled. Anyway, they were moving fast going somewhere, and the whole thing only lasted for a few minutes.

Mark, thanks for the feedback. I will try the "table topper" next time I am up there. I love the help for beginners on these forums, and I feel like I am almost ready to move from "newbie" to "novice" :)

Last night I did my first solo overnight at a lake I am familiar with just outside the Hoover National Wilderness. The experience was much like getting a shot–what was I so worried about? I didn't see another person but did see a bald eagle, some snakes, a frog and some fish (unfortunately jumping but not biting). I also saw some massive hawk/eagle that looked sort of mottled. Not sure what it was.

I try and learn something from each trip I take (not too tough when I can count them on my fingers). This trip I learned three things: 1. Chocolate coated granola bars get really gross in the bear can. 2. A used/folded Mountain House pouch worked fine for rehydrating meals and takes up much less volume in my pack than my plastic bowl. 3. Getting a little lost is ok if you keep your wits about you and backtrack if needed.

Thanks to the BPL community, which is a tremendous resource for beginners.

Just look out for this guy!

Jesus, Doug, now I'm not going to be able to sleep…

But, back to the OP- I generally freak out a bit my first night out solo, too. And for the same reason- hearing little noises that intellectually I'm quite certain is a chipmunk, but emotionally sounds a lot like a rabid grizzly.

I have noticed that I ONLY do this the first night out.

I suspect that on following nights I'm so exhausted that I just fall immediately into stage 12 REM sleep. So, perhaps the solution is to hike every daylight hour possible, and go to sleep tired?

Fear is your friend. It tells you when to expect pain.
Pain is your friend. It tells you you are still alive.
Solo hiking fears are nothing more than the anticipation of fear of a painfull encounter. If you are afraid at night, good. Afraid is better than being attacked. I usually lay my hiking stick near my bedding. I can bang on pots or a tree with it. These displays show agression and willingness to defend your territory. Black bears will generally amble off. Wolves, coyots, bobcats, etc will recognize this and move off where easier prey can be found. Take a few firecrackers if you must. Loud noises at night are NOT natural. They won't come near you.

Black Bears do NOT like human smells. Get good and sweaty during the day. Piss around any trails into your campsite. Change into sleeping cloths that ONLY smell of "HUMAN." Hang your pants if they are grease stained from cooking, or, smell like food. They want food, not a fight. Grizzy bears are a bit different, they respond to agression WITH agression. But they will recognize a willingness to defend your territory.

Avoid being too close to a water source. Animals need to drink, too and it draws them. A stream can be an exception, since they can simply move around you. A dry area is not usually a "hot spot" for bears and critters. The tops of mountains, and other dry areas are usually pretty safe. (Unfortunatly, there is too much water in the NE, they can always find water.) Avoid heavily used trails. Game trails usually mean animals habituated to moving along it. On a point, near a lake, can be a good spot. Not enough game there to bother hunting. Just do not draw them in with food scraps.

For 5 years I have been going solo regularly. Usually a week or two. Sometimes I go for the entire trip and see no one. Alone in the woods with the critters. I LIKE critters. It tells me there are few preditors around. A full moon is when the animals like to be out at night. They can see pretty well. I just see shadows in the woods. In more than 40 years of camping, I have no problems with the critters. Bats, marmots, 'possums, 'coons, rabbits, etc…they can sound HUGE at night. You realize that a true preditor wouldn't make a sound. I LIKE critter noises. They talk at night. Chittering, squeeking, rustling, well, they just make me more comfortable because a preditor is nearly silent.

BTW: The large mottled hawk or something was most likely an immature Bald Eagle. They are curious about people and what you are doing in their woods.

I night hike quite a bit and have done it solo a couple times. My first day in for most of my trips typically two to four hour hikes in the dark. What always has helped me is having an extremely bright head lamp. I carry a lower lumen light for general around the camp use, but I carry a 1,000 lumen headlight for the night hike. It adds weight to your pack, but my solo pack weighs just shy of 16.5 lbs and it has never bother me much.

…It also helps to have a four legged friend with you.

I solo hike (with a dog). I don't enjoy much hiking with others.

If I wake up at night and the dog isn't awake or growling – I know it's just my imagination.

If the dog is standing up in the tent with ears pointed forward and fur standing up – then it's time to get nervous.

Also my dog carries 5lbs of gear :)

If you're with a dog, does that count as solo?

I can’t give any better advice than has already been given, but maybe it’ll be encouraging to hear from others in your shoes? My first backpacking trip was with a college group. My second trip was ten years later, solo, and strongly influenced by advice from this and the backpacking.net forums. A few weeks ago I took my third trip . I was raised in the suburbs by a not particularly active or outdoorsy family, and conditioned to be pretty timid about trying new things, so I had a tough time getting started. Once I was out there, though, it was great.

I really like solo
I really like hiking with others, especially of similar pace

There is something quite liberating about solo though. You are never waiting on anyone else, or vice versa. Walk when you want, eat when you want , stop when you want.

I like night hiking in early morning when Im solo. Dont have to make camp in dark, Well rested at the time, and its an awesome feeling to have 5+ miles done by the time the sun comes up. Great way to add a few miles instead of restlessly pretending to sleep till sunup.

Heh, I've had allot of fun reading this thread! Lots of god advice and some humor.

I started camping with webelos back in the stone age with canvas tents, never once saw a sleeping pad, and we were expected to cook for ourselves over open fires.

I don't remember my first solo trip! You'd think a guy would remember that kind of thing.

Rocco, camping out in the woods is probably safer than staying in civilization. Your just accustomed to the – great many – routine dangers of civilization.

Wild animals, bandits and falling trees really are rather remote dangers.
So much so that when some poor hiker gets attacked by a wild animal or hit by a falling tree we all hear about it and see gory photos on the internet and this fear of the wild gets set all the deeper in our collective subconscious.

Many good ways have been mentioned here to help cope with this unreasoning fear and know that it will lessen in time.

Music is very relaxing and a great way to forget your worries and drift off to peaceful sleep.
A good shot of brandy can also help!

An enclosed tent can really help peace of mind, and of course start close to home – Even in the back yard. Why not?

Of course, Mankind did not get to the top of the food chain by being defenseless and just trying to “get along” with the bears and beasts.
I quite do not understand the insistence of some modern people that they simply must be defenseless. I think some such folk would also like to see everyone else defenseless too, which I think is sick.
Me, I help ensure my position firmly at the top of the food chain by always having a firearm and knowing very well how ( and when ) to use it.
I got into this habit in civilization and carry a weapon in the wilds as a holdover of that habit. In all the years I’ve tramped in the woods I have yet to need it, but I certainly will continue to carry one. My safety and more importantly the safety of those that travel with me such as my wife and nephews may someday depend upon me. I know it sounds old fashioned, but it is thinking like this that put us on the top of the food chain, not the muddled thinking of those that insist upon being defenseless.

Self-defense means just that, being able to defend one self. Nobody is gonna do it for you, especially when your miles away out in the woods.

So carry a weapon. You’ll sleep better knowing that you can defend yourself in the – very – unlikely event that you may need to.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to carry a firearm. Humans are Brachiators. Our shoulder blades are on our backs, not the sides of our chests as on most animals.
It means we can swing things over our heads, which along with the thumb put us over the top of the food chain, simple as that.
Push comes to shove, a human can turn a stout stick into a formidable weapon.

For decades I have carried a stout oaken staff.

Would you believe I’ve been made fun of because of this simple stick? Some folks simply must mind the business of others and insist they know more about well, everything, that oneself does.
But the point is this stick can be quite the weapon. Not that I want to go up against a bandit armed with a gun armed with only a stick, but a stout staff certainly is good for most things that go bump in the night.
As someone once wrote –

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Indeed, this very staff once successfully defended me against several large and rather obnoxious porcupines that simply insisted on getting into my backpack one night as I lay sleeping in the open somewhere in upstate N.Y. decades ago. My backpack was my pillow that night, and I was quite put out when they all but unceremoniously rolled me out of the way to get at it.
Yes, I had a pistol with me that night, but I didn’t want to shoot the beasties ( well, maybe a little. They were very insistent ) but the stout staff sufficed.

A trekking pole is a very poor substitute for a staff. They are just to lightly built. Whack something with it and you’ll likely break it. You want a stick that will not break when you grasp it with both hands and beat the heck out of your target with manic, adrenalin driven freak-out strength. That will show those porcupines. Or black bears and mountain lions, for that matter.

A knife is also a good idea. It is one of mankinds oldest and most useful tools. We probably all started out backpacking carrying large sheath knives before eventually realizing that we never did anything with it except dig toilet holes, and went to nothing but a small pocket knife.
But we instinctively reached for that sheath knife first when venturing out into the wilds, and it had to be proven that we didn’t need it.
It’s still a good choice and many folk, even here on this U.L. forum, carry one. What beast has a six inch steel claw? Only Mankind can.

I have often recommended that lone female hikers carry a blade for defense from the less principled male of the species, if they are uncomfortable with or unable to carry a firearm because of idiot politician who seek to strip humans of the ability to defend themselves.

It is certainly a last resort, last ditch defensive option only useful at contact range, but a handy sharp little shiv can indeed make all the difference when push comes to shove.
I think a decent quality one-handed-opening folding knife can be a useful weapon. It can be carried in a pocket or even clipped to a bra strap under a woman’s shirt!
If someone tried to grapple that woman they might find themselves minus a pound of flesh!

A folder as small as a Spiderco Delica, a handy Buck folding knife, a Swiss Army 111 mm or even 130 mm one handed locking knife carried in a back pocket, or one of the many popular “tactical” folders would be a good choice for self defense. The big Swiss Army knives would probably not draw the attention a “tactical” folder would, and such knives are indeed issued to German, Swiss, Dutch, and other troops. The large one-handed lock blades are useful tools and can make a handy weapon.

Chemical deterrents have also been mentioned, the good ‘ol pepper spray. I don’t trust or care for the stuff myself, and have yet seen one convincing case where they did any good. On the other hand, I know of first hand cases where folk were killed with rocks, sticks, knives and guns, so I know they work!

Remember that defense is also largely a matter of mindset. My wife once drove a large mountain lion off of one of our goats bare footed and empty handed. I was hunting the beastie nearby with a rifle but didn’t get there in time. Well, Heck has no furry like a pissed off woman!
I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am the top of the food chain. In the valley of the shadow of death I shall fear no evil because I am the baddest character in the valley!
And that lets me sleep very well at night.

"A trekking pole is a very poor substitute for a staff."

Explain that to Andrew Skurka and the grizzly bear.

–B.G.–