Solo hiking/trekking?

Hi Deina,

Look, I have one solo hiking in Romanian Carpathians and in French Alps also. I know, it's not good, but there are some things to consider:
- how wilde is the are you intend to hike ? I mean, how big are chances that you meet people on the way ? If there is not absolutely wilde, you won't be all alone, as in a populated area you'll find some company and maybe continue toghether. It happened to me many times both in the Carpathians and the Alps. While solo hiking I did meet people and established friendships that last since many years.
- if there is a real wilde area, where you hike for days without meeting anyone, what about the GSM signal ? If you get in pb, is there possible that you call someone (let's say the mountain rescue) or it's a place totally disconnected from civilisation ?
- What are the general meteo conditions and how about the wildlife ? Are there serious dangers from this points of view ?

So, this are just some thoughts that might help you decide if is indeed to risky to go alone or not.

Don't missunderstand me, I'm not recommending anyone to go hiking alone, but there are some moments when you have to do this (or sit in the city, as alternative ;) )
So, what I'm saying is: it is possible to go alone, but only knowing perfeclty what are the risks you're exposed to. Consider that in totally wilde areas even a small walking problems could become a really big problem if you have noone to help you.

All best,
Radu
Trekking in Carpathian Mountains

D: If you have good maps you are great at navigation (compas) as well as GPS, first aid qualified put in a trip intention form then you can make a decision at the time on the area you are going to. There are plenty of bush walking clubs in Victoria that do mid week/ weekend hikes but you may not enjoy their company (as stated). Some areas that are true wildnerness can be looked at differently to ones that are closer to civilisation. As always the decison is yours.............

Australians are just paranoid about safety. I have hiked alone all over Australia without any problems.

Rent or buy an EPIRB, take your mobile phone and you will be fine by yourself.

Thanks for all the replies!

Radu, I'm glad someone understands why I need to go alone! The area I'm planning to go is not that isolated, so yes there is a moderate chance I will meet some people along the way (or as my friend's mother so elegantly put it, be told by the park ranger to go home and not travel solo!) Its summer here now and the temperature gets up to 40 degrees Celsius around the area and the most dangerous wildlife would be the brown snake.

V, I'm pretty good at compass navigation and medically trained. I have never used a GPS before though I am sure I can ask a friend to teach me before I go.

homeless, I agreed with you on your statement! One of the guys that are trying to discourage me from going has given me a book that basically said its better to be saef to safer to safest to paranoid!

Thank you again everyone. Now I feel a lot more confident in my decision. I will let you know how it goes!

Love
D

If you do: make sure you have a first aid kit, water (at least 3 litres plus 2 emergenice supply litres =5 litres total. Protect against the sun (ie lotion and cap) Check in every day via phone to home/point of contact. A mobile phone with satitlite conections alot of Oz has no phone coverage in the outback....

I personally wouldn't recommend it but if you decided to do make sure you do adequate preps.

Best advice I can offer is to start small, don't go and scale Everest solo until you have a fair bit of solo experiance first. Also, as someone mentioned, the area you intend to be in makes a difference, both is how comitting the objective dangers are and the likelyhood of someone coming along to help/find your body. I love solo travel, but until you feel extremly comfortable in the outdoors, stay well within your ability level and bring more gear than you think you need. And don't forget to tell folks back home where you will be and when back.

As others have mentioned, you may start off on your own, but there'sa good chance you'll meet others along the way unless you are in a VERY remote area.

I also do a lot of solo trekking -- sometimes I want the sounds of nature rather than the sounds of human voices. But you have to take the risks seriously and plan for them. The risks are a balance between what you can do and where you are. It can be nerve-wracking sometimes. You really do have to grow into it, to understand your own limits in relation to the terrain you're covering. You have to be prepared to take care of yourself, e.g., basic first aid. Things like water and food sources etc ... you have to do your research and know what you're getting into.

One other practical tip: inform people in the area about the route you will take and how long you'll be gone (not just family at home, they won't do you much good in a short-term emergency).

hey all,

thanks for all the advice given! I've been on a solo hike up the southern Flinders Ranges about two weeks ago, it was great! I didn't meet a soul while I was there but I didn't have any problems aside from not being able to light any sort of fire due to the complete fire ban (despite the fact it was raining when I was there...) The park ranger didn't have a problem at all when I told him I was travelling alone, which was a relief because I've been warned that they wouldn't allow me to go in!

I had a great time and am now considering the Victorian region, though I probably will meet some people along the way as I would like to try mountaineering and abseiling, etc.

Love all
D.

Hi, I've done a fair amount of solo walking in my life- I am a very cautious walker and have only walked on marked trails. I have walked several New Zealand trails alone-Heaphy. north west circuit on Stewart Island,etc and you meet heaps of other people. Did the Jomson return trip in Nepal-same story. Did a 56 day trip with my 8 and 9 year old daughters , the bibbulman in western australia , nearly 1000 km - not alone but lots of carefulness req'd as I had kids to protect- saw lots of snakes inc tiger snakes but they all slid off- Mainly in these cases stick to the track or be very aware if you go of it. I read in a log of someone who shot off the track to go to the loo without taking care( was with other people) and was totally freaked that when he finished his business that he wasnt really aware of which way to get back to his friends...naturally he could call to them but he was freaked enough to note his experience in the track log. Also may sound basic but I have seen people go off side tracks to huts and then the next morning go back the way they came from. Quite embarassing and a lot of wasted energy I would imagine. Main thing is when in doubt stop and think . Of course let people know your program,keep in touch. Main problem in oz is of course water. The girls and I did the cape to cape in the sw of wa and water was pretty scarce but there was heaps of escape routes on this walk but I would not want to be seriosly without water. Walked into the bungles in nw oz for 24 hours with27 litres of water for 4 people. Supplemented this with water we found for washing and cooking and only just had enough. If you are walking in and out and are worried about water you can plant it in on the way in and use it on the way out.Have a map and be aware of where you are etc ,hope this helps