You might be used to the hustle and bustle of the city, with its headache-inducing traffic and lack of greeneries. You might start thinking of activities to do away from the daily routine, a chance to escape and refresh your mind.
One of the ways to do that is through hiking. Aside from admiring the surrounding scenery and relieving stress, you get to exercise those muscles. The walk can help build your leg muscles and is proven good for the heart.
Despite the physical and health benefits, you might still have some doubt about going on your own. Is it safe? What do you need to pack? What if you got lost? Worry no more, because we’ve compiled the solo hiking tips below!
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Is It Safe to Hike Alone?
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To ease your mind, we’ll dive right into the common question everyone has when they consider going solo hiking: Yes, solo hiking is safe with proper preparations.
Knowing how to keep yourself to stay safe safe is important during an outdoor journey. At least, you must know a little about self-defense and basic survival skills such as first aid.
Aside from that, you should also bring the essentials to ensure a safe solo hiking trip. Some things to bring if you ever plan to go solo hiking:
- food and water
- flashlight
- first aid kit, sunscreen, bug-repellant spray
- survival kit (matches, butterfly knife, needle, thread, etc.)
- change of clothes
- raincoat
Benefits of Solo Hiking
1. Going at Your Own Pace
The first benefit of going on a solo hiking trip is that you can go at your own pace. From choosing the location, the duration of the trip, to how many times you want to take a break, it’s entirely up to you.
Sure, a group hiking trip can give you a sense of safety in numbers, but it doesn’t feel as empowering as if you deciding hiking alone with your own adventure and being your own boss. The sense of control can also help in soothing some anxiety you might still have about going alone.
Along the way, you’ll also have to make some decisions for yourself. Simple things like which path to take or where to set up your tent can help build your confidence and trust in your own judgment.
Hopefully, that newfound confidence on your first solo hike can also be extended to other parts of your life.
2. Allow for some Self-Reflection
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Daily routine sometimes can be a little hectic, making us distracted most of the time with barely any time to just be alone with our thoughts.
Solo hiking is the perfect chance to reconnect with yourself. It allows some time to really hear your own thoughts and reflect, without anyone else interrupting or adding to that thought.
Sometimes it can even lead to self-awareness of what to improve and what to fix. A solo hiking trip can help you become a better version of yourself when you take the time to really listen. First solo hike would be a great choice for you to have a time alone and just focusing on yourself
3. Meeting New People
When you go on a solo hiking trip, chances are you’re not the only one following the trail. You’ll find other people with similar interests as you, which allows room for new connections to be made along the way.
Meeting new people is a great learning experience too. This is especially important when you’re a beginner, as you might get tips on hiking from them.
Aside from that, you can also share ideas and take in various different perspectives, allowing some more room for for new inspiration.
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4. No Need to Wait for Starting Your Wish List
Have you ever wanted to start new activity on your wish list but decided against it because you couldn’t find anyone to accompany you? This is where the concept of hiking alone can offer valuable advantages.
You won’t need to depend on others’ availability for hiking alone, and you’ll have the freedom to independently decide where you want to go and how long you want for a solo hike.
Hiking alone also can let you explore anything by yourself and fulfill your wish list as well.
5. Build Your Personality
Moving away from the physical aspect, embarking on solitary hikes can serve as a substantial exercise in personal growth.
It demands and simultaneously cultivates authentic self-confidence. It can nurture a strong sense of self-reliance, affirming your complete capability to venture solo.
Accomplishing tasks independently can also instill a profound sense of achievement. These attributes can prove beneficial in various other life scenarios.
6. Personal Challenge to Push Your Limit
Solo hiking is a unique challenge that relies entirely on your navigation, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Navigating the trail alone forces you to trust your instincts and make independent decisions, enhancing both outdoor survival skills and self-confidence.
This heightened self-reliance, developed through overcoming challenges in solitude, extends beyond the hiking experience, positively influencing various aspects of life. In essence, solo hiking becomes a metaphorical journey of self-discovery and empowerment, reinforcing your belief in your abilities to navigate both the wilderness trails and the challenges of life.
First Solo Hike Tips and Planning
1. Research the Trail
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The first thing to do when planning a solo hiking trip is to determine the trail. Do your research about the terrain, distance, duration, and things to watch out for e.g. animals or hazardous plants on the trail you’ll head out on.
You might want to start with a short hiking trail that doesn’t require camping out. Later on, you can start increasing the difficulties as your comfort zone and hiking skill grow.
2. Check the Weather Forecast
Another tips for hiking is to consider is the weather condition at that moment. It’s not to say that weather forecasts are a hundred percent accurate, as weather can change abruptly especially in the mountain areas.
However, knowing the forecast can give you a bonus insight of the risks you’ll face. Just remember that if the weather looks bad, you might want to take a raincheck.
3. Bring a Map
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Some hiking trails don’t have great cell reception. You might need to bring a map as you navigate your way through the trail. As you progress, you can jot down some notes on the map.
4. Let Someone Know
No matter how much you prepare, accidents can still happen. To ensure your safety, let your partner, family member, or friends know about your plan.
Let them know where you’re going and the estimated duration of the trip. If the cell reception is good, you can also give updates every now and then.
This way, if you ever get into an unfortunate incident, people will know where you are and can send help immediately.
5. Pack Necessities
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You obviously won’t find any convenience store on a hiking trail, so be sure to bring everything you need for the trip. Bring the necessities listed above, as well as conveniences like a portable power bank or camera to immortalize your trip.
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Complete Your Hike with a Modern Glamping Experience at Bobocabin!
Tired after exploring the beautiful nature? Rest up at Bobocabin, your go-to modern glamping experience provider!
Each cabin is powered by the Internet of Things to make your stay much more comfortable. With features like Smart Window to give you privacy, a mood lamp for lighting adjustment, and a Bluetooth speaker to set the mood, you’re guaranteed to have great rest.
Better yet, you can enjoy some quality time with your loved ones accompanied by Bobocabin’s campfire and barbeque facility.
Download the app for reservation and further information.
Penulis artikel: Sheila Lalita
Foto header: kompas.com
