Curated articles on backpacking solo

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“Embarking on a solo backpacking journey can be one of the most liberating experiences, offering unparalleled freedom and an intimate connection with nature. However, it also demands careful preparation, respect for the wilderness, and an understanding of one's limits. If you're looking to dip your toes into the world of solo backpacking, here's a comprehensive guide to start you on this thrilling adventure.”

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“From these and many other solo backpacking trips I’ve taken since, I gathered my key pieces of advice so that you can do the same this hiking season. The author, Alexandra Garcia, on her first-ever backpacking trip in 2017. Choose a trail that excites you but does not overwhelm you.”

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“Generally, I’d say it’s a great idea to backpack alone – with some apparent exceptions. Those would be: You’re in grizzly country, you’re a novice, and the weather is dicey. Besides those three things, I honestly believe people should experience solo backpacking. So, I’ve only done overnights where I’ve backpacked alone.”

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“Bring protection you are comfortable with. Being a woman alone on the trail is a scary idea - not only do you have to worry about ubiquitous problems such as wildlife, weather, and injury, but you also have to be concerned about your safety from other hikers.”

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“The best way to begin backpacking alone is to start small and try local trails that are within access. If you’re new to backpacking, I would recommend partnering with a friend or checking out local groups on Meetup.com and Facebook groups. There are plenty of groups in this digital age who are happy to go with you especially if they have the same interest as you when venturing out solo.”

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“To help put my mind at ease I found and researched an easy trail where I knew I could easily bail if I wasn’t feeling it. Then, once I got to the trail, my muscle memory took over and before I knew it I was setting up my camp for the night.”

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“If you're not quite ready to hike solo, it's also super easy to find hiking/camping buddies either in hostels or using Australia Facebook Groups – this is what I did for a 10 day hiking/camping Tasmania road trip. If you're looking for some amazing solo hiking destinations in Australia, don't miss Kakadu National Park, Freycinet National Park, Kalbarri National Park, Grampians National Park and Wilson's Promontory National Park.”

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“In the summer of 2019, I planned a solo hiking and camping trip in the Upper Peninsula. I camped three of the nights, and stayed in AirBnbs and one unexpected hotel stay the other nights (more on that below). I kayaked, hiked somewhere between 60-70 miles, and saw some gorgeous scenery.”

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“Southeast Asia is considered by many to be one of the world’s best backpacking regions. And I happen to think so too! It is cheap to travel, has high safety levels, a wealth of amazing points of interest, a balmy tropical climate, and a great network of local transportation links.”

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“We all want our wilderness backpacking trips to have two sometimes conflicting qualities: mind-blowing scenery, but also few other people around. A high degree of solitude somehow makes the backcountry feel bigger and wilder and the views more breathtaking. However unrealistic the notion may be, we like to believe we have some stunning corner of nature to ourselves.”