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randadrives · 2 months ago

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Solo Safety Pt. 2

In Pt. 1, we covered some basics on how to encourage your mindset to start hiking or camping alone. As promised, I am now going to cover more tangible basics of safety – wildlife, weather, your vehicle, and the tools to have. I’m a firm believer that almost anyone can start hiking or camping with almost anything you already own. It doesn’t take many material items to go out and enjoy the outdoors. However, there are some essentials a person shouldn’t leave home without, and some knowledge to keep in mind, as well.

I am going to list some hiking essentials that are a starting point that also go right along with a camping trip. Anything I suggest does NOT necessarily need to be purchased brand new for top dollar. I encourage thrifting, looking out for people you know who may be discarding their camping gear, flea markets/yard sales, etc. If you’re in an area in the western states, there are so many second-hand gear stores. REI has a section in their stores where they sell returned items for cheaper prices. And these suggestions are just that: suggestions. People camp and hike in all different ways. Some outdoorsy folks are extravagant, and others enjoy being outside with nothing to get in the way of it. Some of what I list is recommended by organizations such as the National Park Service, but I’ll include some of my own ideas, also.

Hiking Essentials:

Water

Snacks (or full meals for longer hikes)

Flashlight/headlamp

Navigation - GPS, map, and/or compass

First-aid kit (moleskin, tweezers, bandaids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tape, tourniquet)

Matches or lighter

Emergency blanket

Knife/multitool

Sun protection (sunglasses/hat/sunscreen/SPF clothing)

Clothing layers (warm hat, gloves, jacket/poncho, extra socks)

Some extra things you will find in my hiking pack:

Water flitration

Portable charger and cord

Insect repellent

Resealable bags (1 or 2 disposable as well as a reusable dry bag)

Unscented wipes

Hand sanitizer

Wallet or ID

Wristwatch

Bandana

Paracord

Trowel (for cat holes)

Hair ties

Pad/tampon/cup

More extras if you’re filling frilly:

Trekking poles

Duct tape

Seat pad/cushion

Camera

I know on paper this list can appear overwhelming if you’ve never packed a backpack for a hike before, but I promise I fit all of this (aside from the frilly extras) in an 18 liter backpack I bought on sale. I chose to purchase a new bag because I wanted the warranty, and I liked the style and set up. It would be even easier to use a bag you already own to pack and try out for a hike or two to start. Make notes of what you would improve, what items you felt were excessive, extra things you wish you brought, etc. There is no need to go out and buy a new backpack/bag before you commit to this type of hobby. Even if you can fit the bare necessities in the cargo pockets of your pants, or a fanny pack you already own, try that out first.

What do you think you could add for camping? Based on this list, you have most of what you need anyway! Add a tent for shelter, a sleeping bag, and some cooking gear (like a Coleman camp stove or a Jetboil, both run off propane) and a cooler for the meals you packed, and you are probably ready to sleep where you land. If you go online, “cowboy camping” is taking up in popularity, where you just use a sleeping pad on the ground and add your sleeping bag or some blankets, and you sleep under the night sky. If that’s what you’re into, then you can carry even less. Is it less safe than sleeping in a tent? Not by much, but as much as I enjoy being outside, I do my best to keep insects and the like OUT of my sleeping arrangement. A tent or some type of sleeping structure lends me a small feeling of security I will not give up. It's kind of like when you're a kid scared of monsters, and you convince yourself tucking your feet under your blanket will keep you safe. I would love to hear from others about their successful cowboy camping trips, though. This year I ran into a hiker who was working his way through the North Country Trail, using a hammock to sleep in at night. That makes for a lighter backpack! Whether you have a hand-me-down one-person tent, or a new palace made from nylon, there shouldn’t be anything stopping you from something you want to try. Tara Dower recently finished the fastest known time to complete the entire Appalachian Trail, and she spent her down time literally napping on the dirt. Don’t forget a good chair, though! It is where I spend at least 50% of my time while camping, so I like to have a comfortable one.

Lavish extras:

Air mattress or cot

Portable fridge

Power banks

Table

Electric blanket

Portable water heater

Portable gazebo

I could go on, because you can go all out with camping if you really want to and bring all types of creature comforts. But that’s a conversation for another post! And whether your adventure is an hour or several days, if you have a dog with you, make sure you have the essentials for them, such as extra water, food, and any first aid items they could need.

You’re probably thinking: “Wow, she really covered ALL the stuff you could possibly need for these adventures!” And you’re wrong. There is a completely separate list of items I carry in my vehicle at all times that can prove useful. Whether you dabble in off-roading, or you don't leave suburban areas, there are still things you should keep in your vehicle for those "just in case" moments. I have an old backpack in the bed of my truck, or you could use a cardboard box, a plastic tote case, a duffel, or whatever else you have on hand. I don't often need to go in this bag, but it's nice to have when I do. I carry in it:

Another portable charging bank

Yet another first-aid kit

Flashlight batteries

Travel size hygiene items

Emergency blanket

Unscented wipes

Paracord

Headlamp

Waterproof matches

Reusable spork

Multitool

Zip ties

Emergency rations

Empty water bottle

Jumper cables

Fire starters

Extra set of clothes (old sweat pants, socks, sweater that would have been donated anyway)

Towel

Beanie

But don't toss the bag in the back of your vehicle and forget about it. Make sure you periodically go through it, check to see if things need cleaned or charged and are in working condition. It's easy to forget what you have, and looking at and touching these things once a month will keep it in the back of your mind when you need them most.

I also have a set of traction boards and a 7 gallon jug of water I try to keep stocked with fresh water. Recently I decided I'm going to add a shovel to my truck bed, and I'm also working on deciding what type of fuel container I want to add.

I also keep a separate bag in the front of my vehicle. Is this being excessive? Probably, but I love to be prepared. It has:

Mechanix gloves

Winter gloves

Beanie

Pens

Lighter

Matches

Snacks (a random protein/Nutrigrain bar has saved me from hanger)

National Park Pass

Bandana

Roll of TP

Unscented wipes

Hand sanitizer

Sunscreen/insect repellent/bear spray (These move between my hiking bag and truck bag as needed)

Flashlight

Seatbelt cutter

Window hammer

Electrical tape

Reusable zip ties

Lint roller (great for finding ticks on your clothes)

First-Aid kit

Maintenance of your vehicle can be more important than what you carry in it. Having tires with proper tread based on your location, changing your oil at appropriate intervals, and knowing how to drive your vehicle in the scenarios you enter far outweigh having flashy things. The abilities to start your battery if it dies and change your tire by yourself are powerful and can help you out of a bad situation. Do not be the person who drives into something they can't handle with a "what could happen" attitude and then not be able to get yourself out of it. If you want to learn, ask your friends. I have never had anyone scoff at me or not want to help when I have asked for it. And this is coming from someone who never knew anything about RVs and then randomly decided to purchase one to live in. There was a BIG learning curve, which came with the #1 ability I carry: the ability to humble myself and ask for help. You don't have to be an obsessive "car guy" to know how to take care of your own. Also, I know it's fun to have the flashy mods on your car, but don't prioritize those over the useful ones. Function over aesthetic, always. If you were hoping for some car camping advice, it's not something I've tried for myself yet. I would love to, I just have yet to set up my truck bed properly to try it out. I suggest going on YouTube or Facebook and checking out some of the car camping groups. There is plenty of information out there!

I'm sure plenty of people survive their outings just fine without all this. . . stuff. And that's fine. These are just suggestions. Now on to some other safety details.

Remember how I said at the beginning of part 1, that everyone always asks: "aren't you scared out there all alone?" Many of those people are referring to one thing in particular, which is the wildlife. I am not going to delve too far into this, because the topic can vary SO much. The wildlife in Florida is different from the wildlife in Virginia, which is different from the wildlife in Colorado, which is different from the wildlife in southern Arizona, etc. The most important thing is to research the area you are camping or hiking in. The second most important thing to remember is: don't touch the wildlife. You are not a Disney princess. You are not Steve Irwin. Distance is your friend. If you're in bear country, you carry the bear spray, you read about what to do if you encounter bears, and you properly store food or any smelly items you may have in a bear box, or in a tree. If you're in the desert, you research what to do for snake bites or scorpion stings. I refuse to go to Florida ever again, so I have zero advice for you on the gators, snakes, and spiders there (Kidding. . . mostly). Research local plants so you can identify poisonous plants such as Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac. Many years ago, just walking my dogs on a normal sidewalk in Georgia - where I had no idea to avoid fiery red ants - resulted in both my dog and myself needing to chug Benadryl when we got home because we ended up so covered in hives. This is all to answer the question: No, most of the time I'm not scared of the wildlife. Occasionally, I will get into my own head, because I've listened to too many episodes of Tooth and Claw Podcast on mountain lion attacks, and I will start to freak myself out on a hike. But I just endure and continue until the fear eases. Animal attacks are rare. People are scarier. I choose the bear. I'm happy to go more into the topic of wildlife if any readers have specific questions, please drop a line!

Now for a brief touch on the weather, because I am not an expert on the subject. The good news is you don't have to be an expert to stay safe. I tend to drive to regions based on the weather, as I'm least happy when it's under 45 degrees and I'm surrounded by wet, slushy snow. I grew up and spent 20 years in Pennsylvania before spending a winter in another state, and once I realized I could do that, I now plan to continue to do that. The main component to weather safety is to stay aware of the expected weather to come. If you're in an area where weather is unpredictable, it's best to stay prepared for all possibilities. It's okay to cancel your hike if there is a thunderstorm or too much wind.

Some people love cold weather camping, but I am not one of them. Camping and hiking in cold weather doesn't change your preparation much. You should just have gear that is built for it, such as a sleeping bag meant for colder temperatures than you will be sleeping in. Waterproof footwear will keep your feet healthy. We discussed how important carrying layers of clothing is, and it matters just as much for cold weather. The materials you choose can mean staying wet and miserable, or drying quickly and keeping warm. As much as I love natural fibers, cotton is not your friend in wet (or sweaty) weather. Choose your sleeping spot based on the shelter it provides from wind, and double your sleeping pads for extra insulation from the cold ground. Knowing the signs of hypothermia and frostbite are imperative. If it's too cold for you to personally have fun in, maybe just wait for warmer weather. If you're seriously interested, there are courses you can take that will prepare you for emergencies such as avalanches.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I do have experience with the heat. Layering your clothing is still important to protect yourself from sun rays, and there are even shirts you can buy with UV protection built in. Hydration is so important, and I'm a firm believer if you run out of water, you turn around. I always have more than enough water so I can enjoy myself and not cut it short. Carry sunscreen with you and reapply. Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and how to treat. I do suggest if you're in an area that has extreme heat, to work yourself up by starting earlier in the morning before the sun rises. When in hotter months, if I'm going to be hiking well past sunrise, my dog doesn't come with me. It's not worth burning her paws on the hot rocks or sand.

On the subject of listening to too many podcasts, let's talk about natural disasters. There are many stories out there about hikers and climbers being struck by lightning. But it's not always feasible to wait out the inclement weather if you're already out there in the altitude or miles away from shelter. When choosing campsites in an area known for adverse weather, you can avoid being next to water or isolated trees that may attract a strike. If you are hiking and notice signs of a storm moving in, avoid peaks and wide-open fields. The safest options, aside from a building or a vehicle, are ditches and areas below tree lines, and be sure to ditch your metal gear. Tents, picnic shelters, or standing beside the tallest tree will not protect you. There are plenty of natural disasters that can occur, and though it doesn't help to be anxious all the time about what COULD happen, it can give you peace of mind to do a little bit of research to have an idea what to do if a situation might arise. People often think "it won't happen to me." Taking proactive steps to prepare yourself is staying as safe as possible without missing out on the things you want to do. Knowledge is confidence.

I hope between the first and second parts of this solo safety series you were able to pick up some new information to apply to your next adventure. I have found that I learn something new every day doing this, and the information is limitless! Please reach out if during your reading you had an idea for me to cover, or a question to answer.

#travel #nature #hiking #lifestyle #blog #national park #camping #state park #wildlife #backpacking #road trip #safety #solo travel

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