Good and Bad Aspects of Solo Hiking and The Must-Haves
Last Updated on August 29, 2020
Today’s world is fast and competitive, and it is necessary to keep pace with the speed. To keep up with the pace and stay in the competition, people try to do things even if they are not happy or satisfied doing them. When nothing in life works the way it should, stress, anxiety, frustration takes over life. That’s when mental stress surrounds a person in such a way that it becomes hard to come out of it, and it’s alarming.
That is the time when one needs to introspect. There are several ways that one can take the initiative of introspecting his or her life, and hiking is one of them. Hiking is the right solution for anxiety. It is suitable for the mind, heart, and body.
Hiking can be done in groups, with family or friends. It can be done all alone as well. We are now going to have a detailed discussion of the good and bad aspects of solo hiking. We are also going to discuss the things a hiker need to take with them to be prepared and safe on the journey of hiking.
The Goods
Hiking all alone is an adventurous and brave activity, a risky but a great way to stay away from issues in life for a couple of days and start anew. It is a procedure to charge oneself and return with a bang to fight the problems of life.
It is the restorative for those who enjoy loneliness and are suffering from depression. Solo hiking works in boosting moods as well. Self-examination and introspection result in relaxation and ensure peace of mind. It is a great cardio workout and improves memory.
The Bads
Solo hiking is full of risks. One wrong step and it can cost a life. It is a solo journey, which means there will be no one to help. There are risks of getting lost in the middle of the trails. One need to camp in an unknown place and sleep alone at night. Bitings of insects, mosquitoes, and bugs all night long might cause serious illness. There are chances of a sudden wild animal attack. So, a person must attempt solo hiking fully prepared and with safety measures.
Mention of safety measures brings us to the discussion of the must-haves of solo hiking:
Navigation Tools
Navigation tools are compulsory while hiking. Staying found is the requirement for being safe and secure the moment you step outside the house, and navigation tools help in that process. A map, smartwatch, compass, GPS app in the smartphone are navigation tools. It keeps the hiker on the terrains and trails. They do not lose the way and can return with the help of the map or GPS.
Backpack
A backpack or rucksack is required to pack all the essentials and tools for hiking. There are several different backpacks available from stylish to the most convenient ones at a very affordable price.
Rucksacks are designed for comfortably packing all the belongings. Pack the foods, drinks, tent, weather appropriate clothes, rain gear, bivy sack, tools, medicines, and other belongings in different compartments of a high-quality and convenient spacious backpack.
Backpacking Tent and Sleeping Gear
Backpacking tents are lightweight, portable, and packed easily in a backpack. Assembling, it is effortless and time-saving. A high-quality backpacking tent can easily handle a strong storm by remaining sturdy and intact on its place.
It offers security, warmth, and comfort. Along with a tent, a sleeping gear like sleeping bags or bivy sacks is also a must-have. They provide warmth and protection in cold weather. Almost all the sleeping gears and tents are water-resistant.
Sunglasses and Sunscreens
While you are walking for a long time under the sun, a sunglass with UV protection and sunscreens with medium to high SPF helps to protect the eyes and body from harmful UV rays.
Swiss knife
A lightweight backpacking swiss knife can do wonders during hiking. Swiss knives are apt for multiple-uses as it has different attachments for different purposes. From blades, scissors, can and bottle opener, a screwdriver to tweezers, magnifying glass, wood saw, wire cutters a swiss knife has every possible tool attached with it.
Food and water
Take plenty of foods and water if you are hiking just for a day or two. Take as many dry foods as possible. Chips, cup noodles, and fruits are the best food options as they don’t require cooking. To avoid taking food and water, hike in a known place. A backpacking stove proves to be handy while hiking for more than two days.
First Aid Kit
First aid kit should be kept in reach while hiking. Hiking and injury are two sides of the same coin. To heel wounds and injuries, which requires medical treatment, a first kit is indispensable. A serious injury cannot be treated with a first kit, so be prepared for that also.
Final Words
The rule of hiking is straight and simple, precautions. So, let your family know where you are going. Go to a place which is known to you. Take the things mentioned above. Risking life for adventures or me-time is never wise. Precautions and safety measures always help to make the solo hiking experience exciting and secure.
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Hi, I am John Campbell, an outdoor enthusiast. Just like you, I value the habitat, heritage and tradition of great outdoors. I do my best to make sure the correct research, writing, and photo are shown on Tacticalgearslab.com. Indeed, I am committed to preserving a great online experience for you.