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Camping solo

K

KillerCharlie

Diamond Member
Has anyone here been camping/backpacking by yourself or do it frequently? I'm considering doing it this summer... my vacation schedule doesn't line up with my friends', but I kind of like being in nature alone.
 
I wouldn't recommend it - in case you get pinched by a boulder or something else happens - there's no one there to help you.
 
I agree with the above. It isn't very safe to camp alone. Backpacking in the woods is even more dangerous. What if you broke your ankle somehow? That'd suck.
 
I used to do it when I went fishing. I'd get off work and head to the lake so I'd be there at 0 dark thirty.
One evening I was gathering firewood and had some stacked next to my roaring fire. I came back with another arm load of wood that was blocking the vision around my feet. As I approached the fire I didn't see the wood I had previously stacked and tripped on it. The only thing that keep me from falling into the fire was my cat like reflexes and some incredible luck.
I'd go by myself again but you have to understand, if you get hurt, you are alone.
This happened not to far from my home:
Placer logger amputates leg
 
I've camped solo before. Sure there's risk, but make sure somebody knows where you'll be and don't deviate from your plans. If you don't show up they will be able to rescue you.

You're the only one that can decide if you're up to going solo. If you're comfortable with it, give it a shot. Enjoy yourself and don't take unnecessary risks.
 
I go camping by myself all the time. Not an issue at all. I go mostly because I am fishing though.

I go hunting by myself and camp the whole time as well.
 
Backpacking solo is the only way I do it. I've been doing solo ever since first starting to backpack.

*shrugs*
 
The safest way to backpack solo is to be prepared.
1.Pack a cell phone on your body(not in pack and leave it off) in case you get stuck.
2. Leave a check in schedule and itinerary with freinds or family, so incase you a don't check in they know to come looking after a few days not weeks, Plan on land line access(gas station etc) enroute. Best to have family contact authorities if 2 or 3 check-ins are missed as not to alert rescue unnecessarily.
3. And the most controversal, carry a pistol. Check with local laws regarding open holstering, which is not concieled. (this may not be necessary if you are in very secluded areas but some areas of the world, local miscreants prey on backpackers)
4. A complete first aid kit including splinting equipment, and the skill to use it.

Nature is great but unforgiving.
 
I hike alone all the time, but I stay on marked trails that are pretty well traveled. I've also camped alone but was bored with no one to talk to.
 
I already hike alone, but there are always other people on the trails. If I went backpacking I'd be camping at sites where there'd definitely be other people (probably the Olympic peninsula).
 
Ive done both.

1) Always make sure that someone knows you are going to be gone (where you are going, how long, etc...) in case you get lost
2) Always bring a Radio, GPS, Cell Phone
3) Bring a Hand Gun

Other than that, bring the usual survival gear (fire starter, maps, rope, etc...)
 
Solo isn't a bad idea if you take the right precautions.

For one, make sure someone knows where you are and your schedule so that if you don't check in they know to call someone and send someone after you. Plan hikes and let them know areas you are going to be. Be sure that you don't go for so long that by the time you check in with your contact that you wouldn't have enough food/water on you to survive.

Still, other things can happen - mauling or serious injury that you could bleed out and die from - checking in won't help there.
 
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