How to start hiking solo?

We used to say: ‘never go into the mountains alone — it’s dangerous, dumb, it’s just asking for trouble!’. Well, times have changed, and our awareness has risen. In a world full of stimuli, more and more people are looking for ways to wind down – and wandering the mountain trails on your own can help keep your mind at peace. In this article, we’d like to give you some tips on how to prepare for your first solo hiking trip and what to look out for to feel confident, safe, and have plenty of fun!

Pros of solo hiking

You can do anything, but there’s nothing you have to do. You set your own pace, there's nobody complaining you're getting up at breaking dawn to get on a trail at sunrise. You're the one to choose and modify the route, take as many photos as you wish, and resonate with nature on your own terms. You can stay silent, get lost in your thoughts and sort out the things in your head. And if you want to talk to somebody, there sure will be some kind soul! Moreover, solo hiking boosts your confidence and belief in own abilities and skills to survive in tough situations – also once you return to lowlands.

How to get started?

Just as with any other new sports discipline or life area – by taking small steps! Give yourself some time to gain experience – start from summer day trips and venture into low mountains, e.g. the Beskids. Then travel to the Tatras, and only then decide to go for a solo winter walk. In the beginning, choose short and easy trails, gradually increasing the distance and difficulty level. The same applies to accommodation: start with sleeping at shelters and only then go for spending the night in a tent. Once you get used to the fact that everything depends on you, to the silence and walking alone for kilometres, you’ll see that a weekend or even a week-long trip won’t seem challenging anymore.

How to get ready?

If you want to start venturing into the mountains alone, you probably know a thing or two about hiking ;). Preparing for a solo hike doesn’t differ much from getting ready for a group adventure. It just needs a little bit more thinking, for we're completely on our own in the case of any difficulties.

Wearing layers is fundamental!

The way you dress for a solo hike is not only a matter of your comfort, but also safety. Weather in the mountains can change quickly and frequently, trails are often located away from residential buildings, and you’re on your own with whatever you’ve got in your backpack. And there’s no one in sight to save you with a hat ;)

First and foremost – remember about layers. They will allow you to adjust to changing conditions on the go and maintain optimal body temperature. Hypothermia can be really dangerous. Do you know that a thin, lightweight down jacket is, in fact, a clothing piece for any season? In summer, temperature during the day and night can differ a lot. While the temperature can reach up to 35 degrees in the sun, up in the mountains it can drop to 15 degrees at night and a down jacket will warm you up much better than a cotton sweatshirt. A jacket can also come in handy once you reach the top, where the wind makes the temperature feel much lower.

Second, choose clothes made of technical textiles. Cotton easily absorbs moisture and once wet, it becomes heavy and cold, which may lead to hypothermia. Functional shirts and longsleeves wick away sweat, are lightweight and dry out quickly, keeping you not only comfortable, but also safe.

Third: always have a rain jacket at hand, even when the weather forecast says it’s going to be scorching hot. A jacket with the NeoDry membrane is a lifesaver during rain – and, as we know, rain in the mountain drops by unannounced – but it also protects against the wind. Choose hiking jackets with a membrane with high waterproofness and breathability ratings. They’re lightweight, compact, and can be stowed into a hood or a special pouch. Thanks to that, they won't take up much space in your backpack and will always be at hand!

Fourth, but equally important, remember about the accessories: a hat, gloves, sunglasses. These weigh next to nothing and can come in handy regardless of the season. In spring, even when it’s warm in the low parts of the mountains, the temperature can be much lower at the top. And when we’re wandering alone, there’s nobody to give us their gloves.

Safety rules

The truth is, safety rules for solo hikes aren’t much different to those you should obey when going to the mountains in a group.

Return once you notice something alarming – the weather is changing, there’s a downpour or a storm coming, there’s fog or the conditions are becoming too challenging, e.g. it’s becoming slippery. Turn back if you feel you’re losing energy, or you’re not feeling well. The mountains will still be there, waiting for you, once you’re back a week or a month later.

Make sure to inform a friend, a family member, or even the owner of a place you’re staying at about your planned hiking route and the estimated time you should be back from your trip.

Solo doesn’t mean alone

And remember – solo doesn't always mean alone. If you need solitude, you’ll find it. If you choose a very remote, unavailable trail, you’ll find it. Great calm and silence are precious things that a solo trip into the mountains can give you. But you can also meet plenty of wonderful people while hiking solo, and they’re likely to have similar interests as you. When we’re hitting the trails with someone, we’re in a kind of bubble; we’re not open to any new relations, as we’re focused on our companion. It’s easier to chat someone up (or have someone talk to us!) on a solo hike – for example, by taking a place at someone’s table in a shelter or taking a picture at the mountain top.

A well-planned solo hiking trip isn't really much more dangerous than a group hike. It requires more focus, responsibility and preparation, but it can give you plenty of joy, satisfaction, and make you so proud of yourself. So if you’re thinking about taking your maiden solo hike... get your map ready and start planning!