In the past I posted a couple of articles: Solo Backpacking and Solo Backpacking: Crazy and Dangerous? For some reason, I get the greatest criticism about hiking solo from other backpackers. This might infer that backpackers have greater knowledge about the dangers of solo walking than non-backpackers, or perhaps I come across as elitist. I couldn’t disagree more. In my opinion, hiking alone is safer than hiking in a group.
If you have read of my trip reports, you probably noticed that I rarely hike with others. And last year I posted an article titled, Solo Backpacking: Crazy and Dangerous?
Recently I read an article by someone who likes to hike solo, except in winter, where for him, it makes sense to hike with others. Nothing wrong with that. But in this article he explains that planning a trip required conference calls, agendas, posted gear lists and itineraries on Google Docs, and all kinds of collaborative endeavors. Seems like a lot of work and aggravation to go on a weekend hike. Giving it some thought, I realized that solo hikers generally need a certain type of personality to enjoy solo backpacking. This personality type is not superior to those who like to hike in groups. It is just what it is, and we would all probably be hard pressed to change our personality – or so to speak, to change who we are.
What’s Up With That?
I must start by saying I usually hike alone. And by hiking alone, I mean going to places where I do not expect to see other people. That is a prime consideration for most of my trips. Now, I do not want to give the impression that by doing a lot of solo hiking I am especially brave or skilled. When you break it down, backpacking is just walking with your house on your back. Sure you need some skills, but it is not a big deal. Lots of people backpack. Mankind has been hiking since the dawn of time. It is nothing special – other than knowing when and how to avoid trouble.