Why Solo Tenting? The Advantages for Girls
Solo tenting lets you disconnect from the distractions of on a regular basis life, push your boundaries, and faucet into your inside energy. It may be an extremely releasing expertise—the place the one voice you hear is your personal, and each determination you make is yours alone. For girls particularly, I view it as an opportunity to interrupt away from societal expectations and embrace the empowerment that comes with being self-sufficient within the wild.
However let’s face it—solo tenting isn’t with out its challenges. It could actually really feel daunting at first, particularly for those who’re new to tenting or used to adventuring with a bunch. That’s why this information is right here—to offer you all of the instruments you’ll want to go on the market and really feel protected, assured, and able to tackle the good outdoor.
My First Solo Journey: How It All Began
Again in 2021, within the midst of a worldwide pandemic, my sister relocated from California to Georgia. A month later, her child—my nephew—was turning one, and there was no manner I used to be going to overlook that celebration. However I wasn’t eager on flying. Too many restrictions, too many unknowns. So, despite the fact that I had by no means completed it earlier than, I made a decision to take the leap and drive throughout the nation solo.
I’m going to be sincere: I used to be nervous. I overthought every thing. However I additionally knew deep down that I needed to step outdoors my consolation zone and at last do one thing that had been on my thoughts for years: a cross-country highway journey. I simply by no means imagined I’d be doing it alone.
Lengthy story quick? That journey turned out to be the journey of a lifetime—and it utterly shifted how I noticed myself. I got here again extra assured, extra curious, and with a deep want to maintain exploring solo. It even fueled the concept to create Miles and Hikes, my outdoor YouTube channel. Someplace alongside that lengthy, soul-searching drive again residence, I envisioned a platform to share my travels, my favourite hikes, and useful Ideas and Methods for others who need to discover solo.
So, my recommendation is that this: be ready, as I’ll define within the information under—however don’t be scared. The rewards of solo journey far outweigh the nerves you may really feel initially.
Pre-Camp Preparation: Getting Prepared for Your Solo Journey
Earlier than you set out in your solo tenting journey, there are a couple of key steps it’s best to take to make sure your security and peace of thoughts.
Analysis Your Campsite: Search for beginner-friendly solo tenting websites which can be well-traveled, not too distant, and near cell service or ranger stations.
Some nice assets that I take advantage of and suggest are Campendium, AllTrails, and iOverlander.
Try any native wildlife or climate situations that might have an effect on your journey. For instance, you’ll need to know forward of time about bears, snakes, flash floods, or fireplace restrictions.
Permits & Laws: Know the principles on your chosen tenting space. Some campsites require permits; others might restrict fires or mills. Safe any obligatory permits forward of time to keep away from last-minute stress.
Share Your Itinerary: At all times let somebody you belief know the place you’re going and whenever you plan to return. Embrace trailheads, campsite coordinates, and alternate plans.
I’ve seen hikers depart a notice on their automobile dashboard with particulars, in case a ranger or fellow traveler finds their automobile unattended.
Solo Tenting Security Gear: When packing, prioritize security gear that offers you confidence and management. Some primary gadgets which can be really useful are:
- A well-stocked first-aid equipment
- Headlamp or flashlight (deliver further batteries!)
- Whistle or emergency signaling system
- Bear spray (if in bear nation)
- Satellite tv for pc communicator (like a Garmin inReach) for those who plan on being distant
- A self-defense merchandise (provided that you know the way to make use of it safely and legally)
Useful Apps & Gadgets
Obtain Gaia GPS, AllTrails, or offline Google Maps for navigation and route planning.
Hold climate apps up to date earlier than and through your journey.
Solo Tenting Gear: Necessities for Security & Consolation
Tent & Various Shelter: Deliver a dependable tent that’s simple to pitch solo and climate resistant. However for those who’re not 100% comfy in a tent, that’s okay too. Do what I do and convert your automobile right into a sleeping house! I personally favor this setup when touring solo. It feels safer and cozier, particularly in much less acquainted locations.
Simply fold down your seats, add a sleeping pad, blankets, and pillows, and also you’ve received a cell sanctuary. Plus, having the ability to lock the doorways at night time can provide you peace of thoughts, particularly as a girl tenting alone.
Cooking Gear
A compact range and light-weight cookware: Solo tenting means you’re solely cooking for one, so that you don’t want massive pots or high-capacity stoves. Compact gear heats meals rapidly and makes use of gasoline extra effectively, which is essential when attempting to preserve provides.
Easy meal substances: Easy meal substances are perfect for solo campers as a result of they make cooking within the outdoor simpler, sooner, and extra gratifying. Fewer substances imply much less to hold and fewer to arrange. You may even prep easy meals forward of time at residence and pack solely what you want, which is very useful whenever you’re managing every thing alone.
TIP: Don’t go overboard on gear for those who’re simply beginning out—use what you’ve got at residence. You may at all times construct your equipment over time primarily based on expertise.
Navigation Instruments
Bodily map + compass: When solo tenting, a bodily map and compass are important instruments for security and self-reliance. Not like GPS gadgets or smartphones, they don’t depend on batteries or indicators, making them reliable in distant areas. A map and compass may also help you reorient your self and discover your manner again to camp, a path, or security. Understanding find out how to learn terrain and navigate manually additionally builds confidence and provides a significant layer of preparedness, particularly necessary whenever you’re on the market by yourself.
Digital maps (downloaded upfront): Digital maps downloaded upfront are a wise backup for solo campers. They supply detailed, interactive navigation even with out cell service—excellent for distant areas the place sign is unreliable. Pre-downloading maps make sure you’re not caught off guard in case your connection drops.
Know your route earlier than setting off: Learning the path or space forward of time—utilizing each bodily and digital maps—lets you make knowledgeable selections and put together for elevation adjustments, climate publicity, and timing. Whenever you’re solo, there’s nobody else to information you for those who get misplaced or delayed, so being conversant in your route provides you a crucial benefit and peace of thoughts.
Feminine-Particular Ideas for Solo Tenting Security and Confidence
Belief Your Instincts! Your intestine is your finest protection. If one thing feels off, don’t rationalize—simply depart. I’ve walked away from a couple of unusual conditions with out remorse.
Keep Conscious: Keep tuned into your environment. Hear for wildlife, observe individuals close by, and keep away from zoning out with headphones when strolling or climbing.
Put together Mentally: Some nerves are regular. However solo time in nature can be a robust likelihood to grow to be extra grounded and self-reliant. Deal with the sweetness round you and remind your self that you simply’re succesful.
Don’t Overshare with Strangers: Pleasant conversations are nice, however keep away from revealing your plans, campsite, or the place you’re headed. Hold it imprecise and non-committal.
Select Properly-Frequented Areas: A minimum of on your first few journeys, select campgrounds and trails with different individuals round. It helps scale back nervousness and retains assist close by if wanted.
Use Know-how Properly: Hold your cellphone charged, however don’t rely solely on it. At all times have a backup plan. Battery banks are a should!
Begin Small: Ease into solo tenting with quick weekend journeys or one-night stays near residence. These mini adventures show you how to construct abilities and confidence with out the strain of an extended journey.
Mirror and Rejoice: After your journey, take a second to mirror on what you’ve achieved. Possibly journal about it, put up a recap, and even share your journey on YouTube like I do.
Rejoice your bravery!
Keep in mind: The outside is for everybody. So, pack your gear, belief your instincts, and get on the market. The expertise of a lifetime is ready for you.
Alejandra Iorgulescu
Alejandra, referred to as “Alex” to most within the U.S., was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her love of journey was sparked throughout childhood highway journeys from Buenos Aires to Patagonia, but it surely actually took root after a solo journey via Europe in 2001. In 2002, she moved to California, drawn by its local weather and beautiful pure range—from seashores to mountains and deserts—all inside a couple of hours’ attain.
Her YouTube channel and web site, Miles and Hikes, have been born throughout a solo cross-country highway journey and displays her ardour for highway journey, tenting and climbing. Alex constructed the channel from scratch whereas juggling a demanding tech profession. Via her content material, she shares out of doors adventures, journey ideas, and the enjoyment of discovering artistic freedom within the nice outdoor.