Why Solo Tenting? The Advantages for Girls
Solo tenting means that you can disconnect from the distractions of on a regular basis life, push your boundaries, and faucet into your interior power. It may be an extremely releasing expertise—the place the one voice you hear is your personal, and each choice 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 will probably really feel daunting at first, particularly if you happen to’re new to tenting or used to adventuring with a gaggle. That’s why this information is right here—to provide you all of the instruments you could go on the market and really feel protected, assured, and able to tackle the good outside.
My First Solo Journey: How It All Began
Again in 2021, within the midst of a world pandemic, my sister relocated from California to Georgia. A month later, her child—my nephew—was turning one, and there was no method I used to be going to overlook that celebration. However I wasn’t eager on flying. Too many restrictions, too many unknowns. So, though 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 trustworthy: 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 eventually do one thing that had been on my thoughts for years: a cross-country street 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 fully shifted how I noticed myself. I got here again extra assured, extra curious, and with a deep need to maintain exploring solo. It even fueled the concept to create Miles and Hikes, my outside 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 Tips for others who wish to discover solo.
So, my recommendation is that this: be ready, as I’ll define within the information beneath—however don’t be scared. The rewards of solo journey far outweigh the nerves you would possibly really feel at the beginning.
Pre-Camp Preparation: Getting Prepared for Your Solo Journey
Earlier than you set out in your solo tenting journey, there are just a few key steps you must 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 sources that I take advantage of and suggest are Campendium, AllTrails, and iOverlander.
Take a look at any native wildlife or climate circumstances that might have an effect on your journey. For instance, you’ll wish to know forward of time about bears, snakes, flash floods, or hearth restrictions.
Permits & Rules: Know the foundations on your chosen tenting space. Some campsites require permits; others could restrict fires or mills. Safe any obligatory permits forward of time to keep away from last-minute stress.
Share Your Itinerary: All the time let somebody you belief know the place you’re going and once you plan to return. Embrace trailheads, campsite coordinates, and alternate plans.
I’ve seen hikers depart a be aware on their automotive dashboard with particulars, in case a ranger or fellow traveler finds their car unattended.
Solo Tenting Security Gear: When packing, prioritize security gear that offers you confidence and management. Some primary gadgets which can be advisable are:
- A well-stocked first-aid equipment
- Headlamp or flashlight (convey additional batteries!)
- Whistle or emergency signaling gadget
- Bear spray (if in bear nation)
- Satellite tv for pc communicator (like a Garmin inReach) if you happen to 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 & Different Shelter: Convey a dependable tent that’s straightforward to pitch solo and climate resistant. However if you happen to’re not 100% comfy in a tent, that’s okay too. Do what I do and convert your car right into a sleeping area! I personally want 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 cellular sanctuary. Plus, with the ability to lock the doorways at night time may give 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 giant pots or high-capacity stoves. Compact gear heats meals shortly and makes use of gasoline extra effectively, which is essential when making an attempt to preserve provides.
Easy meal substances: Easy meal substances are perfect for solo campers as a result of they make cooking within the outside simpler, quicker, and extra satisfying. Fewer substances imply much less to hold and fewer to prepare. You possibly can even prep easy meals forward of time at residence and pack solely what you want, which is very useful once you’re managing every thing alone.
TIP: Don’t go overboard on gear if you happen to’re simply beginning out—use what you’ve at residence. You possibly can all the time construct your equipment over time based mostly 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 method again to camp, a path, or security. Understanding tips on how to learn terrain and navigate manually additionally builds confidence and provides a significant layer of preparedness, particularly essential once 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—means that you can make knowledgeable selections and put together for elevation modifications, climate publicity, and timing. While you’re solo, there’s nobody else to information you if you happen to get misplaced or delayed, so being aware of your route provides you a essential 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 just a few unusual conditions with out remorse.
Keep Conscious: Keep tuned into your environment. Pay attention 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 strong probability to develop into extra grounded and self-reliant. Concentrate on the wonder round you and remind your self that you just’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 obscure and non-committal.
Select Properly-Frequented Areas: At the very least on your first few journeys, select campgrounds and trails with different individuals round. It helps cut back nervousness and retains assist close by if wanted.
Use Know-how Properly: Hold your cellphone charged, however don’t rely solely on it. All the time 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 enable you construct expertise and confidence with out the stress of an extended journey.
Mirror and Have a good time: After your journey, take a second to mirror on what you’ve achieved. Perhaps journal about it, publish a recap, and even share your journey on YouTube like I do.
Have a good time 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, often called “Alex” to most within the U.S., was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her love of journey was sparked throughout childhood street journeys from Buenos Aires to Patagonia, nevertheless it really took root after a solo journey by means of 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 just a few hours’ attain.
Her YouTube channel and web site, Miles and Hikes, have been born throughout a solo cross-country street journey and displays her ardour for street journey, tenting and climbing. Alex constructed the channel from scratch whereas juggling a demanding tech profession. By way of her content material, she shares out of doors adventures, journey suggestions, and the enjoyment of discovering artistic freedom within the nice outside.