For first-time solo campers, solo camping can be both intimidating and rewarding. It's an excellent way to spend some time alone with yourself. And you get to be entirely in charge of your adventure. However, it is more difficult in some ways because it requires more planning. After all, you must rely on yourself for everything. However, it can be a liberating and rewarding adventure with the proper knowledge and equipment. This is where this solo camping checklist comes in!
Whether you're a beginner or just want an escape from your fast-paced lifestyle, we've got a few solo camping tips that will help make your first solo trip as easy as possible.
Photo by Elijah Austin on Unsplash
The Advantages of Solo-Camping
While camping alone means you won't be participating in group activities around the campfire or share high-fives or group pictures after reaching the top of that insane climb, there are quite a number of benefits to solo camping.
You Have Freedom to Move at Your Own Pace.
There will always be people of varying speeds when camping as a group. It's challenging to get everyone in a group on the same wavelength, whether it's your hiking speed or the hours you keep.
However, you do not need to coordinate times with anyone when camping alone. You are not compelled to pick up or slow down your pace during your hike to accommodate the others. You can hike as quickly or slowly as you want and stay up for as long as possible.
You Get to Learn Many New Things About Camping.
Group camping usually entails one person who is an expert at erecting a tent, another who is an expert at starting a fire, and yet another who serves as a human compass.
Solo camping requires you to do all of those things simultaneously, which, while challenging, will push you and help you expand your camping knowledge.
Photo by Nicole Geri on Unsplash
You Will Feel a Lot More in Tune with Nature.
While group camping means late-night chats, entertaining hikes, and group-effort meals, you often spend a lot of your energy and time connecting with the other people in your group that you don't get to feel at one with nature.
On the other hand, going solo ensures that you will not be distracted by others, and you will feel a much more profound connection to nature, allowing you to experience your camping with heightened senses.
The sunrises will be even more beautiful with no distractions, and the wildlife you encounter will appear even more majestic.
Photo by Jake Melara on Unsplash
It Improves Your Confidence.
Camping in a group isn't too tricky. You have other people to fall back on if something goes wrong, and if you forgot something, chances are someone else remembered it.
However, you can't rely on anyone else when alone, which is incredibly liberating. Knowing that you can go on this journey on your own will undoubtedly boost your confidence and allow you to see a side of yourself that you were previously unaware of.
You Will Be Stress-Free.
Camping with others can sometimes be stressful — stress from making sure everyone is having a good time, stress from gathering everyone for activities, pressure from disagreements, and so on. There will be no stress when you go camping on your own. Allow yourself to do what you came there to do — relax — by leaving behind thoughts of life at home (such as your job, bills, and so on).
Tips For Solo-Camping
Understanding the Fundamentals
Knowing the fundamentals is essential for camping alone, but you should feel confident that your skill level is above a beginner's.
To successfully camp alone, you must know how to:
Read a map
Set up a tent
Make a fire
Get clean water
Make a camp.
Handle encounters with wildlife
Forecast weather (so you don't get caught in a storm)
Handle injuries and other situations that necessitate first-aid.
Other things would be great to know before venturing out on your own, but the above list is the bare minimum you should be able to check off before venturing out on your own.
Opt For a Closer Location.
Choose a location close to your home or one you are very familiar with for your first solo camping trip. The farther you stray from sites you know, the more likely it is that something will go wrong.
In fact, before you go on your trip, go for a day hike or a bike ride in the area to scout it out and get a feel for it.
Knowing your camping area well will go a long way toward making you feel at ease and allowing you to relax.
Discuss Your Plans with Someone.
Even if you're staying at a well-equipped campground, you must share your camping "itinerary" with someone at home before you leave.
At the very least, they should know when you're leaving, when you'll return, and where you're going.
Travel Light
Because you only have yourself to pack things in and out, be careful what you bring. Unless you have a campervan with an installed roof rack to carry so many times, travel light. You only need enough for yourself, so pack only what you need for your camping trip.
Rather than bringing a tent and a sleeping pad, many solo campers prefer a hammock, which only requires a sleeping bag. If you prefer a tent, choose one lightweight and designed for one person.
Don't Go For Just One Or Two Nights.
In all honesty, sleeping alone in the wilderness will be unpleasant. You're in a strange place, and your mind can trick you into worrying about many things. So, if you only give yourself a night or two on your solo journey, you won't be able to achieve the level of full enjoyment you seek.
Learn To Keep Your Mind At Ease.
There surely will be times when you are camping alone that will send you into a frenzy of worry and fear, particularly at night. Every little noise seems infinitely louder and frightening when alone in the wilderness.
Conclusion
Camping alone in the woods is an amazing experience, but as we all know, things can go wrong at any time. Even if the chances of encountering a life-threatening situation are statistically meager, you should always have a backup plan and be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Don't forget to share your emergency plan (including your itinerary and location) with someone if things go wrong.
Relevant Articles
https://passportsymphony.com/expert-solo-camping-tips-for-beginners/
https://www.craghoppers.com/community/guide-to-solo-camping-for-beginners/
