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 interior energy. 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 may 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 present you all of the instruments you might want to go on the market and really feel secure, 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 means I used to be going to overlook that celebration. However I wasn’t eager on flying. Too many restrictions, too many unknowns. So, regardless that I had by no means accomplished 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 all the things. However I additionally knew deep down that I needed to step exterior 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 brief? 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 thought to create Miles and Hikes, my outdoor YouTube channel. Someplace alongside that lengthy, soul-searching drive again dwelling, I envisioned a platform to share my travels, my favourite hikes, and useful Ideas and Methods for others who wish 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 would possibly 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 you must take to make sure your security and peace of thoughts.
Analysis Your Campsite: Search for beginner-friendly solo tenting websites which are well-traveled, not too distant, and near cell service or ranger stations.
Some nice sources that I take advantage of and advocate are Campendium, AllTrails, and iOverlander.
Try 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 & Laws: Know the principles to your chosen tenting space. Some campsites require permits; others might restrict fires or mills. Safe any needed 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 once you plan to return. Embrace trailheads, campsite coordinates, and alternate plans.
I’ve seen hikers go away a word 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 objects which are beneficial are:
- A well-stocked first-aid equipment
- Headlamp or flashlight (deliver 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 & Units
Obtain Gaia GPS, AllTrails, or offline Google Maps for navigation and route planning.
Preserve 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 simple 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 automobile right into a sleeping house! I personally choose 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 bought a cell sanctuary. Plus, having the ability to lock the doorways at evening 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 rapidly and makes use of gas extra effectively, which is essential when attempting to preserve provides.
Easy meal components: Easy meal components are perfect for solo campers as a result of they make cooking within the outdoor simpler, quicker, and extra pleasurable. Fewer components imply much less to hold and fewer to arrange. You’ll be able to even prep easy meals forward of time at dwelling and pack solely what you want, which is very useful once you’re managing all the things alone.
TIP: Don’t go overboard on gear if you happen to’re simply beginning out—use what you could have at dwelling. You’ll be able to 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 will help you reorient your self and discover your means again to camp, a path, or security. Understanding learn how to learn terrain and navigate manually additionally builds confidence and provides a significant layer of preparedness, particularly vital once you’re on the market by yourself.
Digital maps (downloaded upfront): Digital maps downloaded upfront are a sensible backup for solo campers. They supply detailed, interactive navigation even with out cell service—ultimate 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 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 accustomed to your route provides you a vital benefit and peace of thoughts.
Feminine-Particular Ideas for Solo Tenting Security and Confidence
Belief Your Instincts! Your intestine is your greatest protection. If one thing feels off, don’t rationalize—simply go away. I’ve walked away from a couple of unusual conditions with out remorse.
Keep Conscious: Keep tuned into your environment. Pay attention for wildlife, observe folks 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 turn into extra grounded and self-reliant. Give attention to the wonder 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. Preserve it obscure and non-committal.
Select Properly-Frequented Areas: No less than to your first few journeys, select campgrounds and trails with different folks round. It helps scale back anxiousness and retains assist close by if wanted.
Use Expertise Properly: Preserve 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 brief weekend journeys or one-night stays near dwelling. These mini adventures enable you to construct expertise 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 completed. Possibly journal about it, submit 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, often known 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, however it actually took root after a solo journey via Europe in 2001. In 2002, she moved to California, drawn by its local weather and gorgeous pure variety—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 outside adventures, journey suggestions, and the enjoyment of discovering inventive freedom within the nice outdoor.
