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theabortionator
May, 2025

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Solo Backpacking

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CabbyArrant
Posts: 780 - Karma: 4,129
So I recently started backpacking again after a hiatus of about 5 years. I don’t really have any friends that I can backpack with anymore so I’ve started doing solo trips and I have to say that I think I like solo Backpacking better. It’s meditative and invigorating to attain that level of solitude especially when technology makes it so we are never truly alone. It can be really freaky at times however.

Does anybody else go solo backpacking? What’ are your thoughts, stories, insights, advice?
7 years ago
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bait
Posts: 1226 - Karma: 3,604
Solo Bikepacking is fun
7 years ago
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gravel
Posts: 5524 - Karma: 42,380
I like going backpacking alone and I'm trying to get better about it. To me it seems it can be challenging and stressful sometimes if you don't have another person to "ground" you - I went packing in the Colorado Plateau last year and ended up winding myself up a bit much trying to decide where I should camp because I needed to find a water source and I didn't have anybody to bounce ideas off of. I think the evenings are more relaxing after a solo day, kind of a bit of relief and relaxation.
7 years ago
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profa_212
Posts: 9199 - Karma: 40,249
Dont be afraid to talk to yourself....being in your head to long can be weird.

Also think about bringing some basic lightweight splint supplies/maybe some pain meds for if you roll an ankle and have to limp out on your own.
7 years ago
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gravel
Posts: 5524 - Karma: 42,380
Profahoben_212Dont be afraid to talk to yourself....being in your head to long can be weird.

Also think about bringing some basic lightweight splint supplies/maybe some pain meds for if you roll an ankle and have to limp out on your own.


Yea good idea usually I won’t make a single noise if I’m out alone.

Met a friend this summer who was hiking the Tline trail around Hood solo a couple years ago and broke his femur in a washout. He had to hike out 8 miles on it, hitchike back to the Tline lot, then drive himself back to Portland. He said he didn’t even go to the hospital until the next day since it was so late when he got home.
7 years ago
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DirtYStylE
Posts: 3652 - Karma: 8,892
I am on the fence about solo trips. I know I would enjoy it the same or more. I have skied so many solo days that a few days alone wouldn't be a bother.

I just keep thinking of breaking a leg or some shit like posted above.
Then when you have more people you can distribute the weight and bring bacon and eggs for the first morning, heavier food etc..
7 years ago
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theabortionator
Posts: 52609 - Karma: 174,418
Backpacking in nature? Havent done too much. With a car to go from place to place, some decent amounts. Going off for several days with nothing? Not more than a few days, Im ooen to it I just havent.


Travel wise its pretty mellow. In Thailand atm and solo. Was supposed to actually have a friend but she ghosted me last minute. Would have been my first real international travel with a friend and was interested to see how that would go. I guess not that well lol.

Im doing a month right now, did just over a month in europe a couple years ago and maybe 3 weeks after worj in Africa solo. Im always down with the idea of rolling with friends but a lot of people never follow through. I like traveling alone too, makes things easy in some regards although there are certain things Id be more inclined to do with another himan.Price cuts and drinking buddy are plusses of a partner in crime though.
7 years ago
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AstroKush
Posts: 184 - Karma: 360
I've done multiple of solo trips, hiked sections of PCT and did ACT along TN & NC stateline 2 years ago. Planning is easier done alone or two & you often see more places and get more done this way instead with a large group.

**This post was edited on Sep 12th 2018 at 6:05:28pm
7 years ago
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xxACIDTRIPxx
Posts: 5980 - Karma: 8,185
I'm confused backpacking as in hiking? Or traveling?
7 years ago
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DirtYStylE
Posts: 3652 - Karma: 8,892
NZeskimobroI'm confused backpacking as in hiking? Or traveling?


One backpack. 5 days. In the middle of nowhere. Can you survive?
7 years ago
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xxACIDTRIPxx
Posts: 5980 - Karma: 8,185
DirtYStylEOne backpack. 5 days. In the middle of nowhere. Can you survive?


Easy lol.

If you guys want to know some hot tips just ask me. I'm current Infantry.
7 years ago
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smh
Posts: 410 - Karma: 2,144
I just started getting into solo backpacking and it's definitely a nice change pace for me. I'm used to being the only person in my friend group with the gear and know-how when it comes to backpacking which means taking out a lot of rookies which don't get me wrong, it's still a blast, but I've found it's calming and meditative to go out there and spend some time with myself for a night or two
7 years ago
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CabbyArrant
Posts: 780 - Karma: 4,129
NZeskimobroI'm confused backpacking as in hiking? Or traveling?

Backpacking in the true sense. Like tent, filtering water, shifting in the woods
7 years ago
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Chron_Rabbit
Posts: 988 - Karma: 1,572
I went on a few solo missions this summer on the western slope. Going solo is nice because you can decide when to rest, eat, or power through a hike without someone else's opinion holding you back. Some days I went for the views and some days I went for high miles.
7 years ago
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ronders_
Posts: 568 - Karma: 2,325
Profahoben_212Dont be afraid to talk to yourself....being in your head to long can be weird.

Also think about bringing some basic lightweight splint supplies/maybe some pain meds for if you roll an ankle and have to limp out on your own.


For me I mostly say stuff like "that was a close one" or "you're a fuckin idiot" to try to lighten the fact that if I fuck up bad enough I'm dead. I like that feeling of being the only one responsible for my own life tho when I'm solo
7 years ago
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xxACIDTRIPxx
Posts: 5980 - Karma: 8,185
CabbyArrantBackpacking in the true sense. Like tent, filtering water, shifting in the woods


OH right yeah

Hell yeah just go out take a tent some acid beats N food
7 years ago
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