Why Solo Tenting? The Advantages for Girls
Solo tenting permits you to disconnect from the distractions of on a regular basis life, push your boundaries, and faucet into your inside power. It may be an extremely liberating expertise—the place the one voice you hear is your personal, and each resolution 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 when you’re new to tenting or used to adventuring with a bunch. That’s why this information is right here—to provide you all of the instruments it’s essential to go on the market and really feel protected, assured, and able to tackle the nice open air.
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 manner 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 carried out 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 part. 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 open air YouTube channel. Someplace alongside that lengthy, soul-searching drive again house, I envisioned a platform to share my travels, my favourite hikes, and useful Suggestions 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 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 number 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 are 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 situations that would 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 foundations on your chosen tenting space. Some campsites require permits; others might restrict fires or mills. Safe any essential 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. Embody trailheads, campsite coordinates, and alternate plans.
I’ve seen hikers go away a be aware on their automobile 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 fundamental gadgets which are really helpful are:
- A well-stocked first-aid equipment
- Headlamp or flashlight (carry additional batteries!)
- Whistle or emergency signaling gadget
- Bear spray (if in bear nation)
- Satellite tv for pc communicator (like a Garmin inReach) when you plan on being distant
- A self-defense merchandise (provided that you understand how to make use of it safely and legally)
Useful Apps & Gadgets
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 straightforward to pitch solo and climate resistant. However when you’re not 100% snug in a tent, that’s okay too. Do what I do and convert your car right into a sleeping house! 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 obtained a cellular sanctuary. Plus, with 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 massive pots or high-capacity stoves. Compact gear heats meals shortly 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 open air simpler, sooner, and extra fulfilling. Fewer components imply much less to hold and fewer to prepare. You possibly can even prep easy meals forward of time at house and pack solely what you want, which is very useful once you’re managing every part alone.
TIP: Don’t go overboard on gear when you’re simply beginning out—use what you might have at house. 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. In contrast to GPS units or smartphones, they don’t depend on batteries or indicators, making them reliable in distant areas. A map and compass can assist you reorient your self and discover your manner again to camp, a path, or security. Realizing how one can learn terrain and navigate manually additionally builds confidence and provides an important layer of preparedness, particularly essential once you’re on the market by yourself.
Digital maps (downloaded prematurely): Digital maps downloaded prematurely are a wise backup for solo campers. They supply detailed, interactive navigation even with out cell service—preferrred 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—permits you to make knowledgeable selections and put together for elevation adjustments, climate publicity, and timing. Once you’re solo, there’s nobody else to information you when you get misplaced or delayed, so being accustomed to your route offers you a crucial benefit and peace of thoughts.
Feminine-Particular Suggestions 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 number of 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 mountain 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. Deal with 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 imprecise and non-committal.
Select Properly-Frequented Areas: Not less than on your first few journeys, select campgrounds and trails with different individuals round. It helps cut back anxiousness and retains assist close by if wanted.
Use Know-how Properly: Preserve your telephone 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 brief weekend journeys or one-night stays near house. These mini adventures assist you construct expertise and confidence with out the strain of an extended journey.
Replicate and Rejoice: After your journey, take a second to replicate on what you’ve achieved. Perhaps journal about it, publish a recap, and even share your journey on YouTube like I do.
Rejoice your bravery!
Bear 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 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 a number 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 mountain 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 open air.
