{"id":6254,"date":"2021-08-25T13:18:41","date_gmt":"2021-08-25T18:18:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/?p=6254"},"modified":"2021-08-25T13:18:44","modified_gmt":"2021-08-25T18:18:44","slug":"solo-camping-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/solo-camping-101\/","title":{"rendered":"Solo Camping 101: Safety, Preparation, Pure Freedom"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Going solo camping sounds scary. I know when I told my co-workers I was going to go camping around New Zealand for 5 weeks by myself–they thought I was crazy! It’s been, by far, one of my top life experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Successful solo camping trips require safety precautions, preparation, clear objectives, and a flexible mindset<\/strong>.<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That sounds simple, but it’s not–and may require practice to get it right. I’m going to walk you through exactly what you need to turn your solo camping trip into a trip to remember (in a good way).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety Precautions For Camping Alone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we get to all the fun stuff about camping solo, I want to mention that perhaps one of the best safety tips for camping is to bring a friend. Since you’re camping solo, you are intentionally going without that safety precaution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Is It Safe To Camp Alone?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Solo camping is not unsafe, but special preparation is needed. Camping or hiking alone could be considered more risky than camping or hiking with your friends, and there are some things that you should absolutely do to make sure you have peace of mind and you’re protected against the worst eventuality. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check In With Someone, Regularly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When I was in New Zealand, at the end of the (her) day I would reach out to my then-girlfriend (now wife) in the U.S. This served two main purposes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. As cool as it was to be by myself, it can feel lonely <\/strong>when you’re off on your own. Connecting with someone on a regular basis is a good way to feel connected to those you care about<\/strong>. Feeling connected gives you more confidence to try new things and explore. <\/li>
  2. Letting at least one other person know where you are going and what your plans are is an easy way to protect yourself against the worst-case scenarios. Ever watched “127 hours”? Don’t go somewhere without telling someone. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Deep Wilderness<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    If you’re going to be backpacking or going somewhere without cell service, then you can still give someone an expectation of where you are and where you plan to be. Give a time range. For example, you can tell your accountability friend that you’ll go to Point B from Point A and you are planning on taking 3 days. An example of an emergency plan would be “If you don’t hear back in 5 days, please call help.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Another safety option in the deep wilderness is a satellite messenger <\/strong>(see some here <\/a>at REI, or here <\/a>at Amazon)–these devices vary in functionality but they are made for sending an S.O.S. signal so that in the worst-case scenario, someone can find and rescue you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Satellite messengers are a fantastic option if you are going to be alone in the middle of nowhere and you want to feel safe without the burden of staying connected by the internet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Notify Local Authorities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    This is something that you should do whenever you are doing something dangerous (like hiking in extreme weather conditions like the Grand Canyon. or any other extreme sport)–if you are going to be in a park or a nationally protected area, then notify the park rangers where you plan to be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First Aid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    First aid is important when you’re with a group, but it’s even more important when you’re alone. I admit I only have a loose understanding of first aid and how to find my way around a first aid kit–but if you’re going to be around others this is less important (although still very important).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, if you’re in a place where you’re truly alone, then having a first aid kit with the knowledge of how to use it can be the difference between a truly dangerous situation or a mild inconvenience.

    Here’s a starter intro to how to use your first aid kit:<\/p>\n\n\n

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    How To Use A First Aid Kit... What Your First Aid Course Didn't Teach You: Free Safety Video<\/div><\/div>
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