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 inside energy. It may be an extremely liberating expertise—the place the one voice you hear is your personal, and each choice you make is yours alone. For ladies 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 possibly really feel daunting at first, particularly in the event you’re new to tenting or used to adventuring with a bunch. That’s why this information is right here—to present you all of the instruments you should go on the market and really feel protected, assured, and able to tackle the good open air.
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 method I used to be going to overlook that celebration. However I wasn’t eager on flying. Too many restrictions, too many unknowns. So, despite the fact 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 little thing. However I additionally knew deep down that I wished to step outdoors my consolation zone and at last do one thing that had been on my thoughts for years: a cross-country street journey. I simply by no means imagined I’d be doing it alone.
Lengthy story quick? 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 want 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 residence, I envisioned a platform to share my travels, my favourite hikes, and useful Suggestions and Tips for others who need to discover solo.
So, my recommendation is that this: be ready, as I’ll define within the information beneath—however don’t be scared. The rewards of solo journey far outweigh the nerves you would possibly really feel at first.
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 assets 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 need to know forward of time about bears, snakes, flash floods, or hearth restrictions.
Permits & Rules: Know the foundations in your chosen tenting space. Some campsites require permits; others could restrict fires or turbines. 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 if you plan to return. Embody trailheads, campsite coordinates, and alternate plans.I’ve seen hikers depart 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 provides you confidence and management. Some primary objects which are beneficial are:
A well-stocked first-aid package
Headlamp or flashlight (convey additional batteries!)
Whistle or emergency signaling gadget
Bear spray (if in bear nation)
Satellite tv for pc communicator (like a Garmin inReach) in the event 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.Hold climate apps up to date earlier than and through your journey.
Solo Tenting Gear: Necessities for Security & Consolation
Tent & Various Shelter: Deliver a dependable tent that’s simple to pitch solo and climate resistant. However in the event you’re not 100% snug in a tent, that’s okay too. Do what I do and convert your automobile right into a sleeping house! I personally favor 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 cellular sanctuary. Plus, having the ability to lock the doorways at night time can provide you peace of thoughts, particularly as a lady 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 shortly and makes use of gas extra effectively, which is essential when making an attempt to preserve provides.
Easy meal elements: Easy meal elements are perfect for solo campers as a result of they make cooking within the open air simpler, quicker, and extra satisfying. Fewer elements imply much less to hold and fewer to arrange. You’ll be able to even prep easy meals forward of time at residence and pack solely what you want, which is particularly useful if you’re managing every little thing alone.
TIP: Don’t go overboard on gear in the event you’re simply beginning out—use what you could have at residence. You’ll be able to at all times construct your package over time primarily based 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 can assist you reorient your self and discover your method again to camp, a path, or security. Understanding find out how to learn terrain and navigate manually additionally builds confidence and provides an important layer of preparedness, particularly vital if 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—perfect 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: Finding out 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. If you’re solo, there’s nobody else to information you in the event you get misplaced or delayed, so being aware of your route provides you a important benefit and peace of thoughts.
Feminine-Particular Suggestions for Solo Tenting Security and Confidence
Belief Your Instincts! Your intestine is your finest protection. If one thing feels off, don’t rationalize—simply depart. 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 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 change into extra grounded and self-reliant. Concentrate on 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. Hold it imprecise and non-committal.
Select Properly-Frequented Areas: A minimum of in your first few journeys, select campgrounds and trails with different individuals round. It helps cut back nervousness and retains assist close by if wanted.
Use Know-how Properly: Hold 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 quick weekend journeys or one-night stays near residence. These mini adventures assist you construct expertise and confidence with out the stress of an extended journey.
Mirror and Have fun: After your journey, take a second to mirror on what you’ve completed. Perhaps journal about it, publish a recap, and even share your journey on YouTube like I do.
Have fun 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, generally 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 street journeys from Buenos Aires to Patagonia, nevertheless it 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 couple of hours’ attain.
Her YouTube channel and web site, Miles and Hikes, have been born throughout a solo cross-country street journey and displays her ardour for street 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.
