Did you know women can go on a solo camping trip and come back safe and well?
Contrary to popular belief, women are more prone to be attacked in the city than in the wilderness/rural areas – statistics show.
So before you think twice about embarking on that solo mission because of being too scared, you might want to check this out.
Otherwise, here’s 5 quick tips to help you on your journey into the unknown 🙂
1. If something feels “off”, go the opposite direction
The easiest and strongest tactic you can do to keep safe is to TRUST your gut.
If you have a funny feeling about the person/people/area in front of you, turn around and go the other way.
This is what most women campers do and it’s actually the strongest safety precaution.
Your common sense is vital in the wilderness!
2. Don’t befriend anyone
Sometimes (although very rarely), men will try and befriend a women before doing the unimaginable.
Another good way to avoid bad things is to give a quick smile, a “hi” and then move on.
Do not stand there talking, do not give any personal details and sure as hell do not agree to setup camp next to his.
3. Know that you’re 100% capable
Mainstream media and friends/family are the worst at making you feel unsafe and scared to try it alone.
The media always put up articles like “women kidnapped and raped while backpacking”.
But the thing is: there’s one in literally thousands of chances for this to happen.
And again, friends and family come at you with all these horror stories.
Just know that if you really want to do it, DO it – don’t let somebody else stop you.
Not even fear!
4. Only go if you’re REALLY ready
I don’t know you and I don’t know your camping experience.
But I do know is that if you’ve camped a few times with other people, it is not enough.
A good rule of thumb is: At the very least get to know the basics.
When you know the basics (pitching a tent in the correct place, cooking and storing your food, and knowing how to stay safe), you fit the bill.
The bottom line: the more experience you have up your sleeve the easier it will be when you’re out by yourself.
So if you feel that you’re ready to tackle an outdoor adventure, definitely go.
If you feel you don’t have enough experience yet, don’t.
Just go with your gut and you will do great things.
5. Don’t let fear win
No doubt you are scared of going alone.
However, the first time is always the hardest. After that it gets much easier and becomes second nature.
Let me tell you this…
If you let fear win your entire life you will never live how you TRULY want to.
I’m a man that hates regret, so when I want to do something I do it as soon as I can.
[Read: Getting over fear of solo camping]
Fear kills dreams, and it’s sad to say that most people don’t follow their dreams because of fear of failure, or fear of letting people down for that matter.
You’re not going to let it stop you though, are you?
So now what?
Camping alone does wondrous things for the body, mind and soul.
The only way to truly experience what it’s like is by doing it and giving it a go.
I’m telling you; most of your friends and family won’t agree with your decisions, and they only care about your safety.
But living to make other people happy except yourself is not the proper way to live life.
I know what you want and I’m with you every step of the way!
The hardest part is the first step.
The least I can do is help.
Tell me what your fears are in the comments below, or anything that’s stopping you from going alone.
I’d love to hear them!
Cheers.
-Brandon
Holy Moly! This article definitely helps eliminate the fear of camping alone! I have been wanting to do a solo hike/camp but like you said, fear is the biggest thing that has stopped me. Great tips! I’ll have to go read your basics since I’m a newbie camper. You are very motivating! 🙂
It was my pleasure 🙂 I know most women feel this way about solo camping so I just had to get it out there.
I’m here feeling silly because I have travelled the country alone as a female truck driver for 9 years, yet I’m quite apprehensive about going camping alone for the first time, even though I have a 90lb protective dog who will go with me. I agree with you however that we can’t live our lives in fear! Thanks for the encouragement 🙂
Hi Brandon, As a female I’ve been solo backpacking for a decade. The only thing I generally think about is trying not to get lost. I do stay alert so, if say, a man passes me by I would say hi in passing then look back to make sure he has kept walking.
Good article to encourage women to go solo backpacking. It is not scary or inherently dangerous. I love it!