There are many of you who absolutely love the outdoor camping and hiking life, however many of you will run to the sound of a stick breaking in the night. Fear not, my camping alone tips will boost your confidence and help you ‘mentally’ prepare for your first outdoor adventure before you even head out on your journey.
Know Your Limits…Uhh what?
Learn to know yourself more and know how far you can go regarding your adventure. Your outdoor experience is something that will come into play drastically, and knowing what you’re capable of can help you realize that you are stronger than you think.
Your Comfort Zone
It’s OK to go out of your comfort zone (actually I’d prefer it if you do), but just enough to work at your peak performance, if you go too much out of your comfort zone your stress levels will be too high to think clearly.
It has been proven that your mind works better when you’re out of your comfort zone, but not too much, just enough to stay highly aware of everything around you.
A Happy Place
Your best chances of completing a successful ‘solo’ trip is to camp where you have always camped with friends and family, you already know that the campsite is safe, you have awesome memories there, this will help remind your brain that there’s nothing to worry about.
Most of the struggles with camping alone is the mentality side. Get your mind in the right place and your well on your way to your first successful solo camping trip 🙂
Take The Plunge
Now that you know what you’re capable of, you know the campsite is safe, there’s really no reason not to head off on a solo journey to see you work at full potential, you might surprise yourself!
You Are Not Alone
Remember that there are thousands of men camping alone safely out in the wild, even women. And by taking your first trip you’re taking a massive step into a direction that will help you connect with yourself more and make yourself a better person.
Report It
The one biggest mistake I see a lot of people doing is not reporting their first solo trip. Write down your findings, how you feel and what time you’re sitting down putting pen to paper. This is an extraordinary help that will lead you to a much more successful trip and something you can look back on and remember how you felt. It is yours for life.
Let Someone Know
If you get lost or hurt, or even both while you’re on your trip, and you haven’t told anyone that you went on this journey – you’re chances of surviving and making it back to civilization is slim.
This is why it’s highly important to let someone know how long you’ll be gone for, where you’re staying and what day you’ll be back.
It’s best to tell a responsible adult (your best friend, mother, sister etc) – someone who will actually take action if they don’t hear back from you.
Worst case scenario – You tell someone irresponsible and you’re out in the wild lost, injured and dehydrated, chances are if they don’t hear back from you the day you say, they’ll probably just leave you out there to die.
This is why it’s important to let a responsible person know.
Staying Safe Against Wildlife
Most wildlife that you’ll encounter will leave you alone, but like they always say, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Here’s how to defend yourself against bears.
Don’t Get Ahead Of Yourself
If it’s your first time camping alone, know that being by yourself opens up a whole new dimension that group/family camping doesn’t.
You have to learn to completely rely on yourself.
Focus on pitching a tent correctly, starting a campfire, cooking dinner and other camping duties. When you can do these confidently, then you can start exploring out alone and moving forward out of your comfort zone.
Don’t Take Unnecessary Risks
You’re completely alone, so taking risks that aren’t worth the trouble should just be out of question. A sprained ankle or other injury is something you won’t want to deal with.
Move slowly through the environment, and as a bonus you get to appreciate nature a lot more while you take your time exploring the outdoors.
Benefits of Solo Camping
Being out in the wilderness alone will give you plenty of free time, however don’t spend that time on electronic devices.
Instead use that time to work on yourself, bring a book you’ve been wanting to read for years, a bird guide and binoculars is a great activity to try.
You’re tent options are a lot more flexible as well, your tent is for you and only you, choose one that you’ll love for years to come.
Extra benefits of camping alone
- Personal growth
- Increase self-reliance
- Experience the beauty of peace and quiet
- Help you discover your physical and mental limitations
Your Equipment
This isn’t necessarily important, but remember that you’ll be carrying everything yourself which makes it difficult if you pack too many items, take what you need and be as lightweight as possible.
Make sure you get a warm sleeping bag for the chilly nights ahead, because a sleepless night is the last thing you will need.
Fortunately for you, I have already done a review of the Kelty Tuck 22 Degree sleeping bag and I would recommend you check it out (Opens in new tab).
Focus On Yourself
This one should come naturally, as you will have plenty of alone time to think about these things:
- Think about who you’ve become
- Who you want to be
- Your life goals
- Or you can think about making the heartiest meal for dinner
Conclusion
Your first time is the hardest, however the more time you spend alone in the wilderness the more confident you’ll become and the easier it will be every time.
So don’t hold it off, because you owe it to yourself, you will experience a trip most others can only imagine of doing!
Please leave a comment below and tell me if you’ve been camping alone before.