There are many reasons why someone might be planning a solo camping trip. These include wanting to connect to yourself and nature, gain confidence, and being able to go at your own pace. Added benefits to camping alone include improved self-esteem and a deeper understanding of yourself. That being said, taking the plunge and planning your first camping experience alone can be scary because there are a lot more things to consider. You are relying on yourself for everything, so more preparation is definitely needed. There are also added risks that can be avoided if you are smart and confident. Here are some tips to remember before you head out on your first solo camping trip. Make sure that you have all the equipment that you might need. More information to help you decide what type of tent is best for you is available below.
Stay Local
On your first camping trip alone, don’t plan to go to another state. Try to stay close to the area where you live, or at least somewhere that you know very well. This way, you will feel more confident in setting up camp and are more aware of the surroundings. The further you go from a familiar area, the more likely it is that something will go wrong. See your first camping trip as a trial run, and gradually explore new places when you’re ready.
Emergency Pack
Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. Bring a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon in case of emergency. When planning where to go, make sure you note nearby places you can go for help if needed and have an escape plan ready. It’s also a great idea to bring more water than you think you will need, a small first aid kit and a supply of food. Another great thing to bring is a spare blanket or warm sweater. Once you’ve covered all bases, you’re all set!
Communicate
Tell someone where you are going and when you are planning to be back. That way, they know to check when you return that you made it back safely. You can also pre-program their number into your phone if you have a satellite phone for emergencies and tell them this. This way, you are covering all grounds and preparing the necessary people, should the worst happen. This is only a precaution, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Bivy Vs Tent
You might want to do some research on what equipment is best suited for you. A bivy, or bivouac shelter, is essentially a sleeping bag cover made for a single person shelter. It is more of a full-body shell than a tent. Benefits of bivvies include that they are more lightweight and less material to carry than tents, and they get warmer faster due to the compact size. For more information, follow this link to learn about the real difference between a bivy and a tent.
Don’t Freak Out!
Nighttime can bring a lot of fear and strange noises. It’s easy to panic at this stage and abandon ship. Learn how to talk yourself out of intrusive thoughts, and you could even bring a book for when you feel lonely. You will gradually become aware that those sounds are natural and that it is very peaceful to be sleeping in the wilderness. Enjoy the quiet. Meditate within nature and explore your surroundings.
Additional
Some other pieces of advice for your first trip alone include spending more than just a couple of nights there. This can be tempting, but sleeping in the wilderness is pretty uncomfortable, and it will take you 2-3 nights to fall into a sleep routine. Other reasons for this include becoming more connected to nature and finding peace within yourself. It takes more than a couple of nights to fully heal. Another tip is to work your way up to being fully alone. For example, on your first trip, you could bring your family dog, who is bound to love the attention and being in nature. This is a great way to have some level of company, without feeling completely isolated. A dog is a great companion for any camping trip, and it can also provide a feeling of protection at night.
To summarize, camping alone can be exciting, and it gives you the opportunity to learn so much more about yourself. If you follow these tips, you are bound to have a successful trip and go on to tell all of your friends to do the same.
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