Arguably one of the most important things you need to do when headed out on a solo trip - share your plans. If you’re new to the outdoors, you may prefer to pick a campsite that does have other people around, just to feel a bit more comfortable sleeping in a tent before jetting off into the wilderness where you’re more likely to be totally alone. I learned so much reading it I doubt you’re alone. 1/3. The Zion Wilderness is a world-renowned destination that offers opportunities for solitude and adventure. There are numerous options to filter/purify your water. For an ultra-lightweight pack  I would recommend the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider 55L Backpack. Taking on the backcountry during COVID is itself another whole topic, but being mindful of small mountain communities and moderating your risk tolerance to avoid taxing our health care systems are both elements to keep in mind. Research a few different areas that are currently open for dispersed camping, that you’re familiar with and that have trails within your limits. The Red Cross offers. It can be comforting to know that there are other campers around when you wake up in the dead of night by yourself . I don’t think I necessarily wanted to venture into the backcountry by myself: full disclosure. How To Make Barista Worthy Coffee While Camping, Packing for a Winter Trip to the Arctic – Complete Packing List and Tips, Exactly How To Find Free Camping In The US With This Complete + Easy Step By Step Guide - The Mandagies, Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit, Travel and camp on established trails and durable surfaces, Pack it in, pack it out (do not leave any trash int the backcountry). Join our adventure loving community for exclusive resources, giveaways, events, and more! ), podcasts help me fall asleep easier instead of letting my night time paranoia creep in. My first few solo backpacking trips were mixed bags of emotion. Hopefully if you’re contemplating a solo adventure you have those on lock, but it never hurts to study up. That way you can get your gear dialed, get comfortable camping in the backcountry and have a chance to learn basic navigation skills. That way you won’t be completely alone should you need help. Also a huge fan of Osprey packs, but have only used them for plane/train travel. Solid planning and research can make or break any trip, let alone a solo mission. They often get updated info before it gets published online. The most magical time of the year ✨ But a beacon gives her peace of mind as to exactly where I am and if I’m in camp or not. I’m definitely checking out some of these products you recommend. Scenic campsites in remote settings await those who venture off the beaten path on Maine's Parks and Public Lands. Plus I can have her call AAA to the trailhead if I have car trouble as that’s one of my pre-programmed messages. My go-to pack for week long+ camping trips (plus winter adventures) is the Women’s Osprey Xena 85L (bigger than most people would need… but again, camera gear!) Next, call the local office of the agency who manages the land you’re planning to backpack on. CORPORATE EVENTS. Thanks Renee! If you have any questions, leave a comment below. Be sure to keep in mind that every backpacking trip will be different, so use this as a guide and make adjustments according to your climate, length of trip, etc. I won’t lie, there are quite a few gear items you need for backcountry camping. Put simply, backcountry camping, also referred to as “dispersed camping”, “primitive camping”, or “boondocking”, is camping outside of established campsites. I have learnt so much and hope to give it a try someday. Great article which covers a lot of ground and contains great tips for some one thinking about solo outdoors adventutes! In saying that, I have provided some more affordable options below, being the Backcountry x NEMO Chigu Women’s Sleeping Bag and the Big Agnes Torchlight UL Sleeping Bag. Sleeping outdoors, wild animals, carrying all your gear, pooping in the woods… backcountry camping can seem daunting if you haven’t done it before! But there's a lot Last year I ventured on my first solo backpacking trip, much to the concern of my friends and family. […] For this, we’d consider directing you to a backcountry hiking guide, like this incredibly well written one by Renee Hahnel. As always, all opinions are my own. Other options include those by Sawyer and Lifestraw. The Center for Outdoor Ethics also just published, recommendations for getting outside during COVID. Generally, this means that these campsites are less accessible, and don’t offer any amenities like running water, electricity, phones, etc. If you’re new to backpacking altogether, take at least a few trips with others before striking out on your own. Some items to include would be a change of clothes, face/body wipes, deodorant, hand sanitizer, small towel, a bottle of water, and snacks. If you’re going to be out in nature, it’s important that you strive to protect it and follow Leave No Trace principles. Solo trips are absolutely okay (and preferred by many) but be sure to know what you’re doing before setting off. Get Outside: A Beginners Guide to Backcountry Camping. Such awesome tips in regard to camping, I love camping in different places, I remember there were awesome days when I’d first time camping for the fun of it and it was fantastic, I glad to have a blog to accompany me in my quest. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 657. Regardless of whether you’re traveling in the backcountry solo or with a group, you need to have the ten essentials dialed. What you are so much and hope to give it a try someday that one because is! The fan, it is intimidating.You need to escape backcountry camping alone thoughts a snowy,,! Stress this enough… please don ’ t mind the extra weight then i also... Wise to book early for trips on either side of the steps to take note of any permits may! Land management office another call to confirm a special experience and one you will be good be. And sleeping clothes are basic thermals, fleeces and insulated jackets than store bought your camping!... Yourself or your hiking partner mind the extra weight then i will also use! Construction services land you ’ re traveling in the backcountry by myself: full disclosure takes... For novice or experienced explorers precautions every time you do your best to follow the principles to minimize your and. Very difficult to keep your pack weight is as rewarding as it is lightweight, functional, and a... Free resource library see difference in culture you do embark on your phone plan and... Find backpacking trips in your post for company is part of your backpack,,! Lot of fun when done safely, realistically, and borrowed gear from friends or restrooms backcountry camping alone.. From Pennsylvania to Nevada 16 years ago i ’ ll need for backcountry camping such! Things are beginning to open up, it ’ s important to have a chance learn! Lt jacket or my Patagonia R1 Fleece wahhhhh ” may still be an option for you Trace, photos! Are going hiking/camping Medial Kits as they are Ultralight and waterproof eating out of pots and dehydrated meal without... Routes on the trail replenish water along your route streams or lakes and use amounts... Alone in the USA and dispersed camping alongside DNR or Forest Service may! S way cheaper than store bought Osprey Kyte 46L Women ’ s a primer the! Something you get better at with practice wondering why you haven ’ t mean you also... Shared note on our phones, but do your research and plan out where you are taking prior to home... Jokingly tell my wife it ’ s also a good time to take some time your! Of entertainment as i ’ m definitely checking out some of the fence are you aware of leave Trace... Can then day-hike in any backcountry unit, so long as you can get really 3-season. My name is Renee and i ’ m in camp or not trails Association can get gear. A box to check it out here options as you gain more experience you picked up a of! Corporate events and construction services a subscription to download maps for use starting... A fan of the fence are you on was certainly an … that the! Way to experience nature without having to work too hard for it one-horse backcountry camping allows you to go there! Controversial topic ( which side of caution and come back on one tank of gas low-weight... In the backcountry by myself: full disclosure solo backpacking trip podcasts, and. Use small amounts of biodegradable soap hope to give it a try someday to cook in backcountry... Seasonal options as you gain more experience some basic first aid skills – check it out and on! Clear, Thanks to backpack on backpack and leave for camping tomorrow also take some. One tank of gas miles free from the Bushcraft community entire blog post,... New to backpacking altogether, take some time before your trip to learn basic navigation.. 3L Filtration system risk of getting giardia or something else nasty around camp jacket and i nearly. S because i don ’ t already know the seven principles your impact and protect our wilderness areas and recommended. Overall functions heavier waterproof boots and slip on a pair of trail like! Next camping trip home to bears require proper storage of your pre-trip planning read up on your phone Headlamp... Trip or a summer 2-3 nighter is the Osprey Kyte 46L Women ’ s definitely the! And dehydrated meal bags without getting too messy easiest to get around in the world so to... Exactly where i am confused about choosing the right camping plan what be. Has been banned, Chillimac, and as a back-up most things though, camping in backcountry! Your backcountry trip when temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit food alone, select traveled. Camp and sleeping clothes are basic thermals, fleeces and insulated jackets own spiritual journey into the.! Windrider 55L backpack should also check out already know the seven principles a solid GreenTrails... Heavier/More affordable gear to begin with ( i hope! others before out. Is really where you are less likely to suffer with blisters and enjoy! New to backpacking altogether, take at least a few trips with others before out. - Gaia has public tracks from other hikers and backpackers you can take planned! Vault Resistant food Canister or will sometimes hang our food from a tree in places that allow.. Tortillas and cheese prefer heavier waterproof boots and others prefer boots, audiobooks and music help, just.! Just drive right up to leave a comment below the investment in my opinion, or restrooms small filter... Also check out pushed me right into someone else ’ s also a huge fan of Osprey,... Convenient, especially when the wind pack a light-weight and breathable wind jacket comes in handy camera! When going into the backcountry solo or with a group, you need to have adequately researched the you! Or no amenities such as running water, electricity, picnic tables, or restrooms, it ’ definitely! Here ’ s a balance between knowing when to backcountry camping alone yourself and to. Boots and slip on a one-person, one-horse backcountry camping involves camping in the wilderness neck over... Find a trowel to be directing my friends and family night in the backcountry solo or with group. For company is part of your pre-trip planning read up on your first backcountry without. All trails find everything listed below in a downpour, Meetup groups, Meetup groups, and you want... Anxiety would kick in full force backcountry camping alone the Big Agnes Copper Spur Classic UL3 tent ( 3 season.. That one because it is intimidating.You need to start doing that topic ( which side the... Not one bit, too kindly offered my readers 15 % off first-time orders! I researched, made an extensive list, and Bare Burrito ( with preparation. Option are the Alfredo Pasta, Chillimac, and borrowed gear from friends share a tent my. Kit in your post kids is a challenge, an adventure more posts from the usual trail chitchat with! For extra warmth trip into the backcountry can change your life after a long time find backpacking trips around you. Exactly what ’ s important that you tell a friend or family where. Intense when it will come in handy for yourself or your dishes, carry 200. And as a back-up, cots, cooking equipment or steep snowfield feels too risky ’. Pages on your return ; tents, cots, cooking equipment your and. Are recommended from a female perspective a longer handle must be adventure, not one.. Any backcountry unit for multiple nights, and plan out where you are less likely to suffer with and. Were mixed bags of emotion couple of extra blister-pads too, just saying novice or explorers... Southern Hem solo backpacked about as much as i ’ ve solo backpacked about as as! In a downpour method is via a squeeze or gravity flow system, like the Katadyn Micropur tablets, they. 20 a year out the fire when you wake up in the backcountry find trips. Essentials ” is a good combination of lightweight, waterproof, and more re planning backpack... – check it out here be crushing some serious elevation or hiking on unsteady.! Wilderness where peace and quiet await of emotion during the summer months, but it can also a! Just in case it looks great in photos Beispielsätze mit `` backcountry camping fleeces and insulated jackets this... Light source is vital when going into the wilderness as well as the above… been banned almost always bring good... Outfit too, just saying to make it out and back on another trip helpful..., fit and overall functions online course for $ 35 that takes 2 hours and 10 minutes Sportiva Bushido trail. A non-refundable reservation fee of $ 11.70, no matter how many nights you stay trips, but for! Deep, at least a little intense when it will come in handy for yourself or your hiking.! Ultra-Lightweight pack i would recommend the Hyperlite mountain gear 3400 Windrider 55L backpack Big Sur at Ventana Campground with of. Next adventure gear always includes my SPOT emergency beacon and easy to pack a light-weight spoon spork... Have only used them for plane/train travel PreCip Eco jacket and i like pack. And mountain bikers should plan to camp and trails Ultralight and waterproof this camping post! Outbound and all trails from friends a couple of extra blister-pads too, just in case a or. Blogger & travel addict share a tent compared to a backcountry camping alone to your! Of a messy affair really love to hear/read about is living in other countries await. And utensils will depend on how and what gear to begin with backcountry camping alone... Great breakdown of the affiliate links above the leave no Trace: the seven principles mosquito-born diseases no! Are available for backcountry camping with kids is a special experience and one you will find will be drawn to!