Shop some of our faves
SHOP PRODUCTSAstral: Tips for Solo Backpacking
Here are some things to consider when backpacking solo.
Astral: Tips for Solo Backpacking
Last updated:
January 11, 2023
| 5 min read
Astral: Tips for Solo Backpacking
No items found.
No items found.
Tips for Solo Backpacking
Internationally celebrated adventurer, author, mother and business owner who set the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail.
“Aren’t you scared, going out there by yourself as a single woman?”
As a professional speaker, I usually end my talks with time for questions. And one of the most common ones I get asked is “aren’t you scared, going out there by yourself as a single woman?” The answer I always give is that I feel a lot safer on the trail than off it, particularly if I’m in a big city. I do practice common sense habits when I hike alone, like telling my friends and family where I’m headed, carrying pepper spray (at the behest of my husband), and steering clear of the occasional hiker or townsperson who seems less than stable (including at trail shelters, where said unstable person might stop for the night).
But the question behind that question- about how you handle yourself differently when you’re by yourself in the woods, regardless of gender- is a good one and worth thinking through to set yourself up for a successful solo backpacking experience.
Here are some things to consider when backpacking solo. First of all, there’s a freedom to backpacking solo that isn’t found when you have a hiking partner or family. You can choose which trail you want to hike. And you can pick when you want to go. Do you want to do something on the west coast this year? Do you have vacation time in the summer so it makes sense to head north to the Midwest or New England?
Continue reading the full article written by Jenn Pharr Davis.
Jennifer Pharr Davis
Jennifer Pharr Davis is an internationally recognized adventurer, speaker, author, and entrepreneur who has hiked more than 14,000 miles of trails on six different continents.
Tips for Solo Backpacking
Internationally celebrated adventurer, author, mother and business owner who set the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail.
“Aren’t you scared, going out there by yourself as a single woman?”
As a professional speaker, I usually end my talks with time for questions. And one of the most common ones I get asked is “aren’t you scared, going out there by yourself as a single woman?” The answer I always give is that I feel a lot safer on the trail than off it, particularly if I’m in a big city. I do practice common sense habits when I hike alone, like telling my friends and family where I’m headed, carrying pepper spray (at the behest of my husband), and steering clear of the occasional hiker or townsperson who seems less than stable (including at trail shelters, where said unstable person might stop for the night).
But the question behind that question- about how you handle yourself differently when you’re by yourself in the woods, regardless of gender- is a good one and worth thinking through to set yourself up for a successful solo backpacking experience.
Here are some things to consider when backpacking solo. First of all, there’s a freedom to backpacking solo that isn’t found when you have a hiking partner or family. You can choose which trail you want to hike. And you can pick when you want to go. Do you want to do something on the west coast this year? Do you have vacation time in the summer so it makes sense to head north to the Midwest or New England?
Continue reading the full article written by Jenn Pharr Davis.
Jennifer Pharr Davis
Jennifer Pharr Davis is an internationally recognized adventurer, speaker, author, and entrepreneur who has hiked more than 14,000 miles of trails on six different continents.
Tips for Solo Backpacking
Internationally celebrated adventurer, author, mother and business owner who set the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail.
“Aren’t you scared, going out there by yourself as a single woman?”
As a professional speaker, I usually end my talks with time for questions. And one of the most common ones I get asked is “aren’t you scared, going out there by yourself as a single woman?” The answer I always give is that I feel a lot safer on the trail than off it, particularly if I’m in a big city. I do practice common sense habits when I hike alone, like telling my friends and family where I’m headed, carrying pepper spray (at the behest of my husband), and steering clear of the occasional hiker or townsperson who seems less than stable (including at trail shelters, where said unstable person might stop for the night).
But the question behind that question- about how you handle yourself differently when you’re by yourself in the woods, regardless of gender- is a good one and worth thinking through to set yourself up for a successful solo backpacking experience.
Here are some things to consider when backpacking solo. First of all, there’s a freedom to backpacking solo that isn’t found when you have a hiking partner or family. You can choose which trail you want to hike. And you can pick when you want to go. Do you want to do something on the west coast this year? Do you have vacation time in the summer so it makes sense to head north to the Midwest or New England?
Continue reading the full article written by Jenn Pharr Davis.
Jennifer Pharr Davis
Jennifer Pharr Davis is an internationally recognized adventurer, speaker, author, and entrepreneur who has hiked more than 14,000 miles of trails on six different continents.
Media Mentions
browse all articlesDown East: Ultra-Athlete Katie Spotz Bikes 360 Miles Across Maine
Read MoreRecent articles
Other categories
You might also like
Media Mentions
We’ve used this filter for over 800 miles in the backcountry and it’s still the best option for clean drinking water.
Brett Kretzer
Adventurer. Writer. Creator.
Media Mentions
Squeeze Water Filtration System by Sawyer
Garage Grown Gear
Media Mentions from Garage Grown Gear
Media Mentions
This popular repellent from Sawyer has 20% Picaridin, which protects against a wide range of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, chiggers and sand flies.
Amylia Ryan
Associate Editor
Explore All Sawyer has to Offer
Built for the Outdoors
see ALL PRODUCTS
Follow us on Instagram
More Than an Outdoor Company.
@sawyerproducts
Follow Us
From the trail
Meet our ambassadors. They’re experts on the trail who love the way our products stand up to the elements and delight us with stories from their next-level adventures.
meet our ambassadors
