Solo hiking: features, arguments for and cons

The popularity of hiking in Ukraine is gaining momentum. Various routes are marked and wild, one- and multi-day, with overnight stays in lodges or tents, in self-organized and commercial groups... But along with large companies, you can increasingly meet lone hikers on the trails. And what is it like to hike alone: dangerous, scary, difficult, or, on the contrary, even easier? How difficult is it to prepare for a solo hike? Interested? Then today we will talk about solo tourism.

The author of this article started his acquaintance with the mountains and forests with independent hiking and trekking. Based on his own experience and the experience of his friends, we will now analyze the advantages and disadvantages of this type of tourism. After all, it has certain peculiarities in planning, organizing and passing the route, and contains some increased risks.

Pros and cons of independent hiking, mountain trekking and climbing

Solo hiking will be of interest primarily to people with a certain type of mental organization. Not everyone is comfortable being alone for a long time and taking full responsibility. This is especially true in the evening and at night, if there are no other tourists in the parking lot. Some people just want to talk to someone and share their impressions, while others feel very afraid and tense. So comfort is out of the question. But! Initially, for solo hikes, for example in the Carpathians, you can choose popular tracks where there are other tourists during the day and at the parking lots. Then it's easier psychologically, and you have someone to ask for help if you need it.

To better understand whether you should go hiking alone and whether you will get what you want from it, you need to weigh the nuances, pros and cons. Let's start with the advantages, because there are many of them and for some people they are crucial.

Arguments for solo tourism

1. Routes and dates are chosen and planned according to your preferences.
2. The food schedule is individualized, you eat what you want most.
3. You can go at your own pace, stop, rest and take pictures whenever you want.
4. It's easier to find a clearing for one small tent than for several. That is, there are many more camping options.
5. You can change the place to spend the night, the finish time, and other plans at your own discretion, no need to coordinate with anyone.
6. Since part of the attention is not paid to other people, the trail and scenery are better remembered.
7. Closer interaction with nature, a sense of the surrounding space.

In addition, being alone, you can better immerse yourself in yourself and do internal psychological work. Although in group hikes, it will be easier for extroverts to open up by interacting with other people.

As usual, along with the advantages, there is another side to the coin. So let's take a closer look at the disadvantages.

Arguments against solo hiking

1. When planning a hike, you need to work out everything yourself (logistics, weather, equipment, food, etc.).
2. The level of safety is significantly lower. In case of injury or illness, there may be no outside help. If you can't move around and there is no communication, there is no one to call rescuers.
3. You need to carry more things, because the weight of group equipment (tent, tools, utensils, repair kit, etc.) is not shared among group members.
4. You have to do all the work yourself: set up a camp, fetch water, prepare firewood, cook dinner...
5. You can only rely on your knowledge and skills. In some cases, they may not be enough. For example, when navigating difficult terrain or setting up a tent in bad weather, etc. Mistakes can be made, and there is no outside help and guidance.
6. During a hike in the mountains, in the forest with an overnight stay alone, psychological discomfort is especially noticeable. There is no one to joke, play with, or talk about eternal things. At night, it is difficult to fall asleep because you listen to the sounds, you are afraid of uninvited guests, but if you are not alone in the camp, you feel calmer.

Taking all of the above into account, we recommend that you first go on a few hikes as part of a group to gain the necessary experience in organizing, understanding the processes, and useful knowledge and skills. And then, if you want, you can try solo hiking or even bushcraft (survival in the forest).

By the way, many regular participants of KULUAR programs already have enough experience to hike independently not only along the routes in the Carpathians, but also to climb high mountains. However, they continue to go hiking with us and here's why.

Advantages of group hikes over independent ones

So, if you choose hiking, trekking or climbing with the KULUAR club, you have the following amenities:

• Each route is created and reviewed by experienced hikers/climbers.
• Before the trip, you can get very detailed information from the consultant or team leader about the preparation and all stages of the program, and even more.
• Meals are planned and purchased by the team leader, taking into account individual wishes.
• Convenient logistics/transfers from the group meeting point to the starting point and back are organized.
• Orientation on the route, direct planning of the day's activities, is the responsibility of the leader.
• Camp work is carried out in an organized and collaborative manner, which is much easier and more fun.
• During the hike, you can get advice, help and support from the leader or other participants.
• In case of injury or illness, first aid will be provided and, if necessary, rescuers will be called.
• There is an opportunity to meet new and interesting people, communicate with like-minded people, share experiences and knowledge.
• KULUAR provides group equipment for use. In addition, you can rent individual equipment if necessary.

So, whether you go hiking in the Carpathians on your own or with a group, it doesn't matter, because mountain routes will certainly give you pleasure!

How to go hiking alone to make it safe

There are many things you need to be able to do, know, and have in order to do solo hiking and do it more safely and comfortably. As written above, it's best to gain the necessary experience in group tours, pick up personal equipment, and then try hiking alone. Often, when hiking in a group or with an experienced team leader, we do not fully realize the entire list of important components of a successful hiking trip.

So how do you prepare to go hiking alone?

You have to be able to:

- Provide first aid. This is very important in solo hiking.

- Move along difficult trails, overcome steep slopes, water obstacles.

- Navigate the terrain, use various of navigation (map, compass, GPS application).

- Choose the right clothes and equipment for a hiking trip for a specific route and weather conditions.

- Plan the route, taking into account the mileage, elevation and technical complexity of the trails. Provide overnight accommodations and possible points of emergency departure from the route. Consider the availability of a water source.

- Make a food plan. So that you don't carry too much, but still have enough to eat.

- Choose a convenient and safe place to camp, quickly set up a tent.

- Use a gas burner to cook food.

- Prepare quality firewood and make a fire to dry off, keep warm, or in case the gas equipment is out of order.

You must have (and know how to use) it correctly:

-Hiking equipment for hiking alone: tent, sleeping bag, mat, dishes, flashlight, trekking poles, etc.

- Clothing and footwear suitable for hiking conditions.

-Medical first aid kit.

- Navigation and communication tools (map, compass, necessary smartphone applications), spare power sources (power bank).

In addition, you need to be physically and psychologically prepared. After all, there will be no one to help, support you morally, or pick up part of the cargo. So be responsible and soberly assess your capabilities so as not to add to the work of rescuers.

At the same time, there is no need to be afraid of all of the above, everything is achieved gradually. To summarize: get ready, gain knowledge and experience, be smart and responsible, and go to the Mountains with pleasure!

Author of the article: Ivan Kucheryavyi, team leader in the Carpathians