Going solo in the backcountry

Before talking about 'how', let’s talk about 'why'.

Hiking and solo hiking are two very different activities to me. When I think about going solo in the backcountry, I can feel trepidation, excitement, and a kind of rush running through my veins.

Hiking with friends is about sharing the experience and stories, and I love it too. But somehow, I always try to be more organized because I feel responsible for the group’s safety. When hiking solo, I feel free. I can go at my own pace; I can take detours and never feel guilty or under pressure.

Knowing that I’m alone out there creates both adrenaline and pure joy. It’s just me and my wildest thoughts. The silence around me awakens my senses. It’s like waking up after being knocked out by the noise of the town. While surrounded by the big mountains, I know I’m in the playground of giants, almost as if it was forbidden to be there.

Another reason is that I grow my confidence when I go backpacking by myself. With every success in the backcountry, I appreciate myself a bit more, and I think that’s powerful.

I try to encourage people around me to go hiking solo. Many prefer to hike with friends, which is understandable. I want to address people who are craving to go solo but think they don’t have the skills for it, because they do.

How I prepare for my solo hikes.

I’ve not always been prepared for hikes. I’ve made a few mistakes that, thankfully, never led to any dangerous situation. And I’m still learning today. I think we learn by getting out there and by taking reasonable risks. I don’t believe it’s possible to be fully prepared. It’s hard to prepare for what can happen in the wilderness without experiencing it.

That being said, there are a few tips to be prepared as much as possible. The primary concern about solo hiking or backpacking is safety.

First, I do research on the area and trails I have in mind. It’s not only for safety, but it’s also to dream a bit. The adventure starts with preparation. I like to read blog posts about less-traveled routes and use apps like Gaia and All Trails. Going solo doesn’t mean you can’t get help to prepare. There are some fantastic Facebook groups for backcountry adventurers in British Columbia that I find very useful. Being able to reach the community and ask questions is something I discovered when I moved here, and I have to say that it makes a difference. Plus, it’s a great source of inspiration.

Then, I plan my route accordingly to my fitness level. I've ended up with injuries over the years, and I learned how to set the right pace or to be ok with turning around. There is no one else to tell you when you go beyond your limits, so you have to learn how to take care and be gentle with yourself.

I also learn from more experienced backcountry adventurers when I feel I don’t have enough experience for a specific activity. Before adventuring in the backcountry in winter, I took an avalanche safety course. Before planning a multiday sea kayaking expedition, I took a sea-kayaking course. When I don’t have the money, I try to find more experienced people who will give me advice.

About the gear, I tend to be minimalist and go for second-hand stuff. However, there are a few things worth investing in, and they will last for years. The navigation and signalization items are super important when you are hiking solo. I don’t entirely rely on electronic devices, as they can get flooded, so I usually have a paper map and a compass as a backup. I always try to test my new gear on a day hike before going for a more extended adventure. As I’m easily distracted, I now consult my checklist before hitting the trails. I can’t count how many times I forgot to pack something I would have needed. That spare battery for my headlamp, extra layers, my purification tablets, to name a few. One day I even forgot to bring my hiking boots.

A photo from a solo winter hike - photo by Barbara Chauvet

Once I have my route planned, my gear and safety essentials ready, and I feel in good shape to hit the trails, there is one more essential thing I need to do: tell someone I trust where I am going. And here is why, even with solo adventuring, you need another human. You need someone on standby if they didn’t hear from you when you were supposed to be back. You want to have that person who will stay alert for your safety.

The only difference with going solo is that you can’t rely on someone else once you’re out there. You have to trust your brain; you have to trust your gut. It requires self-confidence. And this confidence, I built it up by adventuring alone. Over the trips, I realized I was capable of great things, and that’s the beauty of solo backpacking. Going solo also requires being humble. Humble face to the power of nature. This balance of confidence and humility is, in my opinion, the key ingredient of safe adventuring.

Now, let’s talk about the second aspect you should prepare for: the loneliness when going solo in the backcountry. If that’s not something you are usually familiar with, it can surprise you and put you down after hours of talking to yourself. The time you start to feel lonely doesn’t hit us at the same moment. And when I say lonely, it’s not necessarily negative. That loneliness is what I look for on my solo adventures. You have to be aware that it can happen.

When it is just nature and you, you can’t lie to yourself; you can’t hide behind others. You can let your emotions flow. And sometimes, it is brutal. When I go adventuring for a few days, I like to start my journey with a question in mind, either a decision I have to take or some life event I haven’t dealt with yet. Walking for hours - sometimes days - with just myself as a company tends to open new perspectives and unlock things, as I don’t get distracted by someone else’s thoughts. I don’t always come back with an answer, but time flies when you let your mind wander. Other times I bring a book, it also does the job.

Some of my best life memories are my solo hikes. It’s time I take for myself; it’s my treat. A moment I connect with nature, I cherish and crave for. And trust me, it’s addictive.

See you on the trails.

About the author:

Barbara Chauvet is a blogger based in Southwest British Columbia. Living in her campervan, she spends her time adventuring in the province. After many years working in Paris, she decided to leave a well-paid job in the city for a life of outdoor adventures. She enjoys solo hiking and backpacking, mountaineering, and outdoor photography. Barbara hopes to inspire others to get outside and follow their wildest dreams, by writing her adventures on the blog The Trail of B, and on Instagram @thetrailofb.