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Post by williamh4 on Aug 16, 2015 20:44:12 GMT -8
I'm new to backpacking, well, I will be. I'll start purchasing my gear next week in anticipation of backpacking sometime in September. I'm curious, do many of you backpack/hike alone? I'm talking about overnight, for perhaps a few days? I have asked a few friends and family if they would like to accompany me, but no one is really so enthused about the prospect of backpacking. I'd like to start with one of the trails in the mountains of Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, etc. I haven't researched much at this time, but would like to backpack on one of the 20 mile trails (one way) perhaps.
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Post by cweston on Aug 17, 2015 8:52:59 GMT -8
My (adult) children are my primary hiking partners, but I don't hesitate to go solo when they are not available. I'm not sure I'd recommend it for someone just getting started BPing, though: if I were you, I'd choose a well-travelled trail for my first couple solo trips, so that if anything goes wrong, help is not too difficult to get.
Also, a simple overnighter would be a good start.
Good luck--whether you go solo or can find a partner.
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Post by williamh4 on Aug 17, 2015 9:15:38 GMT -8
Thanks for the response. Yeah, I figured I would do something simple first and go from there. I'll probably invest in a GPS transponder as well if I anticipate doing much backpacking on my own.
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Post by hikerjer on Aug 17, 2015 9:55:59 GMT -8
Like you and cweston, I often find it difficult to find hiking partners so I often go solo and don't mind it all. In fact, I often relish it. Often, when appropriate I'll take my dog with me, but not always. I just returned from 5 days - 45 miles in the Bob Marshall Wilderness by myself and the dog and enjoyed it. As the saying goes, "I find myself good company and others often don't." Don't hesitate to go out by yourself. You may find it very rewarding.
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BlueBear
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@GoBlueHiker
Posts: 3,224
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Post by BlueBear on Aug 17, 2015 11:52:15 GMT -8
I love hiking alone. I love hiking with my family too, and have come to relish taking my kids on weekend trips, but jump at the chance to do a good solo trip as well. I've done trips of 21+ days solo, the length ("overnight, or perhaps for a few days") doesn't really enter into it as far as I'm concerned.
It's not for everyone, and I'm okay with that.
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Post by williamh4 on Aug 17, 2015 12:09:50 GMT -8
Certainly not for everyone, but it's 100% for me (I'm saying that with no backpacking experience). I can't wait to get out there. I went to Las Vegas several years ago and the most enjoyable part of the trip was flying over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter (and the trip getting there via helicopter). I told my wife the pilot could drop me off and leave me and I'd be good to go. Assuming I had equipment and supplies, of course.  |
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BigLoad
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Pancakes!
Posts: 11,763 
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Post by BigLoad on Aug 17, 2015 19:12:24 GMT -8
I love backpacking alone and heartily recommend it to anyone inclined to try it. There aspects of going solo that some find difficult, but people who are unsuited for it aren't generally tempted to seriously contemplate such an adventure. The feeling of "drop me off and I'm good to go" is a powerful urge for me, and for almost everyone here. It brings me great joy to act on it as often as I can, and I hope it will do the same for you.
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Woodsie
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Colorado
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Post by Woodsie on Aug 18, 2015 16:38:35 GMT -8
I have done my fair share of hiking and backpacking alone. I enjoy it immensely, although it is not for everyone. For a first time solo backpack, I suggest you go to an area that you know and are comfortable with. And take ear plugs, otherwise you may lay awake all night thinking every little sound is something intent on eating you. The more you go solo, the more comfortable you will become.
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balzaccom
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Waiting for spring...
Posts: 3,562
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Post by balzaccom on Aug 19, 2015 7:22:50 GMT -8
I am blessed by the fact that my wife loves backpacking almost as much as I do. It's the best quality time we ever get, and I sure am grateful for it.
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rebeccad
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Writing like a maniac
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Post by rebeccad on Aug 19, 2015 20:06:52 GMT -8
The more you go solo, the more comfortable you will become. This, for sure. I prefer to bp with my spouse, but I've done solo trips, too (not, now I think of it, since getting married. Since then I've only gone without him when I've been going with someone else), and enjoyed most of them. I admit it was easier to learn the ropes hiking with more experienced people the first few times, but I was soloing very soon. |
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echo
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Post by echo on Aug 20, 2015 7:43:21 GMT -8
I don't exactly solo, but I do something that might be a good starting place for you. I car camp in a couple places where the parking lot is a trailhead and you have no developed utilities, you carry your gear down a trail But it isn't very long and only takes me about forty minutes here and almost no one uses the place, then there are about five spots with a fire ring each and a flat tent area but they are quite a distance from each other. When my husband has an out of town trip with his choir I sometimes go there and I like the peace. There are Cougars and bears in the area but honestly the times when someone else is around make me more nervous than the thought of the animals usually. I wouldn't go now because two nights ago a cougar got two goats near there but it is a good way to learn if you actually like being alone when the sun goes down
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Post by williamh4 on Aug 20, 2015 11:27:35 GMT -8
Looking more and more like it will be a solo trip. I don't mind though. I think I'll enjoy the solitude. I've asked a couple more people since first posting. You'd think I asked "Hey, want to swim with me in a pond full of alligators"? Just last night, I thought more about the peace and quiet of a solo trip. Please don't misunderstand my next comment. I love my wife of 22 years, but sometimes (particularly after a glass of wine) she starts talking and barely takes a breath. Last night was one of those nights. I always think of this song when she starts to go on and on. Again, ladies, please don't get me wrong. I love my wife very much, but she can talk my ears off.
Most of this song doesn't apply to how I'm feeling when my better half start's talking i.e. "I wish we never met", "I need a cigarette", etc. Just the "She's talkin' again" part.
Talkin' Again
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desert dweller
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Power to the Peaceful...Hate does not create.
Posts: 6,285
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Post by desert dweller on Aug 20, 2015 12:39:18 GMT -8
Over 30 years of backpacking and I'd say 90 percent of my time out has been solo. There's something about not having a conversation for three days that can change personal perspective about just about everything.
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Post by Dynteryx on Aug 20, 2015 18:18:20 GMT -8
Found myself taking people with me there for a while. Mostly because people would ask if they could, but I have since backed off from that and am back to solo. I get more out it going solo.
Wow, my third post... can't wait until I'm (Trail Ready!)
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Post by williamh4 on Aug 20, 2015 19:04:19 GMT -8
Found myself taking people with me there for a while. Mostly because people would ask if they could, but I have since backed off from that and am back to solo. I get more out it going solo. Wow, my third post... can't wait until I'm (Trail Ready!) Think the rating system is a bit off, I haven't even been on my first backpacking trip and I'm already "Trail Ready". |
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