Trekking Tips for Beginners – Tips to Stay Safe While Trekking Solo

Always wanted to go solo trekking but never got the chance? Did the fear of trekking alone keep you indoors?
Most of you might have abandoned trekking plans because you never had a companion and also because you don’t know how to prepare yourself for trekking. Constant nagging from parents and other fears may have let you down. Trekking is always magical, especially when you put forethought into your trip. Here are few smart trekking tips for beginners who wish to go solo trekking.

Knowledge about the area

Hiking may be a dream for you, it will remain a dream if you ignore fitness required for trekking. Also, people take certain things for granted and don’t study the area they are about to hike. You should have the identification of the poisonous vegetation in that place, the climatic changes that may occur and the wild animals that wander. If you are going to start trekking all by yourself, look for a place which is near your hometown so that you may call your family or friends if help is required. The best is to choose a place you’ve been before with friends. To your surprise, the trip will turn out to be way more challenging than you ever expected it to be.

Let them know

Have a word with a friend or loved ones about where you are going and when do you plan to return back home. Inform them once you are back and don’t leave them worrying. If something unusual happens, they will know you are missing. When you’ve updated someone where you are heading, stick to it. Don’t randomly keep changing your plan until the last minute and take a different trail, you should know how to prepare yourself for trekking. Your best friends should know where you are so that help can be reached whenever needed.

Check in at the station

Before you start your trek, stop by the ranger’s station and give the essential details like your name, contact number, and address. Tell them you’ll check out again once you are done with your trip. Once said, don’t forget to follow the same. Know the trekking route, look for trails that are open and are best for solo trekkers.

Cross check the weather report

Within no time, the skies turn from sunny to cloudy. You are fortunate if nothing of this sort happens. But if the weather turns foul, you may land up in trouble. Always check the weather report before leaving and have a word with fellow trekkers. Someone who has already experienced the same trek will guide you better. If you see others heading towards their vehicles, follow them.

Choose a busy trail

Trails having more traffic and are way safer than the secluded ones. Plus, help is just a shout away whenever needed. Don’t worry, your alone time will not be interrupted in the busy route, many people may pass by but only a few will stop to chat with you as everyone is hiking and it is a challenging task. Keep a check on these trekking tips for beginners to enjoy your trip.

Know your limits

If you aren’t a fitness person who rarely hits the gym or works out, don’t commit to long-route hike. Good fitness is required for trekking. Fatigue may creep on you anytime if health is ignored. Go for a neighborhood hike to test yourself. This helps in gauging your abilities before you start all alone.

What when lost?

This one is the most important trekking tip for beginners. If you are planning for a solo trek, it is important to have realistic expectations regarding the journey. None of you wish to end up in the wilderness, but if you do so, shout till you get help and try moving towards the direction where you hear some human noise.

Don’t keep changing routes

Have you ever read disastrous hiking stories of people who have willingly taken wrong routes out of excitement and eventually landed up in trouble? However tempting it might be, never switch the track else you might go missing. Plant and animal life could be trampled unknowingly when you choose an unusual path. Don’t be surprised if you land on unstable grounds. Choosing off-trail is not only dangerous but also illegal.

Go at your own pace

When you are in a group, following everyone else is a necessity. There are experienced instructors to guide you so you need not worry. Having no one by your side, loneliness and lack of motivation creep in. Ignore distractions and keep challenging yourself. Before you start, you must have gone through how to prepare yourself for trekking walk at whatever pace you prefer. Jog, walk fast or a little of both, whatever you are comfortable in. Don’t keep walking continuously, rest when you feel tired. Remember, fitness is required for trekking.

Make a checklist

Carry the following supplies with you: a cardigan, snacks, a water bottle, a matchstick box and first-aid kit. When you are alone, you don’t have anyone to rely on. Convenience stores are unavailable in the middle of the woods. Stay hydrated, take good care of yourself, try not to catch cold and be responsible.

Ensure your vehicle is near

Nothing worse than returning from a tiresome trek and finding your vehicle’s engine to be dead. Even worse, if you were unable to begin the trek and reach the starting point due to insufficient fuel. So make sure, the vehicle is fueled and up-to-date regardless of the road conditions it is going to face. It should help you reach the destination on time and get back home safely.

Be aware

Stay alert all the time, know your surroundings and keep your ears, eyes open and get rid of hazards. Protect yourself from stray branches, thorny bushes, and uneven roots on the ground. Research the area ahead of time knowing what animals to expect along the way. If you are trekking in a kangaroo country, carry a kangaroo spray. Whenever you feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Ask yourself a few questions. Is the path you are choosing too dangerous? Do you know how to prepare yourself for trekking well in time? Is the climb too intense? Will it be way more challenging than what you are thinking? If so, drop the plan. You can’t risk your life, especially when you are trekking alone. Be adventurous but not at the stake of life. Go for it only if you are fantastically fit. Pay attention to the aforementioned trekking tips for beginners.

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