Hiking is a great way to see more of the world from another perspective. Hiking and traveling with an RV, on the other hand, is a whole other experience that simply elevates your whole encounter with traveling.
The only thing when you do these activities alone is that you can encounter a number of challenges. Everything you’ll do falls heavily on your shoulders and that’s because all you can rely on to keep yourself safe is you. If you’re going on a tour or hike soon, below are some tips that might come in handy.
Read Campgrounds Reviews
There are various campgrounds available in different parts of the country. These, however, may seem intimidating and even dangerous to solo travelers and hikers who want to stay overnight. Because of this, taking the time to read campground reviews can greatly help you in choosing the right spot to park and stay. I always try to pick campgrounds where there are hiking trails available. It is nice to go for a little hike during the day during my lunch break.
The reviews will let you in on the park and possible recommendations on places that are perfect for hiking. There are many campgrounds across the country that has access to hiking trails directly.
Invest in Security
Some of the security products you might want to invest in can be personal cameras, knives, sprays, and even a whistle. Here is some stuff I always carry with me when I go hiking alone:
Share Your Plans and Locations with Other People
Let your close friends and loved ones know where you are at all times or at the very least, what your plans are for the day. Besides providing details on where you’re going, you might want to let them in on new people you have met and who you’re hanging out with.
Think of these people as your emergency contacts who you or authorities could call when you’re in trouble. By providing the aforementioned details, your trusted contacts know where to begin looking for you or even know who they could get in touch with or questions about your whereabouts.
Be careful in disclosing your whereabouts to people you have just met. Although you’re inclined to share your location and plans with people you trust, this might not be a good idea with people you don’t know. This prevents them from going through your RV and belongings or even going after your solo hike.
Download Maps and Directions on Your Phone
If you’re exploring and hiking the area alone for the first time, you can easily lose your way for whatever reason. Google Maps is a great tool that you can rely on. Downloading the map on your phone or device beforehand can save you a lot of trouble when you’re on the road. This way, even when there’s no cell or phone service, you can still access the maps and know where you are going.
If you are in a national or state park, they might have their own app which you can download and use during your hikes. You can also see if the ALL TRAILS app has the hike you plan to go on and that can help too. Try not to go off hiking trails.
When you are at the campground, they might give you a paper map. If they don’t have one, find the information board with the campground map, they usually have their trails on them. Take a picture of it with your cellphone. This can help greatly.
Research About the Local Area
Take extra precautions when you’re hiking alone and one of the best ways you can familiarize yourself even before you get to your target location is to conduct the necessary research. This lets you dive in not only about the local wildlife and plants in the area, but also the culture and traditions being observed there as well.
Doing your research beforehand likewise allows you to gain deeper insight into the types of plants and wildlife you should avoid, if these are poisonous, and if they could pose any threat to your well-being when you encounter them.
Often, there are tips about bear or snake sightings, as well as dangerous plants you should steer clear of. You can also ask rangers in campgrounds to help you out or even for some vital piece of information.
Get Only the Best Tools and Gear in the Market
You certainly get what you pay for and if you want your things to last, you should invest in high-quality pieces and tools so that they can work well even in the years to come. Although there are great deals on some of the cheapest hiking gear, you shouldn’t be so quick to take these on just yet.
Some of the things you should not scrimp on include hiking shoes or boots, your tent, your backpack, and your cooking equipment. Apart from these, your choice of clothing also matters. Having some rain gear, thick and comfortable hiking socks, as well as cool and breathable clothing and a jacket, will save you from freezing.
While these can be quite heavy on the wallet at first, these will give you the peace of mind you deserve knowing these items won’t give up on you when you need them the most. After all, these will ensure your survival and safety during your hike or your camping getaway.
Stock Up on Essentials And Charge Your Cellphone
Water and some food are just some of the things you’ll need to bring on your hike. There are some other things you should keep in mind. My hikes are usually only 2-4 miles long, I only take my hiking poles, some water, and some snacks. I always make sure my cellphone is charged fully.
Pack Enough and More
Hiking isn’t always a smooth sailing experience. By preparing for the worst, you can anticipate different possibilities that can occur, giving you an idea of what you’ll need during the hike.
If you’re hiking on your own, chances are you’ll be walking a bit faster than usual. This entails burning more energy over time, so you’ll need more water and food. Since you don’t know what’s out there, bringing a first aid kit is a great idea not only to help yourself in times of need but also to be of assistance to others.
Other items you need to prepare to include sunscreen to help fight against sun damage, bug spray to repel insects, and hiking rods. If you plan to go for a longer hike, bring an extra battery with you. If you expect the weather may change you need to consider bringing a raincoat. Your backpack may also need headlamps or flashlights, and an extra shirt for changing later on.
Final Thoughts
Hiking and traveling by yourself are one of the best experiences you’ll ever have in life. With these tips, you can travel by yourself and feel how rewarding it is, all while staying safe at the same time.
