Before anything else, I want to emphasize that solo camping is an adventure that every woman should try once in their life. Moreover, it is a safe thing to do, especially if you know the drill already.
Solo camping for women is quite empowering. It gives them the confidence that they need; it lets them feel that they can do anything. Furthermore, solo camping could be the breather they need. It relieves stress, anxiety, and other emotional burdens.
But before a woman heads toward the wilderness on her own, it is essential that she can practice the essential regimens for solo camping.
There's a good chance that a lot of you here are about to try solo camping for the first time. If that's the case, you should realize that the backcountry is something you shouldn't take lightly. Even experienced solo campers have to prepare for every trip they make.
Because of these odds, you need to pick a destination that isn't that difficult for you. You have to consider that it is the first time for you to embark on this endeavor. Hence, these reservations are necessary. In the long run, they will help you get used to the pursuit.
Whenever you are searching for a campsite, prefer those that feature accessibility to amenities such as emergency services. Don't go too far; there should be local camping grounds where you are comfortable. In fact, you should get maps and other information about the area so that you'll know what to do once you get there.
Pick a campsite where there is a crowd--even if it is minimal. Here, national parks are a great choice. They are much more favorable than going to an area where you are extremely isolated. That's something that you shouldn't do, especially if it is your first time. Also, keep in mind that some campsites require reservations.
Weather forecasts are widely available today. So there should be no excuse for you to be caught off guard. You wouldn't want your big day to be ruined by sudden rain and storms.
Furthermore, weather inclement can pose a danger to campers and outdoor goers. Floods and landslides may occur without prior notice. Therefore, you should prefer to camp when the weather is fine and sunny. There's no merit in challenging Mother Nature, especially if you aren't trained enough to deal with the harsh elements.
Of course, the right camping site can protect you from dire circumstances. Many established campgrounds aren't prone to natural disasters. Hence, it is recommended that you go to them over other areas where your safety is always in peril.
If possible, you should already monitor the weather patterns a week before you go camping. In this way, you will be able to estimate if an impending rain or storm can disrupt your trip.
Camping alone will put you in a position where you have to rely on yourself. That's a given. But this doesn't really mean that no people should know about your adventure. In fact, it is the opposite.
You have to inform your close friends and family members that you are going on a solo camping trip. In this way, somebody knows about your whereabouts. If you didn't come back on the date that you have mentioned, then these individuals can call rescue services to look for you.
Specifically, you should relay them the following crucial information:
By the way, I highly recommend that you establish a means of contact between you and the outside world. If there are no cellular services, you might want to try using satellite phones. Radios can also let you call for help. In this particular context, you might want to establish some sort of code or keyword that would let your family and friends know that you are in a tight situation.
I know that social media is a thing these days. People update their Instagram or Facebook profiles from time to time. However, you should be cautious when sharing your current location and status--especially if you are alone.
You'll never know what other people are thinking. We can't really say that everyone that is on your list has good intentions. You can't simply put your guard down because unprecedented incidents might occur. We aren't strangers to these stories before. So it is important you only share your trip with those that you trust.
Also, keep in mind that you should never share too many details with your fellow campers. Don't make it too obvious that you are alone. Moreover, don't ever tell strangers where you are camping or where you have pitched your tent. In this situation, it is okay if you lie and don't say anything. You can also drop phrases like your "friend or partner is waiting" to prevent things from dragging too long.
So what should you do if you feel that you are in an awkward or risky situation?
If you ever get stuck in this predicament, you should do your best to leave where you are camping. Take your essentials and depart as soon as possible. You may also want to sleep inside your vehicle if you don't feel like leaving yet.
Should you bring self-defense items? Absolutely. That's never the wrong thing to do. You have to be prepared in a fight-or-flight situation.
Outdoor adventures tend to be physically exhausting. It is not something that you should be surprised about. Things can get even more tiring if you are just camping alone. After all, you are the only one who will do the errands on your campsite. Aside from the hike and walk, you might also have to chop wood, clear bushes, and pitch your tent. You should also need to cook your food, fetch and filter water, and ensure that your gear is properly stashed.
Doing these things by yourself can tax your body, especially if you are not prepared for them. Hence, it is essential that you train and practice before the big day.
Exercises such as walking and jogging can help you build your stamina. They can prepare you to traverse your destination on foot. If your campsite requires you to hike, then you should practice hiking, too. There should be local hiking routes in your area where you can practice. If there's none, find the nearest place where there are easy hiking trails you can try.
Never ignore the physical aspect of camping alone. The more fit your body is, the easier it is for you to endure the ordeals of your adventure. At the same time, it prevents you from being susceptible to injuries.
Solo camping isn't a trivial activity. Hence, you should always be mindful of the things that you do while on the trip. As much as possible, you need to have a mastery of the fundamental outdoor skills such as navigation and finding supplies (such as water and food) in case of emergency.
I never really recommend a person to try solo camping if they don't know the following things:
Fortunately, solo camping can wait. In the meantime, you need to practice the things that I've mentioned above. Trust me. Mastery of these skills will help you camp safely and comfortably.
If you think that you can't do it by yourself, I suggest that you take classes related to them. Since we are dealing with the pandemic at the time of writing, enrolling in online training sessions should be your best bet. Of course, it would really be great if someone who knows these skills by heart could teach you.
Aside from your body, you should also hone your mind for the trip. Unlike camping in groups, solo camping requires you to handle the effects of acclimatizing to a new environment on your own. You won't have any companion whom you can relay your worries to if you hear howls or screeches of wild animals. The feeling of being alone can be liberating and scary at the same time. Hence, you need to strike the perfect balance between these two so that you'll never get too overconfident or anxious.
So how can a woman prepare herself against the possible mental challenges she can occur on a solo camping trip?
Well, there are no tried-and-proven means of fortifying your mental faculties. You may try meditation or mental exercises such as mindfulness. But simple acts of resting properly, sleeping well, and preparing enough should give your mind the peace and security that it needs to keep going.
Furthermore, it would be best if you didn't stop after your first trip. Repeat the adventure and find a new and more challenging destination. Doing this would remove your fear and hesitation.
Once you can master these tips, camping alone as a woman wouldn't be a difficult pursuit for you. In fact, you'll look forward to it. After all, solitude can really help women relieve their stress and organize their thoughts. It is an empowering experience, and it should be tried even once!
That's it for now. If you have inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.
