Solo Hiking: Essential Tips to Hike Alone and Love It

Solo hiking can be one of the most liberating, soul-nourishing experiences for those who crave solitude, connection with nature, and personal growth. Hiking alone lets you explore at your own pace, reflect without distractions, and challenge yourself both physically and mentally. But it also requires careful planning and an understanding of the unique risks that come with venturing into the wild solo.

Whether you're an experienced hiker looking to take your first solo trek or a newcomer curious about this peaceful pastime, this guide will help you prepare for success, safety, and joy on the trail.

Hiking Gear: Four Essential Purchases for Solo Hiking

Hiking solo means there’s no backup if your gear fails or if you forget something critical. Investing in a few high-quality, essential items makes all the difference between an enjoyable adventure and a regrettable one. Here are four must-haves:

1. Navigation Tools (GPS and Paper Map)

When you hike with others, someone else may have a map or keep track of the trail. Alone, it's your responsibility. Invest in a reliable handheld GPS device, a compass, and physical trail maps. Apps like Gaia GPS or AllTrails Pro can download offline maps, but a paper backup is wise in case your phone dies or signal drops.

2. Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Satellite Messenger

One of the most important pieces of gear for any solo hiker is a PLB or satellite communication device like a Garmin inReach or SPOT Gen4. If you become injured or lost in an area without cell service, these devices allow you to alert emergency services with your exact location.

3. Water Filtration System

Dehydration is a leading cause of hiking emergencies. Carry a lightweight water filter or purifier like the Sawyer Squeeze, Grayl bottle, or a UV-based SteriPEN. Having a way to purify stream or lake water means you don’t have to carry as much, which helps keep your pack light.

4. All-Weather Outerwear

The weather can change rapidly, especially in the mountains or remote areas. A quality, breathable rain jacket and insulating layers like merino wool or synthetic fleece are vital for regulating temperature and staying dry. Hypothermia can strike even in mild weather if you're wet and exposed for long enough.

Hike Solo, Pack Light

When hiking solo, every ounce matters. There’s no one to help distribute the load, so minimizing what you carry—without compromising safety—is key. Here’s how to lighten your pack:

Choose Multi-Use Items

Select gear that serves multiple functions. For example, a buff can be a hat, neck warmer, sunshade, or towel. Trekking poles can double as tent poles for ultralight shelters.

Stick to the Essentials

Ask yourself: Do I really need this? It’s easy to overpack for “what ifs,” but solo hiking teaches minimalism. Essentials include:

• First aid kit (trimmed down but complete)
• Lightweight food (energy bars, dehydrated meals)
• Water system
• Shelter (even on day hikes, carry a bivy or emergency blanket)
• Extra clothing for warmth
• Navigation tools
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Fire-starting kit

Weigh Your Pack

Before heading out, weigh your full pack. Most day hike packs should be under 10–15 pounds. For overnights, staying under 25–30 pounds is ideal. If it feels too heavy during your pre-hike test, it’s too heavy for the trail.

Safety for Solo Hiking

Hiking alone means full responsibility for your safety. That doesn’t mean it’s dangerous—but it does mean you need to plan and be cautious.

Tell Someone Your Plan

Before setting out, always leave your itinerary with a trusted contact. Include:

• Your start and expected end times
• Trail name and route
• Emergency contact numbers
• Vehicle location

Consider setting a check-in time so they’ll know when to call for help if you don’t return.

Check Trail and Weather Conditions

Review trail reports on AllTrails, local ranger stations, or hiking forums. Weather can impact safety and trail accessibility—avoid solo hikes during storms, wildfire seasons, or extreme heat/cold.

Stay on Marked Trails

Solo hikers should avoid going off-trail. Getting lost is one of the top causes of search-and-rescue operations. Stay alert for trail blazes, signposts, and natural markers.

Start Early and Turn Around in Time

Begin hikes early in the day to avoid hiking in the dark. Use the “turnaround rule”: if it took you 3 hours to hike in, budget the same or more to hike back. Set a hard turnaround time regardless of whether you reached your goal.

Learn Basic First-Aid

You don’t need to be a medic, but knowing how to treat blisters, cuts, dehydration, and mild hypothermia can be crucial. Take a wilderness first-aid course if you’re planning frequent or remote hikes.

Know Your Limits

Pushing yourself beyond what you’ve trained for—especially in elevation, distance, or terrain—can be risky alone. Build up to longer and more strenuous solo hikes gradually.

Where to Hike Alone: 12 Suggestions

Looking for the perfect place to start solo hiking? These trails are renowned for their accessibility, beauty, and relatively safe conditions for solo adventurers. Always research up-to-date trail info before you go.

North America

1. Franconia Ridge Loop, New Hampshire, USA
   Stunning alpine views, but be mindful of weather changes. A challenging but popular solo hike.
2. Garibaldi Lake Trail, British Columbia, Canada
   A clear, well-maintained trail with glacier-fed lake views. Summer is the best time for solo hiking here.
3. Angel’s Landing (Chains Section Optional), Utah, USA
   Skip the final chains section if solo, but the hike to Scout Lookout still offers incredible views and a great solo challenge.
4. John Muir Trail (Segmented), California, USA
   If you’re not ready for the full 211-mile trek, hike day or overnight segments. Iconic Sierra beauty.

Europe

5. Cinque Terre Trail, Italy
   This coastal hike connects picturesque villages. Well-trafficked and safe for solo walkers.
6. Lauterbrunnen to Mürren, Switzerland
   Peaceful, panoramic trails with good signage and low risk—ideal for new solo hikers.
7. West Highland Way (Segment), Scotland
   Long-distance hikers can choose just a section of this classic. Friendly locals and lodging make it accessible.

Asia and Oceania

8. Mount Takao, Japan
   Just outside Tokyo, this is one of Japan’s most popular day hikes, with marked paths and facilities.
9. Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand
   An otherworldly hike through volcanic terrain. It’s well-traveled but best started early to avoid crowds.
10. Ella Rock, Sri Lanka
    Solo-friendly with beautiful views, though hiring a guide is optional and can enhance the experience.

South America

11. Laguna 69, Peru
    A breathtaking day hike in the Cordillera Blanca. Challenging, but often done solo thanks to the well-marked trail and day-trip popularity.

Africa

12. Table Mountain via Platteklip Gorge, South Africa
    A direct, stone-stepped route to the summit. Go during daylight and stay on trail—it’s safe when done early with clear skies.

Embrace the Freedom of Solo Hiking

Solo hiking is not just about reaching the summit—it’s about the journey inward. It offers space to reflect, grow confidence, and feel at one with the natural world. With the right gear, safety knowledge, and preparation, it can be one of the most enriching ways to travel and connect with yourself.

Start small, plan well, and build your skills and confidence. Over time, you’ll not only hike alone—you’ll love it.