trailtalk
It Doesn’t Always Take a Village The case for solo hiking By Craig Romano, Mountaineers Books Guidebook Author
Craig on a solo snowshoe adventure in the William O. Douglas Wilderness near White Pass. Photos courtesy of Craig Romano.
G
o to any online hiker forum and after unleashed dogs, playing music, and toting a gun on the trail, the topic of hiking solo is sure to conjure up some strong opinions. What’s particularly interesting is that so many of the folks who are adamantly against solo hiking insist that others shouldn’t hike alone, either. And while an unleashed dog, music on the trail, or an irresponsible gun owner may certainly have a negative impact on others, a solo hiker is not having an effect on anyone’s experience except their own. So why the passionate pleas for solo hikers to partner up?
The myth of increased danger Perhaps the number one reason many folks frown upon solo adventuring is its perceived level of danger. Many reason that if a mishap were to occur while traveling in the backcountry, the chances for a successful recovery are far greater if you are with others. And while it’s comforting to be among others if something has gone awry, technology today has made it far easier to stay in touch, call for assistance, and be located. Another passionate argument many make against hiking alone is that increases the chances that a search party will need to be dispatched. Search and rescue teams will be dispatched regardless of the size of a missing or distressed hiking party. Solo hikers do tend to go missing far more often than groups of hikers, but some of the reasons why may not have as much to do with being alone than other factors, such as overconfidence.
Accepting risk Many vocal opponents can at times come across as nannies. They’re not comfortable with the idea of heading into the wilderness alone, so no one else should either. They feel that they’re looking after your safety. But if the adage of hiking
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mountaineer | winter 2022
one’s own hike is true, then if someone enjoys being on the trail alone, so be it. If you’re a group hiker, don’t condemn it. I have encountered far more prepared and experienced hikers roaming the hills alone than many groups I have seen, in which some or all members are ill prepared. Outdoor sports are risky pursuits. But so is getting into a car and driving to the trailhead. When looking at auto accidents in the US, more than 38,000 Americans died in 2020, and over 4 million more required medical help. Although far fewer people hike daily than drive, it is still meaningful to note that hiking accidents are considerably less, and hiking deaths are quite rare. Still, to go through life and get the most out of it, you have to be willing to accept some risk. How much? It all depends on your comfort level and abilities.
Safeguards I’ve been hiking solo since getting hooked on hiking in my early 20s, after being introduced to it as a teen in organized group settings. I absolutely love hiking with others, and tend to do more of it as I have gotten older. But I still love being on the trail alone and heading into unfamiliar areas, seeking new adventures with no one else in tow. Some of my best and most intense wilderness experiences have been when I was alone. When I head into the woods by myself, I automatically accept that I need to be more prepared and self-reliant than if I were in a group. I also have plenty of safeguards in place. Regardless of my company (or lack thereof), I always leave my itinerary and possible variations with my wife, leave contact info for the appropriate ranger district, and carry a Spot Satellite Messenger which contains a command that says “I’m OK, I will just be late.”
