Solo hikes: what to take

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

So, let's try to make at least the most general list of things that will definitely come in handy on a solo hike. We will take exactly hiking tourism as a basis.

In previous installments of this article series, we covered in detail what you need to know and be able to do in order to go and, most importantly, successfully return from a solo hike. And today we will touch upon an equally important topic and discuss (I hope for your participation) the issue of equipment. So, what do you need to prepare and take with you on a solo hike?

When discussing the choice of equipment for tourism, two irreconcilable points of view are most often encountered. The adherents of the first prefer only the most modern specialized things, for which they are ready to lay out rather big sums of money. They are regulars at travel shops, are well versed in new tech fabrics and materials, and are always up to date with the latest catalogs of popular travel brands.

The latter, as a rule, do not bother with their equipment at all and are quite capable of doing everything they need on their own from the materials at hand. They quite rightly remark that "it is not the equipment that paints the tourist, but the hikes he has performed." As a rule, these are representatives of the "old school" who caught and began to get involved in tourism during the years of general deficit. The most interesting thing is that they really manage to do just fine with homemade tents and sleeping bags, make category trips in old sneakers and well-worn windbreakers.

So which of the representatives of these two currents is right?

As usual, neither one nor the other is right, and the truth lies somewhere in between. Anyone who thinks that a tourist's coolness is determined by the amount of money spent on equipment is, of course, wrong in the same way as those who argue that no one needs all these modern technologies. In fact, modern equipment is desirable, but not at all a vital condition for the implementation of the trip, unless, of course, it has anything to do with expeditionary or extreme tourism.

If you have the opportunity and desire to buy modern advanced equipment - great, buy it. If this is not possible, then this in no case can serve as a reason for refusing the campaign as such. You can always get by with handy or low-budget solutions, especially if you already have some experience in the wild.

The difficulty of a solo campaign also lies in the fact that you have to carry everything yourself, while in a group the load is evenly distributed among all participants. In addition, it is necessary to provide even the smallest details, since in a solo trip it will not be possible to ask a friend for a sweater in case of cold or borrow a needle to fix clothes. You have what you have taken, and in which case you will have to blame only yourself.

So, let's try to make at least the most general list of things that will definitely come in handy on a solo hike. We will take exactly hiking tourism as a basis, since the list of equipment for a bicycle, motorcycle or water traveler can differ significantly.

• Backpack. Depending on the style and duration of your trips, it may come in different sizes and looks. It is still advisable to purchase specialized travel backpacks from popular companies or homemade products from trusted masters in this area.
• Tent. For a solo hike, you will need a small one-person tent, the key criterion for choosing which is weight. Although many people do just fine with a simple awning or even a piece of polyethylene, especially in the warm season.
• Sleeping bag and cushion. It is these two things that will provide you with the comfort and peace of your night's rest. In summer, in southern latitudes, you can get by with their purely symbolic presence, but the colder the nights are expected, the more seriously you need to approach this issue.
• Dishes. Standard set: mug, spoon, knife, saucepan. Of course, everything is metallic and preferably light. You should not take huge cleavers with you, since you are unlikely to have to defend or attack anyone, and they have a fair amount of weight. In the same section, we will include a container for water, which is usually a simple plastic bottle.
• Campfire equipment. If you go on a short hike, you can cook on gas or gasoline, which is really very convenient. If the route is long, then you will have to learn how to light fires and take care of a small hatchet or saw. Or get a small wood-burning stove.
• Food. The food on the hike is of the utmost importance. Your physical and psychological well-being largely depends on this. It is best if you take care of the maximum variety of your menu in advance and take with you, in addition to cereals and canned food, dried vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, sweets.
• Navigation. Maps, GPS tourist, compass, emergency telephone.
• Clothing. One of the hardest things to do when packing for a hike. How to take less things with you and at the same time not freeze? What to wear in case of rain and scorching heat? How not to carry too much and at the same time have a set of decent clothes for settlements? The answers to all these questions come with time and experience.
• First aid kit. An obligatory item in a solo hike. It should contain everything necessary for the most possible health problems: treatment of wounds and bruises, remedies for poisoning, heart, pain relievers, antipyretic, and so on.
• Miscellaneous important. In this category, I would include those important things that cannot be done without, but which do not fall into the previous sections. Documents must be packed in a waterproof bag. Flashlight, and try to take not the brightest, but, on the contrary, shining literally a meter ahead. It will be enough for parking and cooking equipment, but it will not attract too much attention to you. Camera with additional batteries. A set of batteries. Repair supplies (tape, needle, thread, glue, roll of twine).

As you can see, the list is not small, although it is possible that I missed something and readers will be able to supplement me in the comments. And all this you have to pack in one backpack and carry on your back for a week or more.

Are you really sure you need it?