Have you ever thought of backpacking solo? Dear O Dear, it can be real fun, as well as challenging! Yeah, it is true that you may need some motivation to embark on one, or at least some reasons to do it on your own. To be rather point-blank, there is no dearth of reasons for embarking on a solo trip, such as a lack of suitable partners, or when you leave on a short notice. However, you needn’t get disheartened or feel desolate as a solo journey gives you the freedom and liberty to do exactly what you want, and I assure you, you will deeply savour this freedom.

You will however do well to follow the following tips:

These days you are much safer, then say people were a couple of decades earlier, as you have the services of sophisticated and intuitive gadgets like GPS systems, such as the portable Garmin Forerunner 405, that will help you to return back to the fold even if you lose track of your maps, or get completely lost out there in the wilderness. Then, in case of an emergency you can turn on the locator beacon or get out your mobile phone for instant help.

Then, when you are out there in the wilderness, make sure that your batteries are full, and ensure that you use them sparingly. Don’t allow unnecessary calls to perturb you, and also refrain from making useless calls. It will save the battery for emergency situations.

In case you have a GPS unit, it is mandatory to “mark” the car or trailhead before hiking in isolated areas, especially in difficult terrains. It is because it is very easy to get lost in the haze, and consequently you will not only end up losing valuable time, but sometimes you may even lend in serious trouble.

Once you have decided that you would embark on a solo backpacking tour, it will be safer if you learn some safety tips, and skills that may insulate you from many a potential trouble. Skills like the ability to make a fire in any conditions, ability to construct a few different kinds of emergency shelters, would come in real handy.