Hiking Alone

[SethC]

Hi everyone, i am a 16 year old in NSW. I am wanting to hike alone for 1 or 2 nights. Do you think this is advisable?
Thanks

[perfectlydark]

If you have some experience, are preparred and have a backup plan plus let your family know all details then probably. If one of those things is missing then no

[Gadgetgeek]

I would say yes, if its a trail you've already been on, you are sure of your equipment and skills, and have a solid backup plan/evacuation plan.
I would not recommend it if its your first trip, if your gear is new and untested (or untested in the conditions you are likely to encounter) Or if there is any chance of your support system not working.
One way to do solo, even with everything else against you, would be an in and out on the same leg of trail, with your pickup knowing what time you should be back, and having enough daylight for them to come in looking (provided they have the ability) That minimizes the search area, and at worst you know that someone will be looking for you within 24 hours. Or find a place that you can do in one day, but that you can split into two on the next trip. My current soloing plan is to do a track with some friends, and then do the track solo sometime soon after. I trust my skills, but I need more exposure to the environment here. That way I can limit the variables when I do the solo (and its a simple track anyway) but while I have solid skills, my "field experience" is somewhat more limited.

In the mean time, if you haven't already gotten first aid training, thats a good start, and do lots of day hikes. Without knowing your skills an experience level, its hard to say what you are and are not capable of. The honest truth is that if nothing goes wrong, you don't need any skills or experience at all. But experience helps you mitigate the things that can go wrong, and skills can help you overcome them.

TL;DR I don't want to say yeah, go to it, in the case something does go wrong, but there is no arbitrary reason why you shouldn't be capable of getting to that point.

[LandSailor]

Depending where you are going, you might be able to borrow a PLB (personal locator beacon) from your local police station. They can also be hired and cost about $220+ to buy.

[Empty]

You are in more danger walking down a city street. Have a go- you'll love it. Just leave plenty of room in your pack for common sense.

Conversely, you could sit in your room and dream about it and then wake up when you are forty and wonder why you never did it earlier.

Carpe diem!

[puredingo]

Well at 16 I didn't know how to use a computer or ever used the word "advisible" so you're ahead of me in the smarts department, and by 16 I'd already done a heap of solo walking which usually included surfing solid waves in remote, unpatrolled areas!!

I woke this morning and found myself being 41 and still alive so get out there and enjoy before the weight of the working world crushes you into submission....

[Moondog55]

What PD said but doubled

[skibug]

My advice ...?

I'd always advise you hike with other people to start with - preferably more experienced than you so you can learn without making the hard/painful mistakes. If you keep doing this, you'll eventually be able to answer this question yourself - you'll know when you're ready. It's not really anyone else's decision - if things goes wrong, you only have yourself to blame.

Alternatively, if you really can't get anyone to hike with you, do a well known, easily navigated hike that has regular foot traffic - then if you have a problem, most bushwalkers will help you out as required. I'm thinking Berowra - Crosslands - Mt. Kuring-gai, Coastal Track Royal National Park, Six Foot Track Blue Mountains, Perry's lookdown to Acacia Flat, etc.

Another idea is to go to: http://emag.bushwalk.com/BWA201402.pdf towards the end you'll find a listing of bushwalking clubs in NSW, just contact them and join up with an overnight walk - the clubs are always looking out for new members, and would probably give you one or two intro hikes without having to pay membership or other fees.

If alone, always carry at least a phone, ideally a PLB as well, appropriate maps, emergency rations, a tent and sleeping bag, matches, one or two compression bandages (and know how to deal with a snake bite), torch, compass, and whistle - and always give your itinerary to trusted family and/or police, and stick to the itinerary.



Hope this helps, Good Luck, walk safely.

Skibug

[north-north-west]

Well at 16 I didn't know how to use a computer or ever used the word "advisible" so you're ahead of me in the smarts department, and by 16 I'd already done a heap of solo walking which usually included surfing solid waves in remote, unpatrolled areas!!
I woke this morning and found myself being 41 and still alive so get out there and enjoy before the weight of the working world crushes you into submission....

What PD said but doubled

You look pretty god for 82, MD.

[Moondog55]

Hard life but a good plastic surgeon

[Scottyk]

Get a PLB
Work you way up to walks, e.g over nighters first then 2 nights etc
Know your equipment and how to use it. Previous walks will give you this knowledge.
Plan and research where you are going. You should study maps and have a good idea of timings between landmarks, campsites etc. before you leave.
Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
I walk solo all the time and it is a wonderful thing. Don't expect too much of yourself. it is so much better to have turned back when you got a bad feeling about a solo walk than to put yourself in danger and ruin the experience.
Have fun!

[Hallu]

Yeah learning when to turn back is often the most important skill out there. It's not a big deal, we all do it, it's not failure or lack of courage, but instinct and common sense.

[peregrinator]

Scottyk and Hallu make a good point. In order to know where you've come from, if you do need to turn back, it's useful to regularly survey the topography and features behind you and make mental and/or written notes as navigational aids. This applies mainly when you're walking off-track, but can also apply on tracks which are indistinct, overgrown or intersected by animal pads.

[Mark F]

My response is Yes BUT...

To say yes I really need to know whether the op has the skills and experience to do it - navigation, safety etc. and the appropriate equipment to handle the conditions likely to be experienced. From the post there is no indication of where and what is being proposed - 2 days in RNP or K2K.

At that age I was doing a bit of solo bushwalking. I had the skills developed through scouts luckily with an experienced bushwalker (Ray Jerrems) as ASM. I stuck to areas I knew RNP, Shoalhaven etc. I hope the op is aware of their abilities and sticks well within his limits.

[Don R]

Nice to see the positive and deliberative comments on this topic.

Solo walking, love it. But for a novice it would be better to get a couple of walks under your belt first.

The skills a solo walker needs are slightly different to when walking with others.

1. As noted by our fellow posters, you need to know when you are biting off more than you can chew. Start with a track walk, a trip with minimal navigational difficulty, no real climatic risks (i.e. don't go for an overnighter in Kosciuskio), water available (always carry the stuff). Set yourself a target ("I will camp at X at 4PM"), be prepared for not getting to "X" (i.e. have water !);
2. Be self sufficient (always have water (again), the right maps, sufficient warm clothing, and shelter if camping out, a torch, etc)
3. Tell people where you are going and when you expect to return (advice my wife will confirm I don't always follow, oh well...). Best to write it down (and stick to it) and leave it with some responsible.
4. Enjoy.

[Gusto]

Why not try the Great North Walk. Surely that's foolproof and has plenty of access routes.

[greyhairwalker]

Over the years, have hiked alone many times, while it is advisable to have companions, this not always convenient.
I have several rules for myself.
1. Always make sure someone dear to you knows exactly where you are going, the expected time of return and have a map of your planned route.
2. Only walk on tracks and not go off it. Stick to the planned route and timetable. Research the route prior. Try and seek local knowledge about the track.
3 Know and have a good First Aid kit. Practise making and using an emergency crutch.
4. Notify a local police station in the area where you are walking and your timetable.
5. Carry a PLB. matches, mirror, light, mobile phone with solar charging, etc.
6. Try and stay within range of mobile reception. ( use a carrier that has the best coverage.) At least park the car where there is coverage.
7. Only commence the walk if weather is suitable. Know the forecast for the duration of the hike. (avoid being caught in storms or fire ban danger periods.)
8. Carry extra food & water.
9. Know your limitations and don't take unnecessary risks.
10 At completion notify all that you have safety returned.

[icefest]

Over the years, have hiked alone many times, while it is advisable to have companions, this not always convenient.
I have several rules for myself.
1. Always make sure someone dear to you knows exactly where you are going, the expected time of return and have a map of your planned route.
2. Only walk on tracks and not go off it. Stick to the planned route and timetable. Research the route prior. Try and seek local knowledge about the track.
3 Know and have a good First Aid kit. Practise making and using an emergency crutch.
4. Notify a local police station in the area where you are walking and your timetable.
5. Carry a PLB. matches, mirror, light, mobile phone with solar charging, etc.
6. Try and stay within range of mobile reception. ( use a carrier that has the best coverage.) At least park the car where there is coverage.
7. Only commence the walk if weather is suitable. Know the forecast for the duration of the hike. (avoid being caught in storms or fire ban danger periods.)
8. Carry extra food & water.
9. Know your limitations and don't take unnecessary risks.
10 At completion notify all that you have safety returned.

I think I only really fully follow four of those points. :/
It's a decent list though and should be followed by the OP.

[north-north-west]

Over the years, have hiked alone many times, while it is advisable to have companions, this not always convenient.
I have several rules for myself.
1. Always make sure someone dear to you knows exactly where you are going, the expected time of return and have a map of your planned route. Usually I just leave rough route on the AMSA site and maybe tell the housemate.
2. Only walk on tracks and not go off it.
I go where I go, track or not.
Stick to the planned route and timetable.
Don't have a planned timetable except maybe return-by date. Plus I like exploring.
Research the route prior. Try and seek local knowledge about the track.
Yeah, as much as practical given when I decide to go wherever.
3 Know and have a good First Aid kit.
Well, it covers the basics.
Practise making and using an emergency crutch.
Never have, though I used to carry a trekking pole on overnight walks.
4. Notify a local police station in the area where you are walking and your timetable.
No way. AMSA's good enough for me.
5. Carry a PLB. matches, mirror, light, mobile phone with solar charging, etc.
Yeah, except the phone (sometimes) and the solar charger (never).
6. Try and stay within range of mobile reception. ( use a carrier that has the best coverage.) At least park the car where there is coverage.
Couldn't care less.
7. Only commence the walk if weather is suitable. Know the forecast for the duration of the hike. (avoid being caught in storms or fire ban danger periods.)
Mostly, but sometimes you just have to hope for the best. And Tassie weather is too changeable.
8. Carry extra food & water.
Yeah.
9. Know your limitations and don't take unnecessary risks.
Mostly, although there's wide scope in that 'unnecessary' risk bit.
10 At completion notify all that you have safety returned.
*shrug* Who's to notify? Who's to even care?

I think I only really fully follow four of those points. :/
It's a decent list though and should be followed by the OP.

Better than me, I only stick to one. But that's me, and I've been bumbling around out bush for a while now, besides being a raving loony.
It's a good guide for anyone starting to go solo.

[icefest]

1,3,9,10 are what I'd follow. I think rule 9 is the most important one though.

[jjoz58]

I don't want to disagree with all the posts here because the information they give is certainly correct and can be a life saver. Having said that how confident are you in your own ability to do it? I think back to some of the things I did in my teens and early 20's and the only one of all the points I probably followed was "Know your limitations and don't take unnecessary risks." I walked from Cairns to Laura via Cooktown at 17. Did Antalya,Turkey to Gallopli via Istanbul, about 1700km and 4 1/2 months, at 23. These days we have GPS, phones, light weight gear, PBL, freeze dried food, water bladders ect and they make life on the trail more comfortable, safer and help to minimize risk.

Whether you follow every point here and carry all that equipment, or some of it or none of it, it will still come down to how you prepare and how confident you are. Not the brash cockiness of teenagers that I'm bullet proof, but your ability to handle problems as/if they arise, to think and apply common sense.

[kanangra]

The fact is that if I didn't walk alone I would hardly get out at all.
K.

[Gadgetgeek]

Everyone has to strike the balance of not only risk for yourself, but also the feelings of your loved ones if something happened. If you are experienced and its a choice you make, then it is easier for others to accept. For the rookie, a few nights in the woods isn't worth having a stressed out mother, if thats the family dynamic. I fully plan on doing some solo walks, but I'm also going to put every plan I can in place to keep my wife from having to worry about me being okay.
If you choose to go on a trip without telling anyone, how long could you be gone before anyone noticed you hadn't come back?

Even experienced people get into trouble, some would say thats because they feel they can push it. Take any risk you want, but just be aware of how others will feel when things go wrong. If you spend time in the woods, its not a matter of if something will go wrong, its a matter of when. You just need to take responsibility for that. Every day is a risk, no one gets out of this game alive. Doing a solo bushwalk here is far safer than a gap year trip to Bali, and yet far more people take the second option. I'm not saying don't go. I am saying don't make your mom stay up all night worrying.

[andrewa]

Interesting question...

Looking back at when I was 16 (35yrs ago) we were group leaders on school walking trips, in remote locations in Gippsland (Licola area), and we were out for a week at a time, no one to check up on us, and no ability to contact the school if we had an emergency,except to walk back to find help.

These days, we have phone coverage, PLB/EPIRBs, Sat phones, and GPSs, so we have a lot more ability to contact people if there is a problem.

I rarely spend prolonged times in the outdoors alone. I like to share the experience with someone, but its normally only with one person. I recently spent a week in a remote river in NZ by myself flyfishing and walking ("tramping"). It was wonderful. I hadn't been away by myself in the bush for more than a night for 25yrs, and it was just fantastic to have no "requirements" on my time. Mind you, I had a sat phone, and rang home 3 times during the week to allow them to know I was fine ( but, if I didn't have wife and 4 kids, I wouldn't have bothered making any calls).

Bottom line is that if you feel confident in your ability, and have the facility to acquire assistance ( ideally at your own expense), then do it. I have issues with relying on our emergency rescue services as the "back up" .....(in NZ last month, my "back up" was a $700 flight from a local helicopter company).....and I am lucky enoug to be a GP, so injury does not cause me as much anxiety as it does many others...(which takes you back to the "first aid kit" threads, where mine is some bandaids, antihistamines, panadol, and needle and thread, the latter more for sewing up clothing failures!)

A

[GPSGuided]

To me, it's all relative. Another missing and then found solo traveller. It all comes down to how one conducts oneself and what's one's understanding and expection of the word "safe".

http://www.smh.com.au/national/search-f ... 36nrk.html

[Empty]

Thanks for the interesting link GPS but I think it is rather tenuous at best to connect this story with solo bushwalking.

Statistically, as most accidents occur around the house, perhaps we should be advocating that nobody stays home alone either!

[GPSGuided]

That's the point! Or can advocate going solo is no different to home alone.

[Empty]

For the record GPS I was actually agreeing with you - sorry if it didn't seem that way. As you say, it is all relative.

To expand on this topic further let's remember that we are talking about the Australian bush here. There are no lions, no tigers and no grizzly bears, no Somali pirates, no Al Quaeda training camps or unexploded landmines that we know of and Ivan Milat is safely behind bars. We are very fortunate in this country to enjoy such a safe environment in which to recreate.

Yes there are some risks and yes occasionally, very occasionally some ill prepared nong makes the headlines because he has gone up the wrong gully and has to hit the emergency button (or if he doesn't hit the news his so-called mates post a youtube video about it) or someone less fortunate has a genuine medical emergency and has to be air lifted out but for most us, responsible planning and preparedness mitigates these risks to the point where they are rarely a concern.

It is interesting that many comments suggest the purchase of a PLB as the first requirement. I would caution against the concept of outsourcing ones safety and would suggest that if we are to venture into the bush we all need to be prepared to be personally responsible. PLB is a new term to me. I knew them as EPIRB's where the E stood for EMERGENCY. It seems to me that with the broader availability of these items there is a risk amongst some users to 'pull the rip cord before they have even exited the plane'. It would be of a concern to all of us if the illegitimate use of personal rescue devices put such a drain on emergency resources that the "Honourable Member for Not Wasting Any More Money of Nutty Bushwalkers" was forced to dictate that none of us could enter the bush without having a bell around our necks.

The young OP's question is very brief and does not elaborate on his unstated concerns so it is hard provide direct advice. Is he worried about getting lost, frightened of snakes or does he have an underlying medical condition? Who knows? The fact that he has asked for some advice suggests that he is not a nong and considers what he does. Again he doesn't state what experience he has and, if he has none then my advice would be to get some before you go into the bush alone. Conversely if he has had plenty of experience then a solo walk along a well traveled and signposted route like the Six Foot Track or parts of The Great North Walk would be a pretty safe thing to do.

But the message is always, be prepared, be aware, be responsible.

[peregrinator]

It is interesting that many comments suggest the purchase of a PLB as the first requirement. I would caution against the concept of outsourcing ones safety and would suggest that if we are to venture into the bush we all need to be prepared to be personally responsible. PLB is a new term to me. I knew them as EPIRB's where the E stood for EMERGENCY. It seems to me that with the broader availability of these items there is a risk amongst some users to 'pull the rip cord before they have even exited the plane'. It would be of a concern to all of us if the illegitimate use of personal rescue devices put such a drain on emergency resources that the "Honourable Member for Not Wasting Any More Money of Nutty Bushwalkers" was forced to dictate that none of us could enter the bush without having a bell around our necks.

I agree with all of the other points you make, but this one is a bit tenuous. Surely most if not all PLB users are aware that "PLBs should only be activated in situations of grave and imminent danger. Deliberate misuse may well result in the unnecessary deployment of valuable Search and Rescue resources and could incur a severe penalty." (This quote is from http://www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au/media/ ... LB_use.pdf)

But whether he carries a PLB or not, I'm guessing the original poster has already demonstrated his preparadness to being personally responsible by asking the question here in the first place.

[Empty]

We could debate this till the cows come home and I don't think we would ever reach consensus. Suffice to say that I am not suggesting that PLB's aren't necessary rather I am saying they are not a necessity on every walk and that they are certainly not a substitute for good preparation, skill and experience.

Of course the question of what constitutes and emergency is also rather subjective.