10 Essentials for Solo Hiking

Hiking as a solo woman is great. You get to be out in nature, clear your head, get exercise and reconnect with yourself. But even a short day hike has some inherent risks. Whenever you head out in wilderness, whether camping, hiking or bicycling, it’s best to be prepared in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. As a solo, it’s important to always notify a family member or friend where you will be starting, what your planned route is and how long you expect to be out.

Personally, I have my phone location shared with my sister and a close friend. I also always let my sister know if I’m going to be out of cell phone range. And I tell her whenever I’m heading out to do something that is potentially risky, like taking a hike, going for a bike ride or kayaking.

In addition, I carry the 10 Hiking Essentials with me when I head out for a hike. These items do not take up a lot of room or weight in my day pack and make me feel secure, in the rare event that I might need them.

Based on suggestions from wilderness expert Tracy Bartlett here my slightly amended Top 10 hiking essentials for solo women hikers.

1. Some Sort of Navigation System

Knowing where you’re going is essential for your safety. You need to know how to stay on the trail and how to get out and find your way back to camp or your car. That’s why some sort of navigation system is an essential safety item for solo women hikers. That can be a paper map and compass a GPS or a downloadable map, like those found on All Trails app.

2. Headlamp

When hiking, it’s important to be able to see where you’re going, what’s ahead, obstacles on the trail or even to get a close look at a cut or sliver if you injure yourself. A headlamp is lightweight and easy to throw into the bottom of your pack. You sure will be thankful that you have it if you’re out on the trail after dark. Be sure to check the charge or pack extra batteries.

3. Sun or Rain/Weather Protection

Being out in the weather is part of the enjoyment of hiking, but it’s also important to protect yourself from excess sun, rain, wind or other conditions. And keep in mind that conditions can change quickly when out on the trail.

Personally I make sure to apply sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses and also have a special SPF sun blocking light weight shirt. I also carry rain gear if there’s a chance it might be rainy on a hike.

4. First Aid Kit

No one plans to get hurt when they head out on a hike, but especially if you’re solo, you need to be prepared for small accidents, bruises, cuts, blisters or sprains.

Make sure to have a first aid kit as part of your 10 Essential that includes band-aids, ibuprofen, insect repellent and foot care. This is a great all ready made for you first aid kit.

5. Carry a Knife or Multi-tool as one of your 10 Essentials

I carry a small multitool with a knife, scissors, tweezers and a screwdriver. A small knife or multi-tool can come in handy for so many things beyond safety. Cut some cord, slice cheese for a snack, carve a woodland creature from a piece of wood.

6. Fire or a Bright Light (and extra clothing)

Most top 10 hiking essentials lists include some way to start fire as an essential. With all the fire danger, especially in the West Coast, Tracy recommends instead to carry a very bright light—one that will let you be seen by search and rescue crews if necessary. Something like this.

7. Shelter or Emergency Blanket

An emergency blanket is super cheap and light weight. Put one in your pack and forget about it. They’re super cheap an as one of your top 10 hiking essentials, you’ll be glad it was there if you ever need it.

8. Extra Food

Pack some high protein bars or nuts. You don’t need to be fully satisfied, just enough to keep your energy in case of an emergency or if you need to spend a night outdoors.

9. Extra Water

It’s suggested you carry liter of water for every 2 hours of hiking. Double this.

10. Extra Clothes

No one intends to spend the night outdoors when they’re heading out for a day hike, but if you do, pack enough clothes that you will survive a night in the elements. If you set out on a 80 degree day and it’s expected to get into the 50s at night, be sure to pack something that will keep you warm if you unexpectedly find yourself out past dark or spending the night on the trail.

It doesn’t take much effort to be prepared. If you take a few minutes before heading out on a hike to ensure you have the 10 hiking essentials, you will be prepared for almost any situation.

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