Solo Backpacking

Have you ever gone solo backpacking? If you have, you'll probably agree that it isn't a matter of it being better or worse than backpacking with friends. It's just a different activity altogether.

When you go backpacking with others, it's a social event. You enjoy the scenery, feel good hiking the trails, and you get to know people in a different setting than usual. There's usually a lot of talking, and you feel relatively safe as part of a group. It's a good experience.

Solo Backpacking Trips

When you are alone in the wilderness, it's different. There is a peacefulness that can never be there when you're with others. With nobody to talk to, you stop defining everything and start seeing things more directly.

I remember sitting by an alpine lake at 12,000 feet in the Sierra Nevadas, after not seeing anyone for two days. The sun was shining, and the silence was broken only by the clatter of rocks falling from the cliffs above. I was relaxed, and I felt like it was the most beautiful place on earth. It isn't the same when I'm with friends.

It's also true that there's an "edge" to solo backpacking. There is nobody there to help you if you run into trouble. The grizzly outside my tent in Wyoming, or the rockslide in front of me in Colorado - these things were felt viscerally. You become very aware of how vulnerable you are. This is an interesting experience - but not a bad one.

My favorite aspect of hiking solo, is that all action is more natural. We are social animals without a doubt, but when with others, our decisions and actions are made as part of a group. There is always a little tension involved in balancing all the individual needs.

Consider something as simple as resting alongside the trail for ten minutes. Even while it is a needed rest for one, it can be an unatural break in the rhythm for another, and yet a decision must be made to stop or not. On the other hand, decisions flow almost without thought when you are alone. What a wonderful relief from the complications of ordinary life.

If you haven't yet tried solo backpacking, get out there and do it. At least go for an over-nighter. How often do you actually spend a day without seeing another person? You'll appreciate the experience. (Watch for my article on solo backpacking tips.)

Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of ultralight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.TheBackpackingSite.com

---

Scotland - The New White Water Rafting Capital of Europe

Scotland has taken its place as the new Mecca for... Read More

River Cruise in Bangkok ? Sightseeing on the Chao Phraya

A river cruise in Bangkok gives an insight to the... Read More

River Rafting in California

River rafting is a major attraction in California. The most... Read More

Visiting Whistler in Summer

It is the end of the season for the year... Read More

Cochin - Cocktails of Cultures

Eulogised as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin, Kerala's... Read More

A Torrent of Influences ? Tourism in Goa

Sun, Sand and Surf ? an apt description for Goa?... Read More

Finding Adventure In Little Things

We recently planted our saskatoon berry trees. I am sure... Read More

How to Save Money AND help the planet

Don't all of us love to have the money to... Read More

Solo Backpacking

Have you ever gone solo backpacking? If you have, you'll... Read More

Scuba diving in South Africa

This truly beautiful country at the southern tip of dark... Read More

Bird Watching Mecca ? 338 Species At Acadia National Park

When it comes to birding, Acadia National Park is a... Read More

Ultralight Backpacks - The Lightest

Why ultralight backpacks? Devotees of ultralight backpacking know you reduce... Read More

Its an Alien World in Every River

When you look at a river, what do you see?... Read More

Costa Rica: Land of Natural Wonders

Costa Rica is a small country - just 75 mi/120... Read More

How To Buy a Used RV - Part 2

The key to getting a good bargin, instead of a... Read More

Welcome to Bragg Creek

Welcome to Bragg Creek! Bragg Creek is located in the... Read More

Zambezi Sharks Under Threat at Protea Banks

Sharklife.co.za has been fighting an ongoing for the protection of... Read More

A Fishy Road Trip in Cairns

The Cairns Fishing Adventure A Great Australia Road TripYou love... Read More

Great Family Camping Trips Make Excellent Traditions

A wonderful way to invest in your families' treasure trove... Read More

Ten Skills - A Backpacking List

Have you ever had a backpacking trip that was a... Read More

Botswana Safari Top Five National Parks and Game Reserves

A Botswana safari is an excellent trip to undertake because... Read More

Kerala Backwaters - Gently Down the Stream

The quaint little balcony was large enough to accommodate two... Read More

The Royal Barge Procession ? Splendor on the Chao Phraya River

The Royal Barge Procession in Bangkok, conducted on very rare... Read More

Is The Workamper Lifestyle For You?

If you've been dreaming of traveling the highways in your... Read More

The Price of Gas Really Doesnt Matter!

"The good news is that there is no reason to... Read More

Chimborazo: Learning Spanish At 20,600 Feet

Climbing the glaciers to the summit of Mount Chimborazo in... Read More

Student Travel ? Backpacking In Europe

For the fortunate few, life isn't complete without a backpacking... Read More

Whitewater Rafting Trip

For the dedicated water sport enthusiast there can be no... Read More

Traveling To and Around Hawaii, A First-Time Visitors Primer

Six different islands in Hawaii are open to tourism. Most... Read More

A Hiking Guide to Easter Island

Ask me which Pacific island has the most to offer... Read More

A Holiday in Rajasthan

Romancing History ? A Holiday in RajasthanRajasthan, the name evokes... Read More

Unforgettable Cape Cod Vacations: The National Seashore Gift

Take a captivating trip through the Cape Cod National Seashore... Read More

Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park

If anyplace on earth is a natural paradise, Plitvice Lakes... Read More