I wouldn’t call myself an intense hiker, but I do go for leisurely walks in the woods by myself a lot and I am very serious about my solo hiking essentials when it comes to hiking gear for women. It might be a quick loop with my dog after work or getting out while on a family trip. I use it as a way to spend quality time with my sidekick (my dog), get exercise, and spend some time away from my computer.
When hiking alone, there are always precautions to take, no matter where you are. When I am hiking alone, I have a list of things I don’t leave without.
- Water Reservoir 🔗
- Small, lightweight daypack 🔗
- Pepper Spray🔗
- Bridie Personal Safety Alarm🔗
- Hands-free Dog Leash🔗
- Goodr Sunglasses🔗
- Bug Spray🔗
- Safety Whistle🔗 – especially during hunting season
- Small First Aid Kit🔗
- A Nice Pair of Hiking Boots🔗
There are so many reasons for each of these items. Most of these solo hiking essentials are for safety when it comes to unwanted company on the trail, whether wildlife or other. I recommend thinking about where you carry each of these things and how easily you can access them. My first aid kit sits at the bottom of my bag. It is not the quickest to get out, but I know exactly where it is and what is in it. My whistle and pepper spray are secured to my backpack strap where I can easily grab them. They are on quick-release clips if I need to pull them off.
Don’t forget to plan your trip ahead of time, tell someone where you are going, and bring the safety essentials. Hiking by yourself is my favorite form of self-care. There is no better way to end a workday, spend time with my dog, and enjoy the beautiful landscape around us. But it is so important that you take proper precautions, prepare before you go out, and never start a hike without telling someone else where you are.
Happy Trails! 🥾
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