
Why Solo Tenting? The Advantages for Girls
Solo tenting permits you to disconnect from the distractions of on a regular basis life, push your boundaries, and faucet into your internal power. It may be an extremely releasing expertise—the place the one voice you hear is your personal, and each determination you make is yours alone. For ladies particularly, I view it as an opportunity to interrupt away from societal expectations and embrace the empowerment that comes with being self-sufficient within the wild.
However let’s face it—solo tenting isn’t with out its challenges. It may possibly really feel daunting at first, particularly when you’re new to tenting or used to adventuring with a gaggle. That’s why this information is right here—to provide you all of the instruments you must go on the market and really feel protected, assured, and able to tackle the good open air.
My First Solo Journey: How It All Began
Again in 2021, within the midst of a world pandemic, my sister relocated from California to Georgia. A month later, her child—my nephew—was turning one, and there was no means I used to be going to overlook that celebration. However I wasn’t eager on flying. Too many restrictions, too many unknowns. So, regardless that I had by no means achieved it earlier than, I made a decision to take the leap and drive throughout the nation solo.
I’m going to be trustworthy: I used to be nervous. I overthought all the pieces. However I additionally knew deep down that I wished to step exterior my consolation zone and eventually do one thing that had been on my thoughts for years: a cross-country highway journey. I simply by no means imagined I’d be doing it alone.
Lengthy story quick? That journey turned out to be the journey of a lifetime—and it utterly shifted how I noticed myself. I got here again extra assured, extra curious, and with a deep want to maintain exploring solo. It even fueled the concept to create Miles and Hikes, my open air YouTube channel. Someplace alongside that lengthy, soul-searching drive again house, I envisioned a platform to share my travels, my favourite hikes, and useful Suggestions and Methods for others who wish to discover solo.
So, my recommendation is that this: be ready, as I’ll define within the information beneath—however don’t be scared. The rewards of solo journey far outweigh the nerves you would possibly really feel at first.

Pre-Camp Preparation: Getting Prepared for Your Solo Journey
Earlier than you set out in your solo tenting journey, there are a number of key steps it is best to take to make sure your security and peace of thoughts.
Analysis Your Campsite: Search for beginner-friendly solo tenting websites which are well-traveled, not too distant, and near cell service or ranger stations.
Some nice assets that I take advantage of and advocate are Campendium, AllTrails, and iOverlander.
Try any native wildlife or climate circumstances that would have an effect on your journey. For instance, you’ll wish to know forward of time about bears, snakes, flash floods, or fireplace restrictions.
Permits & Rules: Know the principles in your chosen tenting space. Some campsites require permits; others might restrict fires or mills. Safe any essential permits forward of time to keep away from last-minute stress.
Share Your Itinerary: All the time let somebody you belief know the place you’re going and if you plan to return. Embrace trailheads, campsite coordinates, and alternate plans.
I’ve seen hikers go away a word on their automotive dashboard with particulars, in case a ranger or fellow traveler finds their car unattended.
Solo Tenting Security Gear: When packing, prioritize security gear that offers you confidence and management. Some fundamental objects which are really useful are:
- A well-stocked first-aid package
- Headlamp or flashlight (convey further batteries!)
- Whistle or emergency signaling machine
- Bear spray (if in bear nation)
- Satellite tv for pc communicator (like a Garmin inReach) when you plan on being distant
- A self-defense merchandise (provided that you understand how to make use of it safely and legally)
Useful Apps & Units
Obtain Gaia GPS, AllTrails, or offline Google Maps for navigation and route planning.
Preserve climate apps up to date earlier than and through your journey.

Solo Tenting Gear: Necessities for Security & Consolation
Tent & Different Shelter: Carry a dependable tent that’s straightforward to pitch solo and climate resistant. However when you’re not 100% snug in a tent, that’s okay too. Do what I do and convert your car right into a sleeping house! I personally favor this setup when touring solo. It feels safer and cozier, particularly in much less acquainted locations.
Simply fold down your seats, add a sleeping pad, blankets, and pillows, and also you’ve obtained a cell sanctuary. Plus, with the ability to lock the doorways at night time may give you peace of thoughts, particularly as a girl tenting alone.
Cooking Gear
A compact range and light-weight cookware: Solo tenting means you’re solely cooking for one, so that you don’t want giant pots or high-capacity stoves. Compact gear heats meals shortly and makes use of gasoline extra effectively, which is essential when attempting to preserve provides.
Easy meal elements: Easy meal elements are perfect for solo campers as a result of they make cooking within the open air simpler, quicker, and extra pleasurable. Fewer elements imply much less to hold and fewer to prepare. You may even prep easy meals forward of time at house and pack solely what you want, which is very useful if you’re managing all the pieces alone.
TIP: Don’t go overboard on gear when you’re simply beginning out—use what you’ve at house. You may at all times construct your package over time based mostly on expertise.
Navigation Instruments
Bodily map + compass: When solo tenting, a bodily map and compass are important instruments for security and self-reliance. Not like GPS units or smartphones, they don’t depend on batteries or indicators, making them reliable in distant areas. A map and compass may also help you reorient your self and discover your means again to camp, a path, or security. Figuring out how one can learn terrain and navigate manually additionally builds confidence and provides a significant layer of preparedness, particularly essential if you’re on the market by yourself.
Digital maps (downloaded upfront): Digital maps downloaded upfront are a sensible backup for solo campers. They supply detailed, interactive navigation even with out cell service—best for distant areas the place sign is unreliable. Pre-downloading maps make sure you’re not caught off guard in case your connection drops.
Know your route earlier than setting off: Learning the path or space forward of time—utilizing each bodily and digital maps—permits you to make knowledgeable choices and put together for elevation modifications, climate publicity, and timing. If you’re solo, there’s nobody else to information you when you get misplaced or delayed, so being conversant in your route provides you a essential benefit and peace of thoughts.

Feminine-Particular Suggestions for Solo Tenting Security and Confidence
Belief Your Instincts! Your intestine is your finest protection. If one thing feels off, don’t rationalize—simply go away. I’ve walked away from a number of unusual conditions with out remorse.
Keep Conscious: Keep tuned into your environment. Hear for wildlife, observe folks close by, and keep away from zoning out with headphones when strolling or climbing.
Put together Mentally: Some nerves are regular. However solo time in nature can be a robust likelihood to change into extra grounded and self-reliant. Give attention to the wonder round you and remind your self that you just’re succesful.
Don’t Overshare with Strangers: Pleasant conversations are nice, however keep away from revealing your plans, campsite, or the place you’re headed. Preserve it obscure and non-committal.
Select Properly-Frequented Areas: No less than in your first few journeys, select campgrounds and trails with different folks round. It helps scale back nervousness and retains assist close by if wanted.
Use Expertise Properly: Preserve your cellphone charged, however don’t rely solely on it. All the time have a backup plan. Battery banks are a should!
Begin Small: Ease into solo tenting with quick weekend journeys or one-night stays near house. These mini adventures enable you construct expertise and confidence with out the stress of an extended journey.
Replicate and Rejoice: After your journey, take a second to mirror on what you’ve completed. Possibly journal about it, publish a recap, and even share your journey on YouTube like I do.
Rejoice your bravery!
Bear in mind: The outside is for everybody. So, pack your gear, belief your instincts, and get on the market. The expertise of a lifetime is ready for you.


Alejandra Iorgulescu
Alejandra, generally known as “Alex” to most within the U.S., was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her love of journey was sparked throughout childhood highway journeys from Buenos Aires to Patagonia, nevertheless it actually took root after a solo journey by way of Europe in 2001. In 2002, she moved to California, drawn by its local weather and gorgeous pure range—from seashores to mountains and deserts—all inside a number of hours’ attain.
Her YouTube channel and web site, Miles and Hikes, have been born throughout a solo cross-country highway journey and displays her ardour for highway journey, tenting and climbing. Alex constructed the channel from scratch whereas juggling a demanding tech profession. Via her content material, she shares out of doors adventures, journey suggestions, and the enjoyment of discovering artistic freedom within the nice open air.