Going solo on a camping trip has many benefits to it. You get some alone time away from your stressful life and a chance to think and meditate about important things.

But solo camping also has its downside, and you need safety tips to help you prevent possible dangers.

Don’t go Solo on Your First Trip

You mustn’t go camping alone if you’ve never gone with other people. If you’re planning one, make sure you go camping with your friends or family first to learn some basic camping hacks.

Also, the experience will help you a lot on your second trip, making things easier.

Be Confident

Confidence in yourself and your camping skills will save you from anxiety attacks in the woods. To go solo camping, you need to know how to deal with run-ins with wild animals, set up a tent, start a fire, perform first aid, and other basic skills. 

Also, know how to keep calm in an unpleasant situation. Learn this before heading into the forest alone. It could be talking to yourself, listening to music, or humming. Anything that works for you will do.

Lighten Your Luggage

When packing your load, think about yourself only, the food and water you’ll need. Take enough items for yourself and try to leave out unnecessary things. You can buy a lightweight tent or go for a hammock and sleeping pad. 

Don’t Choose a Far Place

When you’re planning a solo camp, don’t pick a place that is far from home, your friends, and your family. Choose a campsite someone else can easily get to if you have an emergency.  

Also, get to know and have a feel of the campsite before heading there. It could be a bike ride or hike to the area to learn more about the place before setting up your camp.

Tell Someone Your Plans

Never head to the woods alone without telling someone where and when going solo camping. Also, make sure you tell a trustworthy person. Someone must know your plans, and it could be your parents or your best friend.

Take an Emergency Device Along

You may need to plan for the worst-case scenario when solo camping. Get an emergency device that doesn’t require internet or a signal like a walkie-talkie or a satellite phone. 

Also, ensure that the device is functional before heading out. During your trip, reach out to other people, such as your family or friends, once in a while to tell them how you’re doing and keep them at ease.

Go With a GPS Device and Compass

Even if you’ve been to the campsite beforehand, it’s a forest, and sometimes trails can look alike. So, take a GPS device or map along with you and a compass to navigate your way. Getting lost alone in the woods can be scary.

Go With a Source of Distraction

You will be alone in the woods for days with no one to talk to, and it can get boring. A source of distraction can be a book to read, an article or book you’re writing, or an art book. You can decide to paint your surrounding if you’re an artist. Dogs are an excellent source of distraction too.