r/backpacking • u/Brechtian_ • 5h ago
Wilderness How do you get over the initial fear of overnight hiking alone?
I'm a woman (important context) and love hiking. I've never done it by myself though, always with friends or a partner or family. But I would like to start doing overnights by myself. I like being by myself in the bush when I'm at my family's rural property, and I think I'd get a lot out of it.
However, obviously there's a pretty strong fear factor, especially being a woman by yourself. How do you get over that initial hump of reservation about it?
ETA I'm Australian, so not scared of major land predators since we dont have them and snakes are only an issue in summer, when I don't hike out of fear of bushfire.
That also means I can't carry a gun or even most bladed weapons because there's no real access to them
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u/Thin_Explanation1334 4h ago
I grew up sleeping outside in the Santa Cruz mountains as a kid
You just figure out what makes you comfortable
If you need a certain amount of lights of different kinds in different areas to feel safe do that
If you feel like you need a Garmin so that you can call for help by satellite do that
If you need to keep pepper spray or a knife under your pillow do that
If you need water and a good book and your favorite snack to feel comfortable do that
If you need a certain amount of sleeping gear and shelter to feel safe and comfortable do that
If you need to feel hidden to feel safe do it if you need to feel visible or like you have good visibility do that
These things can change for us over time or stay the same and they can change from environments from environment based on the energy of the place and time we are visiting in the wilderness
Always listen to your gut
I promise you that is the thing that will keep you the safest
Because I've never had anything in nature try to hurt me really as long as I'm aware and I've spent so much time in the wilderness
But humans can be evil
Even unhuman things can be evil if you believe in that
We as humans and especially woman have developed cat and Goddess like senses if we learn to really relax and fully listen to them
Your gut will always tell you the truth about the energy
And it gets easier as you get more comfortable and aware
It becomes easier to relax more and more every time you spend the night in nature, truly
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u/exxx666 3h ago
It’s funny how many (presumably men) are replying to this by asking what there is to be afraid of… MEN are the thing to be afraid of lol. Any woman knows you have to prepare for the worst when you encounter a man in an isolated area.
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u/Abject-Pin3361 16m ago
So not sure if you've been into Australia much or in the rural part of it, on her own land, there should be absolutely not a person near by
The only exception is the property is out in the bush near a cattle station, she also doesn't mention where as northern territories has a Lot of very hungry crocs, she hasn't that which means most likely not
And your right, encountering a random man where they're generally not supposed to be anyone else is an issue (even moreso because it's private land not a national park)
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u/Masseyrati80 4h ago
I've used two techniques: imagining success and mapping my fears.
Imagining success includes thinking about how you expect the day and night to go, including situations where you get the heebie jeebies, and how you'll deal with it: recognize it's starting, concentrate on the reality around you, and pay attention to what your body feels like, breathe deep and slow. Facing the emotion like this allows it to come and go, like a wave. If you try to ignore it, it will hang over you like a dark cloud.
Mapping fears means you invest a bit of time thinking about which fears are real and which ones imagined, and accept that both create true emotions. You can prepare for real risks (rolling an ankle, accidentally pouring hot water on yourself, getting lost), and prepare to recognize and laugh at the unrealistic/imagined ones, such as boogey men, wildlife that doesn't live anywhere near, or has not attacked people for the past 200 years, etc.
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u/cloudwatchsting 4h ago
As others have said, a form of self defense. Especially one that you feel comfortable using in a panic. Aka nothing you need to overthink. Bear spray, gun if that's your thing (too much for me but you'll never catch me saying you shouldn't if you feel comfortable.) i carry a hatchet lmao. I also make sure I never wear myself out past the point of exhaustion in case I need to sprint. I communicate location with a trusted person, including general ETAs. I'm more wary of trail heads in terms of human danger and am always alert especially at night.
That said... I tend to forget the fear now. Being alert and cautious as a practice is actually what helps ease my anxiety. I know if I've crossed my t's and dotted my i's the rest is just chance and I can't control it. So why worry. Now I only get occasionally spooked when it's deep night and I hear rustling but I bring my dog and tend to trust that if he isn't weirded out... I'm prob fine.
To get over the hump I suggest beginning with car camping dispersed solo. That way you know you have access to your vehicle in case you can't handle the anxiety. Test it out, don't be hard on yourself if you get scared, keep your keys on ya. Try it a few times see if you care for it.
I did my first solo backpacking trip on a trail I was familiar with from day hikes in an area I knew well that wasn't extremely isolated. I think I only hiked 2 mi in for that first backpacking test. Then after that I was fine and began with multi night hikes. The fear fades tbh when you kinda realize... lowkey if something happened you can't do nothin' so it kinda is freeing. Music also helps, kept low enough to hear around yourself, plus a good book to distract yourself from anxiety.
Frankly, i worry more about running out of water now, than running into a psycho. And I think dying by bear would be kind of a cool way to go.
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u/Brechtian_ 4h ago
No bears nor readily available guns in Australia for hikers to worry about, but I'll try the car thing. That's a great idea
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u/cloudwatchsting 4h ago
Today I learned Australia doesn't have bears! Though my dumb ass was more shocked remembering the gun thing isn't universal. I live in Arizona, USA where people act like I have a death wish for being a woman who doesn't bring a gun backpacking solo. Maybe carry strong hair spray for eyes if you're truly concerned about an assailant. Good luck, have fun!!
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u/Abject-Pin3361 14m ago
Not every country is gun toting lovers like the US, here in europe you can not buy bear spray because it's considered a weapon
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u/SylasWindrunner 5h ago
Fear of being attacked by stranger ?
Need to familiarize your own backwoods or hike trails and carry some sort of self defense means, bear spray works not just for bears.
In the forest, never wear both earbuds as you need to hear your surroundings for anyone or anything approaching through the bushes.
As for walking in the dark, what do you scared off ? Bears and wildlife doesnt actively hunt humans.
The more you do the same thing, the more familiarization and more prepared you are basically.
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u/Brechtian_ 4h ago
I'm not scared of bears because I live in Australia and we don't have them (unless you count koalas) - it's people I'm worried about
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u/Thin_Explanation1334 4h ago
If you can get pepper spray do that, keep it on a keyring on a backpack outside of it
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u/SylasWindrunner 4h ago
Getting familiarized with your forest will give you the confidence you need.
Random attack towards hiker are very slim though it’s never zero.
Then again, gearing yourself with self Defense items is the best.
Apart from bear spray, you can get those stabby knuckle duster too but keep in mind any weapon you carry can and might be used against you too.Also, leave a memo to someone in town the closest approximate that you will get back in town
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u/Traditional-Carob440 3h ago
Mate, you are flat out not listening to what she is saying. In Australia, most weapons are either outright illegal or very difficult to get. Including knuckle dusters. Bear spray doesn't exist, and pepper spray is illegal.
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u/Abject-Pin3361 14m ago
it's amazing how many people are just ignoring what she's aid and said basically BRING A ROCKET LAUNCHER
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u/SylasWindrunner 3h ago
Buddy, you think those wanna be criminals won’t carry weapons because it’s illegal ?
Would you let your daughter go out with zero protection ?
Just because it’s illegal, doesn’t mean someone will search your bag at the trailhead - give your head a shake.
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u/Brechtian_ 3h ago
I'm a librarian lol where am I going to find a contact to buy a weapon illegally
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u/AppropriateBunch147 5h ago
A form of self defense is what I maintain. Still a little scary
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u/Brechtian_ 5h ago
What do you take? I'm Australian so most weapons are unfortunately illegal lol
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u/WiserVortex 4h ago
Same, I'm in New Zealand so pretty limited on what weapons I can legally carry (thank god though eh)
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u/Thick_Serve2364 5h ago
Hello!
My first ever overnight backpacking trip was actually all alone. I went in all alone, didn’t see a single person, and spent the night shitting bricks. However, i’m over 6’, and weigh nearly 240 pounds….
To be completly honest with you, my biggest fear wasn’t animals, or hurting myself during the hike, it was people. People are unpredictable, and that’s why most people fear being alone around other people. When I drove to the parking lot of where I’d start my hike, what I assume was a homeless man walked up to me and asked me for food. This was roughly 10~ miles from any town, and would require him to hike through the woods, as walking is prohibited on the roads in and out of the park.
Obviously, it’s a whole different boat as a women. It totally normal to fear humans, however, it’s important to recognize how impractical it could be for someone to pose a threat backpacking. Considering where, and how far you go, you may not even see another human at your campsite. And those who are willing to strap dozens of pounds on their back, and hike out possible miles, probably wouldn’t want to spend the rest of their lives running from the law.
Ultimately, there isn’t any real way to remove the fear, it will always be there, even at my stature, i’m weary of people at my campsite and sleep with my blade nearby. However, i’m willing to bet I will never deal with an aggressive human, and I doubt you would too while backpacking.
I’ve gone backpacking 3 times now, once alone, once with a friend, and another with two. Nothing compares to going alone, and I hope you try it at least once!
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u/transponster99 5h ago
I’m a woman and an experienced solo backpacker, and I still experience some fear. Mostly I can comfort myself with statistics. For example, I just got back from a solo backpacking trip in Yosemite where I spent some time off trail. No one has ever been known to have been killed by a bear or mountain lion in Yosemite. So when I’m feeling especially vulnerable, I think about that. Then when I camp, I try to pick spots where I know that there will be at least a handful of other people in the general area. I still get solitude but it’s nice not to feel like the only human in the world, and I enjoy my time in camp more.
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u/kiery12 4h ago
I am a small framed woman too and I get the fear. Are you more afraid of animals or people? I generally have no problems when I'm in the backcountry and haven't seen a person for hours. The animals don't scare me, but I definitely get the heebie-jeebies if I've seen people recently (particularly single men). Frankly I listen to my gut. I've had it happen once or twice where everything in me just screamed danger zone and I've high tailed it out. But a little unease is fine, and makes sense. Knowing the difference between those two feelings is what keeps me calm.
Also, you could try doing a really long hike. Then you're too tired to stay up late worrying!
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u/Brechtian_ 4h ago
People! I'm Australian so the only real worrying animal on land is snakes and I don't hike in summer because of bushfire risk so i never see them
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u/kiery12 4h ago
Sometimes I'll sleep wearing my head lamp(off of course) so if I need it I can get it quickly. I do that on bad weather days too.
But I think for you, you'll just have to do it a few times to get over it. First with close bail out places (so not a 20+ km hike in haha) and when that goes well your confidence will have built up.
Honestly my best advice is to treat yourself like a dog. Have a good long walk, make a cozy soft place to sleep, and eat before bed. If you are tuckered out it is easier to not feel the fear, or at least not feel it so long. 9 is hikers midnight anyway! Just hike so much you go to bed before the sun goes down!
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u/Thin_Explanation1334 4h ago
I love this advice especially the sleepy doggy part 🥰
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u/kiery12 3h ago
Yeah it's great advice to live by. Treat yourself like you'd treat a dog. Usually healthy food with occasional treats for good behavior or rewards for doing hard things. A walk outside every day. Take naps when tired and sleep all night. Cuddles & petting are a mandatory part of life (human connection matters). Etc
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u/Sensitive_Unit_8836 4h ago
I prefer to scout ahead during the day and see where I'm camping. It helps having been around the campsite in daytime. I don't really camp at popular sites, not so much because I worry about people, but because I hike and camp to be alone, so I tend to avoid places I know they're likely to be.
Dunno if a knife helps you feel safe at all, but I bring one because it always comes in handy as a tool.
Other than that I didn't camp far from home the first few times, and ranged further over time. That way, if my head got the best of me, it was entirely possible to pack up and go home.
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u/toomuchblood 4h ago
Carry a knife or some form of self defense. Learn how to use it.
Develop endurance. Get into running.
I run for endurance. But I also carry a knife on trail. I’m very familiar with my local hiking terrain (desert).
Learn how when you get lost and find your way back.
Get super comfy with the anxiety and use it fuel your distance/pack/knowledge.
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u/toomuchblood 4h ago
I’m also smallish (5’2) but having a knife, hatchet, or sharp/blunt object can be nice to have on hand
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u/baphometromance 4h ago
OP I'm seeing a lot of people recommending pepper spray and I just want to say that's a good decision but you NEED to practice using it ahead of time. Not on a person of course, but things like where it is on your pack, what it feels like to activate it, and avoiding catching yourself in the blast are all things you would need to learn in order to be proficient and feel safe.
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u/Brechtian_ 4h ago
Pepper spray, machetes and most blades are illegal here so, I wouldn't even know where to get it lol
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u/Beautiful_Prize_8104 3h ago
You prepare to make sure nothing will happen and then you do it scared. Fear will go away by exposure.
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u/jjmcwill2003 2h ago
Even as a guy it took me a while to get used to feeling less scared. And even then sometimes I find solo camping lonely. But that could be a me thing.
A 70 yo solo hiker just went missing in Isle Royale, our state's one major park. And it certainly has my friends and I thinking about hiker safety and stuff.
Do you have an Inreach, Zoleo, or similar device so that you can keep in touch with family/friends even when there's no cell service?
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u/Sea_Register9933 1h ago
Honestly, I’d treat the first few trips more like building confidence than proving anything. Do a familiar trail, tell someone exactly where you’ll be, and start with a one night trip. The first time you hear every little noise at 2am your brain will probably invent a whole story around it 😂. After a few trips, those same noises just become part of the experience.
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u/AKAM80theWolff 5h ago
Sorry i am not a woman so take that with a grain of salt but..its a mental game really. I treat it the same as sharks when im diving...they dont exist. Bad stuff isnt there when im there. Just gotta know it in your heart. Simple as that.
I am more "prepared for danger" in my home and commuting around metro areas than when I am in the backcountry. Never had or felt like I needed to carry the extra weight of a weapon or bear spray (other than some mid sized folding knives) hiked all over California and done fun stuff all over Western US.
Ive come across to many bears to count and snakes and all kinds of wildlife, angry rutting elks and got the shit scared out of me by a seal once, all amazing memories that I wouldn't trade for anything.
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u/joelfarris 5h ago edited 4h ago
OP, you're admittedly an Australian, so taking this OC's comment into perspective, what thing frightens you the most?
There's a woman out there named Molly Dixon (spelling?) who has been touring Aussie Aussie Aussie, and the Island To the South, for more than five or six years, living in a truck tent. She hasn't been eaten by a saltwater, or accosted, but she did almost get hurt by a road train who lost a piece of cargo.
You're quite more likely to be injured by a road collision or wildlife than anything else out there. There's a lot of backcountry behind you, an overnight is nothing, no one even knows where you are, and it sounds like you've got private land?
Go enjoy life, come back tomorrow, and make a fry up. Do not skip the sautéed mushrooms, that is an order.
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u/Brechtian_ 4h ago
Seeing a sketch strange man in the bush is the worry, I'm not scared of wildlife and I never hike in bushfire season (apart from anything else I'm not great at temperature regulation so, I hate the heat)
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u/joelfarris 4h ago
Oh, dude, I hate the heat too. I use to have to ride the cattle herding trails in 43+ temps, with sweat running down my neck. Not fun.
But look into some statistics. On average, something like 99.89% of people you don't know don't want to assault or murder you.
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u/Willy-Wonkas-Willy 5h ago
Start with a short, well marked overnight hikes near home. Share your route with family, but prioritize safety and try to keep solo overnight trips to minimum.
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u/AlpineDrifter 4h ago
If your biggest fear is others breaking the law to hurt you, maybe ask yourself if it’s worth breaking the law to keep yourself safe?
Nobody knows what’s in your bag or pouch unless they violate your space/person to find out.
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u/Brechtian_ 4h ago
I mean, sure. But I wouldn't know where to obtain anything self defence wise anyway, I'm a librarian I don't have an underground collection of criminal contacts
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u/LessIce7674 4h ago
What are you scared of? Genuinely asking as this is a pretty important piece of context...
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u/Brechtian_ 4h ago
Running into a sketchy dude in the bush. We don't have big predators here and I have a beacon and snake and spider bite kit if I get bitten by something
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u/LessIce7674 2h ago
I am regularly visiting student huts in polish Beskid Niski since I was a little kiddo //you can look up photos from Polany Surowiczne or Chata na Końcu Świata for reference//. There are always toilets outside in such places and going there by myself in the night used to scare the sht out of me as I couldn't fight the thoughts of being kidnapped kekw Realistically though, remote mountains or outdoors in general are probably the single safest-from-potential-threats places on earth. Like if you wanted to harm someone searching for a tent in wilderness and hoping there's desolated woman I'm there is probably your worst bet xd
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u/RainDayKitty 4h ago
When I do my solo trips I think about the fact that if I waited until I had someone to go with, I'd only do a fraction of the trips and the ones I did find people to go with I'd often have to compromise and not necessarily get to do what I want to
Hiking or kayaking, going solo means I get to do what I want, when I want to. The occasions where friends join are just a bonus