I transitioned a few years ago and live hiking. My sister and a couple others have worries about me going on a hike alone, not for wildlife or cliff dangers but men.
I have been getting a little anxious about it after seeing how much strength I have lost after being out of the military and post surgery. On the other hand fuck the world and society, I’m not going to let shitty people keep me from doing what I love.
Do any of you solo hike or do things alone and what do you do to prepare or be aware of?
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Bear spray (depending on your location) is good to have. But if bear spray is too out there, then pepper spray is good. Good footwear, no headphones, and maybe a stick or hiking pole.
Honestly though, I know there are some wackos out there but I’ve never felt in danger when hiking. Sometimes I’ll let someone pass me and be ahead because I get anxious about people being behind me, but I’ve never had anyone be weird. Even disc golfing in cities has been fine.
Grains of salt as I am cis and I know things are harder for our trans sisters.
Not cis but agree. I don’t want to downplay the accidents and crimes that can sometimes happen in the wilderness, because they do happen, but sometimes non-hikers can sometimes be really afraid of public forests and nature trails and occasionally exaggerate all the things that can go wrong, when in 99% of cases, you’re fine if you come prepared.
And if pepper spray isn’t available either: bandaid spray!
I have never used a hiking pole, how much does it help?
Personally I’m not a huge fan of trekking poles, but they do help with balance and keeping a rhythm. Also good for swatting things should the need arise. I’m more a fan of a good walking stick because they’re sturdier and more maneuverable(?) in terms of which hand or where you want them. Also very good for swatting things.
It does take practice to get into the swing of using either, so it likely won’t feel great right off the bat, but it’s an option.
I solo hike and backpack. I listen to my instincts same as normal daily city life; baseline cautious of all men, pull the plug at any whiff of weird from an individual.
- make sure someone knows where you’re going and has an actionable plan if you don’t check in by x time
- check in at a ranger station if you’re hiking somewhere remote or multi-day
- hiking poles, pocket knife clipped visibly to belt, pepper spray designed for runners within reach
- if backpacking and reaching end of day, you don’t want to feel obligated to stop where other people are if they’re unsafe, make sure you’re prepared to continue in the dark including being familiar with your gear so you can setup in the dark
- InReach Mini or other if you want a comms method and will be out of cell range
- If any man brings up “man or bear” while on the trail, fuckin’ run
- I’ve never carried a gun nor had an interest in it
I’ve had more problems with off-leash dogs than with men. But, y’know, they were off-leash because their owners (always men IME) thought they were above the rules and trail etiquette.
Perfect analogy to “not all men but always a man” - I can’t tell which dog is dangerous until it’s too late so I treat all with baseline caution.
I’m a fellow hiker and have a hard time finding friends who want to do outdoor activities these days. So I just hike alone usually because I want to do all the things I love with the time I have, and there won’t always be people in my life I can share everything with. I also walk alone at night sometimes. Don’t take my advice lol.
That being said, active communication can help. Having a dedicated check-in friend know where you are, what time you left, and what time you plan to return can be really helpful. If you’re up for making an investment, Garmin has a neat line of devices called the inReach, which is a satellite communications device that allows off-grid two-way communication to others’ phones, as well as SOS messaging, and you can also send a person a quick check-in notification by pressing a button. It’s more of a backpacking tool but could definitely be used hiking too.
Yeah, I have a phone that has satellite communication so I’m planning on putting it in low power mode and I’m bringing a solar battery bank.
Do you have a dog? I highly recommend a furry buddy for hikes.
Also letting your sister or friends know where you’re going to be and when to expect you home. Maybe location sharing if you’re comfortable with that.
I do have a bigger dog but I’m worried about his feet. I have not taken him on long hikes before.
They make hiking boots for dogs, if that’s something you want to explore.
I obtained a concealed carry permit for my state and a Utah concealed carry permit and a small handgun. Having received rape threats and ‘I could kill you’ threats from men in local parks at night I don’t feel safe out alone unless I’m carrying.
I abhor violence and gun culture and I wish we lived in a better society but I’m going out prepared for the one I’m stuck in.
Practically: you have to practice and it took me some time to find a way to carry it that I was comfortable with so this is not a low effort solution but at least I can do my hobbies the way I want to.
I just completed my CCL for my state but it can take months to get the actual card. I do have a crossbody bag made for carrying.
This is the way for sure. Look into an Utah permit as well if you l live near a border they have reciprocity with more than half the states!
I do, quite frequently. Which country do you live in? I can only share my experience from Europe, though.
Middle US, I have been hiking when I was younger and before transitioning, solo hiking has been an escape from the connected world that I have missed. Bears, mountain lions, and terrain have never been an issue.
