Well this weekend I had plans to camp one night with friends, they all backed out.
I've been backpacking for a few years now, but somehow always end up with several people in our overnight trips.
Just going solo this weekend. Not really scared of anything, but for some reason the forest get spoopy at night. Northeast USA, New York state, not many animules to worry about.
Let's hear some tips how you guys solo.
>>782458
Leave a detailed Itinerary with a family member of where you'll be sleeping and hiking with a phone call or text check in time the following morning if possible. Dont deviate from the itinerary you give out.
whelp, based on personal experience if you hear someone/something walking through the darkness don't go wandering about looking for it or trying to spook it. just sit tight at your little fire or whatever and nothing will happen to you. being insecure and wandering in the dark does you no favors whatsoever, regarding people or wild animals.
don't get too hammered. make sure you have plenty of comforts and things to occupy your mind - headphones, whittling, arts & crafts, night photography, etc. expend a reasonable amount of energy and time during daylight to collect firewood - don't put it off until after dark because it's a massive pain in the ass to be constantly wanding in circles in the dark looking for wood. firewood collection is one of those things that's 10x more important and time-consuming when you're alone. depending on your fire it might dominate 50% of your time if you put it off until late. don't get spoop'd. the forest is actually rather comfy and safe at night, just the darkness makes it seem foreboding. remember that you're pretty much hidden from everything. As a New Englander I assume you may hear/see coyotes, maybe a skunk, or possibly even hear a largr animal (bear, deer, moose) wandering about. Ain't no thing. Have bear spray with you for peace of mind, sleep with it handy in the 0.1% chance a curious bear sniffs through your camp after you're asleep. It won't happen but don't be a dolt about that sorta thing. Feel free to sleep-in. The silence and solitude of camping alone means it's your personal vacation, make it cumpfy and make it last.
Pic related, my first Vision Quest* in 2010
*it's not a Vision Quest it's just what I call my solo campings
>>782458
Bring a book. Boredom is the biggest issue with solo trips
As others have said, boredom can be a problem.
Practice making reverse wrap cordage from natural materials. Use it to make different types of bow drills and practice fire starting. Do some rock hounding for knappable rocks (flint, chert, certain quartzite, etc), and start banging rocks together. Can't find good stone? Use the bottom of a glass bottle instead. Make birch tar, and use it and your cordage to start making hafted tools.
Any more tips?
I dont know about you guys but when im out innawoord,backpacking alone, im too fucking tired to read and just eat and,knock out.
>>783406
not him but if you want an /out/ book tip i can recommend butcher's crossing by john williams. it's about a guy going on a buffalo hunt in the rocky mountains. it's a nice read.
>>783536
Maybe in the first couple of days, but as I get into trail shape my days end earlier with less exhaustion.
>>783406
I honestly wish I knew some books to recommend you. Most of this stuff you have to learn through trial and error. But I guess learning that way will give you plenty to keep you busy.
>>783406
I bring books on wild edibles. Try and memorize stuff at night and then try and identify stuff during the day. Once you identify a plant you'll see it everywhere. Any good survaval/pioneering books are good though. Other than that Jack London, Steinbeck, Twain, Kipling, etc.
Also since it's just one night you could try and bring something more than mountain house to eat, depending on your resources there's a ton of stuff that's good to cook while out, the lack of a kitchen and refrigeration can be challenging/rewarding. Maybe buy a whole chicken/small animal and roast it under the coals of you fire. Bring mirepoix & herbs and make a stew. Try and find some lamb's quarters and dandelion to make a salad. I could go on.
>>782458
>Jew York
Bring a gun if you have one. If not, bring whatever the fuck weapon you can. It'll help you from packing up early and chickening out.
>>782475
Solid advice, at least make a post on Facebook or tell some friends what's up. Family is best if they actually live in the same state as you.
No OP but I figured I could ask a question in this thread. I'm going on a camp out with some friends and plan on going backpacking alone later his year. What is a good 1 person tent for this? I would prefer not to spend a shit ton of money on it but I don't want something too cheap and low quality.
>>783842
>post on Facebook
depends on the sitch. it's not generally advisable to advertize on FB that you'll be away from home for x amount of time starting on such and such a day. obviously if there'll be people home at your house/condo/apt/halfway house while you're gone it's no matter but if not
>>782458
Bring a good porn mag.
>>783841
OP here, I'm a Pennsylvania resident, right near the border. I don't even own a gun that's within the NY magazine limits, except my .22 pistol, which I only use for plinking.
OP again, forgot to mention, pic in my OP post is where I'll be camping. Hiked it solo 2 weeks ago to scout the best campsites. Nice little state forest.
Here's another pic.
Another pic
