5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Hiking Alone (Pt1)

I've learned so many things since my first solo hike. Looking back, some of my mistakes are just plain ridiculous. If you're new to hiking, I'll make your life a bit easier, because in this video I share five things that I wish I knew when I just started hiking alone. Actually, I have at least 10 important tips that I want to share, but I can't cover them in a single video, which is why this is the first part of this video series.
▼ SECOND PART
• 7 Things I Wish I Knew...
▼ TABLE OF CONTENTS
00:00 - Beginning
00:44 - Adjusting Your Backpack
03:18 - Hiking Alone
05:26 - About Waterproof Gear
08:14 - Choosing the Distance
09:56 - How to Navigate
13:11 - Final Words
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[@tommyNix4098]

Always carry a satellite communicator when traveling solo in the backcountry. If you get sick or hurt it could save your life.

[@HikingWithShawn]

Great hiking advice! I think the advice on how to pack and adjust your pack is the best part. So many beginner hikers have a bad experience because they choose the wrong size pack, load it incorrectly, and pack it wrong.

[@shoresy6183]

Couldn't agree more with your tip to reduce daily mileage. I did a section hike of the Appalachian Trail and did waaaaay too many miles, waaaaaay to quickly. I ended up getting really sore knees and had to end my hike early. Another mistake I had made was I had booked a hotel room with a non-refundable deposit. BIG MISTAKE! I lost my deposit money because I was injured and had to get off the trail. As Quicksand would say: "LESS MILES, MORE SMILES!"

[@briancyers6790]

Hiking alone, you should consider a personal emergency satellite communicator in the event you have a serious event. They have saved many injured hikers. Go to Canam Project/Missing 411.

[@RealBoiJare]

Thanks for all the advice! Im preparing for my first overnight backpacking trips this spring and summer

[@basutripathy]

Very informative. Thanks brother 🎉

[@Michael-qk6ou]

Very helpful, Thank you.

[@wildsau1965]

great tips , thanks

[@dhrtiwalter8670]

I’m concerned about getting murdered by serial killer and bears, coyote, and wolves

[@33sosa85]

​@@nathanbyd570 guns are better

[@DavidSmith-fz8ju]

Seriously, wolves really bother ppl. n it's more about being near their dean.never read of someone being attacked by wolves...although they can get close.bears are basically land sharks.lions are kind of rare things,they have an area you find them.but from Cali.to fla.snakes are problematic,not agressive,they hide so look at hiding places ,like your looking for an "immunity idol ".

[@Pwrcritter]

Land sharks?

[@TheLensSchwendi]

Hey mate, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Great video, I'll check out more of your vids. Hello from a likeminded dude from the Swiss mountains

[@bryanjames5256]

Going to be hiking the 72 miles Quehanna Trail on my soon when the weather turns. It's always like hitting the reset button for me. But I take my time, and enjoy it. Thanks for the tips.

[@JESUSISKING77742]

Hey thanks for the video! Going on my first solo hike tomorrow. It’s my 4th time ever hiking and my first time doing a 3 day hike! I wanted to mention though when you say you can spot more wild animals alone, since it’s more quite. I just wanted to mention that after a lot of research I’ve noticed people saying to actually make noise, talk to yourself, play music from a speaker, get a bear bell. This is because many bear attack happen because people surprise and scare the bear. So for everyone reading when you’re turning blind corners make noise. And just try to make noise at least once in a while incase there’s a bear nearby. If they hear you they’ll get scared and run. If you startle them though they think you’re trying to attack them and will fight for their life. This is actually why bear bells we’re created, so that there’s always a noise that unfamiliar and strange to bears, but music snd your voice will do just fine if not better

[@OscarHikes]

Great advice and good luck on your trip! You should definitely make noise in bear country. But if there's no chance of meeting a wild predator, like in Latvia or Spain, you can see much more wilflife by staying quiet. ;)

[@JESUSISKING77742]

@@OscarHikes oh true makes sense. And thankyou!

[@wildsau1965]

no bears in germany but wild pigs which will leave you alone , do see a lot of rabbits though

[@elderhiker7787]

Well done! Your excellent advice was spot on. If your other videos are as well done, I will be happy that I subscribed. Ciao

[@gunterbecker8528]

Great tips

[@bugoutbasics1070]

Thank you

[@AntwonDaBusiness]

If you’re an inactive person I would not recommend 8-10 mile a day trips. You will be miserable and especially with a heavy pack weight. I’d start with 5 mile days to prevent damage

[@OscarHikes]

That's good advice. Didn't think about that.

[@BushCampingTools]

Great info I would only add that personally I would not to rely upon maps on the phone too much. One drop accidentally into a small puddle, there goes your map (and of course phone unless splash proof). Also unless one's batter is in tip top condition, phone batteries can die in sub zero conditions, although a good idea with the charger bank (as you mention) , very necessary for long hikes to keep the phone (as an emergency communication device, charged, just in case). Great video! The biggest issue i thin for beginner hikers is def the incorrect placement of gear within your pack as you describe and this can as you say make a huge difference in comfort.

[@nathanieldavis5493]

I love the app AllTrails. It has a great search feature that you can apply filters to and the ability to download offline apps with premium subscription which only costs $35 a year. It also reports the trail condition and great pictures and descriptions with estimated hike times. Another thing I highly recommend when hiking solo or even with a group is a satellite communicator. If you're in an area without cellphone signal you can still communicate with others and get help in an emergency. The one I use is by Zoleo but I know that the Garmin inReach is another great option.

[@KeyserTheRedBeard]

extremely good content Hike Much. I shattered the thumbs up on your video. Maintain up the superb work.

[@OscarHikes]

Please be careful with the thumbs up button. If you break it, other people won't be able to click on it. Thanks.

[@d0n315]

I prefer to go backpacking alone. I always hope I’ll get attacked by a cougar 😏

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

This is a great video! Nice discussion. Well done. New follower here. Nice advice. Crow

[@rexcharles11]

I have been using all trails for navigation online and offline and getting details about the trails

[@jerrystraka7856]

lived near Glacier Park for 35+ years hiked alone hundreds of times....in grizzly country put on well over 4000 trail miles, summited peaks well over 100 times reduced my pack weight, not by elimination, rather by product innovation NEVER carried over 40 lbs. even when i backcountry camped for a week at a time. ALWAYS had bear spray. ALWAYS had 2 or more knives (for different uses) and a saw. had encounters with griz, black bear, wolves, wolverines (i love those guys!), mountain lions, moose, elk, and yes - dogs. always had raingear and lot of dry socks camped under trees and no tent many times. LOVE HIKING AND CLIMBING ALONE!! LOVE IT!! THE PEACE ATTAINED ALONG THE TRAIL AND ATOP A PEAK IS SOMETHING CANNOT BE EXPLAINED - - -ONLY EXPERIENCED

[@kleintone]

hey images of Sierra Nevada so cool :D

[@aussierandomfamilyvideos2732]

My tips - pace yourself carefully, think twice before attempting a move that a partner if you had one would call you on, careful about deviations from your plan (noting you should always take an emergency beacon), careful the heat or cold again items a partner would ping you on but unlikely you do this yourself if you are not purposeful. Many of these video recommendations are not solo specific but generic.

[@SophieV777]

Would it be possible to do the first ever hike alone ?

[@jbnsn13]

I have to kinda disagree with you recommending not to use a raincover for your backpack and instead only using a packliner/drybags. When I´m hiking in really wet conditions for multiple days I always use a raincover not because it´s 100% waterproof (because it def isn´t) but because a backpack gets so much heavier if I let it absorb all the rain that´s coming down. I still use drybags for all my stuff because the pack can still get wet inside.

[@TheRealJohnMadden]

IMO rain covers are a waste of money, just wear a poncho at that point to keep yourself and your pack dry.

[@alvarourdialesramirez5697]

Really helpful! You have been in Spain, which app do you think works better?

[@OscarHikes]

Thanks. I live in Spain now, and wikiloc has a ton of different trails here. The combination of wikiloc + Gaia GPS, as mentioned in the video, works really great here.

[@alvarourdialesramirez5697]

@@OscarHikes España es precioso! Thanks a lot, I’ll try on the next hike in Navarra!

[@OscarHikes]

@@alvarourdialesramirez5697 Ohh, I'm down south, near Sierra Nevada. But I'll go to the Pyranees in spring, probably, when the covid restrictions ease a bit.

[@carolynevans8826]

I'm 55 and new to backpacking. For starting how much weight do you recommend for a older new backpacker?

[@moorejl57]

Very informative, I too learned these things the hard way. I am older so I still use a compass and a topo map for navigation. I tried getting a nice Suunto base plate compass (now owned by a Chinese company doh!), but it was sent to me with a dry capsule (no dampening). So in frustration I bought a Cammenga military compass that is built like a tank and has no declination adjustment. It turns out to have been a great decision as I love the compass, it is rugged, accurate, and it forced me to really learn/understand map grid systems and how to navigate. Also, no batteries to carry!

[@OscarHikes]

I'll probably get into topo maps as well once I start doing more serious hiking/mountaineering. Navigating with apps is only useable for safer weekend getaways and light trekking. Also, probably not a good idea to rely only on apps when doing long-distance hiking, especially in the mountains.

[@backpackboat1]

Waterproof pants are definitely not in my pack, and rarely a rain jacket. I just find them too hot, have you considered an umbrella and a rain skirt? Thats my go to now although if the weather looks bad and I might be exposed for awhile on a mountain pass, ill bring the jacket.

[@moorejl57]

@@backpackboat1 I have thought about getting a reflective umbrella as it also provides sun protection. It would have issues in high wind conditions, so I would still bring a light GoreTex jacket that doubles as a windbreaker.

[@chrisw3327]

Carrying two navigation systems, and knowing how to use both, is a safer bet. Personally, I mainly use my phone, offline map and GPS for convenience, but i also carry a printed segment of map and at least a button compass, just in case. I pay 4 GBP (about 5 Euro or USD) per month for my app, which allows me to print high quality maps too. The physical compass has been needed for occasions where my phone has crapped out and its GPS and compass got confused. One time was on top of a mountain with high wind and rain, and with almost no visibility. Top tip!

[@wildsau1965]

im saving up for a cammenga,learned navigation with it in the military , unfortunately someone stole mine shortly before i got out .

[@mandyinseattle]

Sorry but wolves are not dangerous animals. If you come across a wolf in the wild -- which will almost never happen because they steer clear of humans -- it's because the wolf didn't hear or smell you and as soon as they do see or hear you, they'll run away because they're smart like that. The only time a wolf will attack a human is if they have rabies, which is rare, or you approach their den. Bears and mountain lions are another story.

[@jameswinn1249]

Snakes and ticks are much more dangerous than wolves realistically

[@RealBoiJare]

That makes sense. Ive lived in the middle of Canada for almost 28 years and have never seen a wolf. I’ve gone up in Northern Sask and the Rockies a handful of times and never saw any

[@Pwrcritter]

Black bears are so curious its unsettling at times.

[@RTFLDGR]

It is naive and incorrect to think solo hikers are safe. Nothing increases risk more than going solo. Predators of all species attack solo prey more often than groups of 2 or more. No one to help you or go for help/rescue if you are injured alone.

[@evanburke5460]

Dude you should have had some equipment companies sponsor you for this.

[@1024Pete]

Based on the video, the shoulder straps should be higher. It is low because the torso length does not look correct. Next, the slope angle of the load lifting straps need to be 45 degrees for proper support. They are not.

[@ttb1513]

3:55 I agree, no need to worry about getting killed by a serial killer … that’s never happened to me.

[@lonehiker6648]

Highly considering hiking solo if my friend isn't able to hike July 2022. I think Il start doing some short solo hikes so I'm prepared if he decides to bail.

[@rickwheeler978]

Yeah...about the river crossings. Have any of you guys ever heard of ropes? How about grappling hooks? Floatation devices? That last one is really simple, such as enough lengths of pool noodles to support your load and body weight fastened into the TOP of your backpacks. No i know the real reason why hikers are always dissappearing. I would be willing to bet that at least a third of them are fish food.

[@joebuck4496]

Wool Wool Wool.

[@mikejones-vd3fg]

dont forget to stretch

[@demonbadger86]

Lol... 15km is not good for a beginner hiker, even on flat ground unless they're a super fit beginner hiker.

[@TheRealJohnMadden]

Very subjective since 15km can vary wildly depending on environment. 15km is very easy for your average person on a near flat trail with minimal incline, minimal meaning there’s gradual inclines and not big steep hills where you’re pushing on your knees or need trekking poles.

[@woudt61]

why the musik and the tik tik tik

[@brianmcghie4316]

Tell people to carry coconut water when hiking. It's easier to stay hydrated. Also tell people to bring a satellite phone and a solar power battery charger.

[@kwokau6610]

No use at all, if you are always in a green tunnel.

[@jeffdom123]

Instead of getting waterproof boots, get waterproof socks

[@thirteen23girls64]

Thanks for the tips, but you should never hike alone, always take a husband to do the hard stuff🤭🤭🤭 thanks again 😘😘😘

[@D-A-1776]

First thing always carry a firearm or 2

[@sigsegv111]

pls come and visit Scotland or Norway .. your light boots and fast drying clothing won't work at all .. too much toxic generalisation in your video .. sorry

[@OscarHikes]

Been there. BTW I come from Latvia, where it rains/snows pretty much just as much. I prefer light & breathable trail runners over light boots 2/3 of the year. Late autumn and early spring I switch to thicker, water-resistant, low-cut hiking shoes, and in winter, I wear hardcore, insulated hiking boots. I wouldn't say it's toxic generalization - one of my friends friends recently did Camino de Santiago in big waterproof boots, where it's 30C on most days. Just because it's the first thing that people new to hiking think you should use on a hike like that. I'd instead argue that your comment is toxic, but that's just my own opinion.

[@sigsegv111]

@@OscarHikes Are we talking about the same ? Please come over here and try it out for yourself .. I am mountain guide for 15 years .. I certainly agree that shoes or trail runners are more comfortable, so be it when you're not hiking in boggy swampy hills with absolutely unstable weather (in Scotland we say that you can enjoy here 4 seasons in one day) where solid footway typically doesn't exist due to the nature of bogs. If you're going for one day hike you're okay with shoes .. But if you have more adventurous and bold plan which employs to stay in mountains for several nights and hike with heavy backpack then shoes will not suffice .. In past 10 years greatly increased the amount of people whom we had to help outside on the trail - typically they were under-equipped with the best UL gear worth of thousands of pounds which simply didn't withstand the conditions. I never said that somebody should go on "Camino de Santiago in big waterproof boots, where it's 30C on most days" :D .. no, never .. !!! I use myself a lot shoes or trail runners !!! .. I am only saying that seasoned hiker or mountaineer simply knows, that solid boots (personally I use Hanwag Alaska) are integral piece of equipment especially in harsh areas like Scotland or Scandinavia or even more southern in Alps on certain trails and it's no shame to take them out even in the summer especially if you're going to stay in the wilderness for more days. In certain areas they are better choice than lightweight shoes or trail runners just always.

[@user-jj3dt9ec5e]

Lost me at kilograms

[@youtischia]

Nice video. But please check your tenses. It is "5 things I wish I HAD known" not "I wish I knew".

[@tattoochef]

Nothing better to do huh?

[@briceanderson3281]

Lol...

[@StUCaboose]

You possess one of the most unlikable traits for a human being

[@BushCampingTools]

I'll sub to your channel too!

[@brianmcghie4316]

GMRS WILL.