Should you go hiking alone? Yes! Let me tell you why

[@FreedomOnFoot]

Totally agree. I love solo hiking and until recently, most solo hikes I had done were either day hikes or overnight hikes. I wanted to challenge myself with a bigger solo trip so a few months back I did a 250km thru-hike over 14 days on my own and it was such a memorable experience. Loved the solitude and the time to think and get immersed in nature and learn more about my own resilience and resourcefulness. There are lots of answers out there on the trail.

[@Tutume1111]

You are awesome! We have so much in common and thank you for this vid and encouragement words as I also find it solo hiking to be an adventure 😊

[@SowingSongs]

I appreciate and support this message. I also feel that female solo hikers need to know that there are states in the US where gun laws and culture mean that you can assume that anyone you encounter is carrying a firearm and may have malicious intent. In many places, there is crime data to demonstrate that solo female hiking is genuinely unsafe with respect to violent crime. Having a personal safety beacon is helpful in case of accident, injury, or becoming lost, but there is really no good way to protect yourself against an armed man or men who are intent on harming and/or killing you in a remote area. Even two hikers together may face this situation with tragic results. An unfortunate reality here in the US.

Thank you for sharing. Fortunately here in Europe it is a lot safer. When I was in Canada I was constantly anxious about bears when hiking solo so it is definitely different here!

[@escursionisuburbane6107]

Totally agree, I am married and I have a large family and carving out time for solo hiking (which I do up to 1-2 times a week) massively grounds me as a human being. Yes there are dangers (I have fallen a couple of times and I have had very close encounters with packs of wild boars) but the payoffs in terms of peace of mind (which is very easily lost when you always interact with family members) are immense. Thanks for sharing and greetings from your fellow Italian solo hiker Eduardo

[@outdoorshoesofficial]

Agree! 1,000%

[@bb626166]

Thank you for making this video I love hiking and actually in my country there are over 400 mountains over 3000 meters. Hope one day you got a chance to visit Taiwan.

[@ashishbhide3279]

I really wanted to do solo. Thanks for this vdo

[@benhikescamps]

Fabulous video. I’ve just returned from hiking 100 miles alone in England. Away from work, home, family, people and to just think about yourself is so so beneficial. Thank you Melody.

[@SoleSistersPH]

thru hiking alone is in my bucket list. you are brave Melody.

Thank you! ♥ You should absolutely do it! One of the Top 3 experiences of my life so far not gonna lie.

[@SoleSistersPH]

@ soon🤞🤞 maybe after this pandemic thingy😊😊.

[@peterrouleau5992]

A great time to fall in love with yourself. ❤

[@trailblazer_nomad]

I totally agree with you. Solo hiking give you an opportunity to slow down, take a breath and re-think some matters. It teaches you self-reliance and trust in yourself.

[@nhojd7]

Wow, I really connected to everything you said. Very cool..

[@dallasvayens9828]

hike on,but be responsible ,tell loved ones where your going..yes i know a little something..Take Care.

[@moyashisoba]

Hiking solo is the best what ever happened to me. Or I did to myself :-D Hiking solo is my me-time, it's just for me, myself and I. It's meditative and at one point I'm starting to be one with nature. That's my reset point.

Reset point yes! It’s grounding and kind of like meditation. You only need to focus on the next step! Thank you for your words :)

[@johnhutchison2268]

I am about to go on a three month walk on my own. Melody thank you. Your clip has helped me to face up to the challenge of being on my own and what I want from this.

[@helensingh506]

How was it?

[@wasefashrafTheranger]

I like hiking...so much

[@MegaSuperAmine]

Thank you Melody . You are such a beauty 💕 Please keep up . And know that you are perfect

[@Nate1975]

Great reflective and insightful video. Very true about not waiting for other people, just do it and do what you want to do, overcome fears and grow in confidence. It’s empowering once you get going. So much more to solo hiking than just walking

[@BenjaminBouvier-z5w]

Very interesting

[@Ronroncho]

amazing video, hoping see for more content :)

[@Gabriela9Guerra]

Amazing. You are such a beautiful person inside and out thanks for sharing and being so authentic. You inspire people, you live life. :)

[@petermarshall582]

All good words!!

[@paulineArkana97]

Thank you for your powerful words and work

[@tekrunner987]

If you frequently go to areas outside of phone coverage, especially in places where even just a twisted ankle could put you in trouble, getting a GPS beacon may be a good idea, and give you (and your relatives) some peace of mind. I personally have a RescueMe from Ocean Signal. I go to the mountains quite frequently, and I enjoy it both solo or with one or two other people. Solo gives you complete freedom, which I find especially nice above the tree line, where nothing forces you to even stay on a trail at all. On the other hand, being with someone else creates strong shared experiences, which is nice too. You do have to find the right partners, but there are always ways to meet like-minded people.

I fully agree with you! Of course safety is priority. I'm absolutely getting a satellite messenger or PLB for my next long solo hike. And I think hiking with like-minded people is great too! In my opinion both options are just so different experience-wise that it's hard to compare. I usually go solo hiking for when I can't find like-minded people who are willing to wait for me and my photography/videography lol. And I'm a slow walker. I usually only get that with my father! I hope to find more of those people to go on the trails with :)

[@tekrunner987]

@ I'd offer to show you some cool places if you ever come back to the French Alps, but I'm more of a speed hiker / trail runner, so that would probably not work very well! Covid has made a lot of people really want to go out and enjoy nature, so I'm sure you'll find the right hiking partners.

@@tekrunner987 Thanks for offering! I would be too slow for you though ha! But I am always keen on recommendations! I loved the French Alps, I might go back this year for a bit :)

[@tekrunner987]

@ I'm actually more into going far than fast, but going faster gets you farther in the same amount of time! As for recommendations, here's something that I bet you'd enjoy a lot: the GR91, particularly the Vercors part of it (until Chatillon-en-Diois). It goes straight through the Hauts Plateaux du Vercors, which is one of the largest uninhabited areas in Western Europe, and is a very contemplative hiking area. The kind of places where even I feel like I should stop running and take all my time. If you ever actually plan on going there I can give you more info, the GR is nice enough but it barely misses several of the Vercors's most beautiful spots (very cool-looking mountains like the Mont Aiguille, areas where you're quite likely to see chamois, marmots or edelweiss, etc.), so it's worth going off of it in certain places.

[@deanc6772]

FULLY AGREE. Time for self introspection.

[@saunamchan2908]

What a wonderful video! I'm planning on doing my first solo trip this summer and after watching your video, I think I am even more excited to get out there and slow down, take things at my own pace, and to experience each moment as it comes. Ich freue mich darauf!

I’m glad you like it! I hope you’ll have a wonderful time with your solo hike! Stay safe!

[@miao7997]

Well said, thanks for such inspiring words..

[@NickandRachel]

Thanks for sharing!

[@BackcountryTreks]

I agree with everything you talked about and I enjoyed listening to what you had to say. Solo backpacking and hiking is a beautiful thing! Happy trails!🤙

[@DanielleMarieyt]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. New here can’t wait to see more videos.

Thank you Dani!

[@gcardenes1977]

Absolutely agree

[@55tutur]

You are a fantastic person. I have to admit that your video made me the same fullness as a Terrence film! Can't wait to come back on hiking now, and maybe alone this time :)

Happy to hear that ❤️

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

Great video. I also hike alone and I love it. I am Just like you. Taking time, making video's, take pictures etc. For me that is the best time to spend time off from work.

[@MoosebearAdventures]

Great vid. Thank you

[@patelabhishek7966]

Very good, informative video, I also tried solo hiking loved the experiance. Thankyou very much for suggesting it

[@fujiwaranoteika92]

What you say is so true. I agree 100%! Thanks for the video 👍😀

[@juliettebolen9176]

I understand you 100%! Love the vid.

[@louisasmith9388]

I agree. Being freed of distractions and thus, better able tomlose oneself altogether (onlbessions etc) or feel very aware of oneself as a self yet one that is interacting with trees, animals (ideally in remote places NOT other humans who can be either literally dangerous though not often, but may break the spell of connecting with nature alone). Nature is great to SHARE with someone or a full group of people you love, but that’s something altogether different than the experience you are describing and advocating for each of us to have, via this video (and if not ofyen at least once in a while). I’m very sleep deprived but thinking of trying this rather quickly with things coming together that I’d not expected would (I expected only road blocks). I probably could use this right now. And certainly your video here has helped me - whether I donthe hike this month or this year and whether it’s days or week(s) long or only one day capped off by sleep in a bed rather than in a tent or in the ground staring up at actually bright stars one cannot see when close to most cities. Thank you and good health - in all senses of the word. ☮️

[@louisasmith9388]

*Sorry about those typos!

[@BikerHarryNL]

At 1.17 I started to write this. I hike by foot and by bike with a group of friends with my wife and solo and I totale agree and know what you mean Melody (beautiful name). Going solo gives you responsibility of your own decisions of your own live. You can’t blame nobody. I think you are a beautiful person. Not living the mainstream bot go your own way. (song of Fleetwood Mac.) God bless you.

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your words :) Keep exploring!

[@WyrdHag]

New subscriber here! Love your message about doing what you want, and the benefits of being alone in nature. :) Personally I feel so much more relaxed and present in the moment when I'm alone. No distractions, just yourself and nature. Looking forward to seeing more videos!

Thank you so much! :) I agree, it is just a very different experience!

[@rbalavfx]

Well said, Love the video

[@ankaraldionysos6945]

It was inspiring! Thank you

[@thomasboisen]

Great and thoughtful video! I completely agree with everything you said. Hiking alone kind of puts everything in perspective (in a positive way). Looking forward to your next video. Keep it up, cheers.

[@dianaleila]

YASSSSSSSSSS!!!! You said it perfectly!!!

[@michaelfinn1317]

Thank you for this great vid. Sixty eight year old here and I’ve been solo hiking a long time and hope to get back to it when it’s safer for everyone. Stay safe and God bless.

Amazing - keep it up!!

[@trulsdirio]

Well as I don't have a single friend I always hike alone. And it defenitely has a nice side to it.

There are often facebook groups and community websites or clubs that offer options to look for hiking buddies! Maybe you can check that out :)

[@markblankenship8289]

Beautiful dreams

[@NeuroDee]

Solitude is a beautiful gift my friend. I have travelled all over the world, but that wouldn't of happened if I waited for other people. I've had many people flake out over the years. If you are ever in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, hit me up! Lovely land up here :D

I agree! Dude, I would've been in Canada for a year but I had to cancel due to COVID :( But hopefully I can get there as a tourist soon!!

[@NeuroDee]

Aww, thats too bad! Damn covid! There are so many beautiful hikes here. The West Coast Trail is an amazing, challenging, but spiritual hike. Maybe next year, you can make it out here to Canada 🇨🇦. I'll be done my Masters Degree in May of 2022 so I'll be out exploring mountains and trails much more then I do now. Also, I really resonated with your video about taking your time. I enjoy making videos (whether they are good or not) because it helps me enjoy the journey and not just get to the destination. P.s the language you use sounds like a social worker or related field of employment lol?

@@NeuroDee Exactly! I also looked into the CDT through the Rockies I think. I'd also love to hike a bit of the Trans Canada Trail. There's way too many options out there haha! Exactly that. I also enjoy the video part to document it and so I can always go back in some way. I watched my hiking video the other day and really felt it all again haha Actually I just have a deep interested for anything related to social work and psychology. I learned something with Media :P

[@NeuroDee]

@ yes! Imagine looking back at your videos in 10 years from now. It will be so cool 😎 Haha, I'm a social worker, and listening you was like speaking with a fellow colleague at work 😝 Cheers To self care through nature!!! 🍾🥂🍻

@@NeuroDee Ha! That's hilarious. I take it as a compliment since I'm really into it! :-) Cheers!

[@MrJojoGeronimo]

Hello there, (please excuse my bad English, I'll try to do my best ^^) Your discussion here is very good, really inspiring, and it's totaly one of the best I've heard in YT hiking videos. I'm hiking alone since years. Sometimes I have hike with friends or girlfriend, but, they were truely hiking with me "alone" too. I mean, they were exactly in same phylosophy as I am or they understood my phylosophy. I like to say that I'm in my bubble and it's really hard for me to let other come inside it. I think they had the same kind of "bubble" so it worked ^^ But since a few time, I don't know why, I have difficulties to go hike because of some new stupid **** fears I have. Difficults summits I did before are scaring me now, even some easier summit wich has no climbing but just an "engaged" zone. I like mineral so when I have to go through forests I don't like it, some animals are scaring me like bears, I used to like winter hiking too, but now I am so fear about avalanches even if I am very attentive to the "snow reading" and that I'm equiped..etc...etc... Maybe it's because I'm becoming older, because of time forwarding... I don't know, but it is really anoying for me and I hate that :/ Friends of me tried to help me, but it didn't work because they haven't same philosophy, they walk too fast and it's not my kind of hiking. I'm pretty same as you, I like enjoy the view, take my time to observe, smell, hear... so I've a bit of bad mood since these stupid fears have begins... I hope to find a way to fight these stupid fears and go hike again, as happy as before... I've heard your words as if I had never been hiking, I'll maybe try to go to a new hike of few days, when the pandemic situation in my country will be stabilised (I'm working in health and emergency services), maybe the TMB (but too much forest in this Hike I think ^^) or something shorter in the Alpes like a hike in Switzerland I want to do with a glacier zone. I hope to find the strenght to go back in big Hike, 'cause I love it so much... Thanks for these inspiring words, I didn't know you, enjoy your future trips ;) Have a nice day ! Bye.

Hi MrJojoGeronimo! Thank you for your comment and your honesty. I think you made a really big point here: developing anxiety over the things you used to like. I often have that too: when I have to ascend a very steep trail or when the weather changes quickly in an exposed area. Personally I think it does have to do with getting more experienced in life (nicer way of saying older lol) because we are more aware of the things that can happen. The things that could prevent us from working and making income and a safe future. Or many other things. I think all of our emotions are just trying to tell us something. They're never bad or good. They are what they are! And maybe your newly developed fear is just trying to tell you - or prepare you - for something that can happen on the trail. And it is good to have it. You can use it and mentally prepare solutions for when things go wrong. And then overcome it, again and again. It won't go away until you face it. I think a way of dealing with it can be asking yourself question after question until you find out what you're really afraid of. Maybe write it down, take your time with it, be slow (like on a hike! Enjoy the process of figuring it out). Maybe go on a day hike and be literally there where the fear would hit you. And then ask it (this sounds a bit spiritual maybe lol) what it wants from you. The TMB actually doesn't have THAT much forest :) I think it would be a great hike to start out again, there are always people there in case something should happen. You have basically everywhere reception lol. I hope you find a solution to it! If you do - or even if you don't - I'd be happy to hear about it! -Melody

[@MrJojoGeronimo]

@ Hello again, Thanks for your nice and true answer, I didn't expect such a quick, cool and great answer :) Thanks for that :) I think you're totaly right. These fears are here because of experience. I had only one very small accident, climbing a very easy route. I had started climbing with friends to get over a vertigo emerging in some situations in the mountains. And today it's not getting better lol... but not because of this small accident, I ever had all these stupid fears at this time. I hike for the day and solo every week, I am lucky enough to live in the mountains. But for now, it's still winter and I'm just looking at the peaks from a low altitude, doing very easy and safe hikes I know by heart. I can do a maximum of 700 to 1000 vertical meters before being in the danger zone. (Cornices, snowy and / or icy ridges ...) Last week, I had all my equipment and I forgot my ice axe in the car, failed act ? XD It's so annoying knowing where the danger is, how to avoid it, and still being stuck with fear. I have projected to try this summer to pass successfuly over my comfort zone and try some peaks that are a bit more difficult (soft climbing, engaged ridges...), and if I have enough money, why not TMB in June or september (the 7 days because I will not have enough time for the 10 days), you're not the first person to recommand me this trek. I'll try to remember telling you if it worked ^^ Again thanks for your nice sharing and answering. :) Have fun trekkin' Bye :)

[@James-un8mm]

I completely agree with you comments at 6:45

[@missaelmorales3059]

Hey. That's me. 🐕‍🦺

[@aaliyahlynch1975]

it is now on my bucket list!! 😁

[@Fav0rit]

all this is true

[@callmeuda586]

🔥🔥🔥

[@re4s0n]

It is so TRUE ! LOVE IT ! Well said ! :) I also hike sometimes, it`s the best way to find yourself, to get to know who you really are :) My next video will be something like yours - solo hike ;) Greetings from Poland, sub and thumb up !

[@aliensoup2420]

I hike alone for purely selfish reasons - I can go where and when I want to go, and as long as I want. Any more than 3 is a crowd. There is usually one contrarian, or a loudmouth that can’t keep their political opinions to themselves. If I want to hear someone talk, I listen to a lecture or audio book on my iPod.

[@differentmindset7924]

Hiking solo is very, very, dangerous.

[@mreit28]

she's not pretty enough to get a guy to hike with...it'd be better just to be honest about it

1. Why would I „need“ someone to hike with? 2. Why must it be a guy specifically? 3. Since when do we choose hiking partners by looks?

[@mreit28]

@ don’t act like you’re proud to hike alone, we can tell you’re pretending

[@MrChaps-jq8mu]

I think you are pretty and smart melody... keep hiking.

Thank you Carlos, you too! 😊

[@MegaSuperAmine]

I do find you so beautiful ❤️ You are just perfect.please keep inspiring people.

[@johnhutchison2268]

I am about to go on a three month walk on my own. Melody thank you. Your clip has helped me to face up to the challenge of being on my own and what I want from this.

Amazing! Where are you hiking? I'm glad it could help you!

[@johnhutchison2268]

@ I am walking from Lands End in the South West of England to John O’Groats in North East Scotland Melody. I have just watched your clip again and it has helped me to see the challenge and I what it means. I am interesting in Buddhism and I am treating this journey as a retreat

@@johnhutchison2268 Great, John! I wish you a wonderful time on the trail! I think using that as a retreat is a great idea, I hope it gives you insights into that!