Solo Backpacking: Why It's Great and How to Do It

[@Sidesurf100]

It’s always a treat when Evan posts a new hiking video. Very informative and entertaining as usual. Great news about the CT. Very much looking forward to that already.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@thediscerninghiker5857]

I have enjoyed your vid posts for many years now, I rank you in the top 10 of hiking video folks. You give good quality info and keep the attention of the viewer with your monolog. Thanks and as always Have Fun & Hike Safe.

[@jhonyermo]

My sentiments exactly

[@shcmoly]

It is important to achieve solace & solitude. Checklist helps.

[@Smokeybeesnatural]

Laurel Fork is always good for a ton of water crossings! Big South Fork is a wonderful place for so manyadventures. My buddy and I thru-hiked the Sheltowee in 2020, and saw a bear kill a deer near Blue Heron. Super crazy experience!

[@jackredding7891]

Glad you’re making videos again Evan, even if it is just here and there. Good to see you with Liz and Luke on occasion too!

[@DryBonesOutdoors]

I just seen where Huck just finished the PCT. I met Shoes at a campsite in RRG and we talked a lot about your channel and hiking the Sheltowee. I was glad to see that he did complete it.

[@uptrail7169]

I really enjoyed following your AT hike.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Awesome, thank you!

[@halohikes]

Holy cow, he's alive!!! Great watching a new video. Looks like the family is doing well ❤️. I've recommended your food video a couple times now. Always appreciate your perspective.

[@Rose-co3cp]

Thanks for sharing. It took me awhile to just hike by myself after my hiking partner had to stop due to lung cancer. Unfortunately, she lost her battle last summer. I am still hiking but I really haven't stayed by myself at night. I usually go to a shelter/hut. There is one stretch that I will stealth camp. It was the trail my partner was to hike with me. I will have her ashes to spread along this trail.

[@EllenLangfordPaints]

I was so glad to see my notification that you'd put up another video.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks!

[@thruthebiblewithmicey]

I took the plunge back in May and hiked 275 miles from Dick’s Creek Gap to Erwin. I’ve hiking solo now for 7 years. I definitely used to be nervous sleeping alone, but the fear went away overnight. I stayed in a couple of shelters alone in Pa last summer and didn’t even think about it. 🤷🏻‍♀️😃 It’s good to see you again. 🙂

[@elizabethbradt9731]

Now I know why you usually hike in river sandals!! So many creek Zings. Nice vlog

[@t.davidgordon2425]

Evan, this was my first exposure to you, but it will not be my last. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience. I sort of "backed into" soloing unintentionally, when some day-hikes with others ended up being solo (I think my first was in college, when I hiked McAfee Knob, which I had hiked before, but when my buddies bailed out for different reasons, back in the 1970s), and then a couple times in the Whites of New Hampshire, similarly, but ten or fifteen years later). There's. a wonderful forest only 18 miles from here (western PA), that I had hiked and camped in many times, and, familiar with it, I started soloing. In 2013 I spent 23 nights in my hammock, 20 alone. On the first Covid year, many other duties were cancelled, so I spent 38 nights in my hammock, three with delightful company, and 35 solo. I never really planned to solo-hike, but my love for the woods drew me to it. I still enjoy the forest (I will be 68 in November), and I enjoy sharing it with others, but I notice more when alone. In retrospect, I realize that I learned skills over time--knots, firewood-gathering, etc.--to the point that I had all the basic skills needed to be alone. I agree with you; the first few times in the woods at night alone are difficult for those of us reared in "Suburbia," but at some point, that anxiety dissipates, and I now sleep as well in my hammock in the forest as I do in my bed at home. I still love company in the woods, but I am also comfortable alone. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Enjoy "foresting," as I call it; be safe, and enjoy many times in the woods. And thank you, again, for sharing your wisdom and experience.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You caught me at a time that I'm responding to comments -- I just received yours. Very nice of you to leave such a long comment. You have a great story. I think I also "notice more when alone." Thanks for commenting!

[@papawinthewoods]

Just now found this... Nice video Evan. I've always enjoyed anything you did. I live near Big South fork and am out there doing videos regularly. If you ever come back up here and aren't in the solo mode, give me shout. I'd be happy to hit the trail with you.

[@cindicokeley1575]

Yay it’s Evan! Please video your CT hike. I think everyone would agree that we’d all look forward to that!

[@predzhead]

Hey Evan...if your flying out of Smyrna you've flown directly over my house a million times...I live behind the Rec. Park and the training planes go over all day long...stay safe and happy trails....

[@JamesWindland]

Hiked the entire AppalachianTrail solo, and just completed the Benton MacKaye trail this June solo. I pretty much solo hike all my long hikes. I will be solo hiking the Colorado in 2023, which will be my first Western trail.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, then you agree with me! Solo backpacking is great. The BMT is one of my favorite trails. When I did it in 2016 I didn't see a single person backpacking in my direction, and only three coming the other way. (I did see people in parking lots, at restaurants, etc.)

[@JamesWindland]

Your videos were the reason I did the BMT, rather enjoyed your trip. I didn't see anyone else until the Smokies. I hopped on the AT and hiked to Hot Springs when I finished, hung out there a few days till my wife picked me up. Definitely a truly wonderful trip!

[@Drone256]

Please do the Colorado trail. All of it. :) Your videos were part of my education before my 2019 AT thru hike and it is still entertaining to watch you on the trail. Would love to see how you get through all the challenges on the Colorado trail.

[@gunterbecker8528]

Lazy video maker u right up my alley,never understand why those eager enthusiastic youtubers ran back n forth to film themselves. Each to their own. U entertaining as well,unlike most of them,keep it up,enjoy u videos 👍🏕

[@billseay6399]

Hey Thanks again always enjoy your videos

[@naturalflow157]

My dear friend, this is truly an inspiring video to experience. It's absolutely soothing and relaxing to watch and let the experience speak for itself. As someone who travelled a lot and got lost in life, lost all the passion, the drive, the hunger for exploration I finally managed after years getting back out there, getting the feeling of an adventure and what it means to experience again the great feeling hiking, exploring, and travel gives you. Thank you so much for sharing this video, I am moved and inspired by you and the knowledge you share. Wishing you the best.

[@outdoorsfan4179]

Great to see you back on trail. Thanks for the backpacking videos again.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're welcome!

[@mikeboone4425]

Great to see you back. Happy Trails

[@LizKidder]

Yayyyyy so happy for a new Evan video!!!! Love the topic choice! After thousands of miles, I’m still nervous camping alone😂 Carry a PBL now, thanks to your suggestion! SEE YOU SOON!!!!!🎉

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes!

[@albertstone2816]

So good to see another video Evan!

[@stevelittle6356]

Great to see you back! Hope you document the Colorado Trail with Liz and Luke if you do it. You always provide informative content in your videos. Keep that camera rolling when on the trail!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Happy to get some encouragement like you're providing, thanks Steve!

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

75% of my trips are solo. I made a video about 3 weeks ago addressing some of the issues of going solo. Thanks for this, I enjoyed it.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're welcome, and thanks for your comment!

[@johnnorwood6116]

What a treat, thanks for uploading on my birthday!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Happy birthday!

[@DrewBoswell]

Good to see our favorite sandal-wearing hiking lawyer/musician/artist/video-maker out on the trail again. Very timely video, sir, and inspirational in the right ways. Cheers.

[@russellteee]

Thanks for this video Evan. Im into my 40s now and don’t have many options or time to head out with other people. It’s good to see others heading out and doing it alone!

[@chuckoffcampus9738]

Great to see Evan back after a year!!

[@JayHill615]

Great video! I live nearby in Smyrna.

[@wanttogo1958]

Evan, your video was very timely for me. I'm headed west (overland) shortly on some family business in Idaho but have a 4 night/5 day stop planned for the Wind River Range. I will be hiking solo, something I have never done during almost 50 years of backpacking. I suppose old dogs can learn new tricks 😄. I too carry the ACR PLB and use GAIA as my navigation aid. Of course, I always carry a compass and hard copy map. Anyway, I enjoyed your video and congratulate you on your flying accomplishments as well as Sam for becoming a flight instructor. Good luck on your CT hike plans. Watch out for the bicyclists on that trail. I assumed there was a healthy Black Bear population in BSF but seeing one at dusk near your camp would cause some concern. The wily ones will leave and then approach from another direction. I played "tag" with a young one once in the Smokies many moons ago as I was breaking camp at a shelter. I won, but barely. He was trying to get between me and my backpack. I had to call his bluff twice. Talk about getting the juices flowing. Take care. ~ Martin

[@sundance7724]

Love the Wind River Range, Huck was here (Evan mentioned him) and I have hiked & camped there multiple times thru the years - before he started doing KZbin vids unfortunately. Decent grizz population there, be sure to follow proper food storage practices.

[@wanttogo1958]

@@sundance7724 thanks for the comment. I do have my bear spray and know about the need to eat some distance from your camping location. I think I'm going to use my bear canister on this trip as I don't want to risk my entire trip being spoiled by one nosy bear. I'll be above or near treeline during much of the hike so good hang opportunities will be few if not non-existent. I'm following Huck and am enjoying his Sheltowee Trace hike now. That's one I planto do in the foreseeable future. Close to home.

[@sundance7724]

@@wanttogo1958 yes, you definitely want to use a bear canister. If I recall correctly they are required there. Enjoy your hike, it's amazing there! Pro tip, whatever the weather is in Pindale just go ahead and subtract 15-20 degrees and plan accordingly. We didn't on our first trip there lol

[@eprice6171]

Great video. Good information. Exciting bear proximity!!

[@captyonah1378]

I’m still rewatching old videos to learn about tarp setups. Would love to see a video on how you use the cordage. How many lines you bring, how many feet for each, how you pack them up and are they pre-attached, etc… So like the entire setup. Always enjoy your videos!

[@rufuslumpkin4112]

Take us on the Colorado Trail with you!!! I absolutely love your videos.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Very nice of you, thanks!

[@johnnyrussell8729]

Great to see you back and especially in my part of the world. Appreciate the solo advice since I may have to do more myself. Keep the videos coming.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@livesoutdoors1708]

Good to see you out there! My whole family flew for 50+ years. Grandpa was a plane mechanic after ww2. I miss flying and feel it’s quite a privilege to soar up in the clouds. Enjoy and thanks for taking us along.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're welcome!

[@davea4889]

So glad to see you again Evan !! Would love to see the AT gang back at it next year!

[@karenhikesalot]

Solo backpacking is addictive and I've got a mini solo adventure planned this weekend. Happy you made a new video! Happy hiking.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Good luck on your mini solo adventure!

[@fredsimmons2793]

Great to hear and see you Evan! You carry a precious torch,keep the faith, preacher!You made it thru the complete hike without once mentioning "SNAKES"! I consider that a studied effort on your part!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Well I don't know what you're getting at exactly, maybe that I should watch out for snakes? Funny but I almost said that when I was bushwhacking to find a campsite. I'm always looking out for snakes. I've almost stepped on a couple of rattlesnakes.

[@fredsimmons2793]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos My thoughts were that having watched most of your videos and knowing you have always warned people on the trails about snakes and considering this hike was in a highly infested snake area( I grew up in Donaldson tennessee) you might not be mentioning SNAKES because you were sub consciencelytrying to put your best foot forward at the start of what I sincerely hope is going to be consistent podcast or video!By the way Evan ,congratulations on your private flying license, and raising two tremendous young adults!

[@jayarnold4149]

I said wow a new video. yes I get excited when I see your videos I love them you have such a way about yourself. My fear is getting lost cannot get over that I have to know where I am. it’s a big phobia of mine in this last video you weren’t sure where you were I would be freaking out .it actually ruins my hike my heart rate goes up . working on it slowly. jay RI

[@olddudeonthetrail72]

I appreciate videos like this, and I will tell you, Evan, that long before you posted this one, you inspired me with many of your other videos. I hesitated getting into backpacking for quite a while because I thought I needed someone experienced to go out with me and show me what to do. But thanks to you and other KZbinrs, I realized that I could do this activity solo by taking time to get comfortable in the woods, taking day hikes to practice skills like hanging a food bag or choosing a campsite, and patiently gaining experience with my gear. I didn't push myself to do an overnighter until I really felt ready. For my first overnighter, I only hiked about 3 miles out, so if anything went wrong, I'd be close enough to hike back even after dark. And my first overnighter was great! So, thank you for making videos like this! You may have helped many more people than you realize.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're welcome! I'm glad you're out backpacking!

[@jimraybyers7789]

Nice Video, thanks for posting

[@frankynodots]

Always good to see you Evan. You put out some really useful (and entertaining) material.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Nice of you, thanks!

[@frankynodots]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos Evan you are an inspiration in so many ways stop being bashful. And you are the all around guy.. not sure how you pull it all off.

[@hikewithmike4673]

right on!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Hey Mike, thanks for commenting!

[@allenkirkwood9088]

Good to see you back on the trail. Thanks for the video.

[@rainbowriverclarkbrown]

Great.💗

[@jimhumphrey]

So now you can have another skill to work on! Backcountry landing. Best to get a cub or similar plane for that.

[@trailslug893]

Welcome back. Man have we missed you and your videos. Hope life is treating you well and thanks for taking us along.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Very nice of you to say. Yes, life is treating me well, can't complain! I hope the same is true for you!

[@improvagility5516]

Best backpacking videos on KZbin! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Nice of you, thanks!

[@teeniorcitizen8115]

Good to see you back on KZbin.

[@ChrisfromFL]

Glad to see you back on a trail.

[@kennethschaidle5995]

Great to see You making new posts again. I do most of my hiking alone but am beginning to be more cautious as I'm almost 73. I'm planning on a 1-2-week hike in late October. May go to Colorado or do the Virginia triple crown as I've never walked that section of the AT. Your video is making me reconsider BSF and maybe picking up a personal locator. Thanks.

[@washingtonmike8296]

Ahhh! I appreciate your storytelling and had a great time.

[@TheMccluref]

Great seeing you again

[@patstreet6690]

Great to see another of your videos.

[@jhonyermo]

Great. Always enjoy Evan's videos. I learn so much and always so interesting.

[@js4513]

So excited to see a new video and share in another adventure. You, and your videos, have been missed. Glad to see you are doing well.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Very nice of you, thanks!

[@John-hp7tz]

Homemade Wanderlust recently made a video on AT shelters but she had little experience with a tarp. So I tagged one of your videos to it.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks

[@kdavis4910]

Hey Evan 😄. Welcome back! We missed you 🤝

[@BarnCatGary]

So great to see your latest video as I prep for my next solo adventure. Your videos are very informative and I look forward to seeing more in the near future! Happy Trails

[@DougBlount]

I was in BSF just a couple of weeks ago. Hiked a lot of the same trails in your video. Saw a couple of bears myself. Great video, Evan.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I'm still really surprised that I saw a bear in BSF!

[@KrizAkoni]

Looks like a nice peaceful hike. Enjoyed the discussion and looking forward to your future adventures. 🤓

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

Great video! I always backpack solo and I love it!

[@GARYMANDIEVAN]

Great to see you again you do make great backpacking videos

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, I always appreciate it when you comment!

[@ervinslens]

Gorgeous thumbnail bud. Nicely elaborated 👌👌

[@backpackbible5766]

So glad to see another video from you. On a rare sleepless night in January of this year I came across your AT documentary and was enthralled! In April I began solo section hiking the North Country Trail in MI and fell in love with backpacking. I'll be Section hiking on the AT in October and plan on starting my own AT through hike in March. Thank you for great content and inspiring this gal to do hard things!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Good luck on the AT! I like comments like yours -- I'm glad you took the time to watch and comment.

[@backpackbible5766]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos Thank you for the well- wishes And for subscribing to my channel. I'll attempt to incorporate some of your advice into future videos.

[@toddmichon]

Before my quad tendons detached from my left knee 4 years ago out on a day hike, I was always a solo hiker. My friends said I was crazy for going alone and couldn't believe that so many hikers do this without anyone. The incident wasn't related to hiker per se, just happened while out hiking because it could've happened while crossing the street. Once the thing is 100% ready, I'll be back out. Until then, I'll be watching others do it on youtube. lol

[@barbarasmith8090]

Love Big South Fork! Did that trail a few years ago. Great time. I have not backpacked alone. Maybe this year I will get the courage to do so. Have you done the SheltoweeTrace yet? Thanks for sharing your jouneys.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes, I did the Sheltowee Trace in 2017. I've got videos on my channel!!

[@darrengarlough5121]

Good video. Where are all the bridges?

[@iceagerrb2800]

Always enjoy your videos. My favorite is to learn from your tarp shelter setups. Btw, I’ve seen your drawings at Chica/ Sunsets. Enjoy, and thanks!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're welcome!

[@SalineScott]

Kimberley is still wanting to get out and try a backpacking trip. I didn’t know there were Bear up there either. I still need to get with you on a flight.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Hi Scott! Thanks for watching and commenting. Kimberley should definitely get out on the trail with you. I think she'd like it. We'll do a flight together, I promise.

[@seniorcamperhikes6078]

Huh-I thru hiked the Foothills Trail (solo) in April and had no issues with my InReach Mini. I was able to communicate with my husband and he was able to track me on the trail. I watched your AT hike and I’m looking forward to following you on the CT.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Lots of people use the InReach Mini. Don't let me dissuade you from it. I had a problem in a huge storm on the Foothills Trail when I had to take a detour and take a trail that no one knew I'd be hiking on, then I was worried about a tornado -- well, you'll have to watch the video. My InReach didn't work during the storm. I've had similar issues with the Spot device. I think both probably work better in the West where there aren't so many gorges. Here in TN, there are a lot of gorges and -- forget it. My biggest problem has come, especially with the Spot, when I sent my location at night and it appeared to go through but didn't really. This always causes unnecessary anxiety back at home when my wife/kids are waiting for a nightly text that I'm ok. Now we just agree the people back home won't get such a text each night, but I'll be in contact when I have service.

[@seniorcamperhikes6078]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos oh I did watch your Foothills video, that was quite a storm! I thought for sure you would be flooded by the river. I just didn’t recall your problem with the InReach. But you are right-it works much better with clear access to the sky.

[@StephenJelinek]

In 2013 I hiked the Appalachian Trail solo.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Then you know where I'm coming from with respect to solo backpacking!

[@jennifersimpson6385]

great to see another video from you 😀 I am so nervous to backpack solo, so I appreciated this. I don't remember from previous videos, do you treat your equipment for bugs?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

No, I don't treat my equipment. I just deal with the bugs. Lot of people treat for ticks though. On this trip, there were a lot of mosquitoes and luckily I had some bug spray with me.

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

We saw a black bear snatch a baby deer out of a creek in the Big South Fork near the Blue Heron area during our Thru hike of the Sheltowee in June of 2020. Got the audio of the deer screaming while it’s neck was in the mouth of the bear in Episode 3 of my thru hike series on my channel. One of the scariest moments of my life!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Wow. I'd like to watch that -- and your entire thru-hike! Thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate it.

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos It would be an extreme honor if you watched even a single episode- your Sheltowee Thru Hike was one of my biggest inspirations for doing it myself. I probably watched your series 5x before embarking on it myself! I also followed your AT Thru Hike Series while you released. So good! Can't wait to see your CT thru hike, that's on my radar too!

[@justasksally]

I noticed you packed pretty light since it was just an overnight… How did you protect your food/waste from bears?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I hung it from a tree. I was planning to do that even before I saw the bear.

[@harrymills2770]

Lots of good insights. But hiking between convenience stores doesn't seem smart.

[@ChicaandSunsets]

I hiked the second half of the BMT solo as the friend I started with had to drop off. It’s the first time ever hiking alone. Normally, it’s with Chica. I’m so glad I did it. A totally new experience going solo. I enjoyed the solitude of hiking alone on a trail that has no one on it. On another note: you are going to absolutely love the CT. One of my favorites of all the trails we’ve done.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for commenting, Greg! I'm glad you liked the solo experience. And yes, you and Chica are an inspiration for the CT. I watched your whole series when it was happening and soon will be watching it again!

[@MrTitanTopper]

Welcome back…need more vids! Btw…Hoping to retire early and start an AT Thru-hike attempt in ‘24. In the Nashville area and would love to buy ya a coffee some time and pick your brain for advice. 👍🏻

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Sure, send me an email at [e-mail] and we can set something up. I'd enjoy that.

[@pgreenx]

I carry the PLB in the winter in the high north east peaks. Better antenna and power and I think satellite network. Good luck on the flying. Fly often! As you know , Aviation, navigation and communication muscle memory is important.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, I agree!

[@Y2J3469]

You never film at night, why? Film how you build a fire or some technique or method on setting up the HMG tarp at night.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Good ideas -- but it takes a lot of light to film, and I don't have that available to me at night. So that's the answer. Usually I don't make fires myself. I've still got a lot of videos with fires -- the problem is, I've made so many videos, you'd never find them! One memorable night sequence was when I hiked most of the night through the Presidentials in the White Mountains during my AT hike. But my flashlight was so dim, mostly you can just hear my voice -- there's not much of a picture!

[@MrArnold213]

Good to see your videos again.