Why I STARTED SOLO BACKPACKING (and why YOU should TOO!)

[@TheHungryHiker]

Join my Channel: kzbin.infojoin Interested in becoming part of The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System? Schedule a FREE one-on-one Zoom call with me where you’ll get to talk to me live about your backpacking goals, ask me questions about the program and if you’re a good fit for The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System, you’ll get the chance to enroll into the program on our call. This enrollment period will be closing on June 27, 2024: thehungryhiker.myclickfunnels.com/tcsfbs-application-yt

[@LMay64]

Solo backpacking and solo "any" tripping...must do for women. It is so inspirational and beautiful. Thank you for posting this.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks for watching!

[@kayakcampingwithkate]

I "solo" hike with my German Shepherd Dog. If that counts as solo. He is my best friend and we have had so many adventures...at my age (57)...I find that having my dog with me does not make me lonely while out in the wilderness.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Awe! I love that! If I had a dog, I'd go hiking and backpacking with him too!!

[@scottplumer3668]

We had a dachshund, and he was my hiking buddy too. I never felt alone with him.

[@nebc_yukonyeti]

Strongly agree that solo + dog is the best!! 🥾🏔️🇨🇦❤️

[@TheFairway8]

I've only been hiking for about 8 months plus a few wild camps. I always take my dog with me he's getting on nearly 12 but absolutely loves it even the tent and I really enjoy having him with me My wife comes very occasionally but is not interested in wild camping

[@kayakcampingwithkate]

Due to medical constraits, my husband can not camp any longer, so I understand about your wife not accompanying you on your camping adventures. I have found that having my dog with me gives me the added peace of mind of knowing that I have a friend with me, as well as, an added sense of protection, in case it is warranted. In the meantime, my husband gets his man-time while I am in the woods. It is a win/win.

[@dcmsr5141]

Realizing one’s own self worth is the kernel of intestinal fortitude.

[@TheHungryHiker]

100%!

[@wade-be7sz]

the older i get the more i like doing stuff alone.

[@TheHungryHiker]

I kind of feel the same way!

[@LaoSoftware]

I love nature. I love hiking and camping. Nothing is going to stop me from enjoying my life. You get one life to live. Use it or lose it. You're not getting any younger. We are all getting older. Time flies so fast.

[@adventureseeker9800]

Agreed!

[@loniiverson8684]

I'm right there with you!! 😊

[@rickkaylor8554]

Good advice for solo backpackers. You went over many of the reasons I solo backpack. Facing your fears is a great way to grow your confidence. I really like your efforts to help women get into backpacking. I don't see many female backpackers - especially solo. I did my first long solo day hike when I was 12 in Sequoia during a family vacation because none of my siblings wanted to go. I hiked for about 8 hours and loved it. When I was 17 I did my first solo backpacking trip and never looked back. I still backpack with others but I'd say 90% of my hiking and backpacking is solo. I find backpacking solo really heightens your senses - especially after a few days. You make really great videos!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@tgflack]

I didn't start hiking until I was around 35. I started off with a group of guys from work. For the past 34 years, I have been a part of several different hiking groups, but over the past 10ish years, I mostly hike by myself. I do it for the same reasons you do, scheduling conflicts, different pace, etc. I use the time to do nothing but enjoy nature or listen to audiobooks and podcasts. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

[@TheHungryHiker]

I love this. Thank you for sharing.

[@brad.m1997]

Something I've really struggled with solo backpacking/hiking is getting to campsites day after day and still being alone when I haven't passed another hiker all day and just want someone to chat with over dehydrated dinner and debrief the day. LOL. Or I'm reaching, you know, day 9-onwards of not seeing anyone. It really starts to beat me down a bit. Getting to a spectacular view and thinking "WOW, I wish my family/friends were here to see this" but the best I can do is snap a picture and text it to them when I'm next in service.. Otherwise the peace and time to myself is always cherished, and much needed. But it doesn't come without some measure of struggle...

[@TheHungryHiker]

Sure, the loneliness of being out on trail by yourself can be tough sometimes. This is why I like to pack distractions to help keep my mind busy so I don't feel so lonely while I'm out there. Distractions can be a journal, a book to read, a game to play or make videos of your trip. And when I'm really missing someone, I know I can always send them a message on my Garmin to let them know I'm thinking about them. One of the many reasons why I always go backpacking with my satellite messenger.

[@LaoSoftware]

If your family and friends don't want to accompany you, it's their loss. You find co-workers who have the same interests. I have plenty of co-workers who enjoy hiking and camping in nature with me. Life is short. Enjoy it while you can. You're not getting any younger. In fact, you're get older very fast. Time flies so fast. My gray hair is starting to show.

[@GrumpyForester]

I totally understand what you are saying. I've had plenty of time (as in PLENTY of time) to spend solo out in the mountains of the the PacNW both personally and professionally...and, while I love spending time by myself and am not afraid to be alone with myself, the sense of solitude and the majestic grandeur of the mountainous scenery can grow a bit old and mundane when you are alone in admiring it. Fortunately (perhaps) for me, my adventures predate modern tech by a few decades (got a serious issue? Start a fire so the smokejumpers can come help you!!) so books and journals (the precursor to KZbin, I suppose) were my tools of choice. Knees and age have taken me away from the trails, but I suspect some of the same truths would still apply....

[@terrimaejones]

Just like the quote from Christopher Mccandless of the book “INTO THE WILD”- Happiness only real when shared. When I see a beautiful sunrise, waterfall or scenery, I find myself wishing I could share it with someone.. even a stranger. For some reason, as much as I love solitude, witnessing something beautiful in nature is always better shared.

[@fatmantv1]

You are a strong woman. Keep up the good work!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks!

[@KristyBryson]

I’m nervous to apply because I’m just getting back into shape from many sedentary years and I’m autistic (late diagnosed at age 40, currently 46) with severe anxiety. I spent plenty of alone time in the woods, especially here in western NC (Appalachian Mtns). I’m usually not anxious or afraid in the woods, but I’m awkward around people. When younger, I spent a lot of time in the woods, but never backpacked or camped solo.

[@Chilternwildcamper]

I started camping alone last year age 58, I have faced my fear and enjoy it now, its much simpler going alone. I hope it works out for you and I wish you well.

[@user-ul5yu5hk9k]

Read this about the first woman to hike the Appalachian trail solo: Emma Rowena Gatewood In 1955, at the age of 67, Emma Rowena Gatewood became the first woman to solo hike the entire 2,190 mile (3,524 km) Appalachian Trail - wearing Keds sneakers and carrying an army blanket, a raincoat, a shower curtain, and a change of clothes in a homemade bag which she slung over one shoulder.Oct 22, 2023

[@TheHungryHiker]

I read Grandma Gatewood's Walk earlier this year. LOVED her story and loved reading the book. What an inspiring story!!

[@LoremIpsum1970]

Wonderful, I do envy all that space that available to you. You can't what-if yourself to the point of paralysis, preparation is all i need to be confident. Personally, you can't put a price on solitude and I don't crave company. Safe travels. Solo male in the UK 💪👍

[@TheHungryHiker]

Agreed!

[@woodchip2782]

You have my total admiration…!✊✌️ (For me it’s my wife that doesn’t want me to leave for long periods.)

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@scottplumer3668]

Mine too. 😞

[@gigih.2169]

I've been wanting to getting into hiking for the last few years, and finally, this year I'm making it happen. I've been out on some good group hikes and feeling good about my fitness level. Trying to learn all the things. But it wasn't long before I started watching videos like this and start thinking about overnight backpacking and eventually solo backpacking. I'm in the learning curve phase and still have a lot to learn and experience to gain, but I'm definitely setting some goals.

[@scottplumer3668]

The great thing about hiking solo, whether day hikes or overnights, is that you can set your own pace and go as far as you want without having to worry about whether your fitness level meets your hiking partner's level. If you want to hike for 15 minutes and then turn back, you can.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Congrats on making it happen!

[@vanni.gio28]

Very well said!! Question what is that mountain trail at 2:16-2:19 ?

[@TheHungryHiker]

That’s Goat Rocks (Knife’s Edge), on the PCT in Washington.

[@BM-cj7hr]

I can relate to you so much. I have become and enjoy hiking by myself. Guess Im not alone in being an introvert in the woods.

[@TheHungryHiker]

You're not alone at all!

[@easydoesit1962]

Thank you!!!😊

[@TheHungryHiker]

You are so welcome!

[@360XDxbox]

You truly are a hero!! Looked up to you a lot when I was building trails in California, thank you a million times!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

And thank you right back for all of your trail building. :)

[@RagingMonkee]

I love this! How did you afford to take off the time for the PCT?

[@TheHungryHiker]

Before leaving for my PCT thru-hike in 2018, I worked multiple jobs, reduced my expenses and saved as much money as I could for a year and a half. I did A LOT of planning and preparing for this trip and had to make plenty of sacrifices, but it was totally worth it.

[@georgecooper5310]

I also love hiking alone, at my own pace. Being able to enjoy the beauty of nature and the solitude of only the sounds of the trail around me. I share your channel with people that I know, especially women who wonder if they can hike alone. Thanks for being an inspiration to all you come in contact with.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you so much!

[@LaoSoftware]

If you let fear control you, you will never enjoy your life. Your time on this planet is limited. You're not going to live forever. Enjoy life while your young and healthy. Once you reach old age, it is over. It's easy to break a hip when you go hiking. You heal very slowly when you get injured. Old age will prevent you from enjoying many things.

[@shannonliedtke5820]

I have young children and work as a hospice nurse. I am always caring for others, and privileged to do so. BUT, sometimes I need to be alone, to challenge myself and surround myself with beauty without needing to manage anyone else's expectations or needs. I love solo backpacking. I still experience fear sometimes, but I am able to manage it, and it's so rewarding to be out there.

[@TheHungryHiker]

100%!!!

[@badgerrambler]

I also go hiking by myself, haven’t braved backpacking alone but I feel like it’s something I could do. Thank you for this video!

[@TheHungryHiker]

I started off with solo hiking and then wanted to keep spending more time, going further out on trail which led me to solo backpacking. I love to do both! If you feel like solo backpacking is something you should try, you should give it a chance.

[@ervinslens]

What a beautiful and unique cinematography, bravo for this masterpiece! This looks and sounds like a NatGeo documentary!!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@williamwadejr5302]

Some things you just got to do alone. Next year I retire and I plan on doing a lot of hiking in this world. Wife isn’t gonna do it. She’s younger and climbing the ladder still and never cared for hiking and camping anyway. So I thought about it. I piddle around here and wait to die or I can go on my own. Kids long gone, career done, so why not? I think I’d do sections though. I’d miss my daughters and grandkids if I was gone months at a time and that’s what those long trails take. Everest Base Camp is on the list. I watch your channel and others to get tips and information. I think it helps a lot.

[@TheHungryHiker]

I mean, why not go for it. What have you got to lose? Section hiking is a lot of fun!

[@randomrachel1480]

This video made me tear up and believe in myself! Hugs and cheers to you, Kathleen! XOXO

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!!!

[@bewhiskeredjuarez6851]

That is exactly how I started backpacking as well. It's good to hear someone else say it other than me 😁

[@TheHungryHiker]

You're not alone, even though we love being out on trail by ourselves. :)

[@youngheart1065]

You go Girl!!! You picked all the right clips to show! Kindle Cat walk was one of my favorites!

[@TheHungryHiker]

One of my favorites too!

[@joeschneiderphotography2079]

You are absolutely right - great video by the way- the older i get the more enjoy time with myself

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@Hike-n-wine]

Thanks for sharing your story! I have several backpacking trips scheduled for this summer and hope I am brave enough to actually go solo. I love your posts!!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

YES!! You can do it! And after the first solo backpacking trip, you'll be hooked. I know I was.

[@رضياللهعنعائشة]

Although I am mal , I face the same circumstances. I live among people who scoff at hiking and think it has to be an expensive trip with companies that offer little or nothing. So, I always go hiking alone and I bought a little puppy that could be a friend for my upcoming trips

[@LeonardOutdoorsNM]

I've been prepping to hike the JMT with a friend for months, and the possibility of him not being able to go seem to be increasing. While he's a great hiking buddy, I think it'll be good for me to be out there solo.

[@TheHungryHiker]

While I'm sad for you that you might not get to hike the JMT with your friend, I'm happy that you're still considering going to hike the JMT anyways. Trust me, you don't want to miss hiking that trail. I've hiked that section of trail a couple of times and it's not to be missed. It's really special backcountry out there.

[@bobmanns3623]

You go girl!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks!

[@philsellers1071]

Nicely done! Very inspirational.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@jelleer]

You are truly an inspiration to me 😊

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you so much 😀

[@terrimaejones]

Just found your channel, thank you! Very inspiring. Wondering if you have a link to how you made your fold out bed for your car…

[@TheHungryHiker]

I sure do! You can check out the video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZikkJifmNWoaqM

[@weekendhikeraz]

I always love being alone when I'm hiking!

[@TheHungryHiker]

I love solo hiking too. It's the perfect reset button for when everything in life is crazy and chaotic. :)

[@owlypublishing]

Happy backpacking!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Yes!! Backpacking always makes me so happy!

[@danle8636]

2:30 exactly my words and thoughts after my 1st solo backpacking trip

[@TheHungryHiker]

YES!!!!

[@KenFernbach]

Love your work and the insight and knowledge that you share- I have to admit- not a female- guilty as charged, ha. Anyway thanks for sharing (with men as well ) you are amazing!❤🏃‍♀️🧘🏼🌱🌿🙏

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate this.

[@hali_rederer]

🙌🏻

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks!

[@Sir_Chuckmyster]

I love hiking solo as well. You can fart whenever you want to

[@TheHungryHiker]

Very true! 🤣

[@KathleenThomas-x9d]

I’m starting my first backpacking trip in Oct to hike and camp R2R. So excited but nervous. How did you train for the down from North Rim?

[@TheHungryHiker]

I wrote a couple blog posts talking about how I prepared for hiking the Grand Canyon R2R and R2R2R. You can check them out here: How I Survived My First Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim Hike: www.the-hungry-hiker.com/2016/02/01/survived-my-first-grand-canyon-rim-to-rim-hike/ How I Survived Hiking The Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim-To-Rim: www.the-hungry-hiker.com/2017/09/14/how-i-survived-hiking-the-grand-canyon-rim-to-rim-to-rim/ Yay! Have fun out there!

[@chrlmlln9018]

💯💝👍👌

[@TheHungryHiker]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@lidarman2]

Funny that I got directed here given I like Solo Bikepacking over backpacking. Although I like them both.

[@TheHungryHiker]

That's the KZbin algorithm for ya!

[@thisbeem2714]

I want to section hike somewhere alone. I don’t have anyone I want to go with.

[@TheHungryHiker]

This is essentially why I started solo backpacking.

[@thisbeem2714]

@@TheHungryHiker I just did my first solo backpacking trip this weekend! Thank you for helping me be brave enough to do it.

[@TheHungryHiker]

@@thisbeem2714 I love this! Congratulations on your first solo! Hopefully you're inspired enough to want to start planning your next one. :)

[@thisbeem2714]

@@TheHungryHiker already on it! 😅

[@InHomeHappy]

I'll watch but not do 😊

[@TheHungryHiker]

And that's totally fine. Solo hiking and solo backpacking isn't for everyone.

[@_chimera_]

Why does it have to he about "overcoming " something? Life is hard as is. Recreation is about relaxing

[@TheHungryHiker]

Recreation means something different to everyone.

[@gerardcurry9122]

What ever you do,do not go solo Backpacking on the Appalachian trail. Too many fatalities have happened over the years.

[@TheHungryHiker]

There are a number of fatalities that happen on highways as well, but I don't think that stops anyone from driving on them. Just sayin...