Solo hiking is one of the most empowering and peaceful ways to experience the outdoors. But make no mistake – when you’re alone in the wilderness, your safety net is thin. There’s no buddy system, no backup if something goes wrong. That’s why being prepared isn’t optional – it’s everything.
If you’re thinking about venturing out on your own, you don’t need scare tactics or sugarcoated blog posts. You need real, actionable safety tips that cover the stuff no one tells you about – until it’s too late. This is that list. Here are 20 brutally honest solo hiking safety tips every beginner needs to know.
1. Trust Your Instincts (Seriously)
This might sound like vague advice, but it’s more real than you think. Humans have evolved to pick up on danger, even if we don’t consciously register it. If something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s a campsite that gives you the creeps or a trail that suddenly seems off, don’t ignore your gut. Many experienced hikers have walked away from bad situations just by trusting that weird, nagging feeling.
2. Don’t Camp Near Water, Trails, or Dead Trees
When setting up your tent, location is everything. Avoid pitching it near water sources – animals rely on them and may pass through at night. Don’t camp directly on game trails, which may look like hiking paths but are just narrow routes wildlife frequently use. And never sleep under trees with dead branches or “widowmakers.” One gust of wind can turn your trip into a disaster.
3. Always Carry Extra Food – At Least Two Days’ Worth
Stuff happens. Whether it’s a sprained ankle, an unexpected detour, or just running out of daylight, you might end up stuck longer than planned. Always pack at least two extra days of food, and make sure it includes ready-to-eat options that don’t require cooking. Gas stoves can run out of fuel, malfunction, or stop working in freezing temperatures.
4. Avoid Public Campgrounds if You’re Feeling Unsafe
While most fellow hikers are great people, not everyone you meet in the wild is someone you want to camp next to. If you’re alone and feel uncomfortable around others at a public site, trust your judgment. Set up camp out of view – away from roads, buildings, and obvious campgrounds. Privacy can also mean safety.
5. Carry Trekking Poles (They’re More Useful Than You Think)
Trekking poles aren’t just for balance and saving your knees – they’re also a makeshift self-defense tool. Whether it’s an aggressive dog, a wild animal, or a creepy human, trekking poles give you reach and a fighting chance. Plus, they’re helpful for setting up tarps, navigating streams, and reducing ankle injuries.
6. Watch Out for Guard Dogs – Yes, Even in the Mountains
Wild animals aren’t the only creatures to be aware of. In some areas, particularly in mountainous regions of Europe and the Mediterranean, flocks of sheep or goats are protected by guard dogs. These dogs can be very territorial and may see you as a threat. If you spot one, stop, assess the situation, and slowly back away. Don’t approach the herd directly.
7. Set a Daily Check-In With Someone You Trust
Before heading out, let someone know your itinerary and agree on a daily check-in. If they don’t hear from you within a certain timeframe, they should alert rescue services. Even if you’re not going into bear country, having someone ready to raise the alarm could be the difference between a quick rescue and days spent waiting.
8. Avoid Cliffs and Ledges – Even If You Love Heights
You might think you’re steady on your feet, but it only takes one misplaced step or a loose rock to ruin everything. If you want to get close to a cliff for a view or a photo, take off your backpack first and move slowly. One hiker nearly lost their life doing just that – it was enough of a wake-up call to rethink those Instagram-worthy moments.
9. Don’t Follow Shortcut Trails That Aren’t Marked
You’ll often see small paths on your GPS that aren’t official trails. Don’t trust them. What looks like a shortcut could lead you into overgrown brush, dangerous terrain, or even get you lost. Unless you can clearly see the entire route ahead and it looks safe, stick to marked trails. The time saved isn’t worth the risk.
10. Keep Food and Smellables Away From Your Tent
Never store food, wrappers, or scented items (like deodorant or toothpaste) in your tent. Wild boars, bears, raccoons, and even curious foxes can show up uninvited. Use a dry bag or odor-proof sack and hang it from a tree, at least 50 meters from your campsite. If you’re above the tree line, you’re safer, but still stay vigilant.
11. Use Your Phone Wisely – Stop to Check Maps
Staring at your phone while hiking is a classic mistake. You can trip, twist an ankle, or walk straight into a low-hanging branch. Always stop walking when checking your GPS or maps. One step at the wrong time could end your trip in a second.
12. Carry a Power Bank – and Know Your App Works Offline
If you’re navigating with your phone (like most of us do), make sure your favorite GPS app works offline. Preload your maps and cache your routes before leaving signal range. And never forget a power bank. No battery = no map, no help, no communication.
13. Learn to Use a GPS Device – or Carry Paper Maps
Phones are great – until they die or break. A dedicated GPS device with SOS and satellite messaging capabilities is a game-changer in remote areas. Alternatively, bring a paper map and compass as a backup. Just make sure you actually know how to use them. Don’t rely on tech alone.
14. Don’t Set Up Camp Late – Plan With Fatigue in Mind
Fatigue makes you dumb. When you’re tired, you’re more likely to make poor decisions, miss signs, or ignore danger. Don’t push yourself to get to a specific spot if you’re already worn out. It’s better to stop early and get rest than hike tired and risk injury or poor judgment.
15. Do Regular Ankle Mobility Exercises
Spraining an ankle solo in the backcountry is a nightmare. Prevent it by building strong, mobile ankles. Incorporate stretches and light mobility drills into your routine: dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inward and outward rotations. Just a few minutes a day can keep you moving when it matters most.
16. Don’t Overhype the Danger – Hiking Is Safer Than Driving
Yes, solo hiking has risks – but it’s not as dangerous as you might think. Statistically, hiking is 647 times safer than driving. So don’t let scary headlines or worst-case scenarios keep you from going outside. Be smart, be prepared, and enjoy the trail.
17. Don’t Let Your First Hike Be Alone
If you’ve never hiked before, don’t start solo. Join a group hike, sign up for trail maintenance projects, or find local hiking clubs on Facebook. Learning the basics around others is one of the fastest ways to build confidence, and you’ll pick up practical skills just by observing.
18. Avoid Camping Under Suspicious Weather Conditions
Weather in the mountains can change fast. Thunderstorms, late snowpack, flash floods, or wildfire alerts can all make a hike dangerous. Check the forecast and plan accordingly. After big rain events, river crossings may become impassable. In dry seasons, be cautious about water sources drying up.
19. Make Noise to Warn Animals – Especially on Overgrown Trails
If you’re hiking through brushy or overgrown terrain, don’t move in silence. Clap, talk, or tap your trekking poles together. Most wild animals don’t want anything to do with you, but if you startle them, especially moms with young, it can turn into a dangerous encounter fast.
20. Don’t Overpack, But Be Prepared
There’s a balance between being a minimalist and being a fool. Yes, lightweight gear is awesome. But make sure you have enough water, layers, shelter, and food to handle emergencies. Being underprepared isn’t brave – it’s just reckless.
Go Smart, Not Scared
Solo hiking isn’t about being fearless – it’s about being prepared. Every time you step onto a trail alone, you’re taking full responsibility for your safety. That might sound intimidating, but it’s also incredibly liberating.
If you take these 20 brutally honest safety tips to heart, you’ll be equipped not just to survive in the backcountry, but to thrive in it. Be sharp, be calm, and respect nature’s power. The more prepared you are, the more freedom you’ll feel out there in the wild.
Now go hit the trail – and don’t forget to text your check-in buddy before you lose service.
Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.