1. Let Someone Know
Someone should know your plans when you decide to hike alone. Hikers should leave information including the area, route and duration of the hike with a friend or family member. Stick to the shared plan so people know where to look for you if you need help. Discuss the amount of time to wait before calling authorities and decide beforehand exactly which authorities to call. Keep in mind that if you need help, people can find you a whole lot faster if someone knows the general area to begin the search. If you decide to hike without a prior plan, take a cell phone with you and leave a note on your car telling people to call for help if your car remains parked there past a certain date or time.
2. Personal Safety
Personal safety should remain a top priority, especially for women, when hiking alone. You owe absolutely nothing to strangers who ask detailed questions about you or your plans for your hike, such as where you plan to make camp. Feel free to respond with vague answers, or to tell them that the information is none of their business. Keep yourself out of danger and use some common sense in deciding when shrewdness excuses possible rudeness. Never tell other people that you're alone on your hike, and remember that gut feelings about people are correct. If someone seems creepy to you, they are. Rely on the people who "feel right" when you need help, and leave the others behind.
3. Trails Are for You to Follow
Going off-trail when you hike can result in injury and longer rescue times if you hurt yourself. Trails are marked for a reason, usually to protect natural habitats that border the trails, and hikers should stay on the paths as much as possible. If you know of other hikers taking the same route as you, try to hike ahead of them so you have people who can come upon you if you need help somewhere along the way.
4. Supplies for the Solo Hiker
Solo hikers should take a few supplies along to stay comfortable and energized throughout the excursion. Water is important to avoid dehydration, and you should plan on at least 2 to 4 liters for a hike lasting longer than 2 hours. Trail mix, energy bars or other snacks are smart to take along, and sunscreen is always a good idea. A flashlight can come in handy, especially if you find yourself outside later than you intended. Pack either a sweater, a garbage bag or a lightweight space blanket, which is a sheet of plastic with a reflective side that radiates your own body heat back to you, to keep yourself warm if you stay out too long.
