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It’s not unusual to travel solo nowadays; as a matter of fact, many travelers choose it for a more enjoyable experience. Traveling solo allows you to connect with nature, escape your daily monotonous life, and focus on what you love.
However, traveling solo is also more challenging than traveling in a group in many ways, requiring more planning and organizing. And whether you’re new to solo camping or an experienced camper, it’s always good to have a checklist in hand and follow certain recommendations regarding the campsite, gear, camping season, and more.
If you are thinking of going camping as a solo traveler, this article is just for you. Here are six tips to help you prepare and choose the right gear.
Purchase a High-Quality Tent
Every camping trip starts with having the right tent. Most campers pack a tent to keep them dry and warm at night, and usually, they choose a two-person tent for more comfort. You might consider a one-person tent, but they are quite small and do not offer much in terms of gear storage or comfort.
Alternatively, you can pack a sleeping hammock and bring an extra blanket. You can use the hammock throughout the day to lounge in and spend a lovely afternoon in the remoteness and calmness of the campsite.
But, it’s important to purchase high-quality gear that will last and provide comfort. For that purpose, we recommend checking Hyke & Byke since they are one of the best camping and backpacking gear suppliers.
Always Pack a First Aid Kit
You should never leave your home without a first-aid kit in your backpack. A first aid kit gives you peace of mind and items to keep you comfortable and safe while being outdoors. Items to put in the first aid kit:
- Aspirin, insect spray, and sun protection cream – you can include anti-itch medicine for bug bites (make sure that it is eco-friendly)
- Bandages, hydrogen peroxide, and a thermometer – to keep any scrapes or cuts out of infection
- Emergency blankets
- Cold compresses and heat packs
- A whistle, pocket mirror, and a cell phone – in case you need help in an emergency
Besides, it’s important to carry survival gear, multi-tools, and knives on your solo trip that will come in handy. For example, you might need to cut some branches or tall grass around the campsite and have nothing in sight to do it with. This is when the multi-tools come into play. Having a knife or a tool makes it easy to get things done.
While we are at the kits, you can pack a toiletry kit as well and bring the essentials like wet wipes, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a small shovel. You don’t have much space for luxury when camping, so having the essentials is enough. Ladies might consider bringing specialized items in case they are on their period to keep up with their daily routine.
Choose A Lightweight Backpack
You’ll have to pack all of the gear and choose a quality backpack to carry all of it. Camping is all about being self-sufficient, comfortable, and having functional gear. So, make sure you pack a lightweight backpack that has enough space to carry everything.
Solo campers usually choose a model that’s easily put on and can be taken off fast, without the help of a buddy, so if you are searching for the right one, ensure it’s a lightweight backpack that will add little to no weight on your shoulders.
Additional Items to Consider
Some additional items to consider when camping solo are:
- A bear canister – to keep your food safe from outdoors visitors like bears and foxes
- Headlamp – camping on your own involves spending a lot of time in the camp, so having a headlamp is important in illuminating the tent in the nighttime, whether it’s for reading or any miscellaneous activity
- Extra clothes – it’s imperative to pack extra clothes, at least a pair or two of socks, hiking pants, shorts, and warm clothing
Pack Light
Let’s make it simple, camping solo is not only about how many days you stay outdoors, it’s about simplicity and packing light. Tips to help you pack light:
- Determine the campsite before you travel
- Keep in mind to pack fewer clothes, layering is a must
- Choose a lightweight and compact backpack
- Pack clothes that can be easily folded
- Wear one pair of quality shoes
- Pack easy-to-eat foods and limit the gadgets
Choose Quality Over Price
Traveling on a budget can limit the purchase options since camping gear can be quite expensive. To save, you can plan to buy gear out of season, get an older model, be aware of promotions and discounts, and even buy-second hand.
Quality is more important than buying a cheap model that will last only a couple of camping trips.
Get Ready!
After you’ve learned a few things about choosing the right gear when camping, it’s time to pack. And enjoy this marvelous solo trip!