Hike safely : 5 things to know before hitting the trails

Hike safely : 5 things to know before hitting the trails

Are you interested in solo hiking, but afraid to take the plunge? Here is our advice for organising the ideal solo hike.

It's decided, you want to go on a solo hike! But you don't know how to prepare? Which route should I choose? Or how to manage your safety? Here are 5 tips to help you prepare and fully enjoy the scenery. Follow the guide!

Why hike alone?

Solo hiking isn’t reserved for singles or loners. And thank goodness for that! Because going hiking in the mountains, or elsewhere, alone is an extremely enriching experience. It’s an opportunity to discover yourself, gain self-confidence and grow as you progress along the trails.

It’s also sometimes when you’re alone that you have the most wonderful encounters (globetrotters will agree with this!). Because when you hike alone, you can more easily meet other people on the trails or in the huts, and share unforgettable moments.

Improve and develop your sport

Setting out alone also means putting even higher demands on yourself : your hiking skills must be at their best to face all situations, in all weathers, without direct or immediate outside help. A great way to discover you’re more resourceful than you thought !

In short, going hiking alone can bring you a lot on a personal, technical and sporting level. We offer 5 tips for discovering solo hiking.

Hike safely : 5 things to know before hitting the trails

Ironically enough, a good solo hike is prepared ... with others! Learn as much as you can, and above all, adopt the right approach, first with experienced people. They’ll share their knowledge and tips with you.

So surround yourself with hikers who share the same passion for solo hiking! You can also join dedicated online communities (like Facebook groups or forums). The best thing is to learn through experience, as these online communities are a great help, but in addition to mixing with people in the flesh. There are hiking associations and clubs in France. If you don't have people who share the same interests as you in your close circle, you can meet people you trust here.

Hike safely : 5 things to know before hitting the trails

The secret, as in many sports activities, is to progress gradually. In this way, you’ll acquire and build on your self-confidence, skills and physical shape under the best conditions.

For your first outings alone, we recommend you choose a route that you’re used to. This will help develop your mentality and your habits as a solo hiker. You can even start by doing just a small part of a long hike that you enjoy, going out for just a few hours or doing a shorter loop.

Even if you’re used to going in a group on long routes, start small anyway. The experience won’t be the same as with a group, and you’ll discover a whole new way of hiking. So give yourself every chance to succeed in your first trips out by taking it slowly. You’ll end up going out walking for longer, on more technical terrain, as you progress: literally "step by step".

Try to find a route that’s both short and close to home, to make training easier. This will stop you going too far, in the end spending more time travelling than actually walking. And on the other hand, having a hike nearby, which you enjoy, will help you stay motivated.

Have you finished your training and feel ready to head off alone for one or more days ? Do your first big solo hike in" easy mode". No need to put obstacles in your way! Plan your hike in the summer, when the weather is still mild. Of course, the weather can change, especially in the mountains. So, be prepared to face rain or even a storm (and even turn back if the weather gets too bad). But stack all the cards in your favour by avoiding setting off when a storm is forecast in advance, etc.

Before heading out on a trip to the other side of the world, first try a hike in France, or even near where you live. This means you can rest assured you’re in a country where you know the language, trail markings, health system, emergency numbers, etc.

Finally, select a popular route. This means you can meet other hikers during your trip if you ever find yourself in need.

Did you know: How far per day for a solo hike ?

If you’re a beginner, aim for 10 to 15 km per day on easy terrain without too much height gain. This will help make sure you don’t tire yourself out too much. Indeed, sometimes, hiking is even more of a mental effort than a physical one. Save your body a little to leave more energy for your head! You can increase this distance gradually, depending on how you feel. If you’re very comfortable, you can plan to walk further next time, with the same amount of height gain. Also take into account the weight of your backpack and level of fatigue that day.

Hike safely : 5 things to know before hitting the trails

Here is a basic safety tip, but one that’s worth repeating: share your route with your loved ones, as well as the time and place of your departure, and especially your arrival. We tend to forget to do this, in the excitement of our long-awaited adventure. But this small action can make a big difference. The ideal is to share your entire route, in case someone goes looking for you.

If sharing your location on your phone with your loved ones provides reassurance, be aware that you won’t have a network everywhere (the famous "white zones", rare but still a feature in France). A GPS beacon is often a good investment.

Hike safely : 5 things to know before hitting the trails

Finally, even though hiking alone helps you get to know yourself better, you need to have a good idea of ​​your capabilities beforehand, and not once out on the trails. Because having confidence in yourself is good. But being aware of your margin of improvement and limits is better. Your level will help you choose the right hike for you to fully enjoy the landscapes without suffering to the point of having aches and pains for 2 weeks afterwards (and having difficulty going up and down the stairs ... you have been warned).

Indeed, even though we like hiking to push ourselves and take on challenges, hiking alone is something you can’t make up as you go along.

Be an expert in hiking, but also in yourself. This will help you see clearly when you need to turn back because your body demands it, or when the conditions are no longer right for your hike to be a pleasurable experience. And of course, never go out without a first-aid kit, charged mobile phone, full power pack and enough water!

Find a hike in France to match your level thanks to the

Hiking and trekking ratings: our safety and weather articles

Prepare your first-aid kit

Hiking alone for women

Have "a hike of your own"

For literature fans, you’ll have recognised "a" nod here to the essay A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf (a great book to put in your backpack when you go hiking alone, by the way). All this is to say that this hike is your own. It's your time with yourself, with no domestic obligations, no "evening at the kids’ beck and call", no work or personal meetings. Just you and nature.

If you want to get started, but still have a few concerns, go and meet women who hike alone. There are lots of them on social networks (there are even Facebook groups for solo women hikers). They fill their blogs with friendly advice, offer content to support you, etc. In short, you’ll never really be alone when hiking. All these women will be there with you in a way through their advice and support.

Finally, as we now know with high-level athletes, the menstrual cycle has a significant impact. Each woman experiences her cycle differently. So the secret is to understand your own. If, for example, you tend to be stressed, depressed or tired during your PMS (premenstrual syndrome), it may not be the best time to go hiking alone.

When it comes to safety, when faced with nature, the general advice for hikers is the same. When faced with other people, your posture may sometimes be a little different. The advice is similar to that given to solo travellers: listen to your instinct when you" don't feel "right about someone, and don't say more about yourself than necessary. Some hikers even advise, if questions are intrusive or persistent, that you mention you’re catching up with members of your group who’ve gone ahead, or that your friends will soon catch up with you. Of course, it’s not a question of seeing bad things everywhere, but minimising the risks of a bad encounter.

In a few words: trust yourself and surround yourself with inspiring women and good advice.

Solo hiking is a real physical but also an inner journey, which helps you understand yourself. Check out our hikes in France, suggested by Decathlon Outdoor, to take the plunge. You’ll find trips out, whatever your experience, age or physical condition, in our beautiful French regions.

Hike safely : 5 things to know before hitting the trails

Agathe

Copywriter hiking tips

A keen hiker and writer

Check out all our hiking advice

hiking gps

How to choose hiking GPS?

You have to be well equipped to go hiking with your kid. Check out how to choose the best baby carrier for your activity.

Which sports challenge to take on in 2023

Why take on a sports challenge and which one to choose?

You've probably already listened to stories from friends about their sports challenges... This year, it's decided, you're going for it too!

ECO-HIKING: hiking to clean up our trails

"Hike Up, Pick Up": hiking to help collect waste on our trails

Let's walk against waste in the mountain to preserve our playground and enjoy the pleasures of nature!