8 Ways To Stay Safe When Solo Hiking and Wild Camping
- Kate
- Jun 28, 2022
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 7
Solo hiking and wild camping can carry risks; however, if you take the proper precautions when navigating the wilds on your own, you are dramatically reducing the risk of anything going wrong. There's no one around to turn to in case of an emergency, so it's essential to be careful and stay safe when solo hiking and wild camping. The following eight safety tips can help ensure your next solo trip outdoors will be your best yet!
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#1 - Plan Your Route
Choose a safe and achievable route using an Ordnance Survey Map; it's good to use a 1:25,000 for detail (use an OS Explorer) and a 1:50,000 suitable for viewing the overall area (use an OS Landranger). Make sure the route is within your level of skill and experience. Leave the route at home with a loved one so they know exactly where you are going.
The OS app is excellent for plotting the route and viewing its distance, time, and ascent. However, always carry the paper version with you in case technology fails.
#2 - Check The Weather Before You Set-Off
I always check more than one forecast to get a good idea of what it will be like. I use the Met Office and The Mountain Weather Information Service. I will also check a local weather service like The Lake District Weather Line (they send hilltop assessors up Helvellyn or similar every day in winter to report back accurately).
Remember that the higher you get, the colder it gets (air cools one °C every 100 vertical meters, and wind chill can knock off ten °C), so make sure you have enough clothing. I would never go up a mountain if the wind speed is more than 40mph and if gusts are more than 50mph. This kind of wind speed can be dangerous and knock you off your feet, potentially causing an injury.
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#3 - Use A Satellite Messenger
As I go out solo, I feel I have to be extra careful, as if I have an accident, I don't have anyone with me to get help, and there is not always someone around. Furthermore, after only going out a couple of times, I soon realised that you don't always have a phone signal, and sometimes you can't even get a signal in the car park. I like to check in at home when I'm setting off on my hike/camp, check in halfway, and check in when I'm back in the car/tent.
I looked into the Garmin range (other brands are available) and opted for the Garmin inReach Mini; not only can I text home, but it also pings my location when I send a message. Home can also access my account and see where I am, even if I don't text. Additionally, if I were to have an accident, there is a button to call mountain rescue. It gives my loved ones peace of mind, and I feel safer since I'm not relying solely on my phone.
The Garmin inReach Mini costs around £300, which is really expensive; however, I feel it's worth the money for what you get. Please note that you will also need to pay a monthly fee for ongoing use. I pay £12.99 per month, which includes free and unlimited pre-written messages.
If you have an iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro running on iOS 16.1 or a later version, you can share your location through satellite using the Find My App even when you are not within cellular or Wi-Fi range. See more details here. Additionally, when mobile and Wi-Fi coverage is unavailable, you have the option to send emergency messages to the authorities through satellite by utilising Emergency SOS. Additionally, the Find My App permits location sharing via satellite with others. See here.
There is also an SMS emergency service, initially designed for deaf people; however, hikers are now using it because it's easier to receive a text signal than a call. Please note that you have to register beforehand to use it. https://www.emergencysms.net/
#4 - Use A Map And a Compass
Just like with the signal, you cannot rely on your phone for navigation; I always carry an OS map and compass with me. Compasses range in price and vary in quality. Mountain Leaders have told me that Silva Compasses are the best, and this is the brand that Ordnance Survey also suggests. For this reason, I use this compass exclusively, and I have had no issues with it. Furthermore, I have attended several map-reading skills days to use my map and compass competently. I use the OS Maps App (£6.99 per month or £34.99 for the year for a premium subscription), which I love for plotting my routes and selecting my wild camping spots. I have to say that the OS App is great for showing you where you are; however, phones can die or break, so if you don't have a map and compass, you could get very stuck. Therefore, I highly recommend some day courses in navigation.
#5 - Do NOT Take Any Risks
I believe one of the most significant pieces of advice I can offer is that it is okay to stop and turn around if the weather changes or you don't feel safe. Don't feel like you have to reach that summit or get that photo for Instagram; your safety is far more critical. I've turned around a few times and changed my route to keep low, and that's ok. There is no point in risking your safety whatsoever. I have seen many photos on Instagram of people sitting at the edge of cliffs, sitting on the end of a train line hanging over a cliff edge, and for what a good photo? It's stupid, to be honest. If you plan to reach the summit of Scafell Pike and it's suddenly getting really windy, you can try again another day; turn around and stay safe.
#6 - Make Sure You Have The Right Kit
Clothing
Layered clothing systems are the best, as you can add or remove layers as needed. Start with a good base layer that can wick away moisture (once your sweat gets cold, it's tough to warm up again), followed by a good mid-layer such as a fleece or similar. You can then add high-quality, waterproof/windproof layers on top. I also carry my down jacket for the cold days/nights, which also fits under my waterproof jacket. I wear walking trousers depending on the season, lightweight ones for summer and a heavier fleece-lined pair in winter (bear in mind it can even get too hot in these in winter, so save them for freezing days). In addition to the layers, I also carry a hat, gloves, spare socks, and gaiters. The key here is to maintain your body temperature (37 °C).
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Gear
In addition to the above, I also carry on a day hike:
A good quality rucksack: On a day hike, I use a 30L Osprey Tempest 30, which I LOVE, and for a wild camp, I use the Lowe Alpine NO65, which I am looking to upgrade as it is too heavy
First Aid Kit, to include: blister plasters and plasters, sun cream, paracetamol/ibuprofen, midge spray, and a tick remover
Head torch and spare batteries
Water Filter—I have tried numerous filters and now only use the Katadyn Befree Filter. It is also compatible with the Cnoc Water Container, making it ideal for multi-day hikes.
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Phone
I will also carry spare clothes, waterproof gloves/socks, and an extra layer in winter.
#7 - Food And Water
Food
You can burn around 400-600 calories per hour when hiking in the hills, so it's essential to replace these calories, as hunger can lead to an accident, just like dehydration and hypothermia. Take plenty of snacks. There are numerous energy bars/protein bars and other similar products on the market. Ideally, one should not rely solely on sweets and chocolate, as they provide fast-acting energy that is quickly lost. Also, do not forget to have lunch if you are out for the day. In winter, I will also have a flask of something warm, like soup. For wild camping, you will need a meal that can be heated up once at camp and a breakfast of some kind. The dehydrated meals are the best, and I love the Real Turmat ones; they are typically the most expensive, but they taste the best.
Water
I always carry 2L of water with me. Even though I carry a Katadyn water filter, you may not be able to find decent water, especially on a wild camp, so you mustn't run out. On a day hike, I carry a bladder as it's easier to access. The rule is that you should drink around 500ml of water every hour, as that is approximately the amount of water you can sweat. Make sure to head out hydrated and top up when you return. I love electrolyte tablets after a hike. SIS ones are my favourite as they replace all the minerals you will have lost, and without those minerals, you will feel tired.
#8 - Do NOT Post Your Location
Many people ask me if I'm scared of others going solo, and to be honest, no, I'm not. You are so often alone up in the hills, and therefore, no one sees you. So, as long as you do not post your route on social media, and when you are going wild camping, do not post pictures that could give away your location; save them for when you get back. If you see anyone up in the hills, they are probably there for the same reason as you: camping, running or hiking. I feel far safer up in the mountains than in the city centre.
Conclusion - Staying Safe Solo Hiking and Wild Camping!
I hope you have enjoyed reading this post. It has given you an idea of how to stay safe and what gear you need when you go out on your own. If you are still unsure about wild camping on your own, then why not try at a campsite on your own first and see how you like that? I've recently visited a campsite that I recommend for this purpose, as you still get a 'nearly' wild camp feel, and it's in the heart of the Lake District. Read about it here.
If you need to call Mountain Rescue to report an emergency or injury, it is essential to provide as much relevant information as possible. This includes the location, with a grid reference if available, as well as the name, gender, and age of the person requiring assistance. The nature of the injuries or emergency should also be specified, along with the number of people affected. Additionally, it is essential to provide your mobile phone number for contact purposes. In the event of an emergency, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the police and mountain rescue. It is essential to remain in the exact location until the rescue team contacts you. If a further call is necessary, the same procedure should be followed.
Individuals with hearing or speech impairments can contact the 999 emergency services via text message. However, before utilizing this service, it is necessary to register with an emergency SMS. It is highly recommended to register beforehand and not wait until an emergency occurs. To register, text 'register' to 999 and follow the instructions provided. In the event of an emergency, send a text message to 999 via the emergency SMS service, including details about the incident and your location, along with the word 'Police'.
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Are you new to wild camping? Check out The Beginner’s Guide to Wild Camping for everything you need to get started.
If you haven’t already, consider downloading the Ordnance Survey App. It lets you import GPX routes directly and mirrors the paper maps you should always carry as a backup. I use this app to plan all my hikes, and it’s an essential tool for navigating the great outdoors.
Disclaimer: These suggestions are what I do to stay safe, and I'm not suggesting these are foolproof or will keep you safe. It is just what I do! My biggest suggestion is to go on a mountain training day so you can learn the skills you need to stay safe, mainly navigation. Please contact me if you believe anything is incorrect in this article.
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