How to Prepare for Your First Solo Hike

How to Prepare for Your First Solo Hike: A Beginner’s Guide

There’s something quietly powerful about heading out on your own. No one to match pace with. No one else setting the route. Just you, your pack, and the trail ahead.

But if you’re thinking about trying your first solo hike, it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. We’ve been there too. That moment where you’re standing at the trailhead, checking your phone one last time for reception, and wondering if you’ve packed enough snacks (you have). This guide is for anyone getting ready to take that first step into solo hiking — safely, confidently, and with a little extra know-how up your sleeve.

Start Small and Build Confidence

You don’t have to trek across the Blue Mountains solo on day one. Start with a short, familiar trail — one you’ve done before or one that’s well-marked and close to town. You’ll get a feel for hiking alone without the pressure of remoteness or tricky terrain. Treat it like a practice run. It’s not about distance; it’s about confidence.

Tell Someone Where You’re Going

This one’s non-negotiable. Before you hit the trail, let someone know:

• Where you’re going
  
  
• What time you’re starting
  
  
• When you expect to be back
  
  
• What to do if they don’t hear from you
  

We like to send a quick text and share a screenshot of the trail map with an ETA. When you’re back safely, follow up to let them know — bonus points if you send a selfie with a well-earned snack.

Plan Your Route (and Bring a Backup)

Use an app like AllTrails or Gaia GPS to plan your route in advance, and download it offline. Even if you know the area, it’s easy to take a wrong turn when your mind starts to wander (trust us). A printed map is a great backup, and it doesn’t rely on battery life.

Pack the Essentials

When hiking solo, your pack is your lifeline — so make sure it’s stocked. Here’s our basic solo-hike checklist:

• Navigation (map, compass, GPS)
  
  
• First aid kit
  
  
• Headlamp or torch
  
  
• Extra food and water
  
  
• Rain jacket and an extra layer
  
  
• Emergency whistle
  
  
• Fully charged phone (plus a power bank)
  
  
• Personal locator beacon (PLB) or emergency communicator — especially for remote trails

We always say: you hope you never need the emergency gear, but you’ll be glad it’s there if you do.

Dress Smart, Stay Comfy

Comfort is key, especially when there’s no one to distract you from blisters or cold toes. We recommend:

• Merino base layers for breathability and temperature control
  
  
• Good quality socks (we love toe socks to prevent rubbing)
  
  
• Wide-toe hiking boots that give your feet room to move
  
  
• Light layers you can add or shed easily
  

Check the weather forecast before you go, and be ready for sudden changes — especially in mountain areas.

Trust Your Instincts

This might be the most important one. If something feels off — the weather turns, the trail looks wrong, or you get a weird vibe from another hiker — listen to your gut. You can always turn back, change your route, or pause to reassess. There’s no prize for pushing through discomfort. Solo hiking is about finding your own pace, and your own sense of safety.

Enjoy the Quiet

One of the best things about hiking alone is the space to just be. No conversation, no decisions to negotiate — just you, your breath, and the rhythm of your footsteps. Take breaks when you want. Stop to look at that weird tree. Eat the extra muesli bar just because. The trail is yours.

Final Thoughts

Your first solo hike doesn’t need to be epic. It just needs to happen. With a bit of planning, some safety smarts, and the right gear, it can be the start of something really empowering. And if you come back grinning, tired, and already planning your next one — well, we know that feeling too.