What to Tell a Friend Before You Go Solo Hiking

What to Tell a Friend Before You Go Solo Hiking

Solo hiking can be one of the most freeing things you do — setting your own pace, choosing your own route, and enjoying the bush on your terms. But part of hiking alone safely means making sure someone else knows where you are.

It might feel a little over-the-top to text a full briefing to a mate before a quick hike… but if something ever does go wrong, that one message could make all the difference.

Here’s exactly what to tell a friend (or family member) before you head out solo — whether it’s a remote wilderness hike or just a half-day trail in your local national park.

1. The Name of the Trail (and Where It Starts)

Don’t just say “I’m going hiking in the Blue Mountains” — that’s like saying “I’m going to the shops somewhere in Sydney.” Be specific.

Include:

• The name of the trail
  
  
• The starting point (carpark, access road, trailhead name)
  
  
• If it’s a loop, out-and-back, or point-to-point
  
  
• A photo or screenshot of the map (extra helpful)

Example: “Doing the Grand Canyon Track from Evans Lookout. Starting at 9am, it’s a 6km loop. Expect to be done by 11:30am.”

2. Your Start and Finish Time (with a Buffer)

Let them know when you plan to start and when they should expect to hear from you.

• Be realistic with time — factor in breaks, photos, detours
  
  
• Add a buffer (e.g. “I’ll message by 2pm, but give me ‘til 3pm before worrying”)
  
  
• Include your own check-in plan, like texting once you’re back at the car
  

We like to send messages to our contact person while we’re on the trail. Even if we don’t have reception the message will continue trying to send until we walk through a pocket of reception. Include the time and where you are when sending the message.

3. What to Do If You Don’t Check In

This is the step most people skip — but it’s probably the most important.

Let your friend know:

• How long to wait before they worry (e.g. 1 hour? 3 hours?)
  
  
• Who to contact first — local ranger office, SES, police
  
  
• What info to pass on (trail name, your gear, your car rego)

Example message: “If you don’t hear from me by 3pm, wait until 5pm and then call NPWS Blue Mountains on [insert number] and let them know what trail I’m on.”

4. Where You’re Parking and Your Vehicle Details

This is helpful if a search ever needs to start — they’ll know what to look for and where.

Include:

• Which carpark you’re using (and nearest cross street or access road)
  
  
• Your car make, model, colour, and number plate
  
  
• Whether you’ll be leaving the car overnight

Take a photo of your car parked at the trailhead and send it to your friend.

5. What You’re Taking With You

It can be helpful for someone to know what gear or emergency items you’ve packed — especially in case of injury, weather change, or overnight delays.

Let them know if you’re carrying:

• A PLB (personal locator beacon)
  
  
• Rain gear and extra food
  
  
• Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS)
  
  
• First aid kit

This isn’t about proving you’ve packed perfectly — it’s about helping a rescue team know what you do or don’t have if things go wrong.

6. Any Medical Info or Concerns

If you have a health condition, are recovering from injury, or are feeling a bit under the weather but hiking anyway — tell someone. It might never matter. But if it does, it really matters.

Even letting someone know “I’ve had a sore ankle lately — might turn back early” gives useful context.

Solo Hike Text Checklist: Copy + Paste This Before You Go

Here’s a message you can copy, tweak, and send before your next solo hike:

Hey! Just heading out solo today.
Trail:
Starting:
Distance:
Estimated Finish Time:
Car:
I’ve got food, water, PLB, first aid, and map downloaded
I’ll text when I’m back — if you don’t hear from me by 2pm, give me til 3pm, then call NPWS Blue Mountains on [number] and pass this on. Thanks so much! 

Final Thoughts

Solo hiking doesn’t mean you’re hiking without support — it just means you’re walking alone. Taking a few minutes to tell someone where you’ll be is a simple act of care — for yourself, and for the people who love you.