# Am I being unnecessarily cautious? \[outdoor adventuring solo\] **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 4, 2011, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-unnecessarily-cautious-outdoor-adventuring-solo/584308 "2011-06-04T15:25:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![EmAnJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d2c977/32.png) [@EmAnJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmAnJ)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-unnecessarily-cautious-outdoor-adventuring-solo/584308/61 "2011-06-06T20:27:16Z")
> [@Hello\_Again](#): > > Is it just me, or did she completely screw the pooch in this story by leaving the trail? Wouldn’t you have found her almost immediately, otherwise? Isn’t “stay on the trail” pretty much, “help I broke my leg in the woods 101”? Yeah, but people behave differently is situations like that, especially if you’re hurt. Maybe she thought she could make it? Maybe she didn’t think anyone would find her 15 feet down? Maybe moving kept her warm? Maybe she just wasn’t thinking clearly? When you are injured and/or lost, most people _panic_. They don’t think logically or rationally, especially if they aren’t prepared or trained. ---
**Author:** ![Troppus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a587f6/32.png) [@Troppus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troppus)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-unnecessarily-cautious-outdoor-adventuring-solo/584308/62 "2011-06-06T20:39:11Z")
**EmAnJ** , this is really helpful. I have both survival and first aid training, plus bonus knowledge of wild edibles and such. The SPOT and the orange garbage bag are def on my list. Thanks so much for expert input! ---
**Author:** ![Algher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Algher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algher)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-unnecessarily-cautious-outdoor-adventuring-solo/584308/63 "2011-06-06T20:43:10Z")
Yep - my 10 essentials is now 11, adding in the SPOT unit. I have a SPOT II being delivered today for an upcoming hike through the backwoods of Yosemite. I won’t be solo, but others will still appreciate being able to track me, and I like being able to hit the panic button! As longs you start with the essentials, have SPOT unit (or its equivalent), and have your navigation nailed (topo, GPS unit, compass, marked trails, etc.) - go for it. I have done solo runs in Alaska, California and Montana - I was just always prepared. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-unnecessarily-cautious-outdoor-adventuring-solo/584308/64 "2011-06-06T20:51:00Z")
> [@Troppus](#): > > **EmAnJ** , I keep a whistle, pepper spray, multi-tool and cell phone within easy reach at all times; around my neck during rougher terrain/water. Goes without saying I have food/water/all weather jacket/first aid kit as well, but are there any other _lightweight_ “must have” items you recommend for trips longer than a couple hours? Flares? Air horn? > > I can’t stress enough how much I love this time alone, and that I’ve successfully hiked, paddled, and camped alone for more than half my life with no emergencies. But for the peace of mind of those that love me, anything else I should toss in a dry bag? [ultra chemlites](http://www.redesupply.com/p625/Glow-Stick:-Cyalume-Chem-Lights-Ultra-Bright-5-Minute/product_info.html), waterproof matches or lighter, and, oh I don’t know - maybe a _COMPASS_ might be useful. [Survival kit](http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=survival+in+a+can&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=6968736610045841151&sa=X&ei=XT3tTfPULNCtgQeJ6qTgCQ&ved=0CEkQ8wIwAA) in a can is spiffy also. ---
**Author:** ![EmAnJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d2c977/32.png) [@EmAnJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmAnJ)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-unnecessarily-cautious-outdoor-adventuring-solo/584308/65 "2011-06-06T20:52:45Z")
> [@aruvqan](#): > > [ultra chemlites](http://www.redesupply.com/p625/Glow-Stick:-Cyalume-Chem-Lights-Ultra-Bright-5-Minute/product_info.html), waterproof matches or lighter, and, oh I don’t know - maybe a _COMPASS_ might be useful. [Survival kit](http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=survival+in+a+can&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=6968736610045841151&sa=X&ei=XT3tTfPULNCtgQeJ6qTgCQ&ved=0CEkQ8wIwAA) in a can is spiffy also. A compass is only useful if you know how to use it! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-unnecessarily-cautious-outdoor-adventuring-solo/584308/66 "2011-06-06T21:52:38Z")
> [@EmAnJ](#): > > A compass is only useful if you know how to use it! 😉 Thank you, that was going to be my line. Safety equipment is great, and I always carry some depending on my hike route and weather forecast. But the most important piece if safety equipment is your brain. Know the terrain, the escape routes, stay calm, understand the risks around you, have knowledge of first aid and navigation, and know your limitations. On most of my trips, an extra bit of food is more likely to keep my alert and aware and thus more likely to keep me from harm than carrying a Spot. Not that carrying a Spot is a bad thing, but you should realistically evaluate your risks and carry the appropriate tools for your situation. I know many people who hike with a gun, and it does afford some protection in some rather unlikely situations. But for that weight I could carry extra food and water, first aid supplies, or simply travel lighter and be less tired at the end of the day. There is no single right answer to these questions. There are hikes I have taken where a Spot would make perfect sense, it’s just not my usual dayhike or overnight. I just want to make sure people don’t think “I have a cell phone and a Spot, I no longer need to get first aid training or learn how to use a compass or carry extra clothes.” ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-unnecessarily-cautious-outdoor-adventuring-solo/584308/67 "2011-06-06T22:37:27Z")
Be careful when you step off the trail to pee. You laugh, but I slid down the side of very steep mountain doing that, and just happened to catch myself on a tree. Yes, with my pants down at my ankles. Fortunately none of the people I was traveling with saw me before I could fix myself. They just heard me screaming. ---
**Author:** ![Troppus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a587f6/32.png) [@Troppus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troppus)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-unnecessarily-cautious-outdoor-adventuring-solo/584308/68 "2011-06-06T23:04:58Z")
> [@monstro](#): > > Be careful when you step off the trail to pee. You laugh, but I slid down the side of very steep mountain doing that, and just happened to catch myself on a tree. Yes, with my pants down at my ankles. > > Fortunately none of the people I was traveling with saw me before I could fix myself. They just heard me screaming. Ha, that’s the truth! Someone in my region stepped off trail for a quiet moment of reflection and was tagged by a rattler. He was wearing cycling gear, not hiking boots/loose pants/etc so the snake caught bare skin. Whaddaya gonna do? We all have to pee sometimes. He received care quickly and was fine, but full alert mode should be employed even inches off a trail. ---
**Author:** ![Otara](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a88e4f/32.png) [@Otara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otara)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-unnecessarily-cautious-outdoor-adventuring-solo/584308/69 "2011-06-06T23:40:35Z")
Whats the advantage of that SPOT over a personal locator beacon? Seems to cost a bit less, but the yearly subscription would go over a PLB cost pretty quickly. ---
**Author:** ![Eats\_Crayons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/278dde/32.png) [@Eats\_Crayons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eats_Crayons)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-unnecessarily-cautious-outdoor-adventuring-solo/584308/70 "2011-06-06T23:54:00Z")
We have what we call “the kit.” It’s a bit smaller than our first aid kit but it contains things needed if we were lost and had to unexpectedly spend the night in the woods. Off the of of my head, I believe it carries an emergency foil blanket, a signal, mirror, headlamp, whistle, compass, matches, a lighter that is actually more like a miniature blowtorch and lights in the worst conditions, Swiss Army knife, additional power bar(s), a couple water purification tablets, spare headlamp batteries… There are other things I don’t remember… (possibly a bear bell?) It’s not very big or heavy and is usually carried in the same pack as a water bladder. This is carried IN ADDITION to the gear we expect to actually need. For example, while hiking, I already have my Swiss army knife, headlamp, and lunch, but “the kit” is a complete and separate thing for emergencies only. Edit: We don’t carry mace or any other weapon. My partner and I do occasional solo trips. I’m 5’4" and about 125 lbs and she is perhaps an inch taller. Solo trips are based very much according to safety, ability, terrain, weather, and so on. We also make sure someone else knows our itinerary and route. We’ve taken orienteering workshops, and basic survival courses. On trails where you’re likely to see SOMEONE within an hour or so, we don’t worry so much, but more remote trails or winter trails, require a more planning and tend to be shorter. Snowshoeing in the backcountry for example, we’d choose a half-day route. I don’t think I’d do a multi-day hiking route alone unless I had the dog with me and was on a route I new well. We’ve both car camped alone on many occasions. ---
**Author:** ![pendgwen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3da27b/32.png) [@pendgwen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pendgwen)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-unnecessarily-cautious-outdoor-adventuring-solo/584308/71 "2011-06-07T00:54:33Z")
> [@Troppus](#): > > I’m excited for you, and a little jealous! Report back if you find time, I’m interested in hearing if you felt comfortable and secure or if being alone caused you to feel anxious. Either way, I’m sure this quick trip will let you know if solo forays suit you. I’m back. I went to Buttermilk Fall State Park, which is near Ithaca NY. I went hiking on the trails along the falls and had a nice time. The parks here are just a lot more developed than I’m used to. The first part of the trail was the steepest but it was also paved in a lot of places so that people were hauling strollers up it.. I also discovered that folding a tent neatly is a little harder with only one person. ---
**Author:** ![Troppus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a587f6/32.png) [@Troppus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troppus)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-unnecessarily-cautious-outdoor-adventuring-solo/584308/72 "2011-06-07T01:47:13Z")
> [@pendgwen](#): > > I’m back. I went to Buttermilk Fall State Park, which is near Ithaca NY. I went hiking on the trails along the falls and had a nice time. The parks here are just a lot more developed than I’m used to. The first part of the trail was the steepest but it was also paved in a lot of places so that people were hauling strollers up it.. I also discovered that folding a tent neatly is a little harder with only one person. Did you mind beinig alone? I’ve seen travel pics of Buttermilk and it’s beautiful. ---
**Author:** ![pendgwen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3da27b/32.png) [@pendgwen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pendgwen)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-unnecessarily-cautious-outdoor-adventuring-solo/584308/73 "2011-06-07T02:27:05Z")
> [@Troppus](#): > > Did you mind beinig alone? I’ve seen travel pics of Buttermilk and it’s beautiful. I would have liked having someone to chat with around the campfire. But staring into the coals and letting them mesmerize you is also nice. ---
**Author:** ![Martin\_Hyde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/47e85d/32.png) [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-unnecessarily-cautious-outdoor-adventuring-solo/584308/74 "2011-06-07T03:29:42Z")
As someone who essentially grew up playing in the woods I personally think there’s no reason to be so worried about a trip into the wilderness. First, the relative size is mostly unimportant. An inexperienced hiker can get lost in the mountains of western Virginia/eastern West Virginia just as completely as they can get lost anywhere west of the Mississippi. Many people who die in such situations don’t really move in a very large area trying to find their way out, they do a lot of back tracking and circling around (intentionally or unintentionally.) I’m all about not being stupid and taking certain safety precautions. At the same time, I have property in the mountains where myself and several family members and people we’ve known for years all have large lots that run together, you can walk 3-4 miles and never leave our collective property and we all have been known to go pretty deep out checking on things from time to time. I like to make sure no one has set anything illegal up or is doing something they shouldn’t, and just to see if there’s anything worth knowing. We all do it probably on average once or twice a year at different times and since we sort of stagger it it means all of the property owners collectively keep pretty well informed. To me if I’m going to be worried I might trip and hurt myself and not make it back to a phone to the point I can’t walk out into my own property without a survival kit then I better not ever climb a ladder or get in a car. If you look at the causes of accidental death in the United States, falls (mostly from ladders and such, or stairs), automobile accidents, and accidental poisonings are the biggest causes of accidental death by far. I think if someone wants to hike out on a relatively known trail and do some camping or something, they shouldn’t be paranoid about it. If you’re hiking many many hours out into the wilderness or doing anything on the water then sure you need to bring basic survival gear, and I do that on longer hikes. But I don’t necessarily agree that any trip into the woods needs to be treated as a potential catastrophe, I grew up in the woods and have great respect for its dangers but I don’t feel I need to call someone and let them know I’m going out to check certain parts of my land or something like that. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-unnecessarily-cautious-outdoor-adventuring-solo/584308.md?page=3)