# West Coast Trail (or any through hike) solo or hiking partner? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 19, 2016, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076 "2016-10-19T21:56:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![FloatyGimpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/floatygimpy/32/7750_2.png) [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/21 "2016-10-20T19:26:21Z")
> [@Algher](#): > > I have done solo runs at Yosemite and Alaska and love it. Longest run has been 4 days I admit. Easy enough to manage food, keep everything light, consider one of the hammock tent rigs to stay dry, and use trekking poles for the mud. > > I have never done that trail - and now it is on my list! I’ve decided on the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2. Super lightweight and just a little extra room for getting changed and relaxing. > **[Fly Creek HV UL2 Solution Dye Ultralight Tent | Big Agnes](https://www.bigagnes.com/products/fly-creek-hv-ul2-solution-dye)** > > The award-winning Fly Creek HV UL2 Solution Dye is a 3-season, freestanding, ultralight tent. The maximized interior space means comfort. Shop now. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/22 "2016-10-20T20:01:32Z")
> [@FloatyGimpy](#): > > … Sounds like the general consensus is that it’s safer with a buddy. While I do agree I just am not liking the idea of having to consider someone else. … IMO having a buddy go with is looking out for yourself – for your own safety. ---
**Author:** ![Turble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8dc957/32.png) [@Turble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turble)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/23 "2016-10-20T20:23:19Z")
The Big Agnes is a good tent; I see a lot of them on the trail. If you’re still shopping, take a look at the [Tarpent Double Rainbow](http://www.tarptent.com/double-rainbow.html); a little more floor space (it actually is suitable for two people), more head room, similar weight, and costs over $100 less. I’ve had mine for three or four years and am very happy with it … and it really does set-up in two minutes or less. ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/24 "2016-10-20T20:39:10Z")
If it’s a busy trail, I’d go solo. My personal theory is that for each person on a trip, 30% of your time is spent dealing with them. If you are a super social person, that may be worth it for you. But if you don’t mind a little alone time, you’ll be happier picking up (and leaving as you see fit) friends on the trail. ---
**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:** [October 20, 2016, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/25 "2016-10-20T20:40:41Z")
Depending on what you are looking for, I have found that going solo allows you to gravitate towards or away from people you meet on the trail. I’ve found myself forming a pack with some folks and seeing them every night. It’s part of the linear community that forms on long distance trails that makes this kind of hiking so appealing. The WCT might not have the same personality but I suspect it would form rather quickly. ---
**Author:** ![Common\_Tater](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/common_tater/32/13846_2.png) [@Common\_Tater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Common_Tater)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/26 "2016-10-20T21:40:54Z")
> [@China\_Guy](#): > > I used to go on extended trips in Tibet by myself. It was freaking awesome, but chalk it up to the immortality of youth. I would recommend a hiking partner for the safety aspect. This. It’s a bit depressing after a while solitude is great, but it’s meant to be shared, if that makes any sense. Cell phones have taken a lot of the hair shirt element away though. ---
**Author:** ![FloatyGimpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/floatygimpy/32/7750_2.png) [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/27 "2016-10-20T21:48:30Z")
> [@Turble](#): > > The Big Agnes is a good tent; I see a lot of them on the trail. > > If you’re still shopping, take a look at the [Tarpent Double Rainbow](http://www.tarptent.com/double-rainbow.html); a little more floor space (it actually is suitable for two people), more head room, similar weight, and costs over $100 less. I’ve had mine for three or four years and am very happy with it … and it really does set-up in two minutes or less. I do like their products too, especially Strato Spire. ---
**Author:** ![Mangosteen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/28 "2016-10-20T23:14:19Z")
I’d plan on going solo, but you’ll never know what will happen when you get to the trail head. There might very well be someone that happens to be heading to the same place and you’ll (at least) start the trek together. I arrived in Kathmandu planning on doing the Everest Base Camp trek solo, but met a girl at a restaurant that night who was heading to EBC as well. She even had a Sherpa lined up, so off we went. Started out solo, but fate hooked me up. ---
**Author:** ![Shamozzle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shamozzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shamozzle)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2016, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/29 "2016-10-22T03:01:33Z")
> [@FloatyGimpy](#): > > Next summer I am going to be hiking the west coast trail. I am trying to decide if I want to do it alone or with a partner. The one and only reason I want a partner is because it might be a little scary doing it alone. There are other benefits to having a partner as well, like sharing the load/camp chores and knowledge. But those things don’t matter to me that much. > > I live on Vancouver Island already and go hiking every day into the forest and regularly see bears but I have a large German Shepherd with me so I don’t feel too worried. On the WCT, as a luxury item, I would take bear spray which would help me to feel somewhat protected. > > Any through hikers here? Any opinions about solo hiking/camping? I’ve hiked lots of trails including the WCT and while it can be a technically dangerous and grueling trail, it’s not particularly “scary”. Scary, to me, is when you are alone in grizz country. The WCT is itself remote but there are plenty of people on it and should you find yourself alone at the bottom of a trench with a busted ankle it won’t be long before you are discovered. The exception to this is when walking on the intertidal rock shelves. These go for miles and if you don’t properly time your entry and exit using tide tables you will literally be swept out to sea. People tend to congregate in specific areas to spend the night and it will we be very easy for you to be near others at night if that is what you want. It is not a lonely trail. In my opinion, the scariest thing about the WCT is the threat of 24-hour downpour, day after day. The trail is rugged and demanding at the best of times and during heavy rains you might find yourself walking through mud and slipping on your footing all day long, day after day. It can wear on one’s psyche in a big way and if you are the type of person who draws emotional strength from the proximity of others you will probably want to do this hike with a partner. If you are the stoic, Clint Eastwood-type who doesn’t have a lot of time for group hugs then you may enjoy the newfound resolve you will be tapping into should you get unlucky weather-wise while all by your lonesome. My advice to anyone doing this trail: Be very fit. The trail is very demanding. Bring top-of-the-line, waterproof/breathable everything. Jacket, pants, hat, gaiters, _proven_ boots, pack, etc… everything. Bring a great tent. Don’t even think about a down sleeping bag… Don’t be in a rush. The trail can be slow, tedious going. Mile after mile of proper foot placement, slippery rocks and logs, etc. Also, you are going to want to stop and smell the roses, of which there are plenty. Don’t go in with a deadline waiting for you at the other end. Of course, this may all be old hat to you and if so it’s not my intention to insult your intelligence. I just thought I’d make those points. ---
**Author:** ![FloatyGimpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/floatygimpy/32/7750_2.png) [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2016, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/30 "2016-10-22T03:46:44Z")
> [@Shamozzle](#): > > I’ve hiked lots of trails including the WCT and while it can be a technically dangerous and grueling trail, it’s not particularly “scary”… Of course, this may all be old hat to you and if so it’s not my intention to insult your intelligence. I just thought I’d make those points. This is a fantastic post and I hope you don’t mind if I pick your brain a bit during the planning phase! I have lived on Vancouver Island for 40 years and currently live about an hour away from the WCT so I’m very familiar with the sloshing around in the mud in the endless rain. However I’ve never hiked the WCT and I’ve never done a through hike so your firsthand knowledge is greatly appreciated! ---
**Author:** ![Shamozzle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shamozzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shamozzle)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2016, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/31 "2016-10-22T05:31:39Z")
> [@FloatyGimpy](#): > > This is a fantastic post and I hope you don’t mind if I pick your brain a bit during the planning phase! I have lived on Vancouver Island for 40 years and currently live about an hour away from the WCT so I’m very familiar with the sloshing around in the mud in the endless rain. However I’ve never hiked the WCT and I’ve never done a through hike so your firsthand knowledge is greatly appreciated! Sure, feel free to ask me anything you like and I’ll do my best to help out. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2016, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/32 "2016-10-22T14:25:49Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Partner selection should be carefully considered. Find someone who is a slower runner than you. > [@FloatyGimpy](#): > > Yeah I just have to be faster than one person! Your username concerns me. mmm ---
**Author:** ![FloatyGimpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/floatygimpy/32/7750_2.png) [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2017, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/33 "2017-01-25T06:16:37Z")
Update: Woot! Reservation is made! Good thing I did it when I did as August is fully booked and also every day in July except the 15th so I grabbed it! I did decide to go solo as I just don’t want to have to concern myself with someone else and what they want to do and what speed they want to go etc. I’m not worried about being alone/afraid on the trail anymore because I think it’ll be busier than what I normally experience up in the mountain trails I go on every day. Today I ran into 2 other people during the entire 5 mile hike. On the WCT they allow 25 people to start the trail per day per end (north or south start) so over the course of the entire trail at any given time there will be a couple of hundred people. I’m super excited! I’ve wanted to do this for over 30 years 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Shamozzle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shamozzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shamozzle)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2017, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/34 "2017-02-03T01:36:10Z")
> [@FloatyGimpy](#): > > Update: > > Woot! Reservation is made! Good thing I did it when I did as August is fully booked and also every day in July except the 15th so I grabbed it! I did decide to go solo as I just don’t want to have to concern myself with someone else and what they want to do and what speed they want to go etc. > > I’m not worried about being alone/afraid on the trail anymore because I think it’ll be busier than what I normally experience up in the mountain trails I go on every day. Today I ran into 2 other people during the entire 5 mile hike. On the WCT they allow 25 people to start the trail per day per end (north or south start) so over the course of the entire trail at any given time there will be a couple of hundred people. > > I’m super excited! I’ve wanted to do this for over 30 years 🙂 Hey, that’s excellent! I agree, you probably won’t feel very alone, relatively. When I hiked the trail I felt that there was just the right population density. The people who decide such things seem to know what they are doing. I forgot to mention a couple things in my previous post: Good camera, good food! Nothing motivates like the thought of hot yummy food as the light at the end of the tunnel. Keep us posted and let us know how it goes. Give us a report when you get back! ---
**Author:** ![FloatyGimpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/floatygimpy/32/7750_2.png) [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2017, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/35 "2017-05-15T17:15:01Z")
The date is getting closer! I have most of my stuff and man I’m especially proud of my tent choice! I wanted something very light, but could also comfortably sit up in, and thought I’d have to spend about $500 to get this. Well! After a ton of research I got from Canadian Tire a youth, two person dome tent for $35!! AND without the stakes, it only weighs 2lbs 10oz. Yeah I’m awesome woot!! It’s freaking huge but rolls up small enough to only be the same width as my pack. I’ll be camping in luxury baby 🙂 I got the MSR Trail Shot water filter. Looks good but haven’t tried it, yet. I decided on solid fuel stove. I like the idea of getting into camp, getting my stove going and setting up the tent while the water is heating. I’ve tried the stove a couple of times and it seems good. I like that I know how much fuel to take and half of the fuel cubes fit right inside the stove so they take up very little space. I’ve organized a beginner thru-hike with a few other fellow newbies on June 2nd. We’ll be hiking 50k over 3 days with the focus on the “thru” rather than the “hike”. Some people who are currently on the WCT have been uploading pictures to Facebook and the common theme seems to be MUD! But then at the end of the day, everyone sits around a nice fire on the beach beside a waterfall and it’s all worth it. My luxury item is a Sea to Summit Aeros pillow that was $50 :eek: I won’t be taking my bear spray but I will take my bear banger which is only the size of a pen but makes one hell of a boom! ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2017, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/36 "2017-05-15T19:32:42Z")
This sounds awesome! I’m vicariously excited. 😃 (Why aren’t you taking the bear spray? I ask after having woken with a bear in my camp.) ---
**Author:** ![FloatyGimpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/floatygimpy/32/7750_2.png) [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2017, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/37 "2017-05-15T19:41:10Z")
> [@Sunny\_Daze](#): > > This sounds awesome! I’m vicariously excited. 😃 > > (Why aren’t you taking the bear spray? I ask after having woken with a bear in my camp.) It’s pretty heavy to carry for a week and the trail is so well traveled that I’m not all that concerned about bears. Also there aren’t any Grizzlies which is a whole different ball game. I will take my bear banger though. Where people camp there are usually 20 or so tents full of people so I’ll just set mine up in the middle and any bears can eat the suckers on the outside first 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2017, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/38 "2017-05-15T22:00:58Z")
That works. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![standingwave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@standingwave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/standingwave)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2017, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/39 "2017-05-15T23:08:42Z")
> [@FloatyGimpy](#): > > Where people camp there are usually 20 or so tents full of people so I’ll just set mine up in the middle and any bears can eat the suckers on the outside first 😃 Following through with that strategy, be sure to wear running shoes and be prepared to drop your pack at a moment’s notice. Sure, you won’t be able to outrun a bear but, then again, you don’t have to. ---
**Author:** ![FloatyGimpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/floatygimpy/32/7750_2.png) [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076/40 "2017-05-16T03:09:28Z")
> [@standingwave](#): > > Following through with that strategy, be sure to wear running shoes and be prepared to drop your pack at a moment’s notice. Sure, you won’t be able to outrun a bear but, then again, you don’t have to. Right? Just one slower person is all I need 🆒 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-coast-trail-or-any-through-hike-solo-or-hiking-partner/769076.md?page=3)