Re: Female Solo Backpacker

Mandy,

I'm a big 200+ pound 55 year old guy who has just finished my first overnighter. I have a lot of respect for firstly, you doing it at all, and secondly, admitting your feelings about what you are experiencing.

I found myself doing exactly as you describe. I felt not so much threatened by the animals, but mostly bothered by the idea they were going to try to get at my gear inside the tent or under my fly. I felt these were probably going to be squirrels, mice, or something along that order. I wasn't really afraid, I just didn't want them gnawing through my tent. When I awoke the next morning, I realized that most of what I heard all through the night was more than likely sticks, nuts, acorns, things like that falling out of the trees. The only thing I really recognized was an owl hooting, which I was sort of happy to hear. I was sure it was sprinkling rain on and off throughout the night, or at least a real heavy dew was falling and dripping off of the limbs. It was very humid that day. The morning brought a very dry fly. The only moisture was inside where I didn't open enough vents. The fly must have acted as an amplifier, as the sounds were pretty close sounding.

I will definitely go again. I'm sure men have less to fear than women out there, so I can't put myself in your shoes. But I'm not sure a well prepared hiker risks a lot more that just being on the streets in some cities. I felt very in-my-world while hiking alone. I may have felt differently if I had seen others, but I like being alone sometimes.

You speak as though you really like hiking and backpacking. It would be ashame to give it up for whatever reason since you are so fond of it. Why else would you have gone 4 times while having these feelings? I can only suggest that you do your homework before leaving upon a hike. Find out from any source available (rangers, friends, hiking clubs) what type of bear reports have been filed. Get a current update on hunting laws for the area. Some areas are more likely to have animal problems than others, and this is something you can research. I actually worry about skunks, as that's the only thing I have ever ran into during my car camping days.

And lastly, if you are determined to continue, which I think you should, try and find a buddy to hike with, at least until you get over this. This forum is a great place to start when looking for trail pals. The nice thing about this forum is that you can ask others here about anyone that may sound like a possible candidate, eliminating some of the doubt about a new partner. You may only need to go once non-solo to get over this. Spend time outside your tent once it gets dark so you can get used to the sounds of that campsite. Try using a candle lantern for a limited amount of light so that you can stay adjusted to the dark. If you find a partner, by all means, use them as a gadget to keep your mind off of the unknowns while talking outside your tents after dark. Having someone close by in another tent should be a little reassuring.

OK, enough wind. I just hope you continue in what ever way you decide to participate. Good luck with the fears, and I hope they go away soon. As a pilot, I never got over the fear of getting lost up there, and never really sweated the takeoffs and landings like I was supposed to. Never got lost, BTW, but had some non-great landings. But the nice thing about it, whether hiking or flying, once I got on the trail or into the air, I found I had to face it one inch at a time, and really enjoyed the 'just being there'.

Be well,

Steve