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Rask Tanke 3: Backpacking Solo

my favorite photo from the hike - it reminds me of a Renaissance landscape painting

I just completed my first ever solo backpacking trip! I did 5 days in the Frafjordheiane mountain region in Southwestern Norway. The trip was originally supposed to be 6 days, but it got cut short by bad weather. The hikes I did were not popular routes, and I didn't see anyone while hiking until the last day. Some of my observations...

Backpacking solo is hard:
  • Your pack is heavy. You don't get to take advantage of shared resources like a tent, cooking gear, etc. 
  • It's nerve-wrecking. In the back of your mind you know that an injury like a sprained ankle could mean real trouble. It's important to think scenarios through to know what your options are (wait for help if on a popular trail, call an emergency phone number if you have service, set up camp and wait it out if it's an overuse injury; also how far away is the nearest town/cabin/place with people - can you make it?)
  • If you're like me, not having a second opinion on directions can be tough; it seems like two people are more likely to talk through a confusing part of the trail and determine the correct route (maybe not a problem if you have a decent sense of direction...)
  • There is no one to take fun photos with! Scrolling through all my photos post-hike I realized the majority of them are of empty landscapes.
  • Finding comfort in the silence takes time. With no one to talk to, I focused more on every step I was taking. Because of this, time passed slowly and distances seemed long. It took awhile to get into a rhythm and start enjoying the time spent by myself. Which brings me to why...

Backpacking solo is fun!
  • Extended time alone is great thinking time. Eventually my mind started to unconsciously churn through thoughts and ideas, both silly and serious. Some things I thought about: old friends I should reach out to, hobbies I would like to pursue (home growing hot peppers!), and reflections on big life choices I've made.
  • You get to go your own pace, decide when to take breaks, and can even change routes if you like! You are free to make decisions on a whim.
  • You are more observant. I noticed more animals and small details in the landscape.
  • When you run into people (whether at cabins, camping areas, or on the trail) they seem to be more likely to talk to you... or maybe I was more likely to talk to them after hours of silence? Regardless, at the end of the day once I had finally reached the cabin, I was never actually alone. I met some really interesting people and had great conversations!
LEARN NORWEGIAN

Kan du hjelpe meg?  =  Can you help me?
(Con du yelp-eh my)
Jeg er tapt.  =  I am lost.
(y-eye ar top-t)



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