How many of you discovered your love for camping and backpacking later in life? And how many of you want to start backpacking or camping but don’t have someone to go with?
Well, you’re not alone! There are plenty of people who did not grow up recreating in the outdoors and who started to explore camping and backpacking for the first time as an adult. I’m one of them! When I moved to CA for easier access to wilderness and the outdoors, I didn’t have anyone to guide me and show me the ropes, so I taught myself and went on my adventures alone!
While I did grow up hiking in the woods around my house, sleeping outside was completely new to me at 22 years old when I went on my first backpacking trip.
After a couple of backpacking trips with the Sierra Club, I knew that camping and backpacking were things I wanted to explore further, but I didn’t have someone to guide me so I mostly taught myself!
I’ve learned a lot over the years through research and experience that have made me a more confident solo adventurer! Getting over the fear and discomfort of being alone is one of the most empowering things I have done for myself and I want you all to experience this freedom too!
So here are 5 tips for people who want to get into solo camping but don’t know where to start.
- Where do I begin? How do I start?
- What gear do I need and where do I get it?
- What about food? What do I eat?
- Where should I go for my first trip?
- What do I do if I get scared or don’t feel safe?
- Closing thoughts
Where do I begin? How do I start?
Research, research, research
Read books and camping blogs, watch youtube videos, follow solo camping enthusiasts on social media, and learn as much as you can from people out on the trails and experiencing outdoors firsthand! When I started my outdoor journey I was super inspired by PCT hikers vlogging their hike and learned a lot from following their journeys.
What gear do I need and where do I get it?
Rent or borrow gear!
I believe the biggest barrier to entry when it comes to camping is acquiring the gear and equipment that you need to camp comfortably. Outdoor gear that’s made to last is expensive and an investment, so if you’re not ready to make a big purchase on gear, try finding rental gear or secondhand gear. REI offers gear rentals and also has a great second hand section which is where I acquired most of my first gear items! Facebook marketplace or thrift stores in the towns outside national parks/forests can also be great places to look.
What about food? What do I eat?
Camping/backpacking meals
There are so many options for meals. If you are in a front country campground with a fire pit, the cooking possibilities are endless.
When you’re backpacking, a simple place to start is with a small foldable camp stove. I recommend the Jetboil Zip $95 or the MSR Pocket Rocket $60 with a Stanley Adventure Nesting 2 Cup Cookset $16. You can use this stove to boil water for packaged backpacking meals or cook ramen directly in the pot.
When I first started backpacking my go to meals were Top Ramen Soy Sauce flavor, boxed vegan mac n’ cheese, and the Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai. All of these means I still stand by today!
Some of my favorite well known brands that are easy to find in stores and online are: Backpackers Pantry, Good To Go, and Trailtopia. Some of my favorite smaller brands are: Poe + Co Folk Foods, Farm to Summit, and Itacate. I will be sharing a post soon listing all of my backpacking food recommendations, so keep an eye out!
The premade and prepackaged backpacking meals can be expensive, but backpacking meals don’t have to be! One of my go-to recipes is less than $5! All you need is a packet of Soy Sauce Top Ramen prepared as directed, then mix in a packet of peanut butter, a packet of hot sauce, and a packet of soy sauce. (If you like your noodles to be more dry you can strain out most of the water first). Then you can add crushed peanuts, green onions, sesame seeds, nori, or whatever toppings you’d like and you have an easy meal!
Where should I go for my first trip?
Start small, start close.
Choose a local campground for your first solo camping trip. This gives you the opportunity to test out your gear and refine your packing list without being too far from home and while having the comfort and safety of others nearby.
Try different types of camping and campgrounds to figure out what works best for you and your goals. When you feel comfortable and confident with your gear and set up, you can explore further locations!
What do I do if I get scared or don’t feel safe?
Go home! Try again.
I believe there is a difference between feeling scared and feeling unsafe. If you ever feel unsafe, you can leave or go home! Don’t force yourself to do anything that makes you feel unsafe.
Feeling scared on the either hand, I believe is part of the learning experience. Being alone in the wilderness, forces you to confront fears and challenge them. Everyone feels uneasy their first nights of camping, and it’s easy to let your mind run wild about what those sounds might be, but over time and with experience you learn that these things are not as scary as they seemed!
Closing thoughts
You may never feel fully “ready” to go on your first solo trip, but it’s important ro get out there anyway and try! Every camping and backpacking trip is a new learning experience. The more you get out there, the more you will learn, the more comfortable you will be, and the better time you have!! So keep at it! You got this!
If you have any other questions about getting started comment them down below!
And if you need a little more encouragement, send me a message on IG and I’d be happy to send a little motivation your way! 🤗
Happy trails!
Bee
Bee's Wild Life 
Bee, I literally just stumbled upon your channel today. I’m recovering from foot surgery hence Youtube binging lol. Your article is great and I’m inspired by your content. I had asked about what you do to prepare physically and what preventative measures you take, etc., and thank you for responding. I’m looking forward to your upcoming content. I’m trying to stay optimistic about getting my physical strength back and really want to deviate from the good old home treadmill or 24 hour fitness rat race. I’m 51 and ready for change and I think hiking, for starters, would be a good start for physical fitness and interpersonal growth. I didn’t grow up doing recreational activities and my circle of friends didn’t either lol. But my last relationship about 2 years ago opened my eyes about what I enjoy most once I was introduced to the culture of outdoors & nature. Nothing compared to your experience but I tapped into my county’s backyard ie American River, Folsom Lake and nearby areas around Granite Bay, etc. I’m solo now, lol, but I don’t want the fear of wildlife encounters to hold me back. So all this to say thank you for being informative, brave & transparent taking the time to share it in your blogs & content. I can’t wait to get strong again and start from scratch with your recommendations. God bless you & happy trails.
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