Love spending time outdoors alone....I find it not only calming but it allows me to decompress from everything. I often work mentally on projects I may be stuck on and by the end of my trip I have a solution
That's a great point and I should have included it in the video as one of the many benefits of hiking alone. I often say, "hiking is where I get my thinking done!" Thanks so much for reminding me. Cheers!
Having a dog is one of the best things you can bring with you from a safety perspective. My German Shepherd helped us avoid a bear encounter two years ago in Northern Colorado. Their instincts and sense of smell will help you avoid getting into trouble in the first place
Thanks for sharing your experience. When I was talking with my wife about what to include in this video, she said "make sure you mention the dog!" I'm glad I did and others agree too. Cheers Carter!
Great points about hiking alone and doing so safely. I've done solo day trips and backpack trips for years in the Pacific NW and had my share of issues, but solo hiking has become my preferred way. I have found that when I get out by myself I'm able to go at my own pace, fast or slow, and take breaks when I want to. I often just stop for an hour, sit quietly and allow nature to get used to my presence.
I'm glad you also know the unique joy of hiking alone. Totally agree about the benefits of going at your own pace and taking breaks (long or short) when you like. Thanks for commenting with your experiences hiking alone. Cheers Jim!
I love solo hiking and prefer it. One thing I always bring with me for emergencies is a way to purify water. I always bring more than enough water on my hikes, but in case of an emergency I have my water purification as a backup. Like you stated, pre-planning is essential and checking in and out with someone, be it a friend or a ranger, especially on hikes where you might not run across any other hikers. Also learn what to do and most importantly what not to do in case of the rare wildlife encounters because different predators require differing responses.
Mark, thanks for contributing your suggestions. You are right about the water. Both carrying enough and having a way to purify more! And same for the different responses for different predators. Great points. Cheers!
2 of my friends and I went on our first multiday hike in the eagle cap wilderness on a trail called bear creek. 17ish mile trail to the lake where everything went great! But... on our way back i noticed tracks on the trail. This is a very uncommon trail to go more than a day hikes worth. We were the only people that went far in. I saw our old tracks from going in, and the same aged tracks of a cougar going the same direction. I dont think a cougar would want anything to do with 3 people, but that was spooky. Knowing that a cougar was potentially trailing behind us on the first day. But again, we were not worried as we had defensive measures at the ready, and no cougar would want anything to do with 3 people. Especially with how many deer/elk are here. I have had multiple dreams of fighting a cougar. One was a long time ago, and I won. But the one I had just almost a week ago i did not win... i guess I'll share this traumatic dream... i was in a dark area, idk where, on my phone. I felt like i was being watched like a 6th sense. I was sitting upon something and when i hopped off... It was over before i even knew what happened... it got me right on the neck. The feeling of warmth and fur felt so real for a split second... Thankfully once it bit my neck i instantly knew I was dreaming, so i thrashed around for about 5 seconds to try and wake myself up. Ive never woken from a dream gasping. It was honestly pretty traumatic... My jacket hood on my neck felt like that warm fir all day. Whenever it'd touch my neck the memory would come back. When i think of the dream i can almost still feel it. The exact spot... Hey, if you made it this far into this comment, thanks for your time! And i am fine. Im used to my dreams being very lucid, so when the rare "nightmares" happen, im only shook for the day, if that. And i used to control my dreams, so i usually can tell that im dreaming at some point of the dream. I love telling my dream stories, so, Thanks for reading!
Enjoy your videos Well done Bring a introvert I do all things alone Memories of trail run in the Black Hills SD and slipping on a small hand size piece of ice. Heard a snap. Next thing I was down on the trail and a floppy right ankle Late in the day if mt lion area started crawling up a road looking for help. Tried making a crutch out of a fence post. Then watched for people and started waving to get attention Luckily a snow mobiler came by took me to the trail head and next thing I knew I was in surgery Happened 2005 and still to this day end of days ankle swells up but has not stopped me from hiking and utilizing poles and enjoying nature. Thanks for your videos
1:30 The being present part is true. I got diagnosed with adhd wich is retärded because ofcourse i wont pay attention rotting in school everyday for 6 hours but when im in the mountains or the forest im always very present and concentrated on every step.
It's really amazing what some time in nature can do for our minds. I'm glad you have experienced the benefits as all. Thanks for commenting and sharing your experience. Cheers!
I've been hiking in and around RMNP for over 40 years and I can't begin to count how many times I've come across people who are in a panic because they've lost track with one another. It can be because of something so simple as the lead person stepping off the trail to relieve themselves and getting passed by. I remember one time when I was coming down from Longs, and there was a guy in an absolute panic because he'd lost track of his son. Several of us turned around and started searching above treeline, only to find out later on from a ranger that the kid had passed his dad and was waiting for him at the trailhead. I don't want to be critical because I enjoy your videos, but I don't think it's a good idea for some people to split up, especially if they're unfamiliar with the area.
Hi John, I asked for feedback and am I glad you provided yours. I actually think we are in agreement. People shouldn't split if they are unfamiliar with the area and don't have a plan. I emphasize multiple times in the vid the importance of "doing your homework" so that you not only choose a suitable hike but are prepared by knowing the route. When it comes to splitting up via what I call "hybrid method" I also mention meeting up at viewpoints and other places. That means making a plan on where to meetup. Like you, I have also seen many people in the backcountry who are clueless. I hope this video can be of service to those folks. Cheers!
@@Justin_Hikes A few years ago, on the way down from Black L when there was snow, I came across a guy who had turned back looking for his wife. I came across her a few minutes further down the trail. He hadn't mentioned that she was pregnant! Can you believe that? I spent a few minutes with her but she didn't seem too concerned and her husband was on his way, so I kept going down the trail and wouldn't you know it, I came across him again! He must have followed a different set of footprints in the snow and passed us both up. Oh, the things I've seen! 😁😁😁
@BrianSniatkowski 0 seconds ago Great video Justin. One tip that that I might add is to bring enough gear survive to an unexpected night outdoors. Things like a tube tent and/or a mylar sleeping bag, fire starters, waterproof matches, water purification tablets, a few energy bars, headlamp, loud whistle, extra clothing, etc.
So then I clicked on another video, and yep, subbed. I am very interested in taking up hiking for about 42 reasons. My current fitness wheelhouse is abysmal and I'm working on that specifically to take a trip and hopefully my first hikes down in Colorado next month, camping in my Outback. Stumbled on a great channel for me because I am somewhere below the novice level ;) Currently living in Wyoming, with plentiful hikes as well, but hoping CO melts off just a little sooner than we do.
I go solo a lot too and I enjoyed your scary stories. I haven't encountered any bears alone but with my husband, and two were while backpacking at camp, very scary. You can't just pack up and hike out if it's too late in the day. one of those was in Michigan at Pictured Rocks and one at the North Cascades in WA. That changed how we feel about backpacking forever. those bears were habituated, unfortunately.
There are definitely pros and cons. It's great to have a friend to share the experience with and my wife won't worry about me if she's coming along. Solitude in nature, as you stated, can have tons of personal benefits so I could go either way. Happy hiking! 😃💪🏻✌🏻
Thanks! You make good points about the pros and cons. That's another reason my wife and I enjoy the "hybrid hike" approach. It's like being alone but also together. 😀Cheers!
Thanks Justin! Interesting stories. I also like hiking alone for exactly same reasons and, if I hike a lot with a companion, eventually I start looking for a chance to go by myself. It'd be interesting to hear about backpacking alone. Night time adds additional challenges to loneliness. BTW, you've mentioned in one of the videos before, you don't enjoy mattresses anymore. I know you like hammocking. Have you tried camping in a hammock. If so, how did you compare the sleep experience to a mattress?
Thanks Slava! I have backpacked alone several times and I may do it again sometime but for me backpacking it is really more fun with a partner. Regarding hammocking, I've never slept in it. I've seen some videos with great sleeping hammock setups but so far I've only slept on a blow up mattress.
Guess I'm the odd person... In 5 years of hiking, I've only been on 1 hike with other people... really need to find some friends haha... later though, I've got a 2 night trip planned for myself this weekend haha
Sounds like you already know the benefits of hiking alone. Alone or with friends, it's a great way to spend a day, a weekend or even longer. Have a great trip!
@Justin_Hikes it was a life saver for me!! Mental and physical healing is done it the woods! I know alot of people need someone to go with but they might never get out then either!! Learned everything off of youtube even!! So much info out there
I carry bear spray. I’m careful to stay aware of my surroundings. Encounters can happen but actual attacks are rare. I feel safer in the wilderness than on many city streets.
Much easier if you’re a man. Women traveling, hiking, etc alone hve way more to worry or be concerned about. Please keep that in mind as you pass on info. Enjoy your videos! 👍🏼👌🏼
I am a 48 yr old woman and hike alone often. I have not done any overnights tho. Regardless, I honestly have no extra worries than what this man has. I do carry a knife and whistle and other tools but when you are at parks that are fairly well traveled, there are people willing to help.
If you enjoyed this video, please consider liking, commenting or even subscribing. It's the only way the algorithm notices me. Cheers!
Love spending time outdoors alone....I find it not only calming but it allows me to decompress from everything. I often work mentally on projects I may be stuck on and by the end of my trip I have a solution
That's a great point and I should have included it in the video as one of the many benefits of hiking alone. I often say, "hiking is where I get my thinking done!" Thanks so much for reminding me. Cheers!
Having a dog is one of the best things you can bring with you from a safety perspective. My German Shepherd helped us avoid a bear encounter two years ago in Northern Colorado. Their instincts and sense of smell will help you avoid getting into trouble in the first place
Thanks for sharing your experience. When I was talking with my wife about what to include in this video, she said "make sure you mention the dog!" I'm glad I did and others agree too. Cheers Carter!
Great points about hiking alone and doing so safely. I've done solo day trips and backpack trips for years in the Pacific NW and had my share of issues, but solo hiking has become my preferred way. I have found that when I get out by myself I'm able to go at my own pace, fast or slow, and take breaks when I want to. I often just stop for an hour, sit quietly and allow nature to get used to my presence.
I'm glad you also know the unique joy of hiking alone. Totally agree about the benefits of going at your own pace and taking breaks (long or short) when you like. Thanks for commenting with your experiences hiking alone. Cheers Jim!
I really like your video format... or maybe it's just because you speak so calmly and with such admiration for nature. Love from Sydney Australia
Thanks so much for the kind words from across the globe. I'm thrilled some folks are enjoying this video. Cheers!
I love solo hiking and prefer it. One thing I always bring with me for emergencies is a way to purify water. I always bring more than enough water on my hikes, but in case of an emergency I have my water purification as a backup. Like you stated, pre-planning is essential and checking in and out with someone, be it a friend or a ranger, especially on hikes where you might not run across any other hikers. Also learn what to do and most importantly what not to do in case of the rare wildlife encounters because different predators require differing responses.
Mark, thanks for contributing your suggestions. You are right about the water. Both carrying enough and having a way to purify more! And same for the different responses for different predators. Great points. Cheers!
2 of my friends and I went on our first multiday hike in the eagle cap wilderness on a trail called bear creek. 17ish mile trail to the lake where everything went great! But... on our way back i noticed tracks on the trail. This is a very uncommon trail to go more than a day hikes worth. We were the only people that went far in. I saw our old tracks from going in, and the same aged tracks of a cougar going the same direction. I dont think a cougar would want anything to do with 3 people, but that was spooky. Knowing that a cougar was potentially trailing behind us on the first day. But again, we were not worried as we had defensive measures at the ready, and no cougar would want anything to do with 3 people. Especially with how many deer/elk are here.
I have had multiple dreams of fighting a cougar. One was a long time ago, and I won. But the one I had just almost a week ago i did not win... i guess I'll share this traumatic dream... i was in a dark area, idk where, on my phone. I felt like i was being watched like a 6th sense. I was sitting upon something and when i hopped off... It was over before i even knew what happened... it got me right on the neck. The feeling of warmth and fur felt so real for a split second... Thankfully once it bit my neck i instantly knew I was dreaming, so i thrashed around for about 5 seconds to try and wake myself up. Ive never woken from a dream gasping. It was honestly pretty traumatic... My jacket hood on my neck felt like that warm fir all day. Whenever it'd touch my neck the memory would come back. When i think of the dream i can almost still feel it. The exact spot... Hey, if you made it this far into this comment, thanks for your time! And i am fine. Im used to my dreams being very lucid, so when the rare "nightmares" happen, im only shook for the day, if that. And i used to control my dreams, so i usually can tell that im dreaming at some point of the dream. I love telling my dream stories, so, Thanks for reading!
That's quite a dream! I hope memories of hiking in the wilderness bring you nothing but fond memories in the future. Cheers!
Really liked hearing the "hybred method".
Thanks! My wife and I still do that method sometimes. Cheers!
Enjoy your videos
Well done
Bring a introvert I do all things alone
Memories of trail run in the Black Hills SD and slipping on a small hand size piece of ice. Heard a snap. Next thing I was down on the trail and a floppy right ankle
Late in the day if mt lion area started crawling up a road looking for help. Tried making a crutch out of a fence post. Then watched for people and started waving to get attention
Luckily a snow mobiler came by took me to the trail head and next thing I knew I was in surgery
Happened 2005 and still to this day end of days ankle swells up but has not stopped me from hiking and utilizing poles and enjoying nature. Thanks for your videos
Thanks! That's quite a story. Sorry to hear about your ankle but you've got the right attitude. It doesn't stop you from doing what you love. Cheers!
1:30 The being present part is true. I got diagnosed with adhd wich is retärded because ofcourse i wont pay attention rotting in school everyday for 6 hours but when im in the mountains or the forest im always very present and concentrated on every step.
It's really amazing what some time in nature can do for our minds. I'm glad you have experienced the benefits as all. Thanks for commenting and sharing your experience. Cheers!
I've been hiking in and around RMNP for over 40 years and I can't begin to count how many times I've come across people who are in a panic because they've lost track with one another. It can be because of something so simple as the lead person stepping off the trail to relieve themselves and getting passed by. I remember one time when I was coming down from Longs, and there was a guy in an absolute panic because he'd lost track of his son. Several of us turned around and started searching above treeline, only to find out later on from a ranger that the kid had passed his dad and was waiting for him at the trailhead. I don't want to be critical because I enjoy your videos, but I don't think it's a good idea for some people to split up, especially if they're unfamiliar with the area.
Hi John, I asked for feedback and am I glad you provided yours. I actually think we are in agreement. People shouldn't split if they are unfamiliar with the area and don't have a plan. I emphasize multiple times in the vid the importance of "doing your homework" so that you not only choose a suitable hike but are prepared by knowing the route. When it comes to splitting up via what I call "hybrid method" I also mention meeting up at viewpoints and other places. That means making a plan on where to meetup. Like you, I have also seen many people in the backcountry who are clueless. I hope this video can be of service to those folks. Cheers!
@@Justin_Hikes A few years ago, on the way down from Black L when there was snow, I came across a guy who had turned back looking for his wife. I came across her a few minutes further down the trail. He hadn't mentioned that she was pregnant! Can you believe that? I spent a few minutes with her but she didn't seem too concerned and her husband was on his way, so I kept going down the trail and wouldn't you know it, I came across him again! He must have followed a different set of footprints in the snow and passed us both up. Oh, the things I've seen! 😁😁😁
@BrianSniatkowski
0 seconds ago
Great video Justin. One tip that that I might add is to bring enough gear survive to an unexpected night outdoors.
Things like a tube tent and/or a mylar sleeping bag, fire starters, waterproof matches, water purification tablets, a few energy bars, headlamp, loud whistle, extra clothing, etc.
Great point Brian! I should have included more details on what to bring. Thanks!
So then I clicked on another video, and yep, subbed. I am very interested in taking up hiking for about 42 reasons. My current fitness wheelhouse is abysmal and I'm working on that specifically to take a trip and hopefully my first hikes down in Colorado next month, camping in my Outback. Stumbled on a great channel for me because I am somewhere below the novice level ;) Currently living in Wyoming, with plentiful hikes as well, but hoping CO melts off just a little sooner than we do.
Thanks so much. Any time outdoors is great for you. Best of luck exploring Wyoming and Colorado. There’s endless places to explore. Cheers!
I go solo a lot too and I enjoyed your scary stories. I haven't encountered any bears alone but with my husband, and two were while backpacking at camp, very scary. You can't just pack up and hike out if it's too late in the day. one of those was in Michigan at Pictured Rocks and one at the North Cascades in WA. That changed how we feel about backpacking forever. those bears were habituated, unfortunately.
Oh wow! I definitely understand how that changes your perspective on backpacking!
Super helpful, thank you
Thanks! I'm thrilled some folks find this video helpful. Cheers!
Great video! Solid tips, and the scenery looks mesmerizing.
Thanks so much! I do hope this vid can help some folks. It was also a great warm and sunny day in Colorado. Cheers Don!
I very much enjoyed this video, thank you!
Thanks so much! I'm thrilled some folks are enjoying this video. I know how much hiking means to me and so many others. Cheers!
Nice vid. 😊 Greetings from Sweden
Thanks so much! I would love to hike alone or with friends in Sweden sometime. Cheers!
@@Justin_Hikes you are welcome 🏕️🤗
There are definitely pros and cons. It's great to have a friend to share the experience with and my wife won't worry about me if she's coming along. Solitude in nature, as you stated, can have tons of personal benefits so I could go either way. Happy hiking! 😃💪🏻✌🏻
Thanks! You make good points about the pros and cons. That's another reason my wife and I enjoy the "hybrid hike" approach. It's like being alone but also together. 😀Cheers!
@@Justin_Hikes Yep you got a great idea going there for sure!
GREAT, thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the positive feedback.
Nice vid. 😊 Greetings from Sweden
Thanks Justin! Interesting stories. I also like hiking alone for exactly same reasons and, if I hike a lot with a companion, eventually I start looking for a chance to go by myself. It'd be interesting to hear about backpacking alone. Night time adds additional challenges to loneliness. BTW, you've mentioned in one of the videos before, you don't enjoy mattresses anymore. I know you like hammocking. Have you tried camping in a hammock. If so, how did you compare the sleep experience to a mattress?
Thanks Slava! I have backpacked alone several times and I may do it again sometime but for me backpacking it is really more fun with a partner. Regarding hammocking, I've never slept in it. I've seen some videos with great sleeping hammock setups but so far I've only slept on a blow up mattress.
Beautiful place
Thanks! It is a beautiful place and I was lucky to have spectacular weather the day I filmed the video. Cheers!
Guess I'm the odd person... In 5 years of hiking, I've only been on 1 hike with other people... really need to find some friends haha... later though, I've got a 2 night trip planned for myself this weekend haha
Sounds like you already know the benefits of hiking alone. Alone or with friends, it's a great way to spend a day, a weekend or even longer. Have a great trip!
@Justin_Hikes it was a life saver for me!! Mental and physical healing is done it the woods! I know alot of people need someone to go with but they might never get out then either!! Learned everything off of youtube even!! So much info out there
Awesome! I hope my video was a little helpful too or at least the scenery was nice. Haha. Cheers!
So how do you protect yourself when you encounter mountain lion or bear? Recently a young man was killed by a mountain lion.
I carry bear spray. I’m careful to stay aware of my surroundings. Encounters can happen but actual attacks are rare. I feel safer in the wilderness than on many city streets.
Much easier if you’re a man. Women traveling, hiking, etc alone hve way more to worry or be concerned about. Please keep that in mind as you pass on info. Enjoy your videos! 👍🏼👌🏼
Thanks for the kind words and for sharing your perspective. I appreciate it. Cheers!
I am a 48 yr old woman and hike alone often. I have not done any overnights tho. Regardless, I honestly have no extra worries than what this man has. I do carry a knife and whistle and other tools but when you are at parks that are fairly well traveled, there are people willing to help.
Great video Justin - @justmikekey
Thanks! I saw your comment on Twitter too. Really appreciate it.