29
Solo hiking opinions (lemmy.blahaj.zone)
submitted 1 month ago by to c/womensstuff@piefed.blahaj.zone
16 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

I transitioned a few years ago and live hiking. My sister and a couple others have worries about me going on a hike alone, not for wildlife or cliff dangers but men.

I have been getting a little anxious about it after seeing how much strength I have lost after being out of the military and post surgery. On the other hand fuck the world and society, I'm not going to let shitty people keep me from doing what I love.

Do any of you solo hike or do things alone and what do you do to prepare or be aware of?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] 15 points 1 month ago (4 children)

Bear spray (depending on your location) is good to have. But if bear spray is too out there, then pepper spray is good. Good footwear, no headphones, and maybe a stick or hiking pole.

Honestly though, I know there are some wackos out there but I've never felt in danger when hiking. Sometimes I'll let someone pass me and be ahead because I get anxious about people being behind me, but I've never had anyone be weird. Even disc golfing in cities has been fine.

Grains of salt as I am cis and I know things are harder for our trans sisters.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • hideshow 4 child comments
    •
  • [–] 9 points 1 month ago*

    Not cis but agree. I don't want to downplay the accidents and crimes that can sometimes happen in the wilderness, because they do happen, but sometimes non-hikers can sometimes be really afraid of public forests and nature trails and occasionally exaggerate all the things that can go wrong, when in 99% of cases, you're fine if you come prepared.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • [–] [S] 2 points 1 month ago (1 child)

    I have never used a hiking pole, how much does it help?

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
  • [–] 4 points 1 month ago

    Personally I'm not a huge fan of trekking poles, but they do help with balance and keeping a rhythm. Also good for swatting things should the need arise. I'm more a fan of a good walking stick because they're sturdier and more maneuverable(?) in terms of which hand or where you want them. Also very good for swatting things.

    It does take practice to get into the swing of using either, so it likely won't feel great right off the bat, but it's an option.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent