For the past few years I’ve switched over from using Tampons (darn that Tampon tax!) I read your one about going camping with a boyfriend and I appreciate this one as well. I have also met some really nice people at these campgrounds who appreciate nature as much as I do. Step 1, Keep privacy in mind. A spring snowstorm comes through our neck of the woods with blizzard like conditions and me and Monty decide to go camping in it! I appreciate that you aren’t afraid to tell woman how it is. I’m not saying all of this to scare you, I’m actually trying to keep you safe because I absolutely know how ugly the world can be. It all depends on how experienced you are. Camping alone can be … Other women want to travel, but they can’t find anyone to go with them. In the same year, there were 16 murders on Park Service land and 14,249 murders nationwide. You seem like a kind and well-intentioned guy who truly cares about the safety of others, and I appreciate that. I totally understand the need for Wilson in the movie Castaway. Got caught in a crazy storm on the last days of my winter bushcraft camping trip. That’s awesome to hear, Katherine! Leave the House Unprepared. Camping Activities – When It’s Time to Wind Down. Carry equipment you can use to defend yourself. lol. My biggest fear is when I need to sleep , my dogs not 6 months yet but she already shows her loyalty just not fully grown . This list contains my suggestions for safe travel and solo road trip ideas for any woman who enjoys solitary journeys. Have some experience with car camping and would just do the same, but on my own. Let’s get this big one … We just don’t know when a murderer will be sitting around the corner waiting for us, which is why a dog is my preferred choice as well. Without going into the politics of things, but I do not agree with open access to guns altogether. I have to say, I think a lot of the women who are inclined to go camping alone might take issue with the idea of not being as strong as men That said, we live in reality, and in reality violence is far more often male-on-female, and female solo campers basically have a target on their backs. This 3- to 4-hour, slow-cook, meat-based meal is worth the wait—see how to…. However, if that fails, the steps below will be your next line of defense. I went to the mall with my friend to hang out, and all I was wearing was an oversized hoodie. That’s because there isn’t any bathroom. After that it’s just a matter of when he’ll make a move. Breaking An Arm Or A Leg I know right. I asked Paul from Outdoor Choose to share his top solo camping tips to set my mind at ease, and help prepare me for a solo camping trip. I’m disgusted how conditioned we have become to be afraid of being unattended, like women should still be chaperoned. However, as a single woman traveling alone, I have learned how to take care of myself so that the journey can be pleasant and enjoyable. If you find yourself contemplating car camping for the first time, but also find the gear and the prep to be a little daunting, don’t despair. I am not a camper at heart, nor do I believe that we women are the weaker sex, but you are right, physically we are, and for that reason more vulnerable in ideal circumstances such as in remote places. This is my time to spend on whatever I want. If you want to have a greater peace of mind, camp in a public campsite instead of the wilderness. Get the wine pairings if they have them. For me, camping by myself gives me freedom that the city life can not offer me. It is completely up to you in what you do . Sometimes, when you are out backpacking, camping, or hiking, you find that you really have to go to the bathroom. If you don’t want to take a dog, then please learn how to defend yourself at least. Which is sad really. It in no way cheapens it and they are snapshots that I can reflect upon long after I’m gone. Long solo road trips are the best part of my life. A personal perspective on camping solo… By Andrea Willingham. I think both men and women should be on guard when doing something new or dangerous and I think you cover that well also. I really believe that the only thing ever holding you back is yourself. Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks, I’m sure other aspiring female campers would be grateful just as much as I am . All this rubbing, sweating, and schmutzing can easily cause chafing. For females camping alone, it is essential to follow the following tips to go hiking the trail without worries. There’s a good chance you probably want to avoid camping altogether now. If I arrive at a location and my gut tells me that something is not right, even if I can’t explain it at that moment, then I’ll leave. I use nature to help find a deeper connection in myself, and if that means strumming a guitar to easy tab songs then so be it. This leads to my next tip but to summarize this one: I won’t spend all of my time on my cell phone but I will use it to plug into my creative outlet. This is exactly how I feel. Have sex or engage in a sex act in an unusual place. Hopefully the weather is the most dangerous thing that I will have to deal with. I … There’s this quote by T.S. I could park my car at my site so it was easy to set up camp and the farm had creature comforts like a flush toilet, shower and the nearby town of Fallbrook to eat out or get anything I forgot. And yes, men need to always be on the lookout as well. Women go through a lot so thanks for the advice, I’ll definitely use it. Simple things like tying knots, building a fire without fuel or matches, setting up a camp and protection from wild animals. So be safe, do the right thing (by taking a dog), and you’ll have a much better experience! A U.S. adaptation of the British series, 'Camping'. You are a female, so your strength is much lower than that of a … I have been scared (by my own imagination), and of course I take precautions as anyone would do for their personal safety. Sometimes I just like to get away from friends and family, the drama, all of the BS that comes with living so close to them. But you also have to embrace the down time and give your mind and body a nice break. You are a female, so your strength is much lower than that of a man. I’ve done both but I’m more comfortable when I’m not on my period. Like a woman in the 1920’s who wore pants, those of us who get out and RV solo stand out in a crowd. This female hygiene guide for hiking and camping will help answer any questions you have about staying clean outdoors. Of course chances for something to happen is definitely low. Camping in pitch blackness my 1st trip was pretty scary & I vowed never to repeat it. When I’m camping with someone my attention goes to them. It can get VERY stressful after a while. I learned a great deal about camping through my Boy-scout manual back when I was a younger man. Any form of self-love and exploration that makes you feel good is a wonderful thing. Your email address will not be published. I think having a dog is probably the smartest/easiest self-defense strategy, although unfortunately the dog is vulnerable too (to pests, snakes, the weather)…so that could be a problem in a crisis. Women traveling together or alone need to trust their instincts. Make your favorite dish (pasta, steak, roast chicken, macaroni and cheese) for dinner. I have camped alone for years and intend on continuing. But if you’ve camped many times before and you are really confident in your actions, then you can absolutely consider going alone. Hi. Bummer: Data on crime against female solo hikers just doesn’t exist. I would be putting you in danger if I said camping alone is easy and you should never have to put your guard up. My family used to go camping there all the time when I was younger- it’s just therapeutic for me now. Do not die without standing alone in the natural world. I love camping/backpacking solo or with a group. We women are so programmed to be automatically nice to people, and we all know murderers and rapists pose as people needing help and preying upon that. Believe it or not but you are more likely to be attacked by another human than a wild animal, and that’s simply because of the reasons I just mentioned. When you do that, everyone can have a much happier and safer trip. No one to critique my cooking or TV show choices. I’m a pretty outdoorsy lady. I can almost guarantee nothing will happen. Taking care of your unmentionables is a mentionable part of on-the-trail care. I love hiking, a hammock and good book, building a fire… I love rambling the day away with no required chore other than cooking, eating and dishes. Excellent mission, my friend! Created by Lena Dunham, Jenni Konner. A personal perspective on camping solo… By Andrea Willingham. Eat it outside, standing up. I’m ready to do my first solo camping trip to Cherokee National Forest, where dispersed camping is allowed. Find out about our top camping tips, the best locations to camp and a whole lot more in Wilderness Scotland's wild camping resource. Loved capturing his story of what it’s like to be a kid growing up on a farm. Hi Brandon, Of course it isn’t safe, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go anyway. I can just since now how much trouble I’m going to have with sleeping . There’s no reason not to be. Thanks for these posts. Maybe I should do an article about men going camping, to NOT bother women on their travels. I’m not sure I’d sleep too deeply in a tent. I think I would prefer bringing my buddy or some friends along with me. Even just the basics – building shelter, finding a clean water source, starting a fire, and finding food is really all you need to survive, in the event that you do get lost. (besides the sounds of nature). Open a bottle of Champagne and drink the entire thing just because. Dogs even put their own lives on the line to save their owners! I don’t go camping that much but I think it’s important to protect yourself at all times. 32. I agree with you, it sucks that women can’t even enjoy the great outdoors without feeling scared or frightened going around every corner. Naturally, every woman has her own story, but there are common threads amongst these women.

I don’t want to have to buy a dog or depend on a man so that I can go camping. The campground I chose was fairly primitive & not known to a lot of people, It locked it’s gates at 10pm & was patrolled by a ranger every 6-8 hrs. This isn’t just camping for a trip to a bed and breakfast. Absolutely. But yes, a knife could be equally effective. I feel more on edge in my day-to-day life and that’s good and bad. My niece is planning a camping trip with her new boyfriend and I’m worried about her. I was scared to the core on my first solo camping trip (obviously when it got dark), so I can’t even imagine how scared a female would be. I’m not so very brave. Either way , this article helped me a lot thank you. Women Camping Alone – Safety Advice also notes the age-old advice to consistently keep in touch with someone back home. I’ve already talked about how dangerous it is to go camping alone, and to think that a woman wants to do it by herself only wants me to help her make it happen, the right way. But without the luxury of a bathroom or electricity, there are some products and ideas that are helpful for women who are camping … This isn’t just camping for a trip to a bed and breakfast. Heck, your life might depend on it. to Jade and Pearl sea sponges. Avoid trekking into a large bush; plants often house insects and spiders.Step 2, Avoid urinating outside in public places. All it will give you is a bad camping experience – one you won’t want to take ever again. Jessica Sanders is the Associate Online Editor for ReserveAmerica.com. I do not want to take a dog, I don’t own one, I don’t even like them, and they scare off wildlife. Camping hammocks are a backpacker’s best friend when traveling. They teach me so much and force me to view the world through a different lens. I absolutely get the biggest smile on my face and joy in my heart as I backpack down that trail solo, enjoying my surroundings, and then later sit around my camp, with no one around, enjoying myself, breathing in the fresh air and birds chirping as I sit relaxing by a babbling creek or by a crackling campfire. “..solo backpacking is not for the feint hearted”. Common sense is the most important precaution–if something looks or feels iffy, move on! Cleaning Up Your Nether Bits, Feet, and Armpits. Plan your next adventure, from anywhere. I think I’d go crazy if I didn’t talk the entire time to someone. By that I mean perhaps taking some short weekend trips by yourself to nearby towns or events. She always treats me as a woman. It might actually work, you never know, HAHA! Maureen is a photographer by trade and a hiker for fun. Go to your favorite deli, order your favorite sandwich, and have it for lunch someplace outside. She’s a rottweiler mix and she means the world to me so I’d hate to see either of us hurt and having to fight for our lives . As a woman I’m constantly being told never to camp alone because something bad will happen to me and it will be all my fault if it does for not listening to their warning. I like this condition. I’m going to #vanlife it. than I am on a hiking or camping trip in a county or national park (which our fears and imaginations tell us). To camp or not to camp when you’re menstruating? I have no problem stating when my personal boundaries have been crossed and upholding them. I get what you were trying to communicate, Brandon. Yes, protecting yourself when you’re attacked in the city is JUST as important, but in the wilderness you might be completely alone, and in the city it’s a possibility for someone to come to your aid. The ultimate essential for beginner campers is, of course, an experienced outdoorsy person to help you. It is the most restorative place on the planet. I love how honest u are with this post . How about encouraging women to do it, and how empowering and badass it is to do this on her own. Trust me, he won’t stick around for too long if you show him you aren’t going to back down! Survival techniques is pretty much VITAL if you want to come out alive. Do not shout, stress out, and/or get angry, because that won’t help you one bit. I never have time to play it and this was a perfect opportunity to do just that. I like to explore the area and sometimes revisit places I love. 100% loyalty ’til the day they die! I usually come home feeling rested & renewed. Made with Logo Maker. Know when to treat yourself: Get a massage, attend a sporting event, or treat yourself to a nice dinner. I’ve been camping numerous times but never alone. You just have to play a bit safer when you're by yourself. I highly agree with you, they can sense other people, they basically know what they are like and what their intentions are! Getting outdoors is good for the soul and when I solo camp I’m able to take it all in on my own terms and pace. Defending yourself with a knife can be effective but you have to know how to fight with your knife. Lots of eyebrows are raised. I just want to help people get prepared for the worse. Taken from Site #1 at the Enchanting Blueberry Farm in Rainbow, CA. Get really good at a bar game. Staying fresh during an outdoor trip can be a real problem, especially for women. This type of travel won't be for everyone, but it's an inspiring … You may not mind if someone sees you while you go, but other people could be offended. I do believe that bringing knife, gun and dogs would be good for you when camping in the wilderness. I’m not blaming women either, it is not their fault. Well that’s the reality of the world that we live in right now, and as others have mentioned, it isn’t changing anytime soon. I understand why you’re upset – 100%. Think about your family and friends while you are fighting. To my deepest heart, I like woman who can act and behave as a man. There is nothing like cracking up with friends with a few beers around a fire. I am a 61-year old grandmother and I camp by myself. Teach him about the outdoors when you go with family and friends, he will soon know how he is suppose to act in the wilderness. The plan is to be in “hosted” campgrounds, in Canada so hopefully that would keep me safer. Live abroad -- we're not talking about a week-long vacation. You are right, these tips apply to men as well. Instead I have backpacked, fished, hunted and camped alone in the wilderness for decades. Personally. But newsflash, I’m in more danger of assault in a populated area and among men I know (which statistics prove!) Most importantly, be … Go to your favorite restaurant and enjoy a meal all by yourself. Make sure that equipment won't make matters worse should your attacker get hold of it. When I have no one to talk to my attention goes to anyone who comes my way! I love your perspective and your voice! And I can’t think of a better option than a solo camping trip into the unknown! As I watched my friend Bettine prepare for her first solo camping trip, then heard about her experience once she returned home, I knew that this was a solo travel story that needed to be told. It could be an RV, trailer, tent, or perhaps a … Hey , Camping alone is not for the feint-hearted, nor is it for anyone who... Know How To Protect Yourself. My fellow ladies, I hope these tips inspire you to enjoy a solo camping trip. * I took several weapons with me for peace of mind. Having the right thing ( by taking a dog is a wonderful thing yourself before you head for. 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