Before you go backpacking alone for the very first time, there are a few things you absolutely need to know…and most beginners don’t realize them until they’re already out there.
And here’s the truth that surprises a lot of people:
It’s not just about having the right gear.
It’s about how you think, how you plan and how you handle the unexpected when you’re out on trail by yourself.
Below is the reality check and mental checklist I want every woman to have before stepping out on her first solo backpacking trip.
Feeling Nervous About Backpacking Alone is Normal
If you feel nervous before – or during – your first solo backpacking trip, that does not mean you’re doing something wrong.
It usually just means you’re doing something new.
Even now, after years of solo hiking and backpacking, I still feel a little wave of nerves when I’m out alone. On familiar trails. In places I’ve been before. Knowing I’m prepared.
Nerves don’t automatically mean danger. Most of the time, they mean you’re stepping outside your comfort zone.
Confidence doesn’t magically appear before your first solo trip. It shows up after you’ve done a few.
You don’t need to feel 100% ready to start. You just need to be prepared enough to take the first simple step.
That first step might look like a solo hike on a nearby, well‑traveled trail. That’s how confidence is built – gradually, through experience.
When You’re Backpacking Alone, Simple is Safer
When it comes to your first solo backpacking trip, simpler is safer.
That means:
- Shorter mileage
- A well‑traveled trail
- Straightforward navigation
- Easy bail‑out options if you need to turn around
Your first solo trip is not the time to prove anything. It’s the time to start building trust in yourself: your judgment, your planning and your ability to make good decisions on trail.
Choosing a simple route gives you the mental space to focus on learning instead of constantly feeling overwhelmed.
When Backpacking Alone. Systems Matter More Than Strength
Solo backpacking isn’t about being the strongest or fastest person on the trail.
It’s about having simple systems you repeat over and over again.
Things like:
- Eating before you’re starving
- Drinking water regularly
- Adjusting layers before you’re sweaty or freezing
When I’m hiking alone, taking care of these small things makes a huge difference in how steady and confident I feel.
Practicing these routines on day hikes, especially training hikes close to home, helps make your first solo overnight feel familiar instead of overwhelming.
Managing the small tasks well is what makes the bigger adventures possible.
Make Packing Simpler From the Start
Having a solid packing and gear system makes all of this easier.
That’s why I created a free Backpacking Gear Packing List you can use as your baseline when planning your next trip.
It helps you:
- Stop guessing what to bring
- Avoid overpacking
- Remember the essentials that keep you safe and comfortable
👉 Download the free Backpacking Gear Packing List here
Backpacking Alone Doesn’t Require Fearlessness. It Requires Preparation.
A lot of people assume solo backpackers are fearless.
That’s not true.
What keeps you safe on trail isn’t bravery. It’s preparation.
Preparation looks like:
- Knowing how to use your gear
- Understanding basic safety skills
- Thinking through “what would I do if…” scenarios before you ever leave home
Preparation turns fear into a plan. And having a plan is what allows you to keep moving forward, even when things feel uncomfortable.
Your First Time Backpacking Alone is a Learning Experience, Not a Performance
Your first solo backpacking trip is not a performance.
Things will feel awkward. You might forget small things. You might decide to change your plan halfway through.
That’s not failure.
That’s experience.
One of the most important skills you can practice, especially in winter, is knowing when to turn around. Limited daylight, weather changes and energy levels all matter.
After your trip, take a few minutes to write down:
- What went right
- What went wrong
- What you’d change next time
Those notes become your personal roadmap to feeling more confident on every trip after that.
Building Confidence for Backpacking Alone Over Time
If your goal is to eventually take bigger, longer, more remote solo backpacking trips, think of your first trip as laying the foundation.
Every confident solo backpacker started with a simple beginner trip and built from there.
Confidence doesn’t come from waiting until you feel ready. It comes from practicing until you feel capable.
Ready for Your Next Step?
If you want a simple, no‑stress way to get started, download my free Backpacking Gear Packing List to help guide your planning.
And if you’d like step‑by‑step support planning your first or next solo backpacking trip, that’s exactly what I help women do inside my Confident Solo Female Backpacker System.
If you’re wondering what your actual steps should look like with planning your first solo backpacking trip, here’s EXACTLY what I would do if I were starting solo backpacking from scratch today.