Table of Contents Show
✍️ AI is summarizing:
When we talk about outdoor adventure, the focus is usually on the solo trekker heading out to find peace and freedom. But often, there’s someone back home quietly watching their phone, wondering: “Are they okay out there?” Learning how to stay safe hiking alone isn’t just for you; it’s also for them.
That person, for me, was a longtime friend. She’s seen me through ambitious travel plans, but the idea of me off-grid, camping solo in the highlands, was a step too far. Until I showed her how I stay safe. Here are my essential rules.
Read more interesting posts:
- Ready, Set, Track: How the ExoTrails TrackMate Challenge Makes Group Adventures More Fun
- Team Goals, Trail Wins: How to Use ExoTrails for Teams to Energize Your Workplace
- Where Luxury Meets the Wild: The Rise of Backcountry Vietnam Glamping
Research and plan your route meticulously
The first rule of how to stay safe hiking alone is knowing where you’re going. Before you even pack your bag, research your trail. Understand its length, difficulty, elevation, and potential hazards. I use the ExoTrails app to find well-documented trails, read recent user reviews, and download an offline map. Never venture into an unknown area without a clear plan.
Share your itinerary (This one is personal)
This next tip is crucial. When I mentioned I was heading out for a solo camping trip in Tây Nguyên, my friend, the anchor of our group, got anxious. She asked one thing: “Do you have that ExoTrails app of yours on?”
Before setting out, I opened the app, created an outing with TrackMate, and added her as a contact. That’s all it took. From her apartment in Saigon, she could see my progress in real-time. No calls, no texts. Just calm reassurance. Sharing your plan with a trusted contact is the most important step in how to stay safe hiking alone.
Use a modern solo hiking safety app
The old advice was to leave a note on your car. The modern answer is to use a reliable solo hiking safety app. We designed ExoTrail’s TrackMate feature to be a digital trail buddy, there when you need it, invisible when you don’t.
I’ve always believed nature should feel free, not monitored. That’s why TrackMate is opt-in and in your control. You choose who sees your trail and when. It’s not about being watched, it’s about knowing someone’s got your back.
Have an emergency plan (Like an alert button)
Nature is unpredictable. A critical part of how to stay safe hiking alone is having a simple way to call for help. Every TrackMate outing includes our Alert button. One tap, and your trusted contact receives an immediate alert with your exact location.
I didn’t need it that weekend. But my friend told me later that knowing it was there helped her finally sleep soundly while I was off-grid.
Pack the essentials and know your limits
Always carry the ten essentials: navigation (like your phone with an offline map), water, food, sun protection, a first-aid kit, a headlamp, and appropriate layers. Just as importantly, listen to your body. If the weather turns or you feel unwell, it’s not a failure to turn back. Knowing when to stop is a sign of an experienced and safe solo hiker.
Conclusion
Ultimately, learning how to stay safe hiking alone is what gives you the confidence to truly be free on the trail. It’s about empowering yourself with the right preparation and tools so that both you and your loved ones have peace of mind.
For the person on the trail, it’s freedom. For the person at home, it’s reassurance. With smart planning and tools like TrackMate, you can have both.
Ready to explore with confidence? Join our community of explorers in the ExoTrails Facebook Group and follow the ExoTrails Fanpage for daily inspiration and trail tips!
FAQs
What is the best app for solo hiking safety?
A great app for solo hiking safety is ExoTrails with its TrackMate feature. It allows you to share your live location with trusted contacts, works with offline maps, and has a one-tap alert button for emergencies, all while giving you control over your privacy.
How can my family track me when I’m hiking off-grid?
Using an app with live tracking like TrackMate allows your family to see your progress. The app uses your phone’s GPS to log your location, and it updates your track for your contacts as soon as you regain even a brief moment of cell service.
Is there an app that sends an alert if I’m in trouble while hiking?
Yes, the TrackMate feature in the ExoTrails app includes an “Alert” button. If you’re in trouble, you can tap it to instantly send a notification and your precise GPS location to your pre-selected emergency contacts.
How do I let my partner know I’m safe on a long hike?
The best way is to share your live track using a safety app. This allows them to see your progress in real-time without you needing to stop and send text messages, providing them with passive, non-intrusive reassurance.
What is TrackMate and how does it keep you safe?
TrackMate is a feature in the ExoTrails app designed for outdoor safety. It keeps you safe by allowing you to share your live location with trusted contacts and by providing a simple alert button to notify them if you need help.
