Solo Tent
Over the weekend I had a few firsts, seconds, and even a third:
First time…
Camping on my own
Driving up the Sea-to-Sky Highway
On the Diamond Head Trail in Garibaldi Park
Second time…
Camping / Snow camping
Hiking in Garibaldi Park
Third time…
Snowshoeing
Yay me! 
To be honest, I didn’t think much of it since it always sounds like someone I know in Vancouver is going camping; I figured I was just following the norm. But as it turns out, most people never go alone.
I definitely understood the benefits of camping with others as I lugged my giant 65L pack filled with about 25 pounds of camping gear, food and water on my own (and no, apart from one tank-top and one insta-meal I didn’t pack anything I didn’t use). But, I also really enjoyed “hearing the silence” and being able to go at my own pace taking breaks whenever I felt like it.
I was thinking about this today and wondered why other people (particularly other girls) don’t go camping on their own. I thought of a few reasons, but the one that stuck out most was the concerned looks from the fit bike riders in the parking lot that I know were secretly thinking “she’s going to topple over” as I tried to put on my pack as quickly and fluidly as possible as if to say “I can do this, don’t worry” while my flushed cheeks blew my cover and told them “Yes, this is the first time I’ve ever done this and no, I haven’t gone on this trail or carried this pack while it was full before. Please look away now…” I suspect most girls don’t go camping on their own because other people tell them (even if it’s not with words) that they can’t.
Despite what other people might think though, camping and all those other “outdoorsy” things that you might think only super fit athletic people can do, are things you can do too! The makers of tents, camping stoves, packs etc. have made it stupid-simple to get out there and enjoy the great outdoors. So what’s stopping you?
Here’s an example of how easy it is nowadays:
Setting Up My Mountain Hard Wear Light Wedge 2 Tent
Tips for the Solo Girl Outdoors:
- Always tell someone where you plan on going and how long you’ll be there because it makes them feel safer.
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- When buying a pack, buy the smallest size you’ll need. You’ll always want to fill it to the brim.
- Plan on filling only half your pack to prevent yourself from over-packing, and only take what you absolutely need.
- Check the weather and trail conditions online before heading out. Sometimes roads get washed out and you’ll need directions for an alternative route, or the weather might suddenly change and make it unsafe for you to venture into that neck of the woods.
- Pack more food than you think you’ll need. You’ll be hungrier than you’d probably expect while burning all those calories, and it’s also better to be safe than sorry in case you take longer to find your way back.
- Synthetic fabrics are the way to go. Cotton may have happy television commercials featuring the awesome Zooey Deschanel, but they’re your worst enemy when you’re sweating on the trail or trying to stay warm in your tent. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
- Baby wipes are handy and cheaper than the sanitary wipes you find in the travel section of the supermarket.
- A good site to check out for information about camping gear is www.mec.ca (Mountain Equipment Co-op). They have a good “Learning Section” in addition to honest product reviews.
- Never shop at just one store or with just one person. The opinions of sales associates will vary drastically, and apart from a few obvious tips on product selection (ex. buy something waterproof / a waterproof cover if you plan on being in the rain), it usually boils down to personal preference (ex. pack made of waterproof material / waterproof covering / garbage bag inside the pack). Make up your own mind – that’s what it’s there for.
Stay tuned for future tips for the solo girl outdoors!