[satyrium1975]

I always have a knife with me also, although I tend to forget about it as I actually consider it to be there more for cutting up things to eat, sawing through cords, whatever, rather than used in defense. I think the sharpest weapon or tool of all is my brain though, so I'm going to rest up for a shot at Spray Park in the morning, thanks to the great trip reports left by some. Thanks!

[Allison]

A nice easy 'personal safety tool' when hiking solo: Leave your flight plan with a trusted person at home. When chatting with folks at the TH or on the trail, be very vague about your destination and amount of time you will be out there. Really, none of their business.... Be very specific with your designee at home about when to call SAR. On a short trip or day hike, the 'call SAR' timing should be a lot tighter than say a one week trip where plans might change, bad weather, whatever. In the case of the latter, you will have extra food and a tent and stuff. You do not want SAR called too late, for certain, but also not too early. Once the call is made, they take it seriously. This all may seem elementary, but I've seen far too many situations where the SAR timing was either too early or too late.

[Helix]

[Lead Dog]

I haven't hiked solo for a few years. I think it's about time for a week long solo somewhere. I did a week long up to Cathedral Lake and another up to Waptus/Spade Lakes solo and really enjoyed it. But one thing I would NEVER SOLO would be a night in the Tungsten Mine Cabins.

[wbs]

I like to do many outdoor activities solo. It's a matter of personal choice and risk your willing to accept based on a variety of factors and type of activity. As other's have mentioned, leaving a plan, being prepared for situation at hand or what may occur, knowing your personal limits, being aware of your changing surroundings and how to adjust accordingly. A partner (or group) does infact raise the prospect of help if needed in a catistrophic event. Where you stand a greater chance statistically with others nearby to administer aid, call for help or hike out for help; keep in mind however an accident with or without others is still an accident. I personally don't alter my "acceptable" risk when partnered up vs. solo. The other day for example, I was scrambling up a relatively straighforward snowy peak and since I was the first one of the day in that basin, if something went really wrong I had to keep in the back of my mind the "what ifs". IF I slide here and self arrest for some reason doesn't work, what is the runout? Make sure I don't impale myself on the iceaxe. What IF I slip on a rock and twist an ankle or break a leg? What IF this route brings me to an inpassible headwall and I'm CO'd? What IF a heart attack?? Granted no one is immune from every conceivable what it, but I was using reasonable judgement. Even if I was with another person I would not tend to alter this thinking pattern to take more risky choices beyond my (or anyone elses) experience level. Have fun and be safe

[Slugman]

[Helix]

Its True the first generation of SAT phones still require you to know where you are in order to direct rescue to you. There are, however; a new generation with a built in GPS unit. the phone is about a grand and the subscription fees are also stifling. There are also new Cell phone models that have built in gps. the idea is that the phone company can assist EMS/SAR in finding you. I have had one SAR mission where the lost subject was able to call 911 with a GPS equipped phone. The problem was the phone company relayed us Lat/Longe that was over 20 Miles from the subjects actual location. Pretty useless. the lesson is don't depend on technology when a low tech solution is available.

[sgwizdak]

I love my poles for tricky terrain. Being a bit of a klutz I find it pretty easy to trip on rocks or roots, and many times I've prevented a nasty spill by instantly bearing my weight on my poles when I loose footing.

[Allison]

[nuclear_eggset]

I would have to agree with the poles. I didn't expect them to make hikes *safer*, just more comfortable and saner on the knees, but I think they have saved me from a few potential sprains and scrapes due to having a few more contact points at all times.

[Backpacker Joe]

Those poles saved my butt a few times coming off of Hinman this past weekend!!! Wouldnt hike without them.

[salish]

I occasionally do a solo hike, but the older I get the more I realize that we're all mortal and S happens. I just got back from Alaska where I did a day hike on an unknown and unfamiliar trail to a mountain lake in the Kenai solo, in horrible weather and around bears. Going up the trail the safety issue crossed my mind several times. A hiker who had tentatively agreed to join me finally showed up when I got to the top, and I was glad for the company.

[forest gnome]

sorry to continue.... but spend the ridicules price of 650$ ( they should be 400$ or less) for a P L B that signal goes to the noaa satellite/rescue center. there was a company up in arlington that rented them for like 50$ a week, and they had brochures at rei. so far there has not been much mention of this for solo hikers.

[bertman]

Hi, new guy here. I dayhike solo most of the time. And I know I should but I don't usually leave information with a safety. But I do stay with well established routes. I do not always carry the 10+ esentials. I guess it just depends on the level of risk. If I was going to backpack solo, then hell yes, I'd carry the essentials plus the kitchen sink if need be. But on a day hike, I often leave stuff out. Do I really need a map to do Rattlesnake Ledge? Probably not. Should I? Probably should. Again, it depends. This weekend I did Green Mountain. It was a spur of the moment decision at 7AM Labor Day morning. I did not have a map and I wasn't going to wait until REI opened. So I went knowing this but accepting the risk that if I got lost, I could be screwed. You do have to be smart and play it safe sometimes when you're going solo. But the rewards of being solo are a temendous draw for me. Bertman

[Dave Workman]

I've run into an increasing number of people using ski poles on their hikes. Ten days ago heading up from lower Twin Lake, I found a busted pole sticking in a stump. The other day I ran across a guy at a trailhead with a pair of them. I never have used them. Most of the hiking, on and off the trail (mostly off through the remainder of this season until my work load keeps me desk bound in late November) that I do is solo to some degree. But I always tell my family where I'll be and if I change camps I call home. That's about the only value I find for cell phones!