Alone or with company

[Tharwood]

I am getting back into thebackpacking life after a long break called "Life"...haha.. Myquestion is.. Would I be better to ask someone who is very fluent in the waysto tag along with me the first few trips? Or go for it on my own and let my inexperienceand common since learned "MAKE" me become an expert? It all may be a comfort thing .... All commentswelcome

[Tharwood]

Please excuse the typo's... Cell Phones can suck...

[About_Time]

The first time I ever slept in a tent that I had carried and cooked on a backpacking stove was at Hawk Mountain Shelter. I found that "winging it" just added to the adventure. Having said that, I knew there would be people around and that I wasn't all that far from civilization for the first few days.

If your first few trips will be to where you'll expect company, then wing it. If you've got some type of hike in mind where you may not see anyone, then bring along some company.

[Mountaintop]

I am getting back into thebackpacking life after a long break called "Life"...haha.. Myquestion is.. Would I be better to ask someone who is very fluent in the waysto tag along with me the first few trips? Or go for it on my own and let my inexperienceand common since learned "MAKE" me become an expert? It all may be a comfort thing .... All commentswelcome

I would say that it depends on the terrain and what you will be doing. More than one is always safer but you know you better than anyone else...so, hope that helps. Happy Trails!

[moldy]

Go alone. Not that anyone can ever be alone on the Appalachian Trail. It won't effect the learning curve very much. It will allow you the "confusion time" necessary to ask the right questions.

[HikerMom58]

I agree with About_Time and the learning curve issue. Do you like hiking alone? I could never hike alone, personally. But, that's just me.

Depending on where and when you plan to go out- you may be surrounded by other peeps or you may be all alone for days. Just depends.

Good luck with everything. I'm sure you'll be a "pro" in no time.

[kayak karl]

Hiawassi to NOC 4.5 days i did not see or talk to a sole. i love hiking alone, but you are right about asking more detailed questions after being out for a few.

[Spokes]

Sounds like you know someone fluent in the way. So why or why not go out with this person? There are pro's/cons to both approaches.

[atmilkman]

There's no greater teacher than mistakes themselves. If your like the average regular Joe you'll rarely make the same one twice. There's just something different between being told what to do and what not to do and actually seeing and experiencing why. It just seems to become embedded better that way.

[Feral Bill]

Do some reading up ang go in decent weather, ramp things up a bit trip by trip and you'll be fine.

[max patch]

My first backpacking trip was a 5-6 day 70ish mile solo hike in the GSMNP. Although being in the smokies meant I had plenty of others to compare notes with.

[Rasty]

Tharwood - Give it a try. Hiking by yourself is rewarding.

[Hairbear]

I am getting back into thebackpacking life after a long break called "Life"...haha.. Myquestion is.. Would I be better to ask someone who is very fluent in the waysto tag along with me the first few trips? Or go for it on my own and let my inexperienceand common since learned "MAKE" me become an expert? It all may be a comfort thing .... All commentswelcome

you can have the best of both worlds.with the internet there is years of knowlege out there to be absorbed.you can take that to the trails yourself and work it into your routine,and see if it works for you.a hiking partner doesnt come with an off switch.

[HikerMom58]

you can have the best of both worlds.with the internet there is years of knowlege out there to be absorbed.you can take that to the trails yourself and work it into your routine,and see if it works for you.a hiking partner doesnt come with an off switch.

Now, now Hairbear- a hiking partner not coming with an off switch? I can't imagine why you would want to turn anyone OFF. Just kidding buddy, I know exactly what you mean!! The thing is... I couldn't live without someone right beside me 24/7. I have issues with being alone... DysFUNctional. I envy people who can be alone.

[Hairbear]

Now, now Hairbear- a hiking partner not coming with an off switch? I can't imagine why you would want to turn anyone OFF. Just kidding buddy, I know exactly what you mean!! The thing is... I couldn't live without someone right beside me 24/7. I have issues with being alone... DysFUNctional. I envy people who can be alone.

hey glad to hear from you hope you are well.im just the opposite i can only be around people for so long before i need some down time.

[HikerMom58]

Hey Buddy, I'm fine..thanks. I understand completely where you are coming from. You "recharge" by being alone.... not a thing wrong with that. People like myself "recharge" by being around people. That's why I asked this OP if they preferred being alone. I think they wondered about the learning curve issues, though. Wondering if they should have support or just bite the bullet and learn things from others around or on their own. I like people around me all the time plus I really like support when trying new things. It's up to them.

Whoops, I forgot to reply with quote.. I'm talking to Hairbear. Have a great day, Hairbear!!

[Hairbear]

Hey Buddy, I'm fine..thanks. I understand completely where you are coming from. You "recharge" by being alone.... not a thing wrong with that. People like myself "recharge" by being around people. That's why I asked this OP if they preferred being alone. I think they wondered about the learning curve issues, though. Wondering if they should have support or just bite the bullet and learn things from others around or on their own. I like people around me all the time plus I really like support when trying new things. It's up to them.

Whoops, I forgot to reply with quote.. I'm talking to Hairbear. Have a great day, Hairbear!!

you 2...............kd.hows it feel to be back in hiking tharwood

[pheldozer]

spending a long weekend in the woods with your friends can be one of the best experiences in life, but doing those same miles alone can too.

some of that may be due to most of my friends being married with kids who can't decide on a wednesday to hit the trail on friday!

[Old Hiker]

Start during a time when others will be starting. Figure out where the "bubbles" are and jump in there. You have the option to hike alone if wanted, but at shelters, water sources and random meetings, you can ask any questions about things as needed.

Keep your eyes open and watch. One good way to start is, "Howdy! I do that thing this way. Is the way you do it better - cheaper - easier?" Either you learn a better way or you just showed someone else a better way.

[Tharwood]

Thanks for all of the responses. I appreciate each one. As far as experience I have a little. I was a EMT-IV Tech. rescue Specialist for the county I live in for 10 years ,as well as the Search and Rescue Team leader for the same. I guess it is a silly question for me to have asked . As far as ability no problem, medical skills no problem, technical rescue skills no problem, Wildlife issues.....Im a hunter as well... I'm just wondering if I could enjoy it more with company. I am married with two kids. My wife loves to hike but NOT backpack.. She can't be away from a shower for more than a day...hahahahahahahah.. My kids are too young to enjoy at here age 3/6 .. But hopefully they will
one day. Have made the offer to a couple of friends with similar interest and still waiting on response..... Considering going it alone...SAMs Gap to Spivey Gap NC/TN....it m back yard .. I can be at the trail head in 35 min. In the GSMNP in a hour and a half..... With all this around me...why not share....