What would your advice to a first-time *solo* backpacker be?

have you ever been alone in the wilderness during the night?

its terrifying
you need to gradually ease into it by practicing local trails at night

>>655226
I've never been completely alone, but I've been with friends and walked a few trails alone around dusk. Thanks for the tip anon.

>>655224
The only difference between backpacking alone and backpacking with others is that you have to carry all the gear because nothing is communal. Well, and you don't have to take care of anyone who forgot shit or have to listen to anyone whine.

File: img_wilson_castaway_volleyball_5.jpg (101KB, 575x390px) Image search: [Google]

101KB, 575x390px

Its kinda like this

>>655229

no, you need to put yourself in a situation where you are face to face with the darkness of night and total solitude

local trails are a great way of doing this

>>655226
I ran into a black bear an hour before I made camp on my first backpacking trip. I didn't grow up there and had never seen a bear before in my life.
It was one of the best nights of sleep I ever had. Thus is the life at the top of the food chain. Only pussies are scared.

Here's what you do

1 Pack your essentials, a google search will give you an idea
2 without fretting over what extra gear to take, just DO YOUR 1-NIGHTER, you will be fine
3 when you get back, make an assessment of what you used and what you feel you need for next time
4 adjust accordingly
5 do it again, always take the opportunity to try something new (build a fire, cook on a stove, map & compass, carve a dick out of a log, etc etc)

You'll learn by doing and you will learn well, 1-nighters are where every boy scout learns the ropes.

Also I'm not sure if you're planning on going innawoods or going on a trail, but I highly recommend you stay within 50 feet of a trail until you have navigation skills.

As for being alone, its great fun being away from everything and clearing your mind of noise, plus you're on your own schedule. Don't forget to look around once in a while.

Good luck anon

>>655224
If you get up to piss in the middle of the night, don't go too far.