My First Solo Backpacking Trip: Lessons Learned and Mistakes Made

There’s something both exhilarating and nerve-wracking about the idea of heading out into the wilderness alone. For years, I’d hiked with friends, family, and the occasional guided group, but the thought of going solo had always been lingering in the back of my mind, calling me with a quiet persistence.

I finally decided to answer that call last fall when I embarked on my first solo backpacking trip. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go exactly as planned, but that’s what made it so memorable.

Why I Decided to Go Solo

The idea of solo backpacking had been romanticized in my mind for a while. I pictured myself wandering through sun-dappled forests, setting up camp by serene lakes, and spending my evenings lost in thought under a sky full of stars. But more than that, I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it—that I could rely on my own skills, make my own decisions, and face the challenges of the wild on my own terms, even though I am a beginner in all this.

So, after months of planning, I picked a relatively easy trail in a nearby national park, packed my gear, and set out on what I thought would be a peaceful three-day adventure.

The Reality Check

The first day went surprisingly well. I hiked about 10 miles, found a beautiful spot by a river to set up camp, and enjoyed a quiet evening by the fire. I felt invincible. But that night, the reality of being alone in the wilderness hit me like a ton of bricks.

It started with the sounds—every rustle in the bushes, every crack of a twig, made my heart race. My mind conjured up images of wild animals lurking just beyond the glow of my campfire. I barely slept that night, jumping at every noise, convinced that something was going to wander into my camp.

Lesson 1: The mind can be your biggest enemy when you're alone in the wilderness. It’s important to prepare mentally as much as you do physically.

The Mistakes I Made

The next day, things went downhill—literally and figuratively. I made the classic mistake of underestimating the difficulty of the terrain. The trail was much steeper than I had anticipated, and my overpacked backpack quickly became a burden. By the time I reached my planned campsite for the night, I was exhausted, dehydrated, and frustrated.

Mistake 1: Overpacking. I brought too much gear, most of which I didn’t even use. I learned the hard way that less is more when you’re carrying everything on your back.

Mistake 2: Not knowing the trail well enough. I had done some research, but not enough to truly understand the difficulty level. I should have done a test hike with a lighter load or chosen a trail with less elevation gain.

To top it off, I didn’t bring enough food that I actually wanted to eat. I packed what I thought was practical—energy bars, dehydrated meals, trail mix—but halfway through day two, I was craving real food. I realized that comfort plays a big role in morale, especially when you’re out there on your own.

Mistake 3: Not planning meals that I would look forward to. Food is more than just fuel; it’s comfort, especially when you’re solo. Next time, I’ll bring a few indulgent treats to keep my spirits up.

The Lessons Learned

Despite the challenges, or maybe because of them, the trip was a success in its own way. I learned more in those three days about myself and my abilities than I had on any previous group trip.

Lesson 2: Trust yourself. There were moments when I doubted my decisions, but I realized that hesitation can be more dangerous than making a mistake. Trust your instincts and the skills you’ve honed.

Lesson 3: Embrace the solitude. The initial fear of being alone eventually gave way to a deep sense of peace. The quiet allowed me to connect with nature in a way I never had before. I noticed the little things—the sound of the wind in the trees, the way the light changed throughout the day, the rhythm of my own breath.

Lesson 4: It's okay to be uncomfortable. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone, and this trip was a prime example of that. The discomfort of the heavy pack, the fear of the unknown, and the loneliness all taught me something valuable.

Conclusion: Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely. My first solo backpacking trip was far from perfect, but that’s what made it unforgettable. I came back with sore muscles, a few bug bites, and a stronger sense of self. I realized that while solo adventures can be challenging, they also offer a unique opportunity for personal growth and reflection.

I’m already planning my next trip, this time with a lighter pack, better trail research, and a few more comfort items. If you’ve ever thought about going solo, I say go for it—just be prepared to learn a lot along the way.