Solo camping can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to be prepared and stay safe. As a woman, there may be some additional considerations to keep in mind when planning your first solo camping trip. Solo Camping for Women is the ultimate guide!
I did my first solo camping trip when I had just turned 18. I had recently moved out West, adopted a dog, and was intent on exploring as much as I could. With little outdoor experience, I honestly felt like I had no idea what I was doing. But over the years, through adventures of many types, I learned a lot, gained my confidence, and found what has worked best for me!
Hopefully this articles helps with a useful and checklist and helpful tips for solo camping as a woman.
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Checklist for Solo Camping for Women
- Tent: This is your home away from home. Choose a tent that is lightweight, easy to set up, and provides adequate protection from the elements. Consider the size of the tent, as well as the amount of ventilation and privacy it provides. I also recommend practicing setting up your tent at home, before you go out. This will increase your confidence, and ensure you have all of the necessary parts. I, personally, use a Marmot 4 person tent for most of my adventures. I find it much roomier, especially having my dog and cat with me. Gigatent and Heytrip also have some great, more affordable tents to get yourself started!
- Sleeping Bag: Choose a sleeping bag that is appropriate for the temperature range of the area you’ll be camping in. Look for a bag that is lightweight, compressible, and easy to pack. A good sleeping bag makes all the difference! I use the Marmot Mummy Style Sleeping Bag, which I LOVE. I have been using the same sleeping bag for over 8 years, have used it in temperatures below 0 degrees, and really enjoy the mummy style, that goes all the way over your head. Just make sure when choosing your sleeping bag, you find one with a temperature rating for where you will be camping!
- Sleeping Pad: A sleeping pad provides cushioning and insulation from the ground. Look for a pad that is comfortable and durable. Having a good night sleep while camping is so important to having a good time. I have tried many different sleeping pads and have found pros and cons of each. Do your research, read reviews, and test a few out!
- Camp Stove: A camp stove is essential for cooking meals and boiling water. Look for a stove that is lightweight, easy to use, and fuel-efficient. Make sure you have the necessary pieces for your stove before heading to your campsite. You’ll want to make sure you have enough propane, as well as the correct adapter for your stove. I, personally, have been using the Coleman 2 burner propane stove for YEARS and have loved it! I also have a Fire-Maple Portable Propane Burner for backpacking trips, but love the ease of 2 burners on most adventures.
- Cooking Supplies: This includes pots, pans, utensils, plates, and cups. You should look for light, durable options that are easy to pack. I’ve found that a cast iron skillet has worked best for me. I got one with high sides, so I am able to use it as a pot and pan, AND you can scrape the food off versus needing to clean it with soap! To get yourself started, check out different camp cooking sets.
- Food: Plan your meals ahead of time and pack non-perishable foods that are easy to prepare. Don’t forget to bring snacks and plenty of water! Pack foods that are full of nutrition, protein, and won’t go bad. I, personally, love cooking all my own meals. But for longer backpacking trips, it’s nice to have some easy, yummy freeze dried camping meals.
- Lighting: Bring a headlamp or flashlight, as well as extra batteries. You may also want to bring lanterns or string lights to provide additional lighting in your campsite. My personal favorite is a little battery powered string of ‘fairy lights‘ that I like to hang around my tent. Do NOT rely on your phone flashlight.
- First Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor injuries and illnesses by bringing a well-stocked first aid kit. You’ll want to make sure you have essential like Band-Aids, disinfectant, gauze, and more. Look specifically for first aid kids that are compact, waterproof, and lightweight. I would also recommend looking through it BEFORE you head out to camp. You want to be able to find what you need quickly, in the case of a real emergency.
- Personal Care Items: Bring toiletries, including toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer, and any other personal care items you may need. Baby wipes or face wipes have always been one of my camping must-haves as well. It feels SO refreshing to wash your face off with wipes after a long night of camping. Also make sure to bring toilet paper and a shovel, if you are off-grid camping somewhere with no bathroom. How to Use the Bathroom While Camping the Most Eco-Friendly Way is a great tool for learning how to use the bathroom while camping.
- Clothing: Bring appropriate clothing for the weather and activities you’ll be doing. Layers are key for staying comfortable in varying temperatures. Bring more than you think you need! Jackets, hoodies, hats, extra socks, bathing suit, sweatpants, bring it all! Depending on where you are camping, the temperature will not only fluctuate greatly from morning to night, but it may also be way different than your weather app shows you. Overprepare so you don’t find yourself without.
- Navigation Tools: Bring a map and compass, as well as a GPS device or smartphone with GPS capabilities. Make sure you know how to use these tools before you head out. Also plan on not having cell phone service where you are. I like to screenshot the directions from my GPS before heading out, and always have a map of the local area downloaded.
Helpful Tips for Solo Camping as a Woman
1. Tell Someone Your Plans: Before you head out, make sure someone knows where you’ll be and when you plan to return. Check in with them and let them know if your plans change. I also share my location with several people through my phone. Have an “end-time” and if they don’t hear from you by that time, they know to check in. If help needs to be sent, this helps start the process sooner than later.
2. Trust Your Gut: If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and leave the area. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel unsafe.
3. Self-Defense: Consider taking a self-defense class before you start solo camping. Bring pepper spray or another self-defense tool and know how to use it. There are also other tools I bring with me to help me feel safe. A mini tazer, bear spray, and wasp spray all stay with me while camping solo! The hornet spray can be used like pepper spray, but it shoots a farther distance and is easier to direct/aim.
4. Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wildlife and don’t approach them. Store your food securely to avoid attracting animals to your campsite. Decide Outside has a great article about How to Keep Animals (and bugs) Away From Your Campsite.
5. Be Prepared for Emergencies: Know how to start a fire, signal for help, and administer basic first aid. Bring a whistle or other signaling device in case of emergency.
6. Enjoy the Experience: Solo camping can be a wonderful opportunity for self-discovery and adventure. Take time to enjoy the scenery, try new things, and connect with nature.
Overall, solo camping can be a rewarding and empowering experience for women, but it’s important to be prepared and stay safe. By following the checklist and tips provided in this blog post, you can have a fun and enjoyable camping trip while also ensuring your safety and well-being. Don’t forget to pack the essentials, trust your instincts, and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors.
Don’t let the fear overpower the excitement. If you’re doing something that scares you, that means you are coming out of your comfort zone… this is GOOD! After years and years of solo adventures, backpacking trips, van living, cross country road trips, and off-grid camping, I feel more confident than ever. I enjoy my solitude and love how alive it makes me feel.
