Should I Go Hiking Alone or With Someone?
In addition to choosing a trail, which I talked about in my previous post, there is another important thing to consider when preparing for a hike — something I often find myself thinking about. Should I go alone or with someone? I don’t know how it is for others, but I have always had a slight sense of fear — from wondering whether I will find the right trail to questioning whether I will be comfortable spending all that time alone with myself.
Hiking is a great way to get away from everyday life, spend time outdoors, strengthen your body and recharge mentally. We all know this, but quite often, actually going on a hike gets held back by something. For example, by that very question: do I dare to go alone, or would I rather invite someone to come with me? Both options have their pros and cons, and the choice largely depends on a person’s character, experience and what they expect from the hike.
Hiking Alone – Freedom and a Challenge
Let’s start with the fact that when I go alone, I don’t have to take anyone else’s plans into consideration. I can go whenever I want and wherever I want. There is nothing wrong with taking a companion’s wishes into account, of course, but there is a certain sense of freedom in not having to make compromises about the timing or the route. This can be especially good for people who want some peaceful time with their own thoughts and a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
From a mental health perspective, spending time alone in nature can be very beneficial. Being active outdoors helps reduce stress and gives your mind a chance to slow down and relax. Hiking alone can also increase self-confidence. If you manage to complete a more difficult trail and solve problems that come up along the way by yourself, it can give you the feeling that you are capable of dealing with other challenges that life may throw at you as well.
As we know, hiking is also physically beneficial. Walking improves endurance, strengthens muscles and supports cardiovascular health. When hiking alone, you can adjust the physical load exactly according to your own abilities — you can increase or decrease your pace whenever necessary.
At the same time, hiking alone comes with certain risks. If something happens — for example, you twist your ankle, get lost or the weather suddenly turns bad (yes, even in Estonia, although thankfully not very often) — there is no one nearby who can immediately help you. This can also create mental stress and uncertainty, especially when going on a longer hike. That is why, when hiking alone, it is particularly important to choose a trail that matches your abilities, check the weather forecast and let someone know where you are going. And most important: charge your phone before going out to 100%.
Hiking Together – Safety and Shared Experiences
One of the biggest advantages of hiking with someone else is safety. If something happens, your companion can help or call for assistance if necessary. On more challenging trails, it can also be easier to motivate and encourage each other. Remember an old joke? When you meet a bear, you don’t have to be very fast runner, you just need to be faster than your friend.
From a mental health perspective, hiking together can be a great way to strengthen relationships. Doing something physically active together and spending time in nature gives you an opportunity to have relaxed conversations and enjoy quality time without phones and other everyday distractions. Good company can also make a longer and physically demanding hike much more enjoyable.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Personally, I choose both options, depending on how I feel at the time and what kind of hike I need at that particular moment. If my goal is to have some time to myself, clear my head or, for example, explore a trail and think through possible discussion points for a group hike, I go alone.
However, if I am going on a longer hike somewhere unfamiliar to me, it is nice to share the experience with someone else. And, to be honest, it feels a little safer that way too!
Try both options — one does not exclude the other. The important thing is that when you go alone, your loved ones know where you are going and how long you plan to be away. And when you go with someone, it helps if your companion has a similar level of experience and expectations, so that the hike is enjoyable for both of you.
