Women's Solo Hiking Guide: Safety, Gear Packing and Route Planning Tips

Backpack on your shoulders, map in your pocket, and that incredible feeling of freedom that overwhelms you from the first steps on the trail. That's what awaits you when you decide to go hiking alone as a woman and add a touch of nature to your solo female travel!

My first solo hike? A small route of just a few kilometers in Brittany. Nothing extraordinary, but that day changed everything. For the first time, I felt that confidence in myself, that connection with nature and that pride in having dared.

Since then, I've been hiking all over the world during my countless solo female travels, I've camped under starlit skies, and I've met incredible people on the trails as a woman traveler.

So if you have that urge bubbling inside you, this article is for you. I'm going to give you all the keys so you can get started safely and live this extraordinary adventure.

Table of content

Why choose hiking as a woman alone?
Safety on Solo Hikes: The Right Reflexes

Starting hiking regardless of your level
How to Prepare Your Hike?

Testimonial: "How I Experienced My First Solo Hike"

FAQ About Hiking as a Woman Alone

Why Choose Solo Hiking When You're a Woman?

Reclaiming Outdoor Spaces

You know what? We've been told for too long that nature was territory reserved for men. But remember that every trail, every summit belongs to you just as much as to anyone else.

Solo hiking is your way of saying "I have my place here too." It's amazing how free you feel when you realize you can go wherever you want, at your own pace, without having to justify yourself. You'll discover magnificent places and understand that outdoor spaces are your playground too. The freedom it provides is simply indescribable.

If you need more figures and concrete data about solo hiking as a woman, check out the study: hiking alone as a woman or in groups (only in French), conducted by a member of the community of female hosts and travelers, NomadSister.

Recharging and Building Confidence

Solo hiking is the best way to recharge your energy and build self-confidence. Imagine yourself on a trail in the middle of a forest, with just the sound of your footsteps and nature waking up.

You'll learn to trust yourself, to listen to your body and your desires. It's a privileged moment where you can truly reconnect with yourself, away from daily stress. And when you finish your first solo hike, you'll be so proud of yourself that you'll want to do it again immediately.

In short, hiking is a perfect activity for taking time for yourself and adapts perfectly to a need for calm or a feminine spiritual retreat alone away from everything.

A Great Sport Activity to Stay in Shape

Hiking is accessible sport for everyone, regardless of your starting level. You don't need to be an athlete to begin! You'll work on your endurance, strengthen your legs and improve your cardio without even realizing it.

And the most beautiful thing about it all is that you can adapt the effort according to your abilities. A short 2-hour walk or a big multi-day adventure, it's up to you to see what brings you joy. The important thing is to move and take care of your body while enjoying magnificent landscapes.

Safety on Solo Hikes: The Right Reflexes

What to Do Before Leaving

Even before putting on your hiking boots, there are some basic safety rules to follow.

First essential thing: inform a close contact about your itinerary and your approximate return time. Give them all the details: where you're going, which path, how long you think it will take. If something happens to you, this person can raise the alarm and indicate your position to rescue services.

Don't forget to check the weather carefully either, especially in the mountains where conditions can change super quickly.

Learn to Read the Signs Around You

On solo hikes, you need to develop your sixth sense and be attentive to your environment. Always keep an eye on the weather and on clouds that might be gathering. If you feel something's wrong, trust your instinct.

Also observe the other hikers you encounter, don't hesitate to say hello and exchange a few words. It can be reassuring to know there are people on the trails.

And above all, always stay on marked trails – this isn't the time to play off-trail explorer.

Handle Unexpected Situations Without Panicking and Overcome Your Fear

Unexpected situations are part of the adventure! A blister on your foot, sudden weather changes, or even just fatigue – you need to know how to stay calm.

If you have a problem, stop, take a breath and assess the situation. And don't hesitate to turn back if necessary – it's not cowardice, it's wisdom! The most important thing is not to overdo it and risk the adventure turning into a disaster.

Before leaving, I recommend reading articles by women who have done solo hikes to be inspired by their courage and start thinking about how you would react to various situations.

Solo Hiking for Women: Where to Start?

Begin with an Easy Hike Close to Home

For your first solo hike, stay within your comfort zone! Choose a place you already know a bit, close to home. Ideally, it's a walk of 2 to 3 hours maximum, with little elevation gain.

You can look on apps like Visorando or AllTrails to find route ideas suitable for beginners. The goal is to test your sensations and see how you feel alone on the trails. No need to aim for Everest from the start – we're going progressively!

Gradually Progress to Multi-Day Adventures

Once you've found your footing on day hikes, you can start considering multi-day adventures. But be careful, it's another level! You'll need to think about accommodation, either with locals or bivouacking if it's allowed.

You can also join the NomadSister community to enjoy free and safe nights with one of the female hosts present all over the world. It's an opportunity to make beautiful connections and sleep comfortably.

For long-distance treks, start with well-marked routes like certain portions of the GR (site to find your Long-Distance Hiking Trails) where you'll easily find refuges or hostels. And above all, don't book everything in advance the first few times – keep flexibility in your program in case you need to adapt.

How to Prepare Your Hike?

How to Choose Your Hiking Route

Choosing your route is the key step in your preparation! Start by honestly evaluating your physical level. If you don't exercise regularly, aim for an easy route of 6 to 10 kilometers with less than 500 meters of elevation gain.

Use IGN maps or specialized apps to study the terrain. You can find in this article a top 7 of the best hiking apps (only in French).

Check if there are water points, refuges or villages on your route – it's always reassuring. And don't forget to verify that the trail is well-maintained and marked, especially for your first solo outings.

How to Equip Yourself for Hiking

For your equipment, no need to break the bank from the start! The essentials are good hiking boots that support your ankles well. Then, a backpack adapted to the duration of your outing: 20-30L for a day, more if you're going for several days.

Don't forget a water bottle or hydration pack, weather-appropriate clothing, a waterproof jacket, and always a small first aid kit.

Also bring your phone with a power bank and possibly a paper map just in case. For women, think about a suitable sports bra – it will relieve your back on long routes!

If you plan to spend the night outside, slip in a warm sleeping bag and a light camp stove to warm up and prepare your meals under your tent. Also think about a compact sleeping pad and a tarp or groundsheet to protect yourself from ground moisture and morning dew.

Testimonial: "How I Experienced My First Solo Hike"

Let me tell you the story of Sophie, 28, who embarked on her first solo hike last year.

"At first, I was scared, I admit it! I thought I would get lost or something would happen to me. But I wanted to try it so badly that I finally launched myself on a trail in Brittany that I had already done with friends. And then, total revelation! I discovered that I loved walking at my own pace, stopping when I wanted to, taking time to observe nature. I even made beautiful encounters with other hikers. Since then, I go solo at least once a month and it's become my personal time, my dose of freedom!"

FAQ About Hiking as a Woman Alone

At What Age Can I Hike Alone?

There's no age limit to start solo hiking! Whether you're 20 or 60, what matters is your physical fitness level and your motivation. Some women start hiking alone after retirement, others from a very young age.

The essential thing is to adapt your outings to your abilities and go progressively. And believe me, regardless of your age, you'll discover incredible places, see magnificent landscapes and meet people from all walks of life who share the same passion as you!

How to Contact People During a Hike?

On hikes, encounters happen naturally! Don't hesitate to say hello to other hikers you meet – most are super nice and happy to exchange a few words. You can also join groups on social media dedicated to hiking in your region.

You can also join the NomadSister community to meet female travelers and hosts who will offer you their hospitality if you want to discover a city near your hiking spot.

Regarding connectivity during hiking, it depends on your luck. Some places have good network coverage and allow you to make calls in case of trouble. In any case, keep in mind the following emergency numbers that work regardless of network quality:

112: European emergency number
In France: 15 (medical aid), 17 (police) and 18 (firefighters).

What Distance to Aim for as a Beginner Hiker?

To start, aim for between 6 and 10 kilometers with reasonable elevation gain, about 3 hours of walking. Count on about 3 km/h on flat terrain, a little less uphill. The important thing is not to aim too high at the beginning so you don't get discouraged.

Start with small walks and gradually increase the distance according to your sensations. And remember, it's better to do a beautiful short hike than to suffer on a too-ambitious route!

So, convinced? Hiking as a woman alone really is an extraordinary adventure waiting for you. You'll discover magnificent landscapes, make wonderful encounters and above all, learn to trust yourself. Don't wait any longer and get started right away!

ADVENTURE| ITINERARY| TRAVEL

Romane

Traveler

29 Juli 2025

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