I recently had a solo hike that didn’t go as planned, and I wanted to share some lessons learned in case it helps anyone else. I underestimated the importance of checking the weather forecast more frequently leading up to the hike. I knew it was supposed to be sunny, but a surprise afternoon thunderstorm rolled in, and I wasn’t prepared for the downpour. My “water resistant” jacket was definitely not waterproof!
Beyond that, I relied too heavily on my phone for navigation. I had downloaded offline maps, but the battery drained faster than expected, and I was left scrambling to find my way back to the trailhead using only the setting sun for direction. Turns out dead reckoning isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Next time, I’ll definitely invest in a reliable, waterproof paper map and compass and learn how to use them properly before heading out solo. I’ll also pack a more substantial rain jacket and perhaps a battery pack dedicated just for navigation. What are some common mistakes you see people making on the trail that could easily be avoided with better readiness?