This isn’t me giving advice one way or another, but I’m a fellow hiker and have a hard time finding friends who want to do outdoor activities these days, since — and I say this with love — they’re all nerds. So I just hike alone usually because I want to do all the things I love with the time I have. I also walk alone at night. Don’t take my advice. That being said, active communication can help. Having a dedicated check-in friend know where you are, what time you left, and what time you plan to return can be really helpful. If you’re up for making an investment, Garmin has a neat line of devices called the inReach, which is a satellite communications device that allows off-grid two-way communication to others’ phones, as well SOS messaging.