2026-10-13 16:45 UTC
Replies (6)
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@AbsolutelyNotSpez@lemmy.world 2026-10-13 16:48
I do, quite frequently. Which country do you live in? I can only share my experience from Europe, though.
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@velma@reddthat.com 2026-10-13 16:50
Do you have a dog? I highly recommend a furry buddy for hikes. Also letting your sister or friends know where you’re going to be and when to expect you home. Maybe location sharing if you’re comfortable with that.
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@MystValkyrie@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2026-10-13 17:01
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.
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@Suck_on_my_Presence@lemmy.world 2026-10-13 17:02
Bear spray (depending on your location) is good to have. But if bear spray is too out there, then pepper spray is good. Good footwear, no headphones, and maybe a stick or hiking pole. Honestly though, I know there are some wackos out there but I’ve never felt in danger when hiking. Sometimes I’ll let someone pass me and be ahead because I get anxious about people being behind me, but I’ve never had anyone be weird. Even disc golfing in cities has been fine. Grains of salt as I am cis and I know things are harder for our trans sisters.
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@Duchess@piefed.linenoise.vip 2026-10-13 17:32
I obtained a concealed carry permit for my state and a Utah concealed carry permit and a small handgun. Having received rape threats and ‘I could kill you’ threats from men in local parks at night I don’t feel safe out alone unless I’m carrying. I abhor violence and gun culture and I wish we lived in a better society but I’m going out prepared for the one I’m stuck in. Practically: you have to practice and it took me some time to find a way to carry it that I was comfortable with so this is not a low effort solution but at least I can do my hobbies the way I want to.
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@Vanth@reddthat.com 2026-10-13 18:33
I solo hike and backpack. I listen to my instincts same as normal daily city life; baseline cautious of all men, pull the plug at any whiff of weird from an individual. make sure someone knows where you’re going and has an actionable plan if you don’t check in by x time check in at a ranger station if you’re hiking somewhere remote or multi-day hiking poles, pocket knife clipped visibly to belt, pepper spray designed for runners within reach if backpacking and reaching end of day, you don’t want to feel obligated to stop where other people are if they’re unsafe, make sure you’re prepared to continue in the dark including being familiar with your gear so you can setup in the dark InReach Mini or other if you want a comms method and will be out of cell range If any man brings up “man or bear” while on the trail, fuckin’ run I’ve never carried a gun nor had an interest in it I’ve had more problems with off-leash dogs than with men. But, y’know, they were off-leash because their owners (always men IME) thought they were above the rules and trail etiquette. Perfect analogy to “not all men but always a man” - I can’t tell which dog is dangerous until it’s too late so I treat all with baseline caution.