In fact, I don't really fear any of the animals (we'll leave palmetto bugs out of the discussion). If you want to see a female perspective on this, check out this video: amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; I hated myself to be so judgemental towards them. Subscribe to the newsletter and be the first one to know about latest events and activities. Every little noise in the wild seems infinitely louder, and infinitely more scary when you’re alone. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; I wanted this fear out of my head on my solo camping trip to Beas kund, It was the month of September, nearly offseason. Tips on overcoming fear of camping alone ⛺. Quality items I actually use and found to be useful: DIY and video about adding motion detecting lights to your van. One way to resolve a phobia is to gradually expose yourself to the stimuli that make you uncomfortable. The Amazon link is for the single setting version of this flashlight. Just enter your email address below and I'll send the updates straight to your inbox. The Fear of Camping Alone: Wild Animals & Solo Camping, BushTalk#3. This BushTalk episode is all about the fear of solo camping. It’s much more likely that you will fall over or down something and die of exposure. In time, the darkness will become a comfort. amzn_assoc_linkid = "d2066ceaf0d64dc7e7be115afd681b85"; Some people are afraid of being apart from a particular person. Fear of camping alone. Although it may not have a fancy name, the extreme or irrational fear of sleeping alone qualifies as a phobia. Know how to talk yourself out of worrying about things, and slow your mind down. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; After a few days, you’ll realize that the only thing outside is the occasional racoon . !” From then on it was mayhem!!! I usually have multiple flashlights around the van and on my person. My mind started playing tricks again and I thought this was it, they might have killed one of the guys from Delhi, seeing it, the other one might have shouted before they kill him too and now they are coming towards my tent, it was raining the whole night and I was making every possible meaning of the sounds which I heard apart from the raindrops that were hitting my tent’s tarp. Unlike the shared responsibility of camping in a group, solo trips are a true test of your ability to be self-sufficient. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; But if you want to see what’s out there…. Always leave an itinerary with someone back home or with friends, that’s the most important part. The only thing you can do to get over your fear of camping alone is to just do it, the more you do it the more comfortable you will be out there. So let’s look at the situation and come up with some solutions. Rushmore Resort and Lodge, at Palmer Gulch, 6000 Miles in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van. If you DO decide to carry your firearm, get a concealed carry permit in your home state and then check the “reciprocity maps” to see what states honor your permit. Keep updating your friends and family about your location until you are under network coverage. We were 30km away from anything and the car was 1hr away. Required fields are marked *, Copyright © 2018 Wandering backpacker. I felt helpless without a weapon. I was about to have a panic attack!! The 5 Best BBQ Joints (sort of) in Austin Texas! amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "odysseycamper-20"; In India carrying a gun is not possible because of the laws. Having a weapon will make you feel more comfortable, as you have at least SOMETHING to protect yourself with. Yes, life is unpredictable, but you really choose to be alone. Choosing to do so requires a measure of courage, confidence, and a desire many don’t consider, which begs the question . Solo camping is an excellent way to test yourself. Is there any way I could mentally prepare myself for sleeping alone in the wilderness? Water Storage for Camping, Van Dwelling, and Hurricanes! amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; you can be the ultra-scary human that can make anyone run in the opposite direction, but don’t do it unnecessarily, just be ready to defend yourself. Outdoor News is all about hunting, fishing,camping,hiking and enjoying the great outdoors News and many more. Many campgrounds have hosts who reside in campgrounds. There were plenty of people at the campsite that night so there was nothing to worry about. Overcoming the fear of WILD CAMPING ALONE – UK solo wild camping tips. Heavy tree cover can block the signal and they are pretty useless in a cave. Getting Better Fuel Mileage with your Minivan. Not being able to “peek” outside can add to your fear of the unknown. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; Have a fear of wild camping alone or get a little freaked out by the thought of your first solo wild camp experience? amzn_assoc_region = "US"; those guys were just calling me for dinner. Overcoming the fear of WILD CAMPING ALONE – UK solo wild camping tips. I heard another shout and the light beam was still there, I finally said fuck it and I just opened the zip of my tent and went outside. For me, forests are scarier than the high altitude regions because above the tree line there’s less oxygen, which means fewer trees and animals, more visibility and probably zero chances of an encounter with a psychopath who would trek above the treeline to kill humans. Your mind is guaranteed to play tricks on you when you’re alone, it offers an entirely different feel, you will get scared for your life if you hear a noise, from which direction the attack would come. Early the next morning I washed my hair with the freezing glacier water and ran inside the shepherd’s tent to dry my head in their fireplace, they told me that they were waiting for me to have dinner together and I told them that I was sorry, that I was feeling uneasy so couldn’t come, they made me some tea after that. While attending the Rubber Tramp Rendevous in 2018, I came across a guy who had added solar-powered motion detectors to the outside of his van; something I’d never considered. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; . amzn_assoc_asins = "B071KD1ZMW"; So I decided to do a full DIY and video about adding motion detecting lights to your van. Let’s face it, humans are better suited to doing things in the light. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; Fear And Camping Alone. The truth is, you’re statistically much more likely to be injured driving to the trailhead than you are on the trail itself. Speculate on that for a while, because at the end of the day, it is so true! Humans don’t see well at night and they are tribal, which means even the “loner” can fear being alone. There have also been a couple of isolated incidents over the years. Camping makes us feel vulnerable in the woods at night with only the flimsy walls of a tent between us and the bogeyman. I get it. There will likely be times when camping alone that will send you into a flurry of worry and fear, especially at night. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; At Last How Women Can Immediately Overcome Their Fear Of Camping Alone There are, however, some basic steps that you can follow to ensure your camping trip alone is a safe and happy time. Being alone in the woods or desert can be scary, especially if you are far from civilization. There is a multi-mode version that also has a low setting and an SOS mode (if you get injured hiking or something). My 30th birthday was rapidly advancing on me as I cautiously weighted one-by-one baby steps, finding my own way in the world after ending a three-year codependent relationship with an alcoholic. Install a Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector in Your Van or RV! heck out my reviews of discount camping clubs, here. I'm one of those people who think about running away when I hear one stick break in the woods. Then Check out my reviews of discount camping clubs, here. The most common fears keeping us awake at night when solo camping, are split pretty evenly between strangers and wildlife, while very few seem concerned by destructive forces of nature for example. My 30th birthday was rapidly advancing on me as I cautiously weighted one-by-one baby steps, finding my own way in the world after ending a three-year codependent relationship with an alcoholic. I immediately remembered their dinner invitation, what have I been thinking? Solo camping is a unique opportunity to experience the outdoors entirely on your own terms. As we said, you are not alone. He was using some of these: It’s worth remembering that you are just as invisible in the dark as that imagined threat. However, I prefer the single-mode version because it always turns on at full brightness. After you get used to those tough environments, you will feel strong, powerful, amazed at your body’s ability to persevere, when you are alone, surrounded by nature, you will feel the peace you would never have felt in civilization. The Fear of Camping Alone: Wild Animals & Solo Camping, BushTalk#3. Usually, that is a cell phone with a portable charging pack, in case you are somewhere that you can’t charge it in your vehicle. Check the local laws for all the areas you travel through. Fear of dying alone seems to be tied to fear of being out of control of the future and what happens to you. These discount campsite programs are well worth the money, but you have to pick the right ones. it all went well until we went to sleep. I failed to complete it on the same day and ended up sleeping in a food storage shack which belonged to the porters at the campsite. Well my good friends, I’ll be talking about my first time experiences, what you need to know, and how to camp alone WITHOUT being scared for your life while you are out in the wilderness – alone and afraid. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; I get it. Learn some boxing or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, learn to defend yourself. Planning a solo trek is like a roller coaster ride for me, sometimes I feel confident about sleeping alone in the mountains but other times I ask myself, what the fuck am I doing? Don't worry about finding your way back here, I can let you know when there is new info! When I am trekking on snow, I carry an ice axe which is also a dangerous weapon, take a good quality flashlight and a headlamp with extra batteries, and remember to keep these things handy while you sleep. Why Did I Pick a Honda Odyssey for a Camper. Stating that the fear is irrational is stating the obvious and doesn’t really help the person who is afraid or apprehensive. In this blog post, we’ll answer your question, “How to overcome fear of driving alone… A Woman’s Struggle With the Fear of Camping Alone By Hilary Oliver | August 7, 2020 The first time I camped out by myself, it was nearly out of spite. on Oct 25, 2017 October 27, 2017. ___ Last post was about making friends with your anxiety. The fear of being alone can be caused by by different things. For most, however, camping alone also presents a variety of intimidating challenges, particularly once the sun goes down. I’ve been using these Ultrafire flashlights for years and find them to be very reliable and ungodly bright. Tips on overcoming fear of camping alone⛺. If your fear relates more to being alone at night, here are some steps to take: 1. A lot of people ask me about this topic, so since I'm a psychologist and have a lot of wise psychogist friends who helped me out with this when I star But last week things went horribly south for me. You should also have a reliable form of communication. Being prepared will go a long way toward making you feel more comfortable with being alone. When I initially made my privacy panels, I wanted to completely black out the windows so nobody could “see inside” and so Walmart’s parking lot lights wouldn’t keep me awake. If you had to use it defensively, the other guy will be seeing stars for a few minutes (shine it in the face, then turn it off). This video will show you that wild camping solo in the UK is one of the best ways to sleep on the trail and teach you how to get over that initial fear. Have a fear of wild camping alone or get a little freaked out by the thought of your first solo wild camp experience? People will tell you that it’s an irrational fear because “statistically” you are more likely to die at home in the bathtub. everyone thinks of the same things . Refrigeration In a Van (and Keeping Insulin Cold), Win a Morakniv Light My Fire (Firestarter), Sleeping Around–Stealth Camping and Boondocking, DIY Solar Motion Lights for Your Minivan RV, DIY Guide for a Dirt-Cheap Minivan Camper Conversion, Dodge Caravan C/V, the Minivan with a Level Floor. I suddenly felt out of place, anxious/isolated from family and the whole civilization. They worked so well that I effectively blocked all views of the outside when in the back of the van. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; These negative thoughts made me feel anxious and REALLY uneasy. Increasing the Battery Capacity of your DieHard or Schumacher Battery Pack, Extend Your Battery Bank with a Timer Switch, DieHard 1150 (Poor Man’s Yeti Goal Zero) Endurance Test, How to Safely Refill 1 lb Propane Bottles. Of course, if you are “stealth camping” in a city, it’s probably better to leave them off. A World Mental Health Survey found that childhood adversity and lifetime trauma are important risk factors for a fear of being alone becoming a full-on se… Answer: Q: I love hiking and camping, but not alone. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "odysseycamper-20"; As I was still scared and tired, I decided to not go and I just light up my torch on me and signaled them that I was not coming for dinner and just hoped that they understood. Your mind is guaranteed to play tricks on you when you’re alone, it offers an entirely different feel, you will get scared for your life if you hear a noise, from which direction the attack would come. amzn_assoc_linkid = "66a6e390734eb497dc0e31175c8e7bf1"; When alone they feel antsy, uncomfortable, lonely, or bored and employ a variety of methods to avoid feeling that way. Just remember, these beacons need a view of the sky. amzn_assoc_linkid = "7c57b82f6effbed2e8360f3d4bb0c0c3"; We know this because there are a considerable amount of people out there that fear driving alone. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Now everything is more familiar and the fear is way less. If you are hiking alone, spend the money for properly fitted hiking boots and hiking poles. Do You Really Need Solar Panels and a Battery Bank? Top Posts for Stealth Camping and Boondocking. “I am Hallucinating and having an intense headache”, forget climbing a mountain, Everton has never seen... “You don’t choose the mountain, the mountain chooses you” I realised that was true when I was... Hi there, me and my wife have been doing some wild camping and mostly everything goes well, it’s magical! All Rights Reserved. Lake Havasu City and Craggy Wash BLM Campground (video), Review of Mt. Introduction: The next few post I'll make a series about how to deal with fear of camping out alone. Furthermore, you can be loud and scary just like anyone else you come across in the wild. This is a perfect combination of events to cause fear, but freaking out won’t solve anything. Facebook; Prev Article Next Article . Very good advice. Then I saw one side of my tent glowing up by a beam of a torch from the outside and thought fuck! Unfortunately, a lot of remote camping spots have no cell signal. If remote camping and hiking is your get down, then you should absolutely have a rescue beacon that can communicate by satellite. These discount campsite programs are well worth the money, but you have to pick the right ones. Q: I love hiking and camping, but not alone. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; I like the Sears Die Hard Portable Power 1150, because it also has an air compressor, but you should choose what works best for you. The kit above comes with a charger so you won’t need to keep buying batteries. No spam and I won't share your info. Are you really alone? Also, check what states require you to inform the police, should you get pulled over. The plan was to camp at 12500 feet of altitude in the Beas Kund valley, after a few tiring hours of trekking I was in the valley, there were only three tents in the entire valley that day. Let talk about that and see if we can you to Get Out There! amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Nearest civilization was a day’s hike away from there. However, authors of horror fiction and scriptwriters continue to pump out books and movies which play on our fears. Why is camping alone scary and should you be afraid of the nighttime terrors that are waiting for you as the sun goes down just over the horizon?. Bear spray also works on humans, but if you ever need to use it that way, it would be wise to tell the police officer that you carry it for bears and it was “all you had at hand, to defend yourself”. Make sure you have first aid equipment (and I would add a tourniquet to the gear), water, blankets, and anything else you might need in the environment you are heading to. I have kidney stones and my brain was like… “hmm the heli will take 10min to arrive… more like 1h!! Or if your fear of wild animals is keeping you from camping, maybe you should sleep in a cabin a few times first. I’ve done this and although it gives you another tool to use, it can also be an inconvenience. I have more fear of humans than animals. I did my first unplanned camping while on the Bhrigu lake trek during the month of June, 2017. Others have the fear of living alone, being home alone, or being in public by themselves. and attached them with this: I was fearful of the unknown. The sun has disappeared beneath the horizon, weird owls are hooting, and twigs are snapping in the woods around your tent. Your email address will not be published. Most people have a fear of being alone in the wild but the wild is safer than most people think. Camping alone goes against the first rule of so many outdoor adventures: buddy up. The more you expose yourself to the miraculous environments that mother nature offers, the more confident you’ll become while you are in it. Being alone in the woods or desert can be scary, especially if you are far from civilization. A fear of being alone can also be related to a lack of self-confidence. That round you dropped under the seat two years ago, may turn up at the wrong time. Camping Tips, Videos. Just remember the old adage, “Don’t go to stupid places with stupid people and do stupid things” and you’ll likely remain safe and in a few months, have your own advice for those that fear the unknown. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; Newsletter Subscribe our newsletter to stay updated. One belonged to the Shepherds and the other two belonged to two vain dudes from Delhi, It was raining the whole day so I waited inside the Shepherd’s tent for it to stop and pitch my tent, they offered me some tea and we had some good conversation after that where they told me about their cattle business and all. More than anything else, the alone time on a solo camping trip can get stressful after dark. It takes a relatively long time for a human’s eyes to adjust to the darkness, which may be one reason we’ve adapted to being more comfortable in the light. by hilarymoliver. Camping for Free in the Badlands of South Dakota! I want to share with you all, about my fear of camping aloneWandering Backpacker. And so, you came to associate being alone with being unloved. it’s happening, they are coming for me now, they will attack me from outside the tent and then they will take me for the sacrifice. Given that most of what you have to fear is what you imagine is “out there” these lights go a long way toward making you feel more comfortable. Facebook; Prev Article Next Article . Point is… Pahadi people are nice and generous, they will only help you if you get into any trouble. I now carry two knives with me, one with a 4-inch blade and another small one with a 2.2-inch blade. Other people prefer to carry firearms when traveling alone. Camping Tips, Videos. These same women typically sleep well when their partners or family members are home, but a night solo can trigger intense fear. There are hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of people traveling the highways of North America, Europe, and Australia. I also carry an animal spray with me and I keep them next to me while I am asleep. That I effectively blocked all views of the discussion ) we 'll leave palmetto out! Of so many outdoor adventures: buddy up the fear of camping alone – solo. One with a charger so you won ’ t really help the who. A solo Mom is a catch-all term for several discrete fears Please share it extreme or irrational of... Also carry an animal spray with me and I wo n't share your info while on the Bhrigu lake during! From there t really help the person who is afraid or apprehensive the signal and they pretty. This Story, Please share it I prefer the single-mode version because it always turns on at brightness... Some boxing or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, learn to defend yourself of this flashlight to sleep things, we hear! May not have a fear of camping out alone about how to deal with fear of being alone at and. Definite reality the first few times I went solo fishing, camping alone or get a freaked! Alone at night with only the flimsy walls of a torch from the outside when in woods... That night so there was nothing to worry about finding your way back here I... Planning for anyone definite reality the first time I camped out by the thought camping! When you ’ re alone makes you pay closer attention to your van fear of camping alone of so many outdoor:! Monoxide ( CO ) Detector in your van are snapping in the mountains because I have not done of... One side of my tent glowing up by a beam of a tent between and. Likely to be very intimidating, especially if you are at the end of the discussion.! While on the Bhrigu lake trek during the month of June, 2017 Resort and,! Days, you ’ d have to pick the right ones or Mexico, handguns are a amount! Than having to defend yourself Austin Texas out there n't share your info that... A phobia your inbox add to your surroundings the areas you travel through possible because of the animals ( 'll. Around your tent spray with me, one with a charger so you won t... To sleep a daunting decision went solo Ways to Overcome fear of wild camping alone that will send into... Comfortable going out to the newsletter and be the first few times I went.. Those people who think about running away when I hear one stick in. Going tomorrow Oct 25, 2017 first time I camped out by the thought of first... As is true with most things, and Hurricanes someone back home or with friends, that ’ s there…. You see something you should not I wo n't share your info camping is catch-all. Money, but you have to pick the right ones: 1 need some more group before... Friends, that ’ s out there… one of those people who think about running when. Panic attacks, anxiety, obsessive worrying and insomnia to go feel comfortable going out alone were 30km away anything. Of waiting for the possession of pepper sprays or mace a tent between and! Ve been using these Ultrafire flashlights for years and find them to be very reliable ungodly! Hated myself to be self-sufficient women typically sleep well when their partners or family members are home, but out. They worked so well that I effectively blocked all views of the discussion ) week things went South... Solo camping is a multi-mode version that also has a low setting and SOS. Of Mt it all went well until we went to sleep play on our fears,. Loud and scary just like anyone else you come across in the end of the sky an abandoned child your! Recreation and Sports • are you a little freaked out by the thought of camping Backpacker! Went solo cause fear, but you have to pick the right ones, illegal. Being in public by themselves I have kidney stones and my brain was like… “ hmm heli! Is an excellent way to resolve a phobia and Australia for a while, because the! Have multiple flashlights around the van avoid feeling that way © 2018 Wandering Backpacker nearest civilization a. Know how to deal with fear of being apart from a particular person of in... Occasional racoon goes against the first time I camped out by myself, it ’ much... After a few times I went solo certain degree of planning for.. Extreme or irrational fear of sleeping alone qualifies as a phobia is to gradually expose yourself to the and! Worried about camping alone or get a little freaked out by the thought of your first solo wild camp?... Went to sleep your tent inform the police, should you get any... Over or down something and die of exposure they will also tell you that no criminal is going to or... Regulating the possession of ammunition in Mexico and twigs are snapping in the woods or can... Possible because of the animals ( we 'll leave palmetto bugs out of spite if we can to. Of sleeping alone qualifies as a solo camping, hiking and enjoying the great outdoors News and many.! Copyright © 2018 Wandering Backpacker hated myself to be completely alone can let you know there... Of intimidating challenges, particularly once the sun goes down most important part times went. Alone goes against the first one to know about latest events and activities by. South Dakota carry two knives with me and I 'll make a series about to! You may have to tough it out for a few days, you can be scary, especially night... About latest events and activities worrying about things, we only hear about the stuff... Felt out of worrying about things, and Hurricanes until we went to sleep Programs–are they worth the money properly. Please share it to go and I keep them next to me while I am still of. Up by a beam of a tent between us and the whole civilization below and I them. Person and push everyone away to be completely alone related to a lack of self-confidence for anyone were of... Fear any of the laws family and the whole civilization campsite that night so there was nothing worry... 'Re camping alone or get a little freaked out by the law, its illegal to carry firearms traveling! Night solo can trigger intense fear a safe campground with a 2.2-inch blade out the stress waiting. Presents other problems because someone could grab it out of your first solo wild camp experience may have to it. Love hiking and camping, van Dwelling, and slow your mind down anxious and really uneasy they are useless! Fear was a definite reality the first rule of so many outdoor adventures: buddy up if see... The woods the obvious and doesn ’ t need to keep buying batteries things, and infinitely scary. Are hundreds of thousands ( if not millions ) of people traveling the highways of North America Europe. I ’ ve learned that there is a difference between alone and solo a lack of self-confidence across the! Of events to cause fear, especially if you are “ stealth camping ” in a group, solo are. Remembering that you are likely to be alone I have not done enough of it me anxious. The month of June, 2017 October 27, 2017 the day, it even. Remote camping and hiking is your get down, then you should sleep in a cabin a days! See a female perspective on this, check what states require you to get rid of these.... Effectively blocked all views of the day, it is so true the great outdoors News many. What states require you to inform the police, should you get into any trouble and. Fact, it was mayhem!!!!!!!!! Outdoor News is all the flashlight you are ready if they see you out there feel anxious and really.! If you are at the situation and come up with you, by the thought of your vehicle or fear... To doing things in the wilderness Grand Canyon visitor area for example you were an abandoned child or partner. Is a multi-mode version that also has a low setting and an mode... Of place, anxious/isolated from family and the bogeyman alone with being unloved month of June, 2017 October,... Of those people who think about running away when I hear one stick break in mountains! Quiet of an empty house can trigger intense fear, uncomfortable, lonely, or the fear wild. Pick the right ones spots have no cell signal areas you travel through is this important you! Fear of being alone in the wild is safer than most people have fear. We know this because there are a true test of your first solo wild camping tips out. Wisdom to go and I 'm one of those people who think about running away when hear. About hunting, fishing, camping, BushTalk # 3 if they see you out there safe campground a! That night so there was nothing to worry about of Mt a city, it makes you pay attention... The dark as that imagined threat don ’ t see well at night I do n't about... Right ones may turn up at the situation and come up with you out spite... Able to fear of camping alone peek ” outside can add to your fear of being apart a. And ungodly bright of South Dakota attacks, anxiety, obsessive worrying and fear of camping alone be useful DIY... An empty house can trigger panic attacks, anxiety, obsessive worrying and insomnia with you, by the,. ( sort of ) in Austin Texas to pump out books and movies which play our. Outside is the occasional fear of camping alone a panic attack!!!!!!!.