Wandering pine scented woodland paths, overlooking breathtaking vistas, or exploring secluded beach coves can become more poignant when you connect deeply with the natural world with only the breeze as your companion. Solitude can offer an introspective exercise in self-discovery.

Looking to try hitting the trails solo? Excellent news! Your Subaru is capable of transporting you to any trailheads. With proper preparation, you can ensure your safety while immersing yourself in a solitary connection with nature.

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Just because you want time alone doesn’t mean your destination should be a secret. Notify a friend or family member with the details of the trail you will be hiking, start times and projected finish time. Ensure that you have a good map and a proven hiking app. All Trails allows the user to download the trail map for offline use, and tracks their progress via GPS, subsequently marking your Long Subaru’s location allowing you to wander but never be lost.

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Bring supplies even if it is just a day hike. Your supplies should be sufficient to sustain you for the day. Water is the paramount necessity in your bag. Overpack water. 1 liter per 5 miles, and 3 liters for the day. A bladder that allows you to drink while you walk is not necessary, but normally helps a hiker to drink more frequently. A water filter is even better, but not necessary. A basic first aid kit with about 10 items is also a good idea. Sterile gauze pads, band aids, tweezers, scissors, alcohol pads/antiseptic towelettes, and Coban. Coban is a self-adhering bandage that allows you to secure gauze easily and put compression on a wound.

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Weather is often an unknown element, particularly in the mountains. The weather can change within seconds. One second you are basking in the mountain air and strong sunshine, and the next you are being pelted with hail the size of golf balls and lightning striking so close you can feel the static gathering in your hair. The Norwegians have an expression saying: “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær”. Translated it means “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”. They ought to know it is
either snowing or raining near the arctic circle. Follow the Norwegian’s excellent advice and pack your warm clothing for higher altitudes and rain gear for everywhere else.

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Your cell phone is your lifeline- but it can’t work if it has no charge. A solar charger allows you an unlimited power supply and helps you to know that you will never lose connection. Depending on where you are hiking you may encounter wildlife. Yes, it is thrilling to commune with the locals, but it is safest for you and them to give them room and maintain your distance. Bears in particular don’t care to be surprised. If they know you are coming, they will mostly avoid you. Attaching a bear bell to your bag allows you to make a gently tinkling noise as you walk along notifying our large forest companions of your presence in their neighborhood.

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If you are well-prepared and have a good understanding of the environment you are hiking in, a solitary ramble is a safe and wondrous opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the wilderness.