Solo female hiker advice

[Monte Meals]

My advice to guys -

Always carry Bear Spray to the 14ers Gatherings ...
The women will hit on you without mercy

[Chicago Transplant]

It goes both ways, I as a solo male hiker have been asked by groups of (generally much older) female hikers if I was okay and if I needed any food or water. One time I was even in uniform patrolling for the Forest Service, I guess that wasn't enough to look like I knew what I was doing?

These groups have generally been what appear to be out of town tourists out for a hike their hotel concierge probably recommended, and I can pretty much guarantee I am more prepared than they are. Usually they on their way up to a lake or waterfall while I am descending a peak. I just take them as being on a hike in a strange place and being there solo as the last thing they would ever do, so thus are concerned that I am. I just thank them for their concern but let them know I do this all the time and am fine, wish them well and move on.

[tjmartn1]

Couple thousand solo peaks. Never felt threatened.

Thousands? Who is this woman? *googles name*


From Lists of John:
Highest 2500 Peaks in Contiguous US
Name TeresaGergen
Has Completed: 1679

Holy moley! You weren't kidding!

[spiderman]

I keep seeing Teresa's name pop up on trip reports to random peaks in the middle of nowhere. She is just a bit famous in the peakbagger circles. Highpoints of the 50 US states, UT/AZ/CO CoHP, 5 out 8 seven summits, highest 1900 summits in CO, lots of 5000' prominence peaks, etc.

I have never heard of issues with solo female hikers, except for that one who did part of the PCT thru hike and then wrote a book that is almost as unreadable as that famous one about the AT thru hike. She seemed to be preying on unsuspecting guys along the way. Watch out for those women who are trying to rediscover themselves after ending a bad relationship.

[James2015]

Thanks all... it's nice to hear from experienced solos that they've never had serious issues. I think it's unlikely to experience anyone with real bad intent, but didn't know if people typically take any precautions. The advice is appreciated!

[Scott P]

I have never heard of issues with solo female hikers, except for that one who did part of the PCT thru hike and then wrote a book that is almost as unreadable as that famous one about the AT thru hike. She seemed to be preying on unsuspecting guys along the way. Watch out for those women who are trying to rediscover themselves after ending a bad relationship.

Wild? If so, interesting perspective.

[goingup]

I solo hike, run, scramble, climb travel A TON and I am a woman. (Colorado, California, Canada, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, Utah... etc. etc...I have been all over hell by myself)....I even sleep in my car alone at truck stops when I get too tired to keep driving. I think the best weapon is intuition. I have never carried a weapon, although I do carry a utility knife with me when I hike for more logical reasons, like its a good tool to have in general. I also ride with a small hand held mace in my car. I got it when I first started trail running alone, but soon felt it was a nuisance to carry. In Wyoming, Montana and Canada I carried grizzly bear counter assault with me everywhere I went.

I rarely feel uncomfortable out in the wild because of other humans. The few people I have run into in the back country are generally rad. It's unlikely someone is going to hike 20 miles somewhere to attack a lone female.

However, I have a strange idea if she and you are concerned. Dick's sporting goods sells these really small boat air horns that make ALOT of noise when sounded. I carry one with me when attempting more dangerous mountains (along with a spot) just in case something ever happened and I needed to be located by sound. I bet if a person was attacking her and she sounded that thing they would be deterred. Just an idea

[mountaintan]

I would suggest your Girlfriend protect herself however makes her comfortable. I recently took a class that included some self-defense scenarios (what to do if someone comes at you with a knife etc.), I found just having knowledge gave me more piece of mind. It's good to know that just about anything can be used as a weapon.

Personally, I hike alone often and rarely feel uncomfortable. Ironically the only people who ever comment on my being alone are other women! I use a SPOT device on longer hikes/14ers so my Husband can keep track of me

Colorado is an Open Carry state, but there are different rules in State Parks etc. Although rare, my main concern is wildlife (mountain lions, momma bear with cubs). Sometimes I will pack a weapon of some sort, which I can conceal. It's no use to go brandishing a weapon in the open as animals don't care People on the other hand don't need to know what I do or do not carry. In my opinion, each hike is different and you need to think about the pros and cons of carrying a self-defense item based on the circumstances.

Happy Hiking Ladies

[DeTour]

Two reasons come to mind why solo females are safer in the back country than around "civilization":

I've read that predatory men look for weakness in their victims, reading demeanor and body language. The very fact that you're out there on the trail conveys the opposite of weakness.

Most creepy guys are too lazy/intoxicated to be out in the back country.

That said, it would only take one bad encounter, so I would endorse carrying pepper spray. If my daughter went hiking alone I would want her to, but I would also worry less about her out there than I did when she was walking 200' from her office to her car in Chicago.

[DeTour]

You should avoid psychological pronouncements. It makes you sound foolish.

I think you carry a grudge against me from the gravity observation.

I will acknowledge that above statement, while not a "psychological pronouncement," is a generalization which may not be true. It would be pretty hard to prove or disprove, since "creepy guy" is a category that defies definition, even though, like some Supreme Court justice once said about pornography, we all know one when we see it.

[12ersRule]

I'm with Detour on this one.

Character increases the further away from civilization you get

[skinner]

Dick's right, creepiness knows no bounds.

but bear spray with a chest harness (something I sport when I hike solo is dual purpose––anti-creep and anti-bear!

Spot on benlen. As a solo dude I carry this as well (99% for bears). I'd hate to have to use it on someone, but like a bear, they will probably regret their original action.