Solo camping survival: expert tips to keep you safe and sound

IOL News

3 days ago

Outdoor safety specialist shares the top rule that helps protect campers from attacks and theft.
Image: Pexels.
As more people seek solace in the great outdoors, a growing trend has emerged: solo camping.
The appeal of setting out on personal adventures, disconnected from daily stress, allows travellers to embrace the freedom of exploring nature at their own pace.
However, with this freedom comes a hidden danger that many overlook.
"The biggest mistake I see solo campers making isn't the gear they bring or their weather preparation. It's what they post online while they're out there alone," warns camping expert Andy Halliday from Lexrope, an outdoor gear specialist.
The rise of solo camping
Solo camping has surged in popularity, particularly as people seek authentic outdoor experiences without needing to coordinate with others.
"I've seen a massive increase in solo camping gear sales. They want that genuine experience while maintaining autonomy over their itinerary," explains Halliday.
However, with this independence comes a unique risk that group campers typically don't face.
Halliday's expert advice could make all the difference for those venturing out alone.
Solo camping has surged in popularity, particularly as people seek authentic outdoor experiences without needing to coordinate with others.
Image: Pexels.
Halliday's advice is a vital safety rule: never share your location or activities on social media while you're still there.
This means no Instagram stories from your campsite, no Facebook check-ins at scenic lookouts, and absolutely no Snapchat updates showing your exact whereabouts.
"When you post a photo tagged at a specific location while you're still there, you're essentially broadcasting that you're alone and vulnerable. It's like putting up a sign saying 'one person, isolated location, come and find me'," says Halliday.
This habit can indirectly attract unwanted attention and pose significant safety risks.
Real-time posting not only exposes solo campers to potential theft or unwanted visitors but can also create a digital footprint that can follow them back to their homes, leading to further risk.
Halliday shares that many solo travellers are unaware of the dangers associated with sharing their location online
However, you don't have to abandon sharing your adventures. Instead, adopt safer practices. Halliday suggests: Wait until you're home: Post your stunning outdoor photographs after your return, allowing you to share your experience safely.
Post your stunning outdoor photographs after your return, allowing you to share your experience safely. Remove location data: Disable geotagging on your phone's camera settings, as often photos include automatic GPS coordinates.
Disable geotagging on your phone's camera settings, as often photos include automatic GPS coordinates. Be vague about timing: Instead of providing specific updates, generalise by saying "had a great time last weekend" rather than announcing your current location.
Post your stunning outdoor photographs after you return home.
Image: Pexels.
Additional solo camping safety tips
Beyond social media awareness, Halliday suggests further safety measures: Share your plans: Inform a trusted friend about your itinerary and expected return.
Inform a trusted friend about your itinerary and expected return. Pack emergency communication: Carry a whistle, consider a personal locator beacon for remote areas and ensure your phone has offline maps downloaded.
Carry a whistle, consider a personal locator beacon for remote areas and ensure your phone has offline maps downloaded. Trust your instincts: If a location or person feels off, leave immediately. Your gut feeling is invaluable when it comes to safety.
If a location or person feels off, leave immediately. Your gut feeling is invaluable when it comes to safety. Stay connected safely: Use your phone's emergency features while keeping location services off for social apps.
Sharing your adventures can be done safely without compromising your well-being, allowing you to inspire others while ensuring your own safety.
"The best adventure photos often come from reflecting on the experience anyway," Halliday notes.