There’s a quiet kind of magic in hiking alone. Just you, your backpack, and the rhythm of your breath matching the sway of trees. No one asking for snacks. No to-do list buzzing in your head. Just you.

And yet, for so many moms, the idea of an overnight solo hike feels… out of reach. Or maybe even a little scary.

I get it. I felt the same way before my first solo trip.

So let’s unpack the experience — both literally and emotionally. Whether you’re planning your first solo day hike or you’re solo-curious about a weekend overnight, this guide is here to ground and support you.

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🌿 What’s Stopping You?

When I asked this question in my community — Would you ever go on a solo overnight trip? — the answers were real and raw:

• “What if something goes wrong?”
• “I don’t know what to pack.”
• “I’ve never done anything like that before… alone.”
• “What if I feel guilty leaving the kids?”

All valid. All shared. And yet, all navigable.

Solo travel doesn’t mean being fearless. It means feeling the fear and going anyway — prepared, informed, and with deep self-trust.

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🎒 What to Pack for a Solo Hike (Mama Edition)

Here’s my go-to list for a safe, simple, soul-nourishing solo hiking trip:

✅ Navigation Tools
Bring a map, compass, and/or GPS app. Download offline maps before heading out — Wi-Fi and cell service aren’t guaranteed in nature.

✅ Layers
Coastal hikes can be unpredictable. Dress in moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell.

✅ Fuel
Think high-protein, low-fuss: trail mix, nut butter packets, jerky, protein bars, dried fruit. Don’t forget a treat — a square of chocolate goes a long way in the woods.

✅ Water
Pack more than you think you’ll need. Add a water filter or purification tabs if you’re heading somewhere remote.

✅ First Aid Kit
Keep it light but essential: bandages, blister care, antihistamines, painkillers, and a few things just for you (mine always includes tea bags and lavender oil).

✅ Safety Gear
A whistle, bear spray (if you’re in bear country), a headlamp, and a multi-tool are all musts.

✅ Tech (Used Intentionally)
Yes, bring your phone and a power bank — but turn off the noise. This is your time to unplug from the outside world and plug into your own peace.

✅ The Little Extras
A journal. A crystal. A tarot deck. Something that feels like home. Something that brings you back to yourself.

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✨ You Don’t Need to Be “Brave” — Just Ready

You don’t have to summit mountains or camp in the backcountry to have a solo adventure. A local trail. A night in a rustic cabin. A quiet morning hike followed by coffee with a view — it all counts.

Solo hiking isn’t about escape. It’s about return. To your body. Your breath. Your wild, worthy self.

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💬 Now I Want to Hear from You

Would you ever go on a solo overnight hike? Why or why not?
Leave a comment below — your words might just inspire another mama to take her first step.

And if you’re planning your first hike and want the full checklist (plus my printable permission slip to go solo), DM on my socials or email me for my free Solo Travel Starter Guide for Moms!