Solo Tripping Safety

Solo Tripping can be one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences. The feeling of traveling alone as you make your way along your chosen route is simply amazing. That said; heading into the back country alone also brings with it a heightened element of danger and the need for paying more attention to every step and paddle stroke. Solo trippers need to be completely aware of possible dangers and learn ways to avoid and respect them. The bottom line is there's nobody to help guide you to safety in the case of an emergency.

What would you do if you found yourself 15 km off course? How would you react if you wrapped your canoe around a rock while negotiating a rapid? What if you broke your leg? These are all possible situations you should know the answer to before setting out on any backcountry solo adventure. Remember, being prepared will save your life.

We've compiled a list of the most important safety requirements and skills that solo trippers should become intimately aware of. Browse through the categories below to learn what can go wrong and the steps needed to avoid disaster.

P.M.A. - Positive Mental Attitude

Have you ever been faced with a truly difficult situation while traveling in the backcountry? Perhaps you ran out of food, sprained your ankle or... [more]

Travelling In Bear Country

Many of us travel extensively in the backcountry. In doing so, it’s important to realize we’re sharing the land with all the wild critters suppor... [more]

Preparing your Ditch Kit

Experience, instruction and planning are essential elements of a successful solo journey. Still, accidents are part of wilderness tripping and bei... [more]

Dangers To Avoid

We can all agree that traveling in the wilderness comes with a certain degree of danger. Solo tripping ads yet another layer of risk, making it o... [more]

Personal Floatation Devices (PFD's)

One of the most important pieces of safety equipment is often the most overlooked. Every year countless paddlers lose their lives as a direct res... [more]

Communication Devices

While solo tripping may be riskier than group travel, technological advancements now allow soloists to stay in touch with loved ones, give accurat... [more]

You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.

~ Jack London