Safety Hiking Tips for Solo Females (and Anyone Hiking Alone)

As a woman who loves hiking, I’m sharing my best safety tips to help you feel confident on the trails while leaning on God’s guidance and protection every step of the way.

Psalm 37:3  "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture."

A Reminder of the Greatness of Our God and Creator

With this post, I hope to bring insight not only to our solo female traveler community but also to anyone reading this blog. These safety tips can benefit any solo traveler. Before sharing practical tips, however, I first want to remind every one of the greatness of our God. 

Psalm 37:3 "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture."

Psalm 37:3 is a brief verse with profound insight into God’s love for His children and emphasizes the importance of living a life of goodness and righteousness.

• "Trust in the Lord"
  Trust (definition): Firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.

Throughout the Bible, trusting God is consistently highlighted. This verse begins with God's directive to His children: rely entirely on Him for guidance, protection, and provision. Trusting in the Lord means establishing a deep connection, maintaining unwavering faith, and confidently depending on His greatness, love, and ability to meet all our needs. God must remain the center of our lives.

• "Do good"
  Do good (definition): Act virtuously, especially by helping others; acting with kindness, righteousness, and moral uprightness, aligned with God’s principles.

As children and stewards of God's creation, we're called to live with integrity, extending kindness and compassion not only toward fellow humans but also toward every aspect of His creation. Every day presents new opportunities to positively impact someone’s life and safeguard the beauty of the natural world around us. This means actively encouraging others and protecting nature and all its inhabitants. While the first part of this verse gently instructs us to "Trust in the Lord," the second part challenges us into action: “Do good." We're reminded to place our complete trust in God and His divine plan. As God continuously works to improve our lives, we are likewise called to improve the lives of those around us. He lovingly cares for us, and in turn, we become instruments of His care toward others.

• "Dwell in the land"
  Dwell (definition): To abide, reside, or live in a place.

God, as the ultimate owner of this world, has entrusted us with the care of His creation. This command applies both spiritually and physically. Physically, it means to responsibly inhabit, work, and care for the land, creating stability, peace, safety, and a sense of home. It means coexisting harmoniously with all aspects of God’s creation.

• "Enjoy safe pasture"
  Pasture (spiritual definition): God’s abundant provision and care for His children.
  Pasture (physical definition): Land used for grazing.

God provides abundantly for both our physical and spiritual needs. Obedience to His commandments results in joy, peace, safety, and continual provision. His care and protection are unfailing.

Trusting the Lord, acting with kindness, and harmoniously living within God’s creation lead us toward His promises of safety, protection, and provision. As you step out to explore this beautiful world, remember this verse. Trust that God directs every path. Act compassionately toward everyone and everything you encounter. Care for nature, animals, and individuals less fortunate spiritually, emotionally, physically, or financially. Following these divine principles ensures a joyful and safe journey, spiritually and physically.

Hiking Tips 101

Hiking might seem simple, but preparation is key. Unforeseen issues like falls, wrong turns, fears, nerves, or impatience are everyday human experiences we must anticipate. Below is my personal checklist for hikes. Keep in mind my hikes are generally short, no more than six miles, and of average difficulty. Longer, more challenging hikes or specific areas with wildlife may require additional preparation and research.

Prayer

Regardless of a hike's length or location, I always start with prayer, seeking guidance and wisdom. My relationship with the Holy Trinity is one of deep respect and a personal Father-daughter bond, making prayer conversational yet reverent. Below is a simple prayer that you might consider using to seek guidance and protection before embarking on your hike. Feel free to personalize it in a way that resonates with your own heart and your relationship with God.

Heavenly Father, as I prepare for this journey today, I come to You first. I thank You for the opportunity to explore Your beautiful creation, and I humbly ask for Your wisdom, protection, and guidance along my path. May You grant me clarity and discernment, keeping me safe and alert throughout my hike. Allow me to experience Your presence in the stillness of nature, reminding me of Your greatness and love. Guide every step I take, protect me from harm, and open my heart to kindness toward everyone and everything I encounter. I trust You completely, knowing You are always by my side. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

Location sharing

As a female traveling solo, I always share my location via Google or iPhone settings with trusted family members and my best friend, ensuring someone always knows my whereabouts.

Research hiking trails and weather

Always thoroughly research your hiking trails. My favorite tools are Google, the All Trails hiking app, and the Weather app:

• Google:

  • Free service providing summarized ratings and reviews for various hikes, reviews (although not always pertaining to the hike itself), and ratings of trails.

• All Trails App: 

  • Provides comprehensive information on trail difficulty, length, terrain, and maps with real-time location tracking. Users also leave helpful reviews on trail safety and conditions. You can upload photos post-hike. Subscription costs $35.99 annually.

• Weather App: 

  • Always check weather updates before and during your hike. All Trails also offers updated weather conditions.

Social Media

For safety, I never post pictures while actively hiking. I wait until I safely return to my home or hotel room before sharing images.

Equipment needed for solo hiking

• Cell Phone: 

  • Keep in an easy-to-reach pocket for quick access. It functions as my GPS. Before heading out, I print or screenshot trail maps in case I lose signal. Pay close attention to trail landmarks, as some trails don’t have clear markers.

• EarPods: 

  • I love music, but I use only one earbud to remain aware of my surroundings.

• Extra Phone Charger: 

  • Always carry one in your backpack.

• Pocket Flashlight: 

  • Keep extra batteries handy.

• Pepper Spray: 

  • SABRE Lipstick Pepper Spray fits easily in my pocket; thankfully, I’ve never had to use it.

Women’s hiking Backpack

I always bring my backpack with me, no matter how short the hike. Since I love capturing nature and the beautiful moments I encounter along the trail, I always carry my professional camera. My backpack gives me plenty of space for that and all the other essentials I like to bring on hikes.

The one I currently use (and highly recommend) is the BAGSMART Camera Backpack, which I purchased on Amazon: BAGSMART Camera Backpack. It’s incredibly functional and well-designed. It even has a laptop compartment, which comes in handy on some hikes when I also bring my iPad. I enjoy journaling during breaks, so having space for both tech and gear is a must.

The top compartment is entirely dedicated to storing personal items. The bag is made of durable, waterproof canvas and includes a rain cover—perfect for unpredictable weather. I also appreciate the lockable zippers and high-quality metal hook, which add an extra layer of security against theft.

Comfort is a big deal when hiking, and this backpack delivers. It features thick back padding, wide shoulder straps, and an adjustable chest strap to keep it snug and close to your body. Inside, there are compartments for small accessories and personal items, while double-sided stretch pockets on the outside easily hold water bottles or an umbrella.

This backpack has become one of my favorite hiking companions, blending practicality, comfort, and security all in one.

Food and Water for HIKING

Always pack snacks like cookies, protein bars, trail mix, or sandwiches (for longer hikes). I recommend the Veratify Snack Box (also from Amazon). Bring ample water bottles; hydration is crucial.

hiking with Toiletries

To keep my backpack light, I carry minimal toiletries, all in travel-size containers:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste (travel size)

• Sunscreen (travel size)

• Hand sanitizer (travel size)

• Mosquito repellent wipes

• Individually wrapped body wipes

• Travel size first aid kit

• Tylenol and Ibuprofen 

What to wear hiking

If hiking during autumn-winter months, I dress in layers.  This way I remove layers as the day goes by.  Temperatures can vary throughout the day from cold to warm. 

If hiking during spring-summer months, I dress in light layers, and pack a long sleeve shirt or sweater in my backpack.  

I like to keep my backpack light.  I do not carry cash but I do keep my credit card in one of my pockets.  I do not wear jewelry or anything flashy during my hikes.  I schedule my hikes during daylight hours and as early as possible.  Trust your instinct and do not go over your limitation.  As a beginner, choose a simple and short trail.  As you grow more comfortable, up your game!  

I hope these tips will help ensure your hikes are enjoyable and safe. Stay prepared, trust in God, and savor every beautiful moment of your adventures.

Planning your next hiking trip? Be sure to check out my experience hiking in Kelowna, where I share some of the most scenic trails and hidden gems in the area.

Elohim Li!
xoxo, Karen