4. If you're not sure of your abilities, or have a bad knee or other potential problem, stick to well-traveled trails. On many routes, another backpacker will be by every hour. That's good to know if you're in trouble.

5. Learn well how to read a map and use a compass. If you are two miles off route and can't get a signal on your phone when your knee gives out, you're in trouble. Even if you like to wander, you should be able to know where you are on map for safety.

6. Know your abilities. Don't plan on twenty-mile days if you haven't done them before.

7. Learn to lighten your load. When you're alone, you lose efficiency of sharing load for stoves, tents and other common items. It's easy - and dangerous - to become overloaded when yours is only backpack. You might want to read up on ultralight backpacking.

Solo backpacking is riskier, but for some of us, it's well worth risk. Try it, and you might agree. Just be sure to take necessary precautions.

My favorite aspect of hiking solo, is that all action is more natural. We are social animals without a doubt, but when with others, our decisions and actions are made as part of a group. There is always a little tension involved in balancing all individual needs.

Consider something as simple as resting alongside trail for ten minutes. Even while it is a needed rest for one, it can be an unatural break in rhythm for another, and yet a decision must be made to stop or not. On other hand, decisions flow almost without thought when you are alone. What a wonderful relief from complications of ordinary life.

If you haven't yet tried solo backpacking, get out there and do it. At least go for an over-nighter. How often do you actually spend a day without seeing another person? You'll appreciate experience. (Watch for my article on solo backpacking tips.)