10 Things You Should Know When “Camping Alone As A Woman” According To This TikToker
Interview
Sadly, not many women feel secure to do things alone that men don’t ever think twice about. Think of walking through a dark alley at night or camping all by yourself. But content creator Maggie May who runs her popular TikTok channel @nutritionbitespodcast has done us a public service and shared some very useful and practical tips for any woman who always felt like camping by themselves but never felt comfortable doing so.
“So I like camping alone in the woods as a woman,” says Maggie in one of her videos. The author continued explaining how she wanted to share some tips with other women because “everyone is freaking out about her doing this but it turned out okay.”
So let’s scroll through Maggie’s safety tips that include deception, planning ahead, smart thinking, and creativity, and make sure to share the post with anyone who’s planning a trip sometime soon!
TikTok creator Maggie went out camping in the woods all by herself, freaking her family out
Bored Panda reached out to Maggie Clark, the creator behind this series of TikTok videos. Maggie is a Canadian-based nutritionist and podcast host (Nutrition Bites Podcast) who loves the outdoors. “We have such wonderful nature in Canada and it’s always been an interest of mine to explore it,” she told us.
It turns out that Maggie is relatively new to TikTok, only downloading the app earlier this year. “I browsed for a long time and tested out a few videos but didn’t find it was the right fit for me.”
However, after she came back from her solo camping trip, Maggie was really inspired to encourage other women to try camping alone and thought that the easiest and fastest way to share that message was through TikTok. “I threw together a little video and put it out there. I never thought it would attract as much attention as it has, but overall I’m really happy people are seeing it and I hope it encourages more people, not just women, to try solo camping!”
Since her camping trip turned out just fine, she is now sharing some safety tips to help other women feel safer when out in the woods alone
@nutritionbitespodcastSafety tips for camping alone AS A LADY 😲💅🏻😂🏕 #camping #solocamping #safetytips #solofemaletraveler #womenssafety♬ Peaches – Justin Bieber
“I’ve gone camping with friends for many years, but never thought to do it alone. I always thought I lacked the skill to do it by myself and was worried about my safety,” the content creator told us.
“Earlier this year I wanted to go camping but I couldn’t find any friends who were available. I then watched the movie WILD starring Reese Witherspoon and that inspired me to try it alone,” Maggie recounted and added that “I practiced a few camping skills while I was still home to feel more comfortable and also made the trip short incase I experienced any issues.”
Maggie also suggested getting gadgets that make a lot of noise
According to Maggie, the scariest part of camping alone all happened before the trip even happened. “Whenever I told people of my plans they responded with comments like ‘you’re so brave’ or ‘I could never do that’ which made me question if I was making the right choice. Once I was out camping however I realized it was quite easy and a lot of fun!”
Among other things you should find useful when camping out in the woods is a pocket knife and headlamp
@nutritionbitespodcastSafety tips for camping alone as a woman 💅🏻❤️#camping #solocamping #safetytips #solofemaletraveler #womenssafety♬ A-O-K – Tai Verdes
While Maggie received a lot of encouragement and positive feedback, including other women sharing their adventures and safety tips, there was an equal amount (if not more) of negative feedback, she said.
“The comment section on my TikTok video became a battleground about sexual assault, with a lot of people taking issue with the fact that I had focused the content on women’s safety,” she said. “In reality, all of the tips I shared can be used by anyone camping alone – regardless of their gender.”
Maggie concluded that while she loves to camp, her main passion in life is to talk about nutrition and debunk myths surrounding what we should or shouldn’t eat. “I encourage you to check out my podcast called Nutrition Bites (available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all streaming services) and Instagram @nutritionbitespodcast,” she said.
More women joined in to comment on how they keep themselves safe while out in the woods
I don't know why all women think we are safe in a plastic bag with a locked zipper on it :-o tents are extremely easy to rumble and cut open with a knife or anything sharp.
Regardless of gender, it isn't safe and not because of the 'crazy serial killer', but if you get hurt hiking, you might be doomed. Many cell phones won't get service and your dog can't go get help; many might think it's a stray. Actually, mostly anything sports related, you might want to do with a friend/partner.
Load More Replies...
Literally the most important thing for safety when out hiking is; let people know where you'll be, when you'll be there, and when you'll you're expected back. Injury from accidents and inclement weather is your main concern, not sociopathic murderers. You go up a mountain like Ben Nevis, the guides and stewards tell you to be extra careful about any sudden changes in weather, not the daily violent crimes statistics.
That is essential! Also, carry the 10 essentials, and don't expect your phone to save you, you might not have service or your battery may die.
Load More Replies...
If you didn't know all these already, and didn't know that a camp site is not where to walk around like you're in your bedroom at home, then please do not camp. Please. For your safety. Thank you. Solo Hiker/Camper Female, and perfectly fine with not toting ten pounds extra gear just to show I have a nonexistent male companion. Good grief.... And, yes, I know most people dont' camp "really out there in the wild", but that's why I *do*.
While Maggie May seems sincere, my advice to anyone who is interested in camping or bushcraft find source material that is authored by experienced experts, especially if you are going it alone. There are tons of books, websites, and YouTube channels that provide more sound advice than what is posted here.. Anyone who is an inexperienced camper and is going out there alone is asking for a whole bunch of problems.
Fair point. I was raised "rugged" (the polite word), so camping in the middle of nowhere is my preferred way to go. And always research before you go. ALWAYS. Even if I've been, I re-check to be sure I'm geared up properly.
Load More Replies... This seems to me like it crosses the line from safety to paranoia.
What a total waste of time that was 🙄 Another stupid article from BP
Now this has got me angry in a way I can't quite figure out. Like men don't need to post a video telling them how to stay safe whilst camping alone. Not one that would be specifically for their gender. It's like those posts that tell women how to stay safe whilst walking home alone in the dark, or whilst driving a car alone, or whilst having a drink in a bar alone... I mean, where do you draw the line? I guess my anger comes from the fact that women need to even think about these things. That it's us who have to take safety precautions against potential rapists whilst all men have to worry about is not having enough beers. And when a woman does get attacked whilst alone, obviously everyone blames her for the exact comment Elmie made. Women should know it's unsafe and therefore not do it. That's a very sad state of affairs. Perhaps men should know not to rape?
You absolutely DO NOT want a dog that barks at everything. You'll never get any sleep. Other campers will never get any sleep. Everyone will hate you. Train your dog. Then they will know what needs barking at and what doesn't.
Always remember to pack extra male clothes and shoes with your own clothes. Sure.
Right! This being the first safety tip just made my jaw drop.
Load More Replies...
It's pathetic and depressing that this woman needs all this paraphernalia to feel safe. Yet totally understandable. In too many places around the world, women who hang around alone actually are in a unsafe situation. I hope in a not so distant future people understand how inadmissible it is. Congrats on the courage and be safe!!
i bought these for all the women in my family a few years ago. I have 4 of them myself. If you give the key ring part and pull, am alarm sounds that will drop anyone to their knees with the volume (I have one that is 140db) These can also be used in a hotel or tent...tie or hook the pin end to one side of the door or window and the other to the wall or tent flap. They can also be used to link your purse to your coat, or phone wallet to your hand. Hung from your neck or belt loop. Lots of uses. https://www.amazon.com/Freyamall-Alarm-Emergency-Keychain-Flashlight/dp/B07L8JXKRJ There are a lot of brands, this is just the one I bought and so wanted to share the idea.
As another comment said upthread, ALWAYS tell someone where you are going and when you'll be back.
I'd suggest taking a solar powered gps locator (and a gun for that matter) my husband takes one when he hunts...one wrong step and you break an ankle leaving you stranded and exposed to elements is more likely than worrying about a random rapist finding you in the wilderness. A gun has more uses than protection as well it has many useful parts that can be used for survival (example bullets contain gun powder that could help you start a fire)
I'm a woman and I wouldn't camp alone for anything. Yes, we should be able to, but we can't.
ridiculous world isnt it, where this is a thing that needs to be posted.
huh .... what a concept ... so to go somewhere to be left alone to your own thoughts and space, you have to bring someone with you?
Load More Replies...
It is extremley odd to think you would need to be affraid of bad people out in the wild. 1)how many times has that happened the 10 years in your country? 2) why would anyone even find you? If you see other people, you are not really out in the wild.
well you see ..... it's a constant state of mind we simply cannot take a vacation from
Load More Replies...
I definitely agree that it's a good idea to make it non-obvious that you're the sole occupant of the campsite. I only camp in campgrounds, where you drive right up to the site, so I generally set up two lawn chairs around the fire-pit. That way, anyone walking by will assume two campers--and when the smoke starts getting in my face, I can just switch chairs! Apart from that, for the type of camping I do, the only other precaution I'd recommend is picking a site in a section where there are families nearby. Don't go for the most secluded site, or the least-busy loop: if there are only one or two other parties within sight/hearing distance, and they turn out to be creepy, you're alone with them. If you can see/hear at least four or five other families/groups/solo campers, the odds are strongly against *all* of them being creeps, and the presence of bystanders will deter most garden-variety creeps.
All the safety precautions in the world would not stop the woods at night freaking me out.
Great tips. Also very sad that a woman has to pretend there is a man around and can't just enjoy life on her own.
This is all good advice. I'm not a woman, but I've done a lot of backcountry camping, mostly solo. Other staples are paracord and duct tape, first aid kit, hand mirror or CD to signal rescue aircraft, and a Lifestraw or similar filtration system. Really, the Lifestraw and whistle are the two most important. (S-biners are also one of the greatest inventions of all time.)
I carry decent rope. Paracord is nice, light, etc., but I was raised with rope, and so I'm more comfy with it than with paracord. Agreed on rest, *especially* whistle. My mom got me one when I was little, still have it.
Load More Replies...
i used to go camping alone quite a bit. the only 'protection' i took were my three dogs: a doberman, a boxer, and a border collie. once in a while a guy would stop a ways a way and just kind of check my site out...until they came bounding out of the tent.
I'm sure that a hungry bear will approach the tent and see men's clothes and go ooh s**t best do one before he sees me then again if he has a taste for man might not work
I think all an intruder needs to bypass your locks is a semi sharp knife. I don't know any men that don't have a at least a pocket knife with them at all times. Bad people think nothing of shooting or stabbing a barking dog and would probably do it just for fun. Depending on where you camp there might be nobody around to hear your alarms or screams and even if they did might not wish to be killed or hurt trying to help you. Probably it is commonly a fellow camper that is dangerous and they only need to watch you for a day to see that there is no dude around or anyone else. Bear spray might work if you keep it always in your hand and hit them when you do spray it. I'm a woman and I always have a knife but I sure don't want to get in a knife fight and you are screwed if they get it from you. I'm fine with being alone but it's always been a rule that certain things you should not do alone. Hiking, camping, scuba diving, running, skiing, mountain climbing etc. Remember the guy that had to cut his own arm off because he was trapped by a rock and was alone. The 2 newlyweds that were just murdered in Utah? I camp in a 40ft 5th wheel with a satellite, bathroom, TV, washer\dryer and outdoor kitchen and still a bear could get in if it wanted too. I never camp without a firearm. Period. I've never pointed a gun at a person or animal (though I have killed quite a few rattlesnakes that have come into my backyard and one in my house. I do go to the gun range to target practice regularly. I have also been camping with a group when one of our group did have to use his pistol to hold a couple of violent drunks that wandered into our camp while the sheriff was called. I would not hesitate to use it if needed though. You should at least take a gun safety class and buy a gun if you are still going to camp with or without others.
Was wondering about the smug post, "Come to Norway" because I keep hearing how common rape is in Sweden Their rape rate is marginally lower than the U.S. Sweden's is more than three times higher.
I just love how some people think having a gun makes them magically invincible
Load More Replies... I don't know why all women think we are safe in a plastic bag with a locked zipper on it :-o tents are extremely easy to rumble and cut open with a knife or anything sharp.
Regardless of gender, it isn't safe and not because of the 'crazy serial killer', but if you get hurt hiking, you might be doomed. Many cell phones won't get service and your dog can't go get help; many might think it's a stray. Actually, mostly anything sports related, you might want to do with a friend/partner.
Load More Replies... Literally the most important thing for safety when out hiking is; let people know where you'll be, when you'll be there, and when you'll you're expected back. Injury from accidents and inclement weather is your main concern, not sociopathic murderers. You go up a mountain like Ben Nevis, the guides and stewards tell you to be extra careful about any sudden changes in weather, not the daily violent crimes statistics.
That is essential! Also, carry the 10 essentials, and don't expect your phone to save you, you might not have service or your battery may die.
Load More Replies... If you didn't know all these already, and didn't know that a camp site is not where to walk around like you're in your bedroom at home, then please do not camp. Please. For your safety. Thank you. Solo Hiker/Camper Female, and perfectly fine with not toting ten pounds extra gear just to show I have a nonexistent male companion. Good grief.... And, yes, I know most people dont' camp "really out there in the wild", but that's why I *do*.
While Maggie May seems sincere, my advice to anyone who is interested in camping or bushcraft find source material that is authored by experienced experts, especially if you are going it alone. There are tons of books, websites, and YouTube channels that provide more sound advice than what is posted here.. Anyone who is an inexperienced camper and is going out there alone is asking for a whole bunch of problems.
Fair point. I was raised "rugged" (the polite word), so camping in the middle of nowhere is my preferred way to go. And always research before you go. ALWAYS. Even if I've been, I re-check to be sure I'm geared up properly.
Load More Replies... This seems to me like it crosses the line from safety to paranoia.
What a total waste of time that was 🙄 Another stupid article from BP
Now this has got me angry in a way I can't quite figure out. Like men don't need to post a video telling them how to stay safe whilst camping alone. Not one that would be specifically for their gender. It's like those posts that tell women how to stay safe whilst walking home alone in the dark, or whilst driving a car alone, or whilst having a drink in a bar alone... I mean, where do you draw the line? I guess my anger comes from the fact that women need to even think about these things. That it's us who have to take safety precautions against potential rapists whilst all men have to worry about is not having enough beers. And when a woman does get attacked whilst alone, obviously everyone blames her for the exact comment Elmie made. Women should know it's unsafe and therefore not do it. That's a very sad state of affairs. Perhaps men should know not to rape?
You absolutely DO NOT want a dog that barks at everything. You'll never get any sleep. Other campers will never get any sleep. Everyone will hate you. Train your dog. Then they will know what needs barking at and what doesn't.
Always remember to pack extra male clothes and shoes with your own clothes. Sure.
Right! This being the first safety tip just made my jaw drop.
Load More Replies... It's pathetic and depressing that this woman needs all this paraphernalia to feel safe. Yet totally understandable. In too many places around the world, women who hang around alone actually are in a unsafe situation. I hope in a not so distant future people understand how inadmissible it is. Congrats on the courage and be safe!!
i bought these for all the women in my family a few years ago. I have 4 of them myself. If you give the key ring part and pull, am alarm sounds that will drop anyone to their knees with the volume (I have one that is 140db) These can also be used in a hotel or tent...tie or hook the pin end to one side of the door or window and the other to the wall or tent flap. They can also be used to link your purse to your coat, or phone wallet to your hand. Hung from your neck or belt loop. Lots of uses. https://www.amazon.com/Freyamall-Alarm-Emergency-Keychain-Flashlight/dp/B07L8JXKRJ There are a lot of brands, this is just the one I bought and so wanted to share the idea.
As another comment said upthread, ALWAYS tell someone where you are going and when you'll be back.
I'd suggest taking a solar powered gps locator (and a gun for that matter) my husband takes one when he hunts...one wrong step and you break an ankle leaving you stranded and exposed to elements is more likely than worrying about a random rapist finding you in the wilderness. A gun has more uses than protection as well it has many useful parts that can be used for survival (example bullets contain gun powder that could help you start a fire)
I'm a woman and I wouldn't camp alone for anything. Yes, we should be able to, but we can't.
ridiculous world isnt it, where this is a thing that needs to be posted.
huh .... what a concept ... so to go somewhere to be left alone to your own thoughts and space, you have to bring someone with you?
Load More Replies... It is extremley odd to think you would need to be affraid of bad people out in the wild. 1)how many times has that happened the 10 years in your country? 2) why would anyone even find you? If you see other people, you are not really out in the wild.
well you see ..... it's a constant state of mind we simply cannot take a vacation from
Load More Replies... I definitely agree that it's a good idea to make it non-obvious that you're the sole occupant of the campsite. I only camp in campgrounds, where you drive right up to the site, so I generally set up two lawn chairs around the fire-pit. That way, anyone walking by will assume two campers--and when the smoke starts getting in my face, I can just switch chairs! Apart from that, for the type of camping I do, the only other precaution I'd recommend is picking a site in a section where there are families nearby. Don't go for the most secluded site, or the least-busy loop: if there are only one or two other parties within sight/hearing distance, and they turn out to be creepy, you're alone with them. If you can see/hear at least four or five other families/groups/solo campers, the odds are strongly against *all* of them being creeps, and the presence of bystanders will deter most garden-variety creeps.
All the safety precautions in the world would not stop the woods at night freaking me out.
Great tips. Also very sad that a woman has to pretend there is a man around and can't just enjoy life on her own.
This is all good advice. I'm not a woman, but I've done a lot of backcountry camping, mostly solo. Other staples are paracord and duct tape, first aid kit, hand mirror or CD to signal rescue aircraft, and a Lifestraw or similar filtration system. Really, the Lifestraw and whistle are the two most important. (S-biners are also one of the greatest inventions of all time.)
I carry decent rope. Paracord is nice, light, etc., but I was raised with rope, and so I'm more comfy with it than with paracord. Agreed on rest, *especially* whistle. My mom got me one when I was little, still have it.
Load More Replies... i used to go camping alone quite a bit. the only 'protection' i took were my three dogs: a doberman, a boxer, and a border collie. once in a while a guy would stop a ways a way and just kind of check my site out...until they came bounding out of the tent.
I'm sure that a hungry bear will approach the tent and see men's clothes and go ooh s**t best do one before he sees me then again if he has a taste for man might not work
I think all an intruder needs to bypass your locks is a semi sharp knife. I don't know any men that don't have a at least a pocket knife with them at all times. Bad people think nothing of shooting or stabbing a barking dog and would probably do it just for fun. Depending on where you camp there might be nobody around to hear your alarms or screams and even if they did might not wish to be killed or hurt trying to help you. Probably it is commonly a fellow camper that is dangerous and they only need to watch you for a day to see that there is no dude around or anyone else. Bear spray might work if you keep it always in your hand and hit them when you do spray it. I'm a woman and I always have a knife but I sure don't want to get in a knife fight and you are screwed if they get it from you. I'm fine with being alone but it's always been a rule that certain things you should not do alone. Hiking, camping, scuba diving, running, skiing, mountain climbing etc. Remember the guy that had to cut his own arm off because he was trapped by a rock and was alone. The 2 newlyweds that were just murdered in Utah? I camp in a 40ft 5th wheel with a satellite, bathroom, TV, washer\dryer and outdoor kitchen and still a bear could get in if it wanted too. I never camp without a firearm. Period. I've never pointed a gun at a person or animal (though I have killed quite a few rattlesnakes that have come into my backyard and one in my house. I do go to the gun range to target practice regularly. I have also been camping with a group when one of our group did have to use his pistol to hold a couple of violent drunks that wandered into our camp while the sheriff was called. I would not hesitate to use it if needed though. You should at least take a gun safety class and buy a gun if you are still going to camp with or without others.
Was wondering about the smug post, "Come to Norway" because I keep hearing how common rape is in Sweden Their rape rate is marginally lower than the U.S. Sweden's is more than three times higher.
I just love how some people think having a gun makes them magically invincible
Load More Replies... 
106
71