To Hike Alone or with a Partner

Deciding whether you would rather hike alone or with a partner is a huge decision.  There are upsides and downsides to both options.

If you're planning on thru-hiking, chances are you won't be able to convince any of your friends to quit their jobs and come hiking with you.  But who knows, you might get lucky.  Having a hiking partner is great because you're never lonely, you have someone to help you with tasks, and you're family and friends at home don't have to worry about your safety so much.  You guys can split the weight of gear, such as the tent, cooking stove, and data books.  It saves time too; one person can fill up the water bottles while the other person sets up the tent.  If you're thinking about hiking Southbound, the trail can get pretty lonely because most hikers choose to go Northbound.  Having a partner will still give you the sense of solitude in the wilderness, but you'll still have a bit of company.

Solo hiking is a great experience too.  You get to hike at your own pace, do as many or as few miles as you want, and you don't have to consult with anyone if you want to make a detour.  You'll still meet awesome people on a daily basis because the trail is such a tight-knit community.  It's also easier to plan your hike financially if you're hiking alone.  If you have some extra money to spend, you can seek out the comforts of hostels and motels regularly.  Or if you're on a tight budget, you don't have to feel guilty because your partner is missing out on that hot shower and nice meal that they wanted.  Hiking solo also gives you a huge sense of independence and self-reliance.  Not everybody has the will-power to go into the wilderness alone and do something as challenging as a thru-hike.

Even if you start a hike solo but really want a partner, the opportunity is still there.  During the first few hundred miles, other individuals are also seeking companionship.  This is a great time to find someone that shares your hiking style.  But be careful not to jump into something permanent just because you're lonely.  You don't want to end up with a hiking partner that annoys you.  Hold out, and you can definitely find a hiking partner that you love having around.

The last, and in my opinion best, option is to have friends meet you on the trail for short periods of time.  It's always a good time to get a taste of home.  After hearing of your plans for a thru-hike, many of your friends will probably be curious about what it's like to spend some time on the trail.  Maybe you can even convince your parents to join you for awhile.  Not to mention, you friends will go home and tell stories of how awesome you are at building fires and locating water sources.

Regardless of if you decide to hike solo or with a partner, you'll find a feeling of camaraderie and a sense of kinship among fellow hikers.  There's a saying on the AT:  Instant family.  Just add trail.