### Outdoor Adventures: The Safety Challenge Faced by Solo Female Backpackers
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In a world where solo adventures in the great outdoors are increasingly popular, safety remains a paramount concern, especially for women. Gabbi, a 30-year-old solo traveller and content creator known online as GabTheForestElf, recently opened up about her experiences while backpacking in California’s Joshua Tree National Park, highlighting the precautions she takes to ensure her safety in remote areas.
Gabbi’s experience in Joshua Tree illustrates not only the beauty of solo backpacking but also the unique challenges that come with it. Speaking to PEOPLE, she reflected on the situation that led her to temporarily abandon one of her cardinal rules for camping. Generally, she takes numerous safety measures to protect herself, especially from the gaze of potential intruders. “I’m more afraid of people out there than I am of animals,” she candidly admitted, a sentiment that resonates with many female outdoor enthusiasts.
During her recent trip to Joshua Tree, Gabbi adhered to her established protocols, which typically include keeping her tent’s rainfly secured for both weather protection and privacy. However, a fierce windstorm disrupted her plans. Faced with the incessant rattling of her tent, Gabbi wrestled with anxiety as her environment felt increasingly threatening. “It sounded like someone was trying to break into my tent, and I kept getting out to check,” she recounted, highlighting the mental strain of her situation.
Despite her instincts telling her to retreat, Gabbi ultimately decided to remove the rainfly in a bid to quiet the chaotic sound. “I thought about packing up and leaving, but I really didn’t want to,” she shared. The decision, made after much contemplation, allowed her to finally find some sleep despite the unsettling circumstances. The sense of empowerment she felt afterwards was palpable, yet she reaffirmed that this was not a strategy she would pursue in the future.
Gabbi’s traditional camping practices served to encapsulate not only her personal sense of safety but also her desire to encourage other women to explore nature’s offerings. In her outings, she has set stringent guidelines for herself, including the avoidance of music or any distractions that could hinder her awareness of her surroundings. This commitment stems from her recognition that female solo hikers often face heightened vulnerabilities.
The vastness of the desert, with its miles of openness, adds to the challenges. Gabbi explains, “There’s nowhere to hide, and it was just like miles and miles of openness,” which amplifies her caution. On the one hand, the allure of sleeping under a starry sky tempts many hikers to forgo the rainfly. Still, Gabbi’s steadfastness in keeping her tent secure speaks volumes about her commitment to personal safety.
Throughout her outings, both animal and human encounters have shaped Gabbi’s perceptions of potential threats. While she recalls her animal encounters as manageable, the memories of run-ins with humans have left a lasting impact. “I feel like that’s where all of my energy and focus goes towards trying to not seem like an easy target,” she stated, illustrating the mental load many women carry during their outdoor adventures.
Gabbi’s journey into solo hiking began after relocating to Portland from the East Coast four years ago. Driven by a passion for herbal medicine and an eagerness to explore nature, she initially embraced hiking as a solo venture. The waterfalls of Oregon captivated her spirit, leading to a profound love for the natural world that remains evident in her online content.
Highlighting the lack of adequate representation for women in the solo camping space, Gabbi noted that much of what is portrayed caters to extreme survivalist ideals. “I’m interested in more of the slower pace of things and being in more of a spiritual connection with the land,” she explained, hoping to redefine the narrative and encourage a gentler, more mindful approach to outdoor adventures.
In her efforts to inspire a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts, Gabbi seeks to share her knowledge and experiences with others, blending adventure with education. She advocates that women should embrace nature while being conscious of the unique challenges they may face. For Gabbi, each outing is not merely a quest for adventure but a journey of personal connection, fostering a bond with the environment that is rich and reciprocal.
As Gabbi continues to share her outdoor experiences, she hopes to empower other women to step into the wild while emphasising the importance of safety for solo travellers. Whether engaging with the landscape through foraging or simply soaking in the tranquillity of nature, her story serves as a reminder that the allure of the great outdoors must always be tempered with caution—especially for women navigating these spaces alone.