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  1. #1
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    If you're backpacking by yourself, what do you do once you're done for the day?

    You're done hiking. You've set up camp/hammock. You've already eaten and cleaned up. You're pretty much just waiting a few hours to go to sleep.

    I find this time of day can be kinda' boring. Any suggestions?

  2. #2
    alifeoutdoors's Avatar
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    I carry my smart phone with me as it's my camera, kindle etc. One huge benefit also to carrying it is I've started to get into (for my solo hikes) is audio books for exactly that reason. I can't stand using earphones but if I'm alone in camp I can just quietly use the built in speaker and that's all I need for spoken word. Just nice to sit by the fire or in the hammock and be "read" to for an hour or so.

  3. #3
    Senior Member
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    Walk longer?

    There are probably as many answers as there are campers. Most of it depends on what you like to do when you have free time. When I solo I am usually tired by the time I stop and set up camp, get dinner, clean up and hang the food. Usually have something to read along as well as trail notes for the next day or whatever and the cave man TV. (camp fire). If you are getting somewhere and have a lot of time to kill you might want to start with just doing a longer trip and/or a bit more complicated cooking and meal setup. Cooking over wood with fresher food takes a lot more time and work than boiling water on an alcohol stove and dumping it into a baggie. Tastes better and is better for you too. ;-)
    YMMV

    HYOH

    Free advice worth what you paid for it. ;-)

  4. #4
    Senior Member
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    I like to read. Sometimes take my Native American flute and play a bit.

  5. #5
    Senior Member
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    Read or just go to sleep.

  6. #6
    TallPaul's Avatar
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    On the phone:
    Watch a show (Amazon prime download)
    Read a book (Kindle app)
    Listen to a book (Audible)
    Listen to a podcast

    Otherwise
    Build a fire
    Video something
    Read a book
    Go to bed early then get up a check the stars in the middle of the night
    Make a list of places to visit next or equipment changes, etc.

  7. #7
    Senior Member BigE94's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by alifeoutdoors View Post
    I carry my smart phone with me as it's my camera, kindle etc. One huge benefit also to carrying it is I've started to get into (for my solo hikes) is audio books for exactly that reason. I can't stand using earphones but if I'm alone in camp I can just quietly use the built in speaker and that's all I need for spoken word. Just nice to sit by the fire or in the hammock and be "read" to for an hour or so.
    +1 on the audio books. Chew through them on a regular basis. Love a good story in my ear.
    I would rather be in the woods... my dog would rather be in the pool. My wife thinks we are both nuts.

  8. #8
    Senior Member WaffleBox's Avatar
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    Sometimes I read my Kindle, listen to audio books from my phone, or play my mountain dulcimer.

    But mostly I look around frantically to spot the bears that I just KNOW are coming to eat me.

  9. #9
    Senior Member Eidson's Avatar
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    Pick up wood carving. The potential here is as far stretching as your imagination (Spoons, walking sticks, etc.).

    Spend time exploring your surrounding camp area. Depending on the season and location, look for wild edibles and practice learning about these. From various mushrooms to berries, there is an abundance of wonderful food in the wilderness. Even if gathering isn't possible or you're not interested, just enjoy the scenery around and see what you can discover.

  10. #10
    Senior Member oldpappy's Avatar
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    Build a small fire, stare at the coals, clear the mind and think deep thoughts (like how good that coffee will taste in the AM).
    I'm too old and set in my ways to own/bring a smartphone for entertainment.
    Enjoying the simple things in life -
    Own less, live more.

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