Solo hiking in the Berg
23 Oct 2020 17:24 #76244
by grae22
Replied by grae22 on topic Solo hiking in the Berg
I wouldn't be too concerned if you're experienced with Berg passes (i.e. you have done many) and are confident you can look after yourself if things go wrong (don't rely on the sat phone to call for rescue) 
Worth bearing in mind people are rescued off both those passes quite frequently and being solo... you'll be waiting a while before anyone comes looking. If the weather (or anything else) forces you back down Grey's - take care not to miss the exit out of the boulder bed (descending too far down has proved fatal recently). The loose section on Leslie's has claimed recent casualties, too.
I think the vegetation around Cowl Fork is more of a nuisance than a significant navigation issue.
It may seem obvious, but when you're solo you don't have anyone else to keeping an eye on things ("wait a sec, shouldn't we have turned left back there?"). Don't get too caught up in the scenery and be deliberate with your decision-making and actions (crossing rivers, etc.).
- Graeme
Worth bearing in mind people are rescued off both those passes quite frequently and being solo... you'll be waiting a while before anyone comes looking. If the weather (or anything else) forces you back down Grey's - take care not to miss the exit out of the boulder bed (descending too far down has proved fatal recently). The loose section on Leslie's has claimed recent casualties, too.
I think the vegetation around Cowl Fork is more of a nuisance than a significant navigation issue.
It may seem obvious, but when you're solo you don't have anyone else to keeping an eye on things ("wait a sec, shouldn't we have turned left back there?"). Don't get too caught up in the scenery and be deliberate with your decision-making and actions (crossing rivers, etc.).
- Graeme
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27 Oct 2020 13:48 #76266
by vivo101
"To those who are enthralled by mountains, their wonder is beyond all dispute. To those who are not, their allure is a kind of madness." - Mountain
Replied by vivo101 on topic Solo hiking in the Berg
@AfricaBen1 I did a solo hike last year going up Ships in a day from Monks Cowl. The rangers did not have any problem with me going alone, although I did not ask permission, just filled in the register and payed.
If your planning on hiking alone more regularly I would suggest investing in a SPOT GEN3, SPOT X , Garmin Inreach or similar GPS tracking device. Its more versatile than a SAT phone in my opinion. If you take a fall and get knocked out, a SAT phone is not of much use, but your last known location will keep on sending from your GPS tracker. This will give mountain rescue a starting location should you not return.
Have fun and stay safe
If your planning on hiking alone more regularly I would suggest investing in a SPOT GEN3, SPOT X , Garmin Inreach or similar GPS tracking device. Its more versatile than a SAT phone in my opinion. If you take a fall and get knocked out, a SAT phone is not of much use, but your last known location will keep on sending from your GPS tracker. This will give mountain rescue a starting location should you not return.
Have fun and stay safe
"To those who are enthralled by mountains, their wonder is beyond all dispute. To those who are not, their allure is a kind of madness." - Mountain
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