Any low vision/blind hikers and backpackers?(self.Blind)
submitted by Namrakk
Particularly interested in solo backpackers with vision impairments - how do you manage? (Stay on trail, check for ticks, avoid snakes/dangerous wildlife etc)
If you go with others, what’s been your experience? (How do you avoid slowing down others/take care of yourself)
I’ve been on backpacking trips with a friend, but I’m really itching to go it alone - esp with the decreasing feeling of independence more recently with increasingly severe vision loss (legally blind but enough vision to where I don’t use a cane at this point).
Those snakes are more afraid of you then you are of them. Go have fun!
achromatic_032 points2y ago
Same! I also am VI and don't use a cane unless I'm in an unknown area--but I feel like it would get in the way during hiking? I have hiked with a variety of people, but I try to only hike with people I know and who are not like intense hikers--I did that a few times, and regret it because I was so tired and didn't want to slow people down either. I also really want to do it on my own, but am worried about losing the trail if it's not paved.
Namrakk [OP]1 points2y ago
Thanks for sharing! Although I haven’t used them yet, there are some gps guided apps available for trail hiking (AllTrails, Gaia), but I don’t know how accurate they are. Yeah the biggest entry barriers for me would be staying on trail (maybe the phone+app+battery pack could ameliorate this) and venomous snakes.
thatawkwardcosplayer2 points2y ago
Hi!! I use a long metal cane with a curve at the end, it's light weight. Nice for trails!! Also animal good, service dog. Pack animal is good too. Always take friend, always. Hope help
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large- scale community websites for the good of humanity. Without ads, without tracking, without greed.