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Blind and Visually Impaired Community

Full History - 2020 - 08 - 23 - ID#ifhilx
4
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).
perfecthannah 2 points 2y ago
Some links to get you started:

http://blog.sunu.com/2018/04/07/7-tips-for-blind-and-low-vision-travelers-hitting-the-hiking-trail/

https://www.outsideonline.com/2036766/meet-blind-man-hiking-countrys-toughest-trails#close

Those snakes are more afraid of you then you are of them. Go have fun!
achromatic_03 2 points 2y 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 points 2y 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.
thatawkwardcosplayer 2 points 2y 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
[deleted] 1 points 2y ago
[deleted]
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