>>2327402I ran a hiking MeetUp group with over 120 people for a few years. It’s a completely different experience than hiking alone.
I prefer solo hikes.
Pros:
>route selection>campsite location>when to rest>when to stop for water>when to eat lunch>fewer injuries per trip>always arrive on time (and justify when you’re late or early, lol)>start the day when you want>no loud snoring keeping you awake>no chit chat distracting from the serenity of the outdoors>not compelled to talk to anyone, and no awkward silences>more likely to see wildlife>everything is on your schedule, and your decision>no one who bit off more than he could chew slowing you down That last one is inevitable, even if you have a few close friends who are in great shape. Eventually one of them will invite someone on a group hike who isn’t up to the challenge (out of shape friend or inexperienced girl). They will slow everything down, fucking up the hikes logistics. There’s nothing wrong with a slow, leisurely hike, but if you have to be to a certain spot by sundown to avoid an extra night in the woods or extra mileage the next day then those plans can go right out the window.
Cons:
>FOMO>logistics on end to end trails>no carpooling, splitting gas cost>on your own in an emergency (very unlikely)>no splitting pack weight>friends around a campfire is nice 
