You think it is safe to backpack across the country alone...I used to backpack, in other countries. I would start off in the morning and hike all day...sometimes taking rides...depending on when I needed to be at a certain location. I am itching really bad to do this right now. I need to lose some weight and this is a good way to do it. All those rib test has put the pounds on me. I just want to grab the pack and go. For some reason I feel unsafe in this country doing this kind of thing. I think I may be just paranoid from all that has been happening. I'm thinking that as long as I am in before late night, I should be safe.