I hammock camp, whether it's backpacking or car camping. For those late night potty calls, I don't always have enough lead time to get up and walk away from my camp. I keep a large mouth plastic jar, that I sit at the base of the tree. Do what I have to do, screw the lid back on so it doesn't accidentally get knocked over, and hop back inside my hammock. If someone sees my behind in the moon, oh well. My current jar came with bungee cords in it, is about 6" tall, and has a mouth about the size of a coffee cup. It's easy once you get the hang of it. In the morning I dump and wash out with water and a drop or two of Dr. Bronners first thing so it has time to dry while I'm fixing breakfast and drinking coffee/tea.
Ah yes the nighttime pee excursions. I always scope out my pee spot before getting in the tent at night so I have a clear path laid out. It can be a little scary but as someone else mentioned, the night sky is pretty awesome. If the moon is out then no head lamp required.🤷♀️
Also something I do, is always always stretch out before I pick up my pack and start out. I do yoga normally at home and have found that if I take the time to do some basic stretches each morning that my day will go so much better.
Hi Mike, another great video for your audience. You may want to consider exercise preparation for hiking E.g strong glutes help weak knees and simple body weight bearing exercises to strengthen older bodies. We have found this to be really helpful over the last 5 years (I am now 64 young).
45 and all three of my kids are off to college. Thought I’d be so excited to get out on my own but terribly missed them and wished they were all with me on my week of colorado trail! This year my daughter is coming with and I am sooo excited! 🥰
Or in my case, 57, a cold wet week on the CT informed me that I have arthritis in my knees. Wish i had know before the trip. Schedule those cortisone shots!
That is no mean trick to be sharing your info while walking at a good clip. Well done.👍. As a female dealing with those late night bathroom breaks, yes, I usually get up and go outside. It can be chilly and a little bit scary, but wow, the stars I have seen on those dark nights! I have even thanked my bladder on occasion for the gift of that spectacular night sky. Before I do go outside the tent, I make sure to fold my sleeping bag over onto itself so it doesn’t lose the body heat trapped in it. So when I do come back inside, it is still toasty warm. I have also tried a lightweight , wide mouth plastic bowl that I can use inside the tent and then place it outside under the rain fly. (I have a Big Agnes tent) . It’s all part of the camping experience. 😊
Your to on folding the sleeping bag closed is something it took me a couple of times to learn, but it makes all the difference in how quickly that chill goes away after a nighttime run! Good tip 👍
Terrific tips! Most are applicable regardless of age, but your points about being at a certain part of life are really on point. I look forward to part 2. :)
I've developed sleep apnea and find myself waking up frequently at night from snoring and sleep apnea episodes resulting with getting up often to go pee.
As a 60+ hiker, I wonder what the best way to train and/or prepare for a long hike? Being nearly 64 it takes longer to get into shape now. So it would be interesting to know what others do to get into shape. Also, you mentioned that you hike in the desert frequently, how do you keep from overheating?
Hi Bob and I appreciate your question. Ill be posting part 2 of tips for older hikers and then I will be making videos on individual tops such as this so I think I will make one on this since I have been asked the same question several times thank you.
Trekking poles Mike. Brilliant. It really helps both up and downhill. Makes a huge difference. Also helps the rhythm of your walk. Especially for people with knee problems. I’ve had both my knees replaced and it has transformed my hiking. Get a chiropodist to give you a once over haul once in a while. Cheers bro.
Thanks G Man and I didn’t know you have two replacement knees. Man you are tough… I’m blessed with really good feet, ankles and knees even though I broke my left ankle in 2019 on the trail
You young whippersnapper! You're not even 60 yet, haha, I'm 68 and there are many I meet on trail who are older. Your tips are right on target. I side sleep often and sometimes awake changing positions, the key for me is to find a sleeping spot with quality duff, a thick layer of needles or leaves that add cushion and insulation for sleeping, makes all the difference in sleep quality. As for those nighttime trips, a good sleeping spot makes it easier to sleep all night. But that early morning urge is always easier on summer when the sun rises before 5:00 and begins to warm the air.
Very good suggested for sure. I guess she is relative right? There’s people younger and older than me but I’m doing ok for my age. People at my work are surprised how old I am and how far I am able to walk. Can keep up with many of the young kids. Hiking is helping me keep young for sure
Excellent ! I use P-Style to per on trail - ready to use at night into gator aid bottle but have not had the need yet probably don’t drink as much as I should …. I wrote down my why on phone so I can read them when needed, a self note. It’s ok to bring more pills and meds, older body needs, older is slower recovery don’t skimp on sleep gear or sleep time. Benefit of no longer working take advantage time on trail. Great I stopped by. I’m 62
Hi Liz and thanks for watching and the great message. Ok interesting how you deal with the “pee” issue thanks. I’m glad you wrote down your “why” because that’s what you need to have nearby on those bad days for sure, to remind you why you’re out there…
Trekking poles help a lot going down a steep grade with loose scree and for your knees. You can lose your footing any time you go up or down a trail where there is a grade. Every time you lift your foot, that means one leg is holding you up. With trekking poles, you have additional stability; tripod. As well, prior to going on a backpacking adventure with multi-days, I recommend working on core strength training and strengthening your pelvic floor-men and women. This helps with balance and reducing risk with back injuries. This is advice for any age.
This is such a great niche. I see tons of older hikers with base weights too high, with full hiking boots, and paper maps. I’m not saying hiking that way is wrong, I just think they may not know there are other ways that might be better.
I completely agree, as a beginner I made every mistake there was but as I say with hiking “you don’t know what you don’t know”, so we older hikers tend to get stuck in our old ways and don’t look to progress or change
Great info! I use poles all the time because they have saved my knees. I use super lightweight poles so I can’t use them with a zpack tent. Women can use a funnel with a bottle in the tent. The stars are amazing if you do go out.
Thank you and yeah I’ll be turning 60 on trail soon and I’m very lucky to have good healthy ankles, feet and knees, even though I broke my ankle in 2019 on my thru hike attempt. It healed perfectly
You are correct, filmed it walking around that lake that’s just about friend up now. Good place for a hike while talking into a camera where it’s flat so I’m not huffing & puffing while talking lol
@@MarmaladeOutdoors Got it! I love the trails in that area…Big and Little Laguna Lake, etc. was sad to see how little water there was this past spring up there…still a gorgeous area.
Thank you Karen I hope it helps some people. If there’s any topics that specifically interest you let me know and maybe I’ll make a video on it. Part two of this will come out pretty soon. Thx
@@MarmaladeOutdoors Maybe you can get Karen to provide a woman's perspective on nighttime trips to toilet and other women's needs we guys don't even think about?
That’s a very aggressive plan but I love it. I’d love to be a triple crowner for sure but just working on getting the pct done first. Completed over 1,600 miles so far so I’m getting there. For me my focus is on one trail at a time
@@MarmaladeOutdoors yes how to go “ultralight” without being ultra uncomfortable. The tech has changed so much since I hiked the JMT as a scout. I guess what are our options and how do they affect the outcome of our experience ?
Great advice! Do you take or have you considered taking TRT? It seems quite a few active men 50+ are doing TRT. I've been wondering if this is something I'll need to look at as I get older and want to stay active.
I hammock camp, whether it's backpacking or car camping. For those late night potty calls, I don't always have enough lead time to get up and walk away from my camp. I keep a large mouth plastic jar, that I sit at the base of the tree. Do what I have to do, screw the lid back on so it doesn't accidentally get knocked over, and hop back inside my hammock. If someone sees my behind in the moon, oh well. My current jar came with bungee cords in it, is about 6" tall, and has a mouth about the size of a coffee cup. It's easy once you get the hang of it.
In the morning I dump and wash out with water and a drop or two of Dr. Bronners first thing so it has time to dry while I'm fixing breakfast and drinking coffee/tea.
Ah yes the nighttime pee excursions. I always scope out my pee spot before getting in the tent at night so I have a clear path laid out. It can be a little scary but as someone else mentioned, the night sky is pretty awesome. If the moon is out then no head lamp required.🤷♀️
Looking for a spot ahead of time is very wise….
Also something I do, is always always stretch out before I pick up my pack and start out. I do yoga normally at home and have found that if I take the time to do some basic stretches each morning that my day will go so much better.
Plus yoga re- oxygenates your muscles on the trail. Couldn't live without yoga. 62 yrs old.
Hi Mike, another great video for your audience. You may want to consider exercise preparation for hiking E.g strong glutes help weak knees and simple body weight bearing exercises to strengthen older bodies. We have found this to be really helpful over the last 5 years (I am now 64 young).
45 and all three of my kids are off to college. Thought I’d be so excited to get out on my own but terribly missed them and wished they were all with me on my week of colorado trail! This year my daughter is coming with and I am sooo excited! 🥰
I get that about your kids but that’s great your wife is joining…
@@MarmaladeOutdoors daughter 😘 is coming
Or in my case, 57, a cold wet week on the CT informed me that I have arthritis in my knees. Wish i had know before the trip. Schedule those cortisone shots!
That’s very wise, I have a friend who gets those right before any longer planned hikes
That is no mean trick to be sharing your info while walking at a good clip. Well done.👍. As a female dealing with those late night bathroom breaks, yes, I usually get up and go outside. It can be chilly and a little bit scary, but wow, the stars I have seen on those dark nights! I have even thanked my bladder on occasion for the gift of that spectacular night sky.
Before I do go outside the tent, I make sure to fold my sleeping bag over onto itself so it doesn’t lose the body heat trapped in it. So when I do come back inside, it is still toasty warm. I have also tried a lightweight , wide mouth plastic bowl that I can use inside the tent and then place it outside under the rain fly. (I have a Big Agnes tent) . It’s all part of the camping experience. 😊
Your to on folding the sleeping bag closed is something it took me a couple of times to learn, but it makes all the difference in how quickly that chill goes away after a nighttime run! Good tip 👍
Terrific tips! Most are applicable regardless of age, but your points about being at a certain part of life are really on point. I look forward to part 2. :)
Thanks so much Jeff. In Lee Vining for a zero tomorrow so hopefully will be able to post some videos.. cheers
I've developed sleep apnea and find myself waking up frequently at night from snoring and sleep apnea episodes resulting with getting up often to go pee.
I read a book called "Breath" by James Nestor. It will help you.
As a 60+ hiker, I wonder what the best way to train and/or prepare for a long hike? Being nearly 64 it takes longer to get into shape now. So it would be interesting to know what others do to get into shape. Also, you mentioned that you hike in the desert frequently, how do you keep from overheating?
Hi Bob and I appreciate your question. Ill be posting part 2 of tips for older hikers and then I will be making videos on individual tops such as this so I think I will make one on this since I have been asked the same question several times thank you.
Great advice Marmalade! Thanks!
That’s me!
That’s us both brotha!
Good tips for daily living and hiking...
Awesome Michael. Some great tips there. Thanks mate. 👍😊
Thanks buddy!
Trekking poles Mike. Brilliant. It really helps both up and downhill. Makes a huge difference. Also helps the rhythm of your walk. Especially for people with knee problems. I’ve had both my knees replaced and it has transformed my hiking. Get a chiropodist to give you a once over haul once in a while. Cheers bro.
Thanks G Man and I didn’t know you have two replacement knees. Man you are tough… I’m blessed with really good feet, ankles and knees even though I broke my left ankle in 2019 on the trail
You young whippersnapper! You're not even 60 yet, haha, I'm 68 and there are many I meet on trail who are older. Your tips are right on target. I side sleep often and sometimes awake changing positions, the key for me is to find a sleeping spot with quality duff, a thick layer of needles or leaves that add cushion and insulation for sleeping, makes all the difference in sleep quality.
As for those nighttime trips, a good sleeping spot makes it easier to sleep all night. But that early morning urge is always easier on summer when the sun rises before 5:00 and begins to warm the air.
Very good suggested for sure. I guess she is relative right? There’s people younger and older than me but I’m doing ok for my age. People at my work are surprised how old I am and how far I am able to walk. Can keep up with many of the young kids. Hiking is helping me keep young for sure
Excellent ! I use P-Style to per on trail - ready to use at night into gator aid bottle but have not had the need yet probably don’t drink as much as I should …. I wrote down my why on phone so I can read them when needed, a self note. It’s ok to bring more pills and meds, older body needs, older is slower recovery don’t skimp on sleep gear or sleep time. Benefit of no longer working take advantage time on trail. Great I stopped by. I’m 62
Hi Liz and thanks for watching and the great message. Ok interesting how you deal with the “pee” issue thanks. I’m glad you wrote down your “why” because that’s what you need to have nearby on those bad days for sure, to remind you why you’re out there…
There definitely needs to be a club/support group for us senior hikers.
I agree to share information which is why I started this series…
Trekking poles help a lot going down a steep grade with loose scree and for your knees. You can lose your footing any time you go up or down a trail where there is a grade. Every time you lift your foot, that means one leg is holding you up. With trekking poles, you have additional stability; tripod. As well, prior to going on a backpacking adventure with multi-days, I recommend working on core strength training and strengthening your pelvic floor-men and women. This helps with balance and reducing risk with back injuries. This is advice for any age.
This is such a great niche. I see tons of older hikers with base weights too high, with full hiking boots, and paper maps. I’m not saying hiking that way is wrong, I just think they may not know there are other ways that might be better.
I completely agree, as a beginner I made every mistake there was but as I say with hiking “you don’t know what you don’t know”, so we older hikers tend to get stuck in our old ways and don’t look to progress or change
Great info! I use poles all the time because they have saved my knees. I use super lightweight poles so I can’t use them with a zpack tent. Women can use a funnel with a bottle in the tent. The stars are amazing if you do go out.
Thanks for the info and yes I sometimes just go out at night to look at the stars
All good advice. Your ankles are normally covered but I have to agree that you have good legs.
Thank you and yeah I’ll be turning 60 on trail soon and I’m very lucky to have good healthy ankles, feet and knees, even though I broke my ankle in 2019 on my thru hike attempt. It healed perfectly
Saw you on the trail with the Codgers. Thanks for this info. I’m 70.
I use a freshette- she wee and pee in a bottle that carry - so I don’t have to get out of the tent .
That’s very smart and yeah I don’t want to get out of my tent at night for anything lol
Nice. Good tips, Mike. Thanks.
Were you on a trail in the Laguna area for this video by chance? It looks familiar. Toby and I camp in that area a lot.
Thanks a lot Diana!
You are correct, filmed it walking around that lake that’s just about friend up now. Good place for a hike while talking into a camera where it’s flat so I’m not huffing & puffing while talking lol
@@MarmaladeOutdoors Got it! I love the trails in that area…Big and Little Laguna Lake, etc. was sad to see how little water there was this past spring up there…still a gorgeous area.
Really enjoyed this video. Great tips and very practical.
Oh thanks Mike, editing part 2 now
Thanks Marmalade! Looking forward to this series. 👍
Thank you Karen I hope it helps some people. If there’s any topics that specifically interest you let me know and maybe I’ll make a video on it. Part two of this will come out pretty soon. Thx
@@MarmaladeOutdoors Maybe you can get Karen to provide a woman's perspective on nighttime trips to toilet and other women's needs we guys don't even think about?
@@memathews if you read all the comments a few women and chimes in on what they do
I’m 58, and plan on doing the At in 2024. Are you ready to go! When I’m done with that trail I’d love to do the PCT and then the CDT. Are you game?
That’s a very aggressive plan but I love it. I’d love to be a triple crowner for sure but just working on getting the pct done first. Completed over 1,600 miles so far so I’m getting there. For me my focus is on one trail at a time
What’s the best way to build up endurance for increasing distance stamina? We need all the help we can get thanks!
Hey Chili, that might make for a good separate video once I get the second “tips” video posted thanks. Any other questions or thoughts?
@@MarmaladeOutdoors yes how to go “ultralight” without being ultra uncomfortable. The tech has changed so much since I hiked the JMT as a scout. I guess what are our options and how do they affect the outcome of our experience ?
Good point about using poles to defend off rattlesnakes, I came across a baby one last year and pushed him aside with my pole.
Gotta be careful of those little rattlers
Thanks Mike. It was nice to meet you at the PCT Days. Do you haave pills you gotta take? If so, how do you manage it?
Great advice! Do you take or have you considered taking TRT? It seems quite a few active men 50+ are doing TRT. I've been wondering if this is something I'll need to look at as I get older and want to stay active.
I don’t know what TRT is except it stand for the Tahoe Rim Trail? Lol
@@MarmaladeOutdoors Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Taking testosterone.