Wish I had seen this video when I started backpacking at 52 🙂 I've internalized a lot of these tips after a lot of trial and error, but it always helps to see all of these points in one place as I get ready for my next trip this weekend (with our Scout troop on a section hike on the Palmetto Trail in South Carolina).
My 1st trip was with my adult son at age 52, I’m now 60. I bought a hammock to lounge around while car camping and he stated that now I could go backpacking. Huh? Intrigued. Down that rabbit hole I went and my 1st trip was with cheap gear I purchased on Amazon. Wasn’t sure if I’d like backpacking. Mistakes were made. I didn’t understand the need for electrolytes. I brought hiking poles that I kept strapped to my pack !? I carried a ton of water even though we were following a river, etc. 8 years and dialed in gear later (this took time, and it’s always changing a bit) I LOVE it and mostly go solo because there are not enough people I know or have the desire or time to go with me. Investing in a Garmin is a MUST. Another thing I’ve learned is to try my food before I’m on trail. Nothing worse than rehydrating that meal and then bleck, or worse, it doesn’t agree with me. Thanks for this channel. There are more older people getting out there and so many vlogs are 20-something’s backpacking at 7lb base weight doing 20 mile days or something ridiculous that we can’t relate to. One other thing I did when I started was to search for backpacking trails that were labled “great for children.” Yep, that’s me. 😀
I’ve been a day-hiker & camper my whole life, but last year I started backpacking at 49. The only thing I’d add is: don’t wait for your friends…if you’re ready to go, go alone! For the past few years I’ve wanted to backpack, but I couldn’t get my hiking & camping friends interested. Finally I just went by myself…it was great! Now if they want to come with me this year, that’s fine…but I’ll be out there regardless!
i would so second this! I waited five years for friends to go on an epic trip without realizing that there are already friends on the trail I have yet to meet.
I"m so happy that I found your channel! I've been preparing, learning & gathering gear for the past 2 years & FINALLY get to use it soon. I had a bad ankle injury that stopped me in my tracks but am ready to go now. Thank you for your great info!
Thank you, Joey.🙏 I especially liked the part in this video where you said, “Be kind to yourself” and “Have fun!” Two simple, but oh, so important points to remember. 👍
Silly question but where do people buy Frog Togg’s? Is it a Walmart brand? I don’t live in the US but on my next trip there, I’m considering picking up a pair.
Wish I had seen this video when I started backpacking at 52 🙂 I've internalized a lot of these tips after a lot of trial and error, but it always helps to see all of these points in one place as I get ready for my next trip this weekend (with our Scout troop on a section hike on the Palmetto Trail in South Carolina).
My 1st trip was with my adult son at age 52, I’m now 60. I bought a hammock to lounge around while car camping and he stated that now I could go backpacking. Huh? Intrigued. Down that rabbit hole I went and my 1st trip was with cheap gear I purchased on Amazon. Wasn’t sure if I’d like backpacking. Mistakes were made. I didn’t understand the need for electrolytes. I brought hiking poles that I kept strapped to my pack !? I carried a ton of water even though we were following a river, etc. 8 years and dialed in gear later (this took time, and it’s always changing a bit) I LOVE it and mostly go solo because there are not enough people I know or have the desire or time to go with me. Investing in a Garmin is a MUST. Another thing I’ve learned is to try my food before I’m on trail. Nothing worse than rehydrating that meal and then bleck, or worse, it doesn’t agree with me. Thanks for this channel. There are more older people getting out there and so many vlogs are 20-something’s backpacking at 7lb base weight doing 20 mile days or something ridiculous that we can’t relate to. One other thing I did when I started was to search for backpacking trails that were labled “great for children.” Yep, that’s me. 😀
Thank you, I love your story! Good for you. And don’t ever grow up. 😉
I am 62 and my aim is to start backpacking ....your videos are wonderful for my Learning please keep them coming and Thankyou 😊
I’ve been a day-hiker & camper my whole life, but last year I started backpacking at 49. The only thing I’d add is: don’t wait for your friends…if you’re ready to go, go alone! For the past few years I’ve wanted to backpack, but I couldn’t get my hiking & camping friends interested. Finally I just went by myself…it was great! Now if they want to come with me this year, that’s fine…but I’ll be out there regardless!
Excellent point! That kept me home far too long as well.
i would so second this! I waited five years for friends to go on an epic trip without realizing that there are already friends on the trail I have yet to meet.
I"m so happy that I found your channel! I've been preparing, learning & gathering gear for the past 2 years & FINALLY get to use it soon. I had a bad ankle injury that stopped me in my tracks but am ready to go now. Thank you for your great info!
You’re very welcome. Enjoy getting out there!
Thank you, Joey.🙏 I especially liked the part in this video where you said, “Be kind to yourself” and “Have fun!” Two simple, but oh, so important points to remember. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video, though my preference with rainy locations with lots of scrambling I would always go for hiking boots for dryness and ankle support.
I am so glad that I found your channel. Thank you for the great tips.
You are so welcome!
OMGoodness! I'm from Macon, GA, and Pine Mt is wonderful!! The blue trail 🎉
It really is!
Such a lovely work my friend, these shots are amazing! 👏👏
Thanks a lot!
Thanks!
Much appreciated!
Silly question but where do people buy Frog Togg’s? Is it a Walmart brand? I don’t live in the US but on my next trip there, I’m considering picking up a pair.
They sell them at WalMart, on Amazon, and on their own website, I think.
@@JoyfulRambler Thank you!