Thanks. I never liked backpacking when I was in my 20s and tried it again when I was 64. I was doing fine until a bear showed up! We parted ways respectfully but I put in a call and the park offered to come pick me up since I was the only one up at that end of the park. I'll be 67 soon and am willing to give it another try. I definitely need to lighten my load.
Thank you for this great presentation, and I love to see older hikers. I wish I was 54 again! I’m going to add that trekking poles might be a really good idea, and to watch your steps on the trail if its rocky and uneven. I know a man in his 70’s very mobile,active and healthy, who literally broke his face tripping on a crack in the sidewalk, and another lady in her 50’s who broke a foot and an ankle walking downhill and catching her foot just the right way on a rock. But stop, look up, and admire those views!
I would also add: exercise, exercise, exercise. If you are not on trail, go to the gym and workout. Interleave cardio with strength exercises, taking one full day off a week for recovery. Also, set a goal of 10,000 steps a day with 30 flights of stairs minimum, except for your rest day.
I'm over 60 and have lost 3 lobes of lung to cancer and have a number of old sports injuries and I still backpack, I just snowshoe hiked today (I had the day off). The more you ask your body to do, it can be done. My luxury items are a warmer pad (I live in Alaska so Exped Downmatt has an R value over 7!) and a Helinox chair Zero. I don't like to sit in snow or wet mud. GREAT channel you have made!
I’m 61 and completed the JMT last month. It was HARD, but I saw a lot of older hikers out there. Gave me hope for the future me and all of us. My biggest issue was food. I either didn’t like it or it didn’t like me. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to dehydrate much of my own food and the processed and junk stuff didn’t work for me at all. I won’t do a long hike again without my own food. What did work well throughout was jerky, nuts, organic fruit leather, yes, snickers, paydays and also cold cereal or granola (was over oatmeal) with powdered milk for those quickly-need-to-eat mornings. I also cold soaked for the 1st time to be more efficient with my time and hopefully eat more and I’ll definitely be doing more of that going forward.
Good luck with the food on your next trip. I’ve had the same problem I used to be able to eat whatever I wanted if I can come on now I need to be much more careful and strategic about what I eat.
Thank you for this video. I agree. I'm in my late 60s now but still do long section hiking. I grew up camping and as a teen got into backpacking, sailing and canoeing. Years of career and rearing children then upon retirement, I tried out through hiking. I learned real quick thru hiking was not for me, but long section hiking is. I'm only going to get to hike these trails once so I am going to do them in the best season and at a pace that allows me to smell the smells and enjoy the towns along the way.. I now have the inReach Messager after carrying a SPOT gen 3 for over 9 years. The inReach has two way communication abilities were as the SPOT gen 3 did not. My gear is lightweight but not UL, but my backpacks actually fit my verticality challenged older female frame so I will deal with the extra 1,5 to 3 pounds the backpack cost me. My minimal clothes, shelter and sleep systems are smaller and lighter, just because of size. Stretching and staying in good shape are incredibly important as you age. Thank you again for another informative video. Blessings. ❤😊
Yep, almost 52 and feeling the effects of aging. It sucks to think I'm now in that "older" category even though my heart is wanting to act like a 25 year old. I just keep reminding myself that while I can't physically do the things I used to do, I can still laugh, be silly and feel good doing it, which is just as rewarding.
Just subbed to you. I am 54 and my wife is 56 and we are starting to hike. My wife has been on a few 4 mile local trails with our daughter 26, we all did do a hike 5.5 miles. I made a new channel this month and do photography and hiking shorts and video
You're never to old. I'm in my 60s and regularly go hillwalking with a group and several members are in their 80s. If I had a tip it would be make sure you use good quality socks and that you carry a spare pair.
Good video. Be Prepared is always a good idea. I recommend a survival kit carried in a neck pouch. Have a SOL Emergency blanket, tealight candles, matches, safety pins, and some string in the kit. Good Luck, Rick
42 yo, been hiking forever but just got into backpacking in the last few years. I fight plantar faciatis, knee tendinitis, in arthritis in multiple joints.
Tendonitis stinks! It took me off the PCT and it’s been bugging me lately. (Posterior tibial tendonitis - in the arch) Thank goodness for PT and stretches. Be well!
I am 68 and just got back section hiking on AT. Could do around 11 miles a day. The real problem I noticed this time, is that I got real slow, lagging way behind others. Laggers are not the position you want to be in. Wolves, Mountain Lions, and Bears look for the animal that is too slow and can't keep up for their meals. Predators thin the heard by taking out prey that falls behind.
Lol..I think you’re pretty safe on the AT, and 11 miles isn’t too shabby! I know it stinks to fall behind other hikers, but there’s a lot to be said for the pleasures of hiking solo, too. I hope you enjoyed your section, I bet it was beautiful right now.
I’m 61 in a few days and completed the JMT (Sierra) in September. I went with my son and my trail name now is Back There. There was just no way I could keep pace with my 30 something son, but I made it..slowly but surely. I never feel in danger as long as I am not in grizzly country.
Know your limits, but don't use them as an excuse to do nothing. I tried to thru the A.T., Bursitis laid me up in Franklin for 12 days with cortisone shots but foolishly I pushed on. I should have gotten off trail at Fontana dam but foolishly I pushed on into the park. Both my knees were the size of melons. I couldn't stand and support my own weight. I crawled on hands and knees to Clingman's Dome to get an egress out of the Smokies. When I got home I was bedbound for 10 weeks before I could confidently walk again. I didn't know my limits. Don't be like me.
60 but in my head in my 20's. Headed to do Newfound Gap to Max Patch on Sunday. Get out there y'all!
Thanks. I never liked backpacking when I was in my 20s and tried it again when I was 64. I was doing fine until a bear showed up! We parted ways respectfully but I put in a call and the park offered to come pick me up since I was the only one up at that end of the park. I'll be 67 soon and am willing to give it another try. I definitely need to lighten my load.
Thank you for this great presentation, and I love to see older hikers. I wish I was 54 again! I’m going to add that trekking poles might be a really good idea, and to watch your steps on the trail if its rocky and uneven. I know a man in his 70’s very mobile,active and healthy, who literally broke his face tripping on a crack in the sidewalk, and another lady in her 50’s who broke a foot and an ankle walking downhill and catching her foot just the right way on a rock. But stop, look up, and admire those views!
Good advice!
I would also add: exercise, exercise, exercise. If you are not on trail, go to the gym and workout. Interleave cardio with strength exercises, taking one full day off a week for recovery. Also, set a goal of 10,000 steps a day with 30 flights of stairs minimum, except for your rest day.
I'm over 60 and have lost 3 lobes of lung to cancer and have a number of old sports injuries and I still backpack, I just snowshoe hiked today (I had the day off). The more you ask your body to do, it can be done. My luxury items are a warmer pad (I live in Alaska so Exped Downmatt has an R value over 7!) and a Helinox chair Zero. I don't like to sit in snow or wet mud. GREAT channel you have made!
Thank you! That chair sounds like a great choice where you’re hiking!
I’m 61 and completed the JMT last month. It was HARD, but I saw a lot of older hikers out there. Gave me hope for the future me and all of us. My biggest issue was food. I either didn’t like it or it didn’t like me. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to dehydrate much of my own food and the processed and junk stuff didn’t work for me at all. I won’t do a long hike again without my own food. What did work well throughout was jerky, nuts, organic fruit leather, yes, snickers, paydays and also cold cereal or granola (was over oatmeal) with powdered milk for those quickly-need-to-eat mornings. I also cold soaked for the 1st time to be more efficient with my time and hopefully eat more and I’ll definitely be doing more of that going forward.
Good luck with the food on your next trip. I’ve had the same problem I used to be able to eat whatever I wanted if I can come on now I need to be much more careful and strategic about what I eat.
80 years old here and looking for some good long distance hiking tips.
61 this month. Thanks for the video
Happy birthday! Keep on hiking 🙂
Thank you for this video. I agree. I'm in my late 60s now but still do long section hiking. I grew up camping and as a teen got into backpacking, sailing and canoeing. Years of career and rearing children then upon retirement, I tried out through hiking. I learned real quick thru hiking was not for me, but long section hiking is. I'm only going to get to hike these trails once so I am going to do them in the best season and at a pace that allows me to smell the smells and enjoy the towns along the way.. I now have the inReach Messager after carrying a SPOT gen 3 for over 9 years. The inReach has two way communication abilities were as the SPOT gen 3 did not. My gear is lightweight but not UL, but my backpacks actually fit my verticality challenged older female frame so I will deal with the extra 1,5 to 3 pounds the backpack cost me. My minimal clothes, shelter and sleep systems are smaller and lighter, just because of size. Stretching and staying in good shape are incredibly important as you age. Thank you again for another informative video. Blessings. ❤😊
It’s wonderful you found a pack that works and a system that keeps you out there enjoying the trails. Happy hiking!
Great advice
Thank you
Enjoyed the advice
Regards Jeff (uk)
Yep, almost 52 and feeling the effects of aging. It sucks to think I'm now in that "older" category even though my heart is wanting to act like a 25 year old. I just keep reminding myself that while I can't physically do the things I used to do, I can still laugh, be silly and feel good doing it, which is just as rewarding.
Yes it is! Keep loving life. 🤗
👍
Thankyou :)
Age is but a number - As long as you use it, you don't lose it. I'm in my 60's but have hiked my entire life & will continue to do so.
Just subbed to you. I am 54 and my wife is 56 and we are starting to hike. My wife has been on a few 4 mile local trails with our daughter 26, we all did do a hike 5.5 miles. I made a new channel this month and do photography and hiking shorts and video
Absolutely beautiful presentation, you elaborated this so nicely and professionally! Love it!
Thank you!
You're never to old. I'm in my 60s and regularly go hillwalking with a group and several members are in their 80s. If I had a tip it would be make sure you use good quality socks and that you carry a spare pair.
53 here, and I get out twice a week to kayak and pick up litter. Your not old!!
Looks very nice there. Looks like fun.
Good video. Be Prepared is always a good idea. I recommend a survival kit carried in a neck pouch. Have a SOL Emergency blanket, tealight candles, matches, safety pins, and some string in the kit. Good Luck, Rick
great advice
Thank you for making this video. Especially on the food suggestion
Thanks. Glad it was helpful!
Thanks 😊
All good tips. 👍 Thank you for making this video.🙏💐
#8 Sticks!
42 yo, been hiking forever but just got into backpacking in the last few years. I fight plantar faciatis, knee tendinitis, in arthritis in multiple joints.
Tendonitis stinks! It took me off the PCT and it’s been bugging me lately. (Posterior tibial tendonitis - in the arch)
Thank goodness for PT and stretches. Be well!
I am 68 and just got back section hiking on AT. Could do around 11 miles a day. The real problem I noticed this time, is that I got real slow, lagging way behind others. Laggers are not the position you want to be in. Wolves, Mountain Lions, and Bears look for the animal that is too slow and can't keep up for their meals. Predators thin the heard by taking out prey that falls behind.
Lol..I think you’re pretty safe on the AT, and 11 miles isn’t too shabby! I know it stinks to fall behind other hikers, but there’s a lot to be said for the pleasures of hiking solo, too. I hope you enjoyed your section, I bet it was beautiful right now.
Unless you are in AK or someplace similar - this is totally a non-issue. BTW Black bears are present I believe in every state.
I’m 61 in a few days and completed the JMT (Sierra) in September. I went with my son and my trail name now is Back There. There was just no way I could keep pace with my 30 something son, but I made it..slowly but surely. I never feel in danger as long as I am not in grizzly country.
Pack pain killers. A little bottle of Aleve or somethin like that goes a long way.
Know your limits, but don't use them as an excuse to do nothing.
I tried to thru the A.T., Bursitis laid me up in Franklin for 12 days with cortisone shots but foolishly I pushed on. I should have gotten off trail at Fontana dam but foolishly I pushed on into the park. Both my knees were the size of melons. I couldn't stand and support my own weight. I crawled on hands and knees to Clingman's Dome to get an egress out of the Smokies. When I got home I was bedbound for 10 weeks before I could confidently walk again. I didn't know my limits. Don't be like me.
Oh no! I bet you learned a lot in that experience. I hope you’re all healed now.
I FIND A PAIR OF SCISSORS ALMOST BETTER THAN A KNIFE
lol….i never want to get that old. I still like my small folding knife.