Avoid The TOP 5 MISTAKES Older Backpackers Make 

At 72 and an amputee I am NEVER going to be the fastest but I found my shirt, the Sloth Hiking Team shirts with the motto ‘We’ll be there when we get there’😊

Possibly your first point isn't only about competing with other people, it's also about trying to match your younger self.

If you have a home treadmill, I recommend loading up your pack to 25% of its intended weight. Then, get on the treadmill and start increasing your milage and weight (weekly) over the course of the month prior to your departure. Once you're at 100% weight, try increasing the incline slowly to challenge yourself. Practice getting water out of its pockets etc, while walking. This will allow you to become comfortable with your pack and workout any pain points, rubbing, chaffing, adjust the pack etc.

I think Your first tip is the most important. Hiking when exhausted is a recipe for injury. Plan a realistic hike and take it easy!!!

"I have nothing to prove". That's one of my mantras. 🤗

I'm an experienced backpacker, wilderness canoe tripper, and former backcountry guide. Most of what you have provided is good, including a few things which might otherwise be assumed, but you wisely noted them for everyone to absorb. One of those - taking time to be where you are, lingering, observing, savoring, is my primary reason to get out on a trail. However I winced when you suggested some "just in case" items, and mentioned bringing a SWEATSHIRT. Not only are cotton sweatshirts (and any cotton items) poor insulators, they are literally DANGEROUS when they get wet. First, they lose ALL their marginal insulating value if they get wet. Then, they keep sucking away body heat, and finally, they hold water rather than dry quickly, which means it could be days before they are dry enough to be any use. What then? Consider this case history: For a time, I was one of a few backpack trip leaders in Yosemite as part of the park's "cooperating association" program of interpretive and experiential class offerings. For these, I would provide - in advance - a list of required items, and explain what to NOT bring: specifically cotton. One middle aged woman, arriving with no companions, had disregarded my instructions. We had significant rain on our second day, about 14 miles from the trailhead, camped at the destination lake. This woman's cheap plastic "rain poncho" ripped to pieces almost immediately. Underneath, she was wearing a cotton sweatshirt, an acrylic (also useless for warmth).beanie hat, and cotton pants. All this got wet. She got cold as a result, dangerously cold. Eventually, because she had ignored the guidance on the equipment list we had provided, I had to abort the entire trip to get her to safety, which means that everyone had to pack up and hike out because of one person. With that in mind, bringing along extra insulating layers in case the weather changes, or is colder because of elevation, is what most experienced outdoors explorers do, for dayhikes, overnights, or even for working outdoors. The key factor is the TYPE OF FABRIC used for those extra garments. Cotton is OUT, except for things you might change into when settled in camp, and / or for sleeping. What is vastly superior is any of an assortment of synthetic materials like polyester fleece, which has two important advantages over cotton: it's a far better insulator, and it wicks moisture and thus dries quickly. Outdoor fleece clothing is widely available at any outdoor oriented store, and of course online. Start with the website for REI just to get an education, then (almost automatically) the internet will send you names of similar retail outlets for this gear. The range of types of garments is broad. For optimal value, shirts which are stretchy and relatively form fitting are better than others which fit loosely. Light and stretchy polyester long underwear are probably the best insulating layer for lower body, and usually very lightweight. and you can wear those under hiking shorts. It's important to remember that TWO lightweight garments used together, one over the other, especially combined with a light windbreaker, will ALWAYS be warmer than one bulky one. The reason is that a layer of air is held between the garments, trapping body heat much better than a bulky but loose fitting single garment. Multiple layers also allows you to "adjust" how much insulating you need to suit conditions and your level of activity. For example, on cold morning, you might wear two light fleece pullovers, and a light windbreaker, and fleece gloves and hat. Once you start walking, you just won't need all that, so you can remove the outermost layer, and then another as needed. At the end of day, just reverse that, and add back the layers as needed. But no cotton until you are done hiking for the day. Dress wisely, go often, be inspired!

Great tip about leaving the itinerary in the car. I’ve never done that but I’ll start doing it now as I do a lot of solo hiking.

Middle-aged hiker here (I'm turning 50 this year) and I think these tips apply to us generation Xers as well! I'd like to add a good tip- if you need reading glasses so you can see your map- keep an old/ cheap pair in your backpack. I heard a story of an older hiker here in the UK that got lost and died on the hills because he couldn't see to read his map.

I solo hiked North Manitou Island in Michigan a few years ago, and I made an itinerary to leave with my wife. I contacted the NPS beforehand to find out what number my wife should call if I didn't come home. I asked specifically, telling them what I was doing, and I got a nice email back thanking me for being so conscientious. So the moral of the story is to ask land managers specifically what number your contact person should call. Don't assume the county sheriff or whoever is responsible for search and rescue where you're going. I'm 56 and I found this very informative!

I'm 66 and getting ready to thru-hike in Wales with my 4+ lbs Osprey. You convinced me that it's time to find an UL pack and tent. I'm extremely frugal but I think it's time to invest in potentially preventing a hike-ending injury.

This is great advice! I just turned 50 last year. I have been a car camper & day hiker my whole life, and finally got the gear together & did a solo overnight backpacking trip last summer. It was great! I’m certainly not 25 anymore, though.

I just found your channel and this is an excellent post! I am 70 and have been backpacking for more than 50 years, mostly solo. All of your recommendations are right on point, and I have found that purchasing new gear, definitely helps my wallet to be lighter.

I've reached "older". Savoring the experience is so very true. Last year I took a tough backpack into the Sierras to a place I'm pretty sure I'll never see again, and the thought was not lost on me every second I was there.

Absolutely agree with upgrading gear. I'm now 63, and I could work a little more overtime. Used that $$ to get lighter gear bit by bit.

I'm 74 and have been seriously hiking since 1973... And well all those items you are laying on us old people are the ones the young folks make... So well. I am a Volunteer Trail Maintainer and I have helped over two dozen young people in their 20's and 30's and have taken 6 of them to the Hospital...

Thank you for the reminders. I 67 now and Been hiking most of my life and this has definitely caused me to be very aware of life and its changes as I watched this video. Doing AT in mid April. These are great resources for me to reference and reflect as I get organized to go. And yes older!! 🤣

Great tips! Let me put some emphasis on the importance of ELECTROLYTES. I coordinate and guide for a 50+ outdoor program in Washington state. I just returned from a trip where one of my participants had to go to ski patrol after almost fainting from dehydration during snowshoeing. Water isn’t always enough, so please keep electrolytes on hand! I prefer salt chews, but find one you like and keep it with you. Love the videos!

This was really good! So many of your ideas spoke to me! This goes along with your 1st idea: don't compete against your younger self. I struggle with this and my older self is wrong every time. And this one with another idea (I forgot which one, and by the way, you said more than five things!) I was hiking the GA/NC section of the AT summer '21 and woke up with what felt like a bad sprain. "Walk it off!" I thought to myself, so I did. Next morning: OOF!!! That must be a REALLY bad sprain. "Walk it off..." Next morning: YIKES!!! OK...It's a REALLY bad sprain. Let's see how it is tomorrow. Walk it off. Oh, and climb Albert Mountain. Final morning: I can't do this anymore. Torn tendon in my foot and subsequent bone damage because I had to completely alter the way I was walking. I'm currently recovering from my 4th surgery (3 directly related (tendon issues) and one non-related (but it could be). This is great information for all of us older hikers! I'm definitely sharing this one! Add Iceland to your bucket list if you haven't already done so! And if you're ever in the NJ area, lemme know! We have some GREAT backpacking trails.

A lot of great tips for LIFE for those of us who only watch the hiker videos! THANKS!

Im an older backpacker. Getting back into section & through hiking after being away from it for awhile. I stumbled across this video & so appreciate all of your advice. I subscribed & will be catching up with your other content as well. Thanks & be well.

All very good advice .. I normally walk alone and I think my bad habit it not letting people know where I am going as I sometimes change it on the fly !

I'll turn 50 this fall, and just discovered hiking 3 years ago. I made peace in the first 6 months with being a slow hiker. I don't have great balance, so I take things slow and steady. I know people will pass me, get to the summit, and pass me again on the way down while I'm still headed up. I found myself constantly apologizing to people when I let them pass "Sorry. You go ahead. I'm so slow". Now, I just let them pass, say "enjoy your hike" and move on. No need to apologize! 🥾🚶🏻‍♀️

I backpacked seriously for about a dozen years in my mid 40's and 50's. Those are good suggestions. I would suggest a small first aid kit and a good anti-sting ointment for bug bites. Our family learned we could take a pinch, about the size of a BB of flowers of sulfur (a powder) daily and we were not bothered by insects in the outdoors. I'm hoping to get back into long hikes but, at my age I'll pass on backpacking in the immediate future. Because I've been too long away from the outdoor scene caring for an elderly husband.

I'm glad you mentioned the levels of fitness. I backpack with a group and I am usually the caboose, sometimes it feels like I am holding them up esp. my partner, because his pace is with the front of the line, its good to remember its ok to take your time, I am 42, so not sure if age makes a difference but definitely being mindful of fitness levels. To those speed racers, be mindful of us slower pacers, share the trail! Thanks for all the tips!

Garmin inReach tip: the inReach can be linked to your Garmin watch. You can activate an SOS signal from the watch. You can almost always get to your watch to activate a distress signal, even if the inReach unit is stowed out of reach. Of course, this also means you must leave the inReach turned on. So recharging will be necessary on longer trips. So if you wear a watch anyway, choose one that interacts with your GPS/sarellite link.

Nice video. Really good advice. I've been backpacking since I was 11 (I'm 68). I started backpacking solo when I was 17 but occasionally go with others.. I've embraced ultralight and have my gear pretty dialed in at a typical 10lb base weight during late spring, summer and fall. My main struggle is getting out as much as I'd like and staying in shape. I think it is really important to keep fit by walking as much as possible and watching your weight. My goal this year is to build up my strength and endurance to do 20 miles per day. I'm planning on doing the PCT in 2026 SOBO so I need to train for that goal. Easier said than done. One of the key notes you mentioned is to know your limits. When you are dead beat tired is when you can make some serious mistakes.

Great tip on the Inreach. I carry one, but don't drop pins. I just check in morning and night.

I've never really hiked, although I'd like to try it. I did my first solo kayak trip last year, though, and I think all the same tips apply. Thanks!

Now 62, I've 'hit the wall' a couple of time last hiking stem - running completely out of energy. You provide some great tips I need to follow in the future. Great video and you've got a new subscriber! Safe rambles!

Great reminders, well done! Enjoying your channel!

Wise words thank you. The last ones about taking the time to look around you and enjoy the views etc. Hey that's the joy of being an older hiker we don't have to rush through to get back to work any more. So yes definitely factor in time to take in the whole hiking experience.

I carry the Motorola defy satellite communicator myself its way cheaper, i use the check in function every 10 miles when i section hike

Some great advice there. Thank you as I’ve gotten older I have learned to appreciate all of my hikes. I can remember being younger and just wanting to peek bag rushing up to the summit just to say and check that one off my list stop and smell the roses life is short excited to see what else you’re gonna bring us in the near future on your adventures. Happy hiking.

I just found your channel and I am 63 now. All your tips are on spot. I just bought a Garmin in Reach 2. I have been hiking by myself without it but I decided to buy it and give my husband peace of mind. Also, if I get injured (God forbid) I can be found. Water is nice but you need those electrolytes. I have been using LMNT (has salt, potassium and magnesium) for two years and it really works for me. It reduces the cramps in my legs and thighs.

Thanks for the tips! This is the first video of yours i have seen, going to check out more ! Happy healthy hiking 🥾 to you!

And one of the trips is regular prep. Keep the knowledge fresh. Try to make that fire when it's wet, practice with the first aid kit, do the stretches and wear the sunscreen . :)

That's really good advice! Especially about the emergency thingy. Keeping track of your general location like that is so invaluable 💯

Thank you for the information - very much appreciated ♥️♥️♥️

Thank you for this video. Very helpful.

Excellent tips indeed; I agree with each one. When I thru hiked the AT I never turned on my in reach. Your point on making your equipment work to its maximum for you only makes sense and is something I will do in the future. Your last point on savoring the experiences that really light you up speaks to me quite a bit. There are many places along the trail that I did not spend enough time exploring. I think this can be a conundrum with a thru hike; managing how much time you have to get to the finish. Looking back on this aspect, in the future, I would spend less zeros in town, and instead zero on the trail, where I’m wanting to explore more. I appreciate your content and thank you.

Great video. Good tips but also encouraging and motivating. Thank you!

Thank you for this video. Excellent tips, and plenty of food for thought.

Great information. Subscribed!

Very good and helpful advice.

Many, seemingly thought out tips. Thanks for the useful advice .. Cheers.

This video is useful and an inspiration. Thank you. Subbed.

Thanks for the great advice!

Wow, I'm watching the video and I think that guy has the same pack as me and he also looks like me. Turns out, it was ME walking the PCT in 2022. I was the guy in front (Stumpy) with Sweet Greens behind me. What are the odds in seeing yourself in a video 2 years later. (Mind Blown) She speaks the truth. In Oregon, I wanted to show off to some older weekend hikers and I powered by them. Later that day I could hardly walk as I pulled my quad muscle. Not fun. Had to take 3 weeks off to recover.

Me and my friend are moving away from campgrounds too hiking and camping next. I have a bad back but he's 74. Mainly for him I'm not pushing us. I'm into Bushcraft so carry too much. But I agree. I won't hike alone. I think you backpackers are smarter with lighter gear.

Very sound advice. Thank you! 😎👍

Great advice for the trial and life too!!I Enjoyed your presentation!!!!

Awesome. This is now on my list!

Your points and advise is so good and explained so beautifully and simply. You are absolutely a star. Thank You

I have been using trail runners/lightweight trail shoes for the past few years. Last month, I switched back to hiking boots. My new Danners weigh a lot less than my first pair of hiking boots (which were bowling-ball weight), required no break-in time, but provide much more protection for my feet than trail runners. I have a “heavy and slow” approach. I am not in a hurry, and I want to have a dang pillow and a reasonable sleeping mat.

Appreciate the tips and having these topics top of mind. Great advice for all ages! ☮️❤️🤝

Thanks for doing this video. They are all good and valid points. I carry an inReach and it's always on when I'm backpacking. I also send messages at the beginning of the day and end of the day and I send pings at times as well. Many people don't even turn it on. They think they'll turn it on if they need it. Wrong! When you need it, you need it NOW! If you have an emergency, it's nice to know that you can flip open the tab and hit SOS now. I'm in my late 60's and I waited until a couple years ago to hike the AT. Although I didn't make the whole thing, I have a lifetime of memories from the two years I did section hikes on it that are documented on my YT channel. I also had to have open heart surgery following my first attempt of the AT but I persevered and hiked more of it the following year. I think my thru hike days are over but I still go out and do overnight backpacking trips. It's great to get out there and enjoy nature. John from MI

Great advice. Thanks

Thank you for the safety tips!!! Well, I am a bit older than you, so I car-glamp in a tent, a real chair and table, and a cot, lol. I take it easy so I can keep doing it. None of my gear is ultra light, or backpacker weight. I leave my camp and go on a short walks or just stick around and enjoy living outside for a couple of days. I've got an electric fridge that runs on a lifepo battery, lol. You keep on going, Joyful Rambler. Fantastic!

Good advice. I dont know the cost for garmin but the more tracking it does the more it costs so gotta factor that in. And every hike you need the 10 essentials whether its a mile or a thru hike. Carry water, food, shelter, and such. And lastly crawl, walk and hen run, Im guilty of trying to run before walking. Take that blue blaze, Take they less elevation. Take the short trips. Work your way up. Heck for the 50 plus crowd Id say theres more on couch then trail so just being on trail is winning

Thanks for your very wise advices! Thank you so much!!!❤

Great video thanks! I’m going to Kootenay NP this September to hike the Rockfall Trail, with my 30 yr old daughter. I’m 66. All of your tips speak to me.

Thanks for this advice ,

At 64 I agree with your opinions. Subscribed.

57 here. On the JMT I didn’t mind particularly when the young folks blew by me. It was particularly disheartening, however, when a 70 something year old couple blow by me like I’m in the slow lane. That was particularly troubling. 😅

This is great! I want to get back into hiking, and this is very helpful. Also, I think your dog is adorable!

What a great channel to stumble across. Subscribed.

Great tips and hacks to know!

This is all so helpful, even for a person in their mid 30s. I was really into backpacking in my early 20s and the last few years just stopped going and planning trips. Getting ready to get back into it

That's great advice, I'm looking forward to viewing your other videos.

Some great tips and advice in your video!!!...thanks for posting...woods

thank you for this. i hiked from campo to the mid sierra at 59. i was feeling great in the sierra mentally, but, stressed my knee. i coykd have chilled on trail for a couple of days and took my time to enjoy my hike. but i ended up backtracking to an exit point i was familiar with. an important lesson. i have struggled to get back out and hope to do this this year. i have always been active and an outdoors person. i want to thank you for your video. i cant wait to go through your videos. enjoy your own hike. thank you for sharing.

If someone is watching your Garmin track occasionally I recommend setting your device to upload a tracking point every 30 minutes or every hour. If the person watching your track sees it at the same place for too long then they will know that something might be wrong. If you're going to do this then remember to send an OK message if you stop during the day for awhile, and send an OK message at night before you turn the device off.

Very good advice. Thank you.

Some very good advice. I never knew about the satellite locator, and I hope to upgrade to ultra light gear. Thank you. :)

What a great video. I have to say you nailed it on #1. Generally in the most recent years I’ve been backpacking with folks that are at least 10 years younger than myself. Most are actually in their 20’s and 30’s. There is so much difference in their pace and mine. ISo I have fallen victim to pushing through hikes (etc) though I know better. It ends up making the trip not as fun. I have recently just told folks I’ll solo, I’ll meet up with them, and they can go in a group as desired.

Great video. Thanks for the tips. My daughter and I are starting our AT NOBO thru hike attempt next month. Taking all the advice! 😊

Great video,I enjoyed your insight and advice I learned a few things thanks.

I love your dog!❤

Great advice and great to see roan highlands in your video as well🙌

Totally agree with all your tips, except the space blanket one. They can be good in the right circumstance and absolutely awful in the wrong ones. If it's bad weather and right next to your body it's likely to act like a heat sink and transfer heat away from your body instead of keeping you warm. That's because it's so thin and traps no heat within itself. I do carry them, but one has to know how and how not to use them and in which circumstances. I'm 67, and even on day hikes I always carry a tarp, ground sheet, and some form of sleep system along with a sleeping pad, depending on the season. I just bought the Durston X-Mid Pro2 which I'll be carrying year round now (when it arrives!). At only 1.5 lbs. it's light enough to do so. Love your attitude, and wish I could do some thru hiking. I'm retired, but my wife had a stroke 3 years ago and I'm not comfortable being away from home very long. I day hike as much as possible and always leave an itinerary including my latest expected return time (and never deviate). I almost always hike solo so I don't have to keep up with anyone. Besides, it's like going to church for me.

My wife encourages me to consider, how many hikes do I have left? How many more full moons will I see on the trail? How many years can I keep doing this? When I'm no longer able to hike, what would be more important to me than the hikes I'm doing now? If these experiences and memories are more important than a bigger TV, a newer phone, laptop or car that I no longer drive to a job... I can cut 5 or 10 lb off of my gear for the price of a phone or TV. In return for that investment, I may get another couple of years of hiking because hiking is getting harder with my old gear and my old body. (I suspect gravity is increasing.) The same principle goes for investing in an inreach. I broke my ankle on the third day of a solo off trail trip and ended up hiking out on it. It reminded me why I always carry enough stuff to spend an extra night, even on a day hike. The inreach also makes it possible to change my plans without alarming anyone else, or two change coordination with someone who would be meeting me at a trailhead. The iPhone 14, which I do not own, starts the era of displacing devices like the inreach, by providing at least the most important safety features of satellite communication. Within a couple of years the big competitors will follow suit.

I really enjoyed this video. I found you offered some tips. I’m 64yo and planning to backpack at Glacier Nat. Park this summer. I’m a novice when it comes to backpacking but like you said enjoy it the moment and soak it in. I plan doing it following your advice and plan to get a satellite location device. Thank you for sharing your tips.

I appreciate the advice. I will be attempting the Pacific Crest Trail next month, so I need all the tips I can get. LOL. Plant Papa

Very good ..... thankyou

I don’t know who needs to hear this but someone walking faster than you doesn’t mean anything. I am in my mid 20s and I was hiking up a hill with my friend and we were both very winded. And then we saw multiple trail runners just absolutely darting up the hill. Being slower pace isn’t a sign of “being old”. Go at your own pace and enjoy it! You have more time to soak up the sights when you go at a slower pace anyway.

Solid advice. I agree when I first started the PCT last year It was all about the destination and not the journey. I hiked 1170 miles of the PCT last year. With the record snow I soon realized my plan was going to need to be flexible and I needed to enjoy the journey! Your hike shouldn’t be all about the destination. It should be about enjoying your time on the trail. Life is short enjoy every minute make good memories and friends. I’ll be attempting a complete PCT thru hike again this year. I’m hoping to make it from Mexico to Canada however, my number one priority is having a good time. Although I might have a little type two fun mixed in 😂.

Great video!

excellent advice

Thank you for your reminders. I'm a bit older than you (66) and i have to be more carefully in planning a hike (the next is a section hike of the German NST - from Sylt to the Alpen). Best regard from Germany

EXCELLENT!

Thank you for sharing your experience with excellent advice. I intend to put some backpacking into my repertoire. I will be starting as an older backpacker. New sub. Thank you again, and have a great day.

Thank you for posting. This was very helpful. I'm about to hike Machu Picchu and need al the advice I can get! Awesome

I just hit 50 and I've been backpacking/hiking and climbing for a long time. Most of this stuff applies to all hikers and backpackers, not just older hikers/backpackers. Nobody should go in to the backcountry without being prepared.

Excellent advice, and HUGE thumbs up to you, for your fitness, agility, and adventure drive! I really appreciate that you're well into the "modern" experience, both with your footwear, and your pack/gear. I'll be 61 in a few months, and am still operating just like I did in my late teens. I'm a long distance trail runner, and in runs in the Grand Canyon, and Sequoia Nat'l Park, it's almost painful to see the hikers and backpackers who are still living in the 1970s with their boots, long, hot, heavy, pants, and the giant backpacks. They stagger along halfway off balance at all times, and using so much of their muscularity, just to take each cumbersome step. Painful to watch, and I can only imagine the slow sufferfest that every trek winds up being. "Add lightness and speed!" I don't know if you've tried the VivoBarefoot Primus Trail FG, but I'll bet you'd love them, and after a few months, your feet and lower legs will be ridiculously strong.

Very good video and advice for anyone feeling their age over say 50. Never have long distance hiked but at 71 why not. Starting April on the AT solo and hope to meet up with others along the way. The big takeaway know your body and use good judgement.

Thank you for this. 👍💪

Dance to your own tune !!! I'll get there you go on !! Also after you've worked lots of years stop feeling guilty if you just feel like doing nothing !!

Well, said !

Do not over pack! Same for any vacation or trip. The Ray-Way is amazing.

Thanks Joyful Rambler. I found the majority of this guidance helpful even for day hiker (ex. maybe not a Garmin but definitely sending a text to a person who agrees to be your point person), water, snacks, upgrade to better shoes, pushing too hard, etc.. This may sound minor to AT walkers, but at 74 I'm preparing walk a 5K for a childhood cancer foundation fundraiser. The average time for a woman at my age is 50 min 13 sec. Last year I came in ar. 60 min.. So my goal is simply to come in under 60 min.. This year I'm preparing better and plan to get new walking shoes! Thanks again.