Keep talking to us oldies. We appreciate it. I can’t take advise from the 20 something’s. I alway look for older backpacker advise and experience and frankly there are not a lot of older folks vlogging, but I know they are out there backpacking. My thru hike was going to be the John Muir in 2023, I live in the Sierra and then snowmageddon happened and so no. Planning again for 2024, but also ended up with sciatica for no apparent reason just before my 60th bday. Am working on that and also training knowing that I am running against the clock to do al that I want my body to do. Thanks and kelep it up.
Spot on! I started thru-hiking in 2016. In my mind I’m still 20, but my body’s lived experience reminds me that I’m 52. The Army took a toll on my body that’s only now showing up. Injuries that didn’t hurt before are now causing me to hike more carefully, more intelligently. I like to hike fast, but just like you said, when you see younger people flying right past you, it’s another reminder that I’m not 20. I’m learning to be okay with slowing down - a little 😊. These days I only compete with myself.
Thanks for the older hiker topics. There are very few catering for the older hiker. I'm a 71 yr old multi day hiker, and find my bodyI can manage 6 to7 day hikes, thena few days rest before hiking again. Think its findind what works for your own body at this age.
After deciding to retire next August (I am 64 and will turn 65) I knew I had to do something to get my health better so I could enjoy at least enjoy a few good years in retirement. I am not a couch potato and always need to be doing something. I was a bit overweight and needed to get my act together. I have always enjoyed the outdoors and decided what better way could there be than hiking! I have lost 50lbs since January and that put me right about where I needed to be. I have concentrated heavily on gear and being as light weight as possible. My base weight right now is 15lbs. I always practice hike with 30 on my back. I recently did the Sylamore Creek Trail in Arkansas, 32 miles out and back. I am doing the Eagle Rock Loop this coming Monday and good Lord willing the Ouachita Trail (223 mile) in March. After that? The sky is the limit. I have never felt better and so darn excited about getting older!
I like how you mentioned the advantages as well as the disadvantages. Having to stop and catch my breath on a climb gives me time for the views and smells. I also take time to read the plaques. I also make sure to tip well and donate since I can to balance those who can’t.
How cool that you contribute that way! I get breathless too, and it's a great time to look around. I'm usually surprised by what's behind me...views faster hikers miss as they press forward.
I am 68 and section hike AT every spring, mainly as a test to see how I am aging. I am getting slower, everybody keeps passing me, last spring I could do 11 miles a day. One thing is that since everybody keeps passing me, I end up alone on trail and predators like Bears, Wolves, and Mountain Lions always target stragglers as prey that can't keep up & end up alone. August 2021 some hikers came up on a bear eating a hiker in Smokey Mountain National Park, a single hiker alone on trail. Preacher was down by the river and saw a bear charging towards him. Preacher looked to the sky and said "God, Please turn this bear into a Christian". There was a clap of thunder, the bear stopped, put his paws together and said "Bless you Lord for this food I am about to eat".
4 years ago my son and I planned on using his gap year to hike the AT. We both got packs, hammocks, all the things. Started testing different shoes over the years. Now my SPS has flared and I'm in a powerchair... we didn't get on the AT but we did spend weekends on local trails.
@woodsman335 yes, just not the goal. Maybe someday my Stiff person syndrome will go back into remission and I can walk again. I just don't see how I could pack all my meds along with everything else.
I'm 58 and about to start a 127 mile hike on the Pinhoti Trail here in Alabama. I agree with you on the fact that we feel fully capable until we get to our 50's, then start having doubts. However, many of the seeds of doubt for me come from other people, not from me. So are they speaking the trueth about my inability to do this hike? Do they see me as being unable to do a 127 mile hike in 8 days? Am I over confident beyond my abilities? Am I foolish even attempting it?I don't think so. So I rest my doubt.
Yes! I have several gear lists and videos on my website. (Its a work in progress, so please forgive any bloopers!) www.joyfulrambler.com/backpacking-gear/
