Tips for older hikers 

Forget distance goals and remember to notice your surroundings. So many people I see on the trail zoom along and don’t stop to notice the stunning beauty of the surroundings. Less GO and more BE.

Since retiring I've started training by walking the dog. I'm now carrying a 27 pound pack 3-6 miles a day. The dog and I went 112 miles in July. While this has been on mostly paved sidewalks and trails, it has improved the definition of my leg muscles, my balance and core strength. The pack started as a few half liter bottles of water and a bowl, it is now over 4 liters, and includes things just tossed in to increase the weight. I'm not sure when I will get to backpacking again, I've got my wife, the house, the gardens, but it is on my mind.

Brilliant advice iam training for the West Highland way in Scotland next year and I'll be 70 years old the time we start the walk , thanks for the tips 🇬🇧

When training, do NOT hike only when the weather is good. Snow, rain, hot, cold, windy...do your training in all types of weather. After all, the everchanging weather will always be with you on your hikes. Hiking in all types of weather will also give you a chance to test your gear. It's better for the gear to fail to meet expectations during training than when your are miles away on a mountain top. Another personal method for me: When not training for a backpacking trip I will still carry a pack to keep my body acclimated to the weight of a pack. Going from zero pounds to a 40 pound pack will put a stress on your body. At 75, I'm older and slower but I still really enjoy getting outdoors.

Thank you for this, my husband has been diagnosed recently with Alzheimer's. Our past lives have been as hikers. He adopted the thought that his hiking days were over, but since we've watched your video he's become re-energized toward getting back out there. He wants to watch it every few weeks to remind himself that he can still get out on the trails. Your details really resignated with him and has brought a new focus of enjoyment back to our days!!!

Good tips. Hike your own hike - that’s the only one I’d add.

...and wear high ankle hiking boots. I took the advice of some younger hikers who wear trail runners. A little bit of ankle stability caused me to roll my ankle and spend six months recuperating. Fortunately, the injury healed, but I'll never not wear hiking boots again.

Lovely attitude. Good tips. I never immagined that I would become a hiking enthusiast at age 70. Fasting and prayer help me.

GREAT VIDEO A LOT OF PEOPLE DONT APPLY COMMON SENSE TO WHAT THEY DO!!

Good morning all! So glad I found this video! I am 64, and loving life, & love hiking. But all of our friends are in no condition to go with us. My husband is 66 and in good shape, we want to do some longer hikes, so thank you for all the great info and etc!

One tip from me: Use a balance board 5 min each day - the kind thats circular with a small half sphere underneath. Good for ankle strength as well as balance.

Really good advice especially prefacing with the remark that people should apply their own, critical thinking and, not following these as a recipe but more as a guide. Thank you for this! I have already shared it with a few good friends and relatives to get them moving ahead!!!

A few tips: 1) IF any of the tips in the video surprised you or you never considered, you are NOT even close to being ready. These video tips are very basic and something all hikers know who have the proper experience to be out there far from a motorized ride home. 2) I have trained intensely all my life, was professional bicycle racer. Now at 65 years old today, I have consistently for the last 55 used bicycling, hiking, mountain climbing, X-country skiing, kayaking and weight training to be ready for any adventure. With over half a century of training I could not do what the man in this video did, my body isn't capable of it. I do bicycle 10,000 miles a year, don't own a car, and ride, hike, paddle my way to where I want to be. My body could never handle the pounding of running, and hiking for only short distances of 10 miles and then a few rest days. My joints are weak, and I have never been able to train them from this weakness. So, some people may never be able to accomplish this hike even with all the correct training. Know your body by testing it over a few years of training. We are all born different with different gifts, those that can't hike 15 miles a day for days may be able to lift massive weight in the gym. Some bodies are power, others endurance and other somewhere in between. But make no mistake, those born of average or lower than average VO2 and tendon/ligament muscle strength, may never be able to train for this. You don't know what you have until you begin training (see number 3). 3) Intelligent training and the Pure Lifestyle. As you begin training you will need a pure lifestyle of organic/natural food you prepare yourself. The Pure Lifestyle means no: addictions, bad habits, destructive body desires, junk food, poor choices. With this and training you will begin to discover what body type you are and what you are good at. Those who are born with perfect genetics for long hiking adventures can do everything wrong and still not fail, the rest of us need to work at this, and the Pure Lifestyle will give you the foundation to observe your maximum efforts. Intelligent training is monitoring your progress and designing a fitness plan just for you. NEVER, ever, EVER take someone's training advice, never copy someone's training routine, find your own, one that will have you growing in success instead of injured and in pain. The worst advice in the world will come from a professional athlete, someone who was born with incredible genetics for their sport, don't follow their training regimens, listen to your body instead. Train and access the next day and the day after, always take on day off once a week for rest, train with intensity and then recover actively the next day with less intensity. Mix up your training mileages/intensity/elevations, cross train, while keeping focus on your intended event. 4) Remember all of us are different with different bodies and different capabilities. Genetics is a huge part of this, you can train to be stronger, but the chances you have a top professional body hidden inside is very slim. Do you think the 3rd string of the Bears Football Team are lazy and undisciplined? Do you think these Bears can become 1st string if they just try harder with better diet? NO!!!! This 3rd string is more motivated and disciplined than any of the top players on the team, they have to work 10x harder and train/live more intelligently than any of the talented natural players. Why? Genetics. So don't feel bad if you can't seem to make progress in training for this hike, your talent is something else. The good news is we can all be wonderfully and beautifully fit no matter what genetics we were given. For example: If you can't hike, become a body builder and have a body at 70 that an 18-year-old would envy. Fitness is health, and the Pure Lifestyle combined with fitness will keep you young and full of energy for a long time, maybe until the end. I am still bicycling mountains on road and off-road, hiking mountains, weight training, living free of all medication, hospitals, doctors, over counter drugs, addictions, bad habits, poor choices.... living in a 6 foot 200 pound (13% bodyfat) muscular body at 65. I was born with poor genetics, so you can do so much more than I can, simply stop living in the death zone and choose the Pure Lifestyle.

I am 68 and section hike Appalachian Trail every spring as a test to see how I am aging. I am aging and have slowed down, could do 11 miles a day on last hike, everybody keeps passing me leaving me behind. Predators, like Wolves, Bears, Mountain Lions pick prey that can't keep up, fall behind, end up alone. That is me, I have slowed down, fall behind, end up hiking alone.

Wow, I’m in good shape but i can’t imagine 22-26 miles a day. Good for you! Thanks for the tips!!

Nice. I would add the following tip: wear a sports watch so that you can monitor your heart rate. Make sure that most of the time, your heart rate stays in the range of 60 to 80% of your maximum heart rate, otherwise, you will tire too much. Another very important one: have your VO2max checked before you start any serious hike. If the hike is demanding (and that is mainly related to the amount of altitude meters you do per day), you will need a VO2max that is more than average (and certainly more than poor). VO2max is trainable, but it requires time to increase it.

I'm 48 and having a hard time accepting being an "older person." I'm dealing with more and more people half my age these days and it's freaking me out. That quote about 'picking an age and live it',, was helpful.

My advice, high protein food, lots of water, 5 minutes warm up, rub cream into joints when needed, look after your muscles at the end of the day, cream, sauna, bathe. And most importantly, listen to your body, if it says rest, then rest, if it says water, then drink, if it says go, then go for it 👍

Glucosamine! Used it on AT thru at age 59 when I was having knee issues. Solved the problem. Maybe it was a placebo, but I have since used on CT, TRT, and TransAmerica (bike) without issue.

I'll never forget being 32, doing my first longer distance hike on the West Highland Way and meeting an elderly pair at the beginning. They were in their mid '70s, going steady and had done the hike many times. They were so kind and so exited for me and it being my first time. I'm almost 50 now and they're still my model for aging 😊

Great tips. I'm in my mid 50s and I want to do the PCT . I was figuring out how many miles I could do. This video is helpful. Even if I don't complete it , just getting out there and trying is an accomplishment !

as a 49 year old I noticed that when I do not use poles the swinging of my arms caused swelling in my hands and created discomfort. Poles helped greatly!!

Ty for the tips. My mistake was listening to people who were 30 years younger than me. They meant well, but things were not doable. Always give yourself time. If it takes twice as long, it’s still a triumph. Safe travels everyone

Interesting - a lot of good sense here. I’m a UK older hiker about to set off on this year’s six day 90 mile hike. Giving up alcohol entirely seems slightly puritanical - for me nothing better than a thirst quenching pint of local beer at the end of a hot long day. And your fuel of burger / chips / cheese / bacon sits uncomfortably with this ‘my body is a temple’ approach! JC

Wonderful ideas, thank you. I'm 70 and did the Tahoe Rim Trail as a solo last year and did obsess with the mileage. My feet suffered. I might add weights, core work, aerobic workouts and definitely balance to the training regime. Nothing gets me ready better than hiking increasing uphill mileage along with ever increasing pack weight. Also key is knowledge of how to acclimatize, esp in the Sierra and knowledge of how your body relates to altitude sickness. Finally, carry some sort of GPS emergency locator to keep loved ones informed of your progress and just in case.. Thanks again! I love everyone's comments too.

Very nice. Well done.

One other thought I‘d like to share in terms of safety like e.g. good shoes. Hiking on a rocky, narrow trail I got used to wearing wrist protectors, they are not uncomfortable and give me enough confidence moving my 61 year old body. Easy to put them on and off any time of the day. Yes, a lot of things can happen leading to a hospital trip and yes, I also must take care not to do stupid things but prevention of that kind of injury is so easy, weigthts and costs nothing. Just give it a try.

Good advice .....most important one imo is the daily mileage take your time don't rush and enjoy the great outdoors. It's not a race. Oh the only point I don't agree with you on is the alcohol sometimes the thought of a pint of beer by a log fire in a quaint old English pub keeps you going toward the end of a day's hike!!!

Great tips, I’m 75 years old, and have just been hiking in Tasmania. The tips on choosing the right shoes and being very picky about this,.. is the best tip of all. I passed lots of much younger people on the trail, with very poor feet condition. Your other tip about zero days is also a very good tip, and going at your own pace is very good advice.

64 years old, never really did much hiking, went to tanzania africa and did kilimanjaro via the lemosho rte. Hardest thing I ever did but what a great spiritual uplift. Wore copper knee braces and one copper ankle brace. Knees hurt more going down than going up. Thinking about going back next year. Hiking is a great exercise.

Thanks. I’m in my late 50s and getting back to hiking after decades away.

As we grow older our protein need increases in order to maintain muscle mass and strength. I was reading this recently during some hiking research, and it makes total sense to me. Since I have increased my protein intake I have more energy as well. 😊 Great video! New subscriber here, from New Zealand 🇳🇿

Great tips and thought-provokers - we’ve successfully hiked, backpacked and camped more than 11,000 miles in the past four years on mountainous terrain without injury. And now we’re beginning our cross-country cycling. Age 75.

After we had hip and knee replacements respectively, my husband and I decided to do the Camino de Santiago. We were 68 and 62 years old. We trained for 14 months then had a 6 month delay because my husband had a mild heart attack. Even though we had trained in all types of weather, terrain and carried weights that we expected to carry, the 800 km walk was very different to what we had expected. Of course we learned to walk with and took our hiking poles, which were an absolute must have. We did the walk in October 2018 and took 38 days, with 5 rest days. Ian was fortunate to find size 15 boots before we left but I, despite walking with my normal comfortable boots, had to buy another size bigger on the walk, because of my blisters. Not only did our feet swell, but we found that it flattened and it returned to normal about a year later.

After years of backpacking and mountaineering, my knees became a problem. So I quit carrying heavy packs and now stick to dayhikes and scrambles. Going just fine at age 68 and don't miss those multi day trips one bit.

Nutrition is incredibly important. Eating healthy is often the difference maker between a painful tiring hike and a pleasant one. Know which foods cause inflammation and which foods reduce it. Calories and protein are only the beginning.

While most people, I imagine, pick their start date for a number of reasons, I would recommend not pushing your date too far out just because you need to get in shape for the hike. Instead, do your training on the trail itself. There are few things more worthless than the miles that don't count. When I was doing my final section of my AT hike, I attempted a 2-3 day practice hike before I started. I was walking up a steep hill, sweating like a horse, and thought "why am I doing this?" Why don't I just start the hike a little early. And that's exactly what I did.

Much better ideas than I expected. Worthwhile

A little tip for those who's hips ache after a while is to walk with toes slightly inwards (toe in)

Very nice 👍

Great tips. I'd say to remember that your tendons and ligaments take much longer than your muscles to strengthen, especially as we age. That means that it can take sometimes up to two months before they are able to handle the additional strength you have gained from your hiking practice. So, increase your distance, load, and time slowly to allow all parts of your body to catch up so you can avoid joint injuries. Get started with your practice hikes many months in advance and you will be much happier.

Great advice I am in the UK and a young 69 still love to do day hikes and the odd 2/3 night backpacking trip. My dear old mother use to say "use or lose it" so use those legs , arms etc don't give up on life age is a matter of mind set

61 year old through hiker. Very good list. I would add, ensure your sleep system is squared away. A couple of days without good sleep for us old folks will really take a toll. I carry a shortened ridgeline (that I also use as a seat pad) and put an air mattress over that. That lets me sleep on my side. Get a good pillow as well.

Thank you for these wise words. As an occasional hiker I do the gardening and spend time sawing/chopping wood. We were made to walk and also to use our upper body. Happy hiking to All.

With respect to bad habits to give up, I found giving up caffeine to be the best life style change I made in my 50s. It was hard. Eliminating caffeine from my diet entailed 6 weeks of headaches and crabbiness. However in my 70s I feel great all the time. I never have any kind of headache. Hydration is much easier to maintain without taking a diuretic like caffeine. Thank you for your tips. I live near the CDT. I might give part of it a try.

I read a book before my AT hike called Appalachian Trials. In it, the author suggest in so many words, that you have to figure out why you're doing the hike. What will I get if I finish this hike? What will i lose if I fail to finish this hike? And other questions like that. The author has taken that concept and expanded it beyond the book, but I've not kept up with him for years. So there may be a lot more resources out there. But hikes like the AT and the PCT are so long that you almost invariably get to the place where you ask yourself if it's worth it. I don't think I started my hike with a clear understanding of why I wanted to complete the AT, but I did come to a pivotal moment when I thought about quitting, but then realized that more than anything, I wanted to be able to say that I decided to hike the AT, and I did it. You have to find you 'Why?'

Tip #1 should be "DECIDE to stay active" - it all starts from this mindset and you can't stay young without it. I recently retired and as I approached the transition, I committed to SPEEDING UP, not slowing down, in retirement. Not being active will quickly degrade your health - I see many people my age and even a little younger who struggle with even daily tasks simply because they sit way too much. Always have goals to shoot for: have the next trip in mind as you train. Certainly we must recognize that capabilities will degrade with age no matter your mindset so be adaptable. We do lose muscle mass and strength, among other things, as we age so regular exercise is crucial. It is never too late to start, but it can take longer to reach a fitness level when starting at a later stage. Aches an pains are inevitable - even when younger. A good rule of thumb is to keep working out (possibly at reduced levels) if a pain gets better with the workouts - stop or change routines if it is prolonged or gets worse. Certainly pay attention and use common sense as recovery from an injury will take longer. Using electrolytes during exercise is also crucial as your exertion level for what used to be easy routines will generally be at a higher level. Take the time to really dial in your gear. Even reducing pack weight by one pound can make a noticeable difference.

I'm not a hiker, more of a biker, but these tips translate well to any facet of life, young or well seasoned :)! Thanks for posting.

Choose an age and be it. Great thought!

Wow what great comments and a great video. I find magnesium supplements great for muscle recovery. I also really try to make sure I have high protein food. Hope to see you all.on the trail❤❤❤

Thanks for the input. It gives some focus for a 2024 AT attempt when I will be 65.

Great tips BUT nothing can stop me enjoying my daily sippo!

Best training is doing grandstand stairs prior to a major hike. After first couple times doing 500 steps it will get much easier and make steep, long hikes vastly simpler. From a 63 yo that trained 6 weeks and did rim to river to rim in 9.5 hours last year

Never regret growing old, it's a privilege denied to many. 😊

I did a overnight in the Catskills when I was 60. To get ready I trained with a small pack with working up to 40 Lbs over a 3 month time. Now for my 65th birthday, I've joined a gym almost a year and a half ago, and lately been attacking the woods with a full pack. I'm hoping in a few weeks I'm ready for the real deal!

I made the mistake of hiking 566 miles on the AT in inappropriate shoes. 2 years later, still not completely recovered. Then last year I slipped on loose rocks and dislocated a shoulder. It popped back in but I felt the damage had been done. I had planned to go 730 miles but decided I had to get off the trail just short of 300 miles. You need to use common sense when faced with injury. I could have continued but I could tell if I ever had to catch my balance, I might not be able to. One younger hiker told me "there are no real rock scrambles between here and the end" (i.e. 470 miles of AT to Springer Mountain.) It was clear he was not considering my context, being in my 60s and not having full use of one arm. What was just a slight uphill for him could be a real danger in my context. So understanding your context is key. Other hikers' opinions don't really count in that situation. Better to be able to return later. As we say: "The Trail will be there next year."

Thanks so much! This is tremendously helpful. These are all suggestions that are floating around the internet, but it's helpful to hear them directly from someone who's succeeded in a long distance hike. As an aside - I really appreciate the additional comments and suggestions of others. Many thanks! J

My favorite video about PCT. I hope I could try it someday! Thanks your introduction!

Im 37 and feeling old. Thank you for the tips!

I am 71 and regularly walk long distances on my own. Being physically fit is important. But equally so is mental resilience. Giving up alcohol covers both. I also mediate for about 3 months before I set out on the emotions I will find on the trail such as self doubt and loneliness. I use Saucony Triumphs and I have not yet had a blister. Enjoy your walking

Beautiful, breath-taking footage and great advice. Thank you!

My experience from walking the Camino de Santiago is to pay attention to your feet. Stop once in a while. Take your shoes and socks off. Check for small grains of sand in the shoes. Get rid of all of them. If you can spot reddening spots on your feet protect them with a pad before it is a blister. Foot care!

Awesome tips - thanks. I have concerns with two fake hips, but they seem to be holding out. I'm hiking the PCT in 2025... I'll be 63 years old. 😀

These are good tips for anyone.

Greetings from Northern Ireland, some good tips sir....thanks

Great advice, but if I might also add: 1. Never hike / camp alone in wilderness. 2. Carry suitable defence for that area in wilderness, eg, One man had to fire 7 rounds into a charging grizzly to halt the attack. Bear sprays may not work in the panic and their effectiveness may rely on propellant mechanism, wind direction and speed. 3. Contact base periodically to report on situation: position, next leg, rations, etc.

Great advice! I'm 63 and will be hiking the Colorado Trail this summer (probably not thru-hiking though since I still have a day job for now). I've done a lot of high altitude mountain hiking over the years and one thing that has helped me a lot is setting a fixed rhythm with my gate and then making my steps longer or shorter depending on the grade I'm on. I usually keep the beat with a song in my head or on my ipod. This has helped me avoid muscle strains and unnecessary fatigue on steeper trails and also keeps my heart rate steady.

Thank you for the information. I am lucky to do eight miles every other day.

If you are looking down at the ground ahead of you for lengthy periods to ensure correct foot placement - don't forget to straighten up when the going is good again, otherwise you are putting strain on your spine. A simple check - can you easily look to either side by rotating your head. You can only do that when you are upright.

Good tips! It helps to continually hear from fellow adventurers for motivation and reassurance. I would add this: make mistakes (but try to make small mistakes). Hitting the wall, getting massive blisters, falling headfirst down the mountain, freezing in rain and snow, running out of water, vomiting from altitude sickness, each close encounter with disaster is how I have learned. So I say this, push carefully into that raggedy raggedy edge. It is where the lessons are.

Great advice ,agree so much about alcohol ... stopped drinking a year ago and my endurance and recovery is so much better . I would add "tend to your core strength" prior to a through hike . I swim most days, as i cant stand gyms, and its really helped .

I'm 60 and have hiked my entire life....I tell my kids this all the time, as they are/will be both college athletes this next year, it's easier to stay in shape, than to get in shape...

Nicely done. I'm 70, have hiked (mainly day hikes) since 1982 with some in the mid-70s. I walk 6 days per week, 40 min. or so. Go to a nearby junior college and do 3 ups and 3 downs on the football stadium stairs. Go to a nearby gym to do light weight training on their weight machines (no free weights!), 2 to 3 days per week. I'm section-hiking the AT, now in southern PA. Stretching is very important, do it after each walk/hike. I've recently learned (from a physical therapist) to exercise one leg at a time when doing weight training (leg press, leg curls, leg extensions). Strengthening the important leg muscles helps support knees. God bless!

It was so funny.....when I started watching this video, the cc was on, and it said, "ok, so you're a little on the graveside," instead of gray side. 😂

Excellent advices, thanks! Hiking poles are not only good for balance, but also to relief some of you body weight off your leg joints, especially the knees, especially on up- and down-hill terrain.

My husband and I began long distance hiking in retirement. We trained to be able to get 20km once a week. Then we hiked the full Camino 800 km every two years through our 70s. Hiking was the best part of our retirement:)

I'm 63 and going to Great Smoky Mountain NP in a couple of weeks. My one tip follows your #4. I'm big on training hikes. I just completed my 80% pack weight at a distance hike. The next day I thought, thankfully I'll be in better shape when I'm at the park. I hurt. Don't want to hurt that bad when I'm on vacation.

Yep these are great tips thanks.

The Vietnam story is really interesting and uplifting. I would like to be a supporter. Frost

I enjoyed this video. Thanks for making it. I'm 71, only started backpacking at 66 and have now done over 400 miles in sections on the AT. I would add, with regard to feet, to make sure toenails are cut as close as safely possible and to use something like Body Glide anti-chafing between toes to help avoid friction and blisters. Also, extremely significant to me, is that I'm a boot person. I use mid-ankle boots from Keen because I need the ankle support and protection. The boot collar always catches my ankle before any harm is done and I have never rolled an ankle while hiking. There are many hikers who insist that trail runners and trail shoes are better. Sure, for them, but some of us really do better with boots. I was wondering, since you wear glasses, if you wear them while hiking. I wear contact lenses while hiking because my glasses always steam up or sweat rolls down onto them. With regard to the AT, at least, 10 mi a day at the outset would be too much unless a person has been doing some serious hiking just beforehand. Again, and this is for the AT with its ups and downs and uneven trails, the advice would be to do five to eight miles the first few days and then gradually add as the body allows. Finally, for all day hiking, I think it's important for most of us to add some electrolytes to our water. I have successfully used Nuun tablets, Liquid IV and Emergen-C with Electrolytes. These help you stay hydrated and avoid muscle cramps.

I stumbled on this video by chance and I'm glad I did although I don't intend hiking, at least nowhere near these distances. I'm 70 next year and I want to do a bit more photography. I'm from the UK but I live much of the time in Thailand. Up in the rural northeast, not near the beaches and bars. My wife and I like to go to waterfalls and swim if we can but I have a problem. Some years ago I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, which is a benign growth next to the ear canal. In my case it was removed using a method that entailed taking out the parts of my ear that allowed me to hear and balance. This also had some effect on my facial muscles. Clambering over rocks, some of which might be wet and slippery isn't much fun. I've started using a single hiking pole which does help, particularly going downhill. Obviously hydration is something that I'm used to, in Thailand at least. I noticed someone mentioned a balance board which is something I might try.

Thanks. My weakness is sitting around a campfire and finishing off a bottle of 🍷 wine!

A few observations. On the alcohol. A six pack lasts me a month sometimes. I only really drink when I grill, and just a beer or two. Even that little, when I do drink, my sleep quality suffers according to my Garmin smartwatch. Every time. As does overeating. Combine the two and I can really feel it the next day. As far as shoes go, I'll back this up also. Went to a running shop for shoes, and the employee brought out 4 pairs of shoes for me to try. Three of them would have been fine, if I hadn't tried the 4th, which was much better for me. I'm approaching 50, and have no plans for a long hike, though I do some 10 milers regularly. Going to bump that up this year though and get some 15-20's in.

Great tips. I'm about to hit my 50s. Since I've started backpacking I switched to barefoot style shoes for day-to-day use and cut down on drinking. I want to be able to keep hiking passed my 70s so been wanting to get my body and posture improved. I changed my walking gait, essentially relearning how to walk, to be more efficient and hopefully prevent injuries. I just love backpacking and do overnight trips around twice a month if the weather allows me to. I lost over 20 lbs in the process and hope to stay injury free.

Most of my hiking was in the South Island of New Zealand - often in remote trackless country. Personally I never used hiking poles; instead I used a relatively long ice axe, long enough to reach the ground when held comfortably with the arm almost vertical. There are three reasons why I prefer this; one is that I believe most indigenous people will use a single walking stick because you only need three points of contact on the ground for stability - not four. Secondly a single robust pole like an ice axe can be held in the palm of the hand in such a way that it can sustain much higher bracing force if necessary without risk of breaking. And thirdly in really rough terrain it is often necessary to have at least one hand free anyway. Perhaps my underlying reticence around the now conventional pair of walking poles is that I question why we are so reliant upon them anyways. In my view core body strength, tone and balance are compromised when you become reliant on poles all the time. And because poles are so long and awkward to stow away, you do end up using them excessively. By contrast an old fashioned single ice axe comfortably balances horizontally in one hand when you do not need it, instantly ready to be flipped downward for those moments when you do. Plus they are so much stronger for bracing during river crossings, because you can vigorously probe and properly put some weight on a single ice axe in a way that no conventional walking pole will sustain. Plus of course - when you do hit that patch of slick snow on the shady side of a high pass - you have a tool right to hand that is far better suited for the purpose than a walking pole. Indeed after weeks of use the right ice axe will feel like a natural extension of your body in a way poles never quite do. Note - you may have trouble finding the very old-fashioned long ice axe I am talking about here. Most modern ice climbing picks are far too short and oddly shaped to be of any use for this purpose.

I’m about to turn 58. I climbed Mt. Baker and Mt. Kilimanjaro this past year, and plan to climb Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams this summer. Great tips. Training has been life changing and a godsend in and of itself.

Nice. Thanks. Always interesting perspectives on sometimes uncommon topics.

Great video, my knee started giving me pain last winter so I backed off of snowshoeing, I started hiking recently just a few miles a day. The knee is talking to me again but not that bad. Hopefully it will improve. Thanks for this video. Trekking pole just may be the answer.

I’ve always hiked in tennis shoes, 2,000 miles, nar a blister…always wear a liner sock

Thanks for the encouragement about not drinking. I've abstained for years now, but was just thinking this morning it would be nice to have a glass of wine or two each week. Nothing wrong with that, but in my journey towards the PCT I recently shed 50 pounds and am eating a lot healthier. Your video was a good reminder to keep moving forward, which ultimately is what you have to do on the trail too. It reminded me of other tips I could share, but I've already taken up enough space here. Just wanted to say thanks!

Another great video! Although my thru hiking journey is yet to begin, I do find that cycling has been a fantastic way to, not only build additional cardio, but also strengthen many lower body muscles that reduce those spots that are first to injure via an overuse injury.

Wkw, awesome video. Im 71yo, I just got back from 3 NP. I have sectioned hike PCT. Considering doing Washington in August. Im off to Alaska June 14th for 15 days. First time there. Im excited. See you on the tra❤

Good advice thank you..

Very informative! Thanks for putting this together!!

Great tips! Thanks! Because most RU-vid’s about hiking are made by the younglings, it’s easy to think you can just go out there and hike big miles without gradually training your body to get there. It’s a set up for injury.

Thank you for your post. I chose to hike the PCT as my first backpacking experience. I studied and trained. But, ended up with an unexpected illness 6 months before my start date. At that point I was already backacking with a full load 15 plus miles a day up hills, stairwells (i live in los angeles) etc...I was so ready... Turned out I had to stop any activity, couldn't break a sweet or face having a heart attack or stroke or both. I was a life long athlete and this blindsided and devestated me. A recent ECG showed that I did suffer a heart attack! Hence, dring my down time, I lost all conditioning and gained weight as I worked with my Doctors to manage my issue which caused my heart to basically run 24/7 at high speed without a break for years. I never knew about this, nor had insurance or a Dr who could have identified my problem years ago. I was given the ok to train 3 weeks before my hike. Boy, was my body in need of training. I started my PCT thru hike in 2022. Those who met me on trail at the first few days told me later they didn't think I would make it. It was rough, indeed, training,while on trail, but I perservered. Turns out I hiked further than those very people by hundreds off miles. I think only 2 people may have made it further. It just took me more time. My pace was slow and each section required different physical abilities. I stopped while in the Sierras due to money, time and a knee that said I needed to take it easy. At that point my cardio felt great but didn't match my body's abilities. I am going back on trail starting at Kennedy Meadows South, retracing many miles and headed out for 30 days. It has been difficult training because my body did change and requires continuous and different work to condition. I realized there were two age groups on trail...the 20-30 and 60-70 year old groups. I am now 60 and am excited about the trail. The people on trail were the best. Entering the Sierras, seeing them from the trail the first time at dusk from just before cottibwood pass is a memory I will never forget. Your channel is refreshing. I can't wait to see your posts and follow you and your wife. Thank you.

excellent advice

I follow the ‘Hiking Rev’ for tips on long distance hiking. Your tips pretty much duplicate his. All good. I’m 82 and still section hiking the AT. I train every other day alternating hiking with free weights and stretching. I try to schedule an AT section every other week. 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️🇺🇸👊🏻

Excellent advice. I am 61 and getting ready for the Camino de Santiago (493 miles in 34 days) in June. Your tips were on point, specially the use of trekking poles and knowing your limitations. Thanks!

Good stuff. Basically these tips are for all ages. The key to any hike….hike your own hike.