I'm glad you started with trekking poles because poles were the biggest improvement in comfort and safety of any backpacking gear I've added. My knees would always get sore, but since I started using pokes, they never get sore. They also help maintain balance and have saved me from falling many times. I'm 69, and this is my 55th year backpacking.
Thank you, yes, trekking poles have also saved me from a fall or two. 69 and still backpacking. That gives many of us something to which to aspire. All the best, and continued Happy Trails.
About your wipes; I use hypoallergenic baby wipes with no scent and DRY THEM OUT before the hike. Them wet them slightly with the available water for a wipe-down every night before putting my sleep clothes on.
A lot of people give me grief for this, but I always take a few pairs of toe warmers. They have saved my bacon more than once on a wet cold night. Stick them under your air pad to warm the air inside. It’s like having an electric blanket in the woods!
I wear toe warmers quite a bit during my Alaska winter hikers. I also have rechargeable heated foot soles. I need them because I did get a little frost nip on my toes, and they're still sensitive to the cold. I hear you, and I would never send grief your way. Keep on trekking!
Good ideas. My wife & I are in our 70’s and due to health & back issues we are restricted to much shorter day hikes for some time. Our favorite recent purchase are a couple folding pads that we can sit on when we stop for a snack break or just to admire another North Atlantic view in Newfoundland.
I think all of those items would apply to young and older hikers alike. Maybe I’m early in the comments but I’ll be the first to mention a pee bottle. Absolute game changer on those cold nights!
I like the Space blanket emergency tarps I've used them when I found my sleeping bag wasn't warm enough, I have put them over my tent when there was no shade in order to reflect the excess s heat, I have used them as a wind breakIn order to stay warm near the fireI've tossed them up as a temporary shelter when caught in a hailstormA little excess weight but comes in so valuableA little excess weight but comes in so valuable
Thank you. I've seen a variety of space blankets. I'm wondering how much the one your prefer weighs. Thanks for the description of all the uses it has for you.
All good advice. I'm old school and still believe that sturdy footwear is more important than the lightest footwear. Years of backpacking ski touring, lugging canoes and kayaks have left me at 82 with only bike touring. Same basic trail gear minus the compression on my spinal collum. No more 90 day trips. Just shorter trips at half speed, making me a Half A Fast tourer. When I'm gone all of me left behind will be my ashes in a Ball Jar and a 5 gallon bucket of used titanium parts. If it were not for the replacement parts all I would have left of an active lifestyle would be memories. As for socks I have found Alpaca socks. they are the bomb. I still like my 45 year old Thermolite inflatable with foam core but now sometimes carry the new folding waffle pads they make a great sitz pad on the trail, and on that night when you need a wee bit more comfort under you,. Folding the mat in half sure helps. One suggestion I have is to carry a spray bottom. They come in one cup size to one liter. With extreme heat getting more extreme a spray bottle can keep you cool, Just a squirt across the face and neck cools through evaporation. In a dry camp they allow for a refreshing PTA shower before getting into your Sleep System.
I like old school, and I'm thinking about wearing my Merrill Moabs on the Colorado Trail this summer instead of my trail runners. Last year I got Plantar Fasciitis, and I just suffered through it. That's why I'm coming around to your way of thinking. Thanks for the spray bottle tip. Our hike through Oregon last year was intensely hot, and I never passed by a creek or lake without cooling off.
I can’t believe at your age you are able to still sleep on the ground. Great! I’m in my 60’s & had to switch to hammock camping. No more crawling up from a ground pad
I found another alternative to Dude Wipes and that is "Attends wipes" 8" size (an item my 97 year old father uses). Super inexpensive and you can get the unscented ones. My luxury must have item is my REI 1 lb. chair, minus the carry bag. Fits right in the outside pocket of my pack and I cannot tell you how often I pull it out and use it on every break and at camp at night. Makes a world of difference for us older folks! Great tips, as usual! Thanks again for sharing!
As a 68 yo hiker/backpacker, I can't gainsay any of these tips. Especially the hiking poles. One thing I do carry that I found purely by accident on Ebay. It's a roll up/fold up water basin that has a blowup rim. You can shape it into either a square, or close to round. It weighs about 2 ounces and is big enough for both my size 10 feet to fit into. There's absolutely nothing like dipping your feet into a hot water "bath" at the end of the day. I also use it for general cleanup of any cookware. Mostly though, I use it for my feet. Just heat up some water, set up the basin, pour the water in, and luxuriate in a warm foot bath. Of course, before you do that you can use it to wash of your face, or hands. I also take a GigaPump 4 air inflator with me as well. Normally I use a hammock, but when I have to use a tent, it's great for inflating my sleeping pad, AND it's also a small lantern I can use to light up the tent.
Excellent ideas. I haven't heard of the GigaPump. I'll be talking about a new, very ultralight pump on the market in the next episode. I've ordered it, so I don't have it, but the reviews seem positive. It's very light and compact. If it lives up to expectations, I will probably start carrying it. I also agree, nothing quite like dipping your feet into water at the end of the day. I love cleaning all the stickiness off my body, which makes it so I can sleep better. Happy Trails.
I'm also an older backpacker with a lot of experience backpacking. In my opinion, especially for older backpackers, lighter is better. Any weight you can shed, reduces the strain on your body in all aspects. It reduces strain from your toes to your neck and everywhere between. For gear I use, a petzl e+Lite is all you really need for backpacking. It's about as light (weight wise) as it gets and produces enough light to see close-by at night. Uses tiny 2032 "coin" batteries, so bring an extra JIC... I strongly agree that Trekking Poles should definitely be required equipment. Just use them! You don't benefit from them unless you use them and using them definitely aids in preventing falls and slips and aiding in climbs and descents. Their use also keeps your arms, hands and wrists toned. I still use a closed cell foam sleeping pad in addition to an inflatable sleeping pad. As stated, the closed cell pad definitely helps prevent pokes in the inflatable pad and helps make sleeping just that little bit better.
My favorite is my hammock sleep system. I only tent if necessary because I sleep so well in a hammock. Never hit the trail without trekking poles and a chair, Injinji socks, and shoes that make my feet happy.❤
I think that sums it all up. Roughing it easy. One day I'll consider a chair; it's just that I like to carry too much camera gear, so I have to cut weight somewhere. Happy Trails!
After a day of Hydrating, I spend all night un-hydrating. For this older Hiker, a Kleen Canteen or any wide mouth foldable water bottle, is a must. For the bladder challenged, getting out of my tent many times into the cold wet night cuts too much into my much needed beauty sleep.
Hi, this the first time I've seen your channel but I've hit the subscribe button. Anyway, one item I take which I believe is absolutely vital is a pee bottle. It takes up a lot of space in my rucksack but it enables me to empty my bladder twice during the night without getting out of the tent. As I am 67 years old, I need to pee at least once each night and, if I've had rather a lot of fluids to drink (more than perhaps I should) and it's cold and/or raining it's a very necessary piece of kit. I also take a "chair" without legs - this means I can fit in my trekking pole tent without having to bend in the middle!
Still backpacking at 67 warrants certain rights -- the pee bottle being one of them. Thanks for your tip, and the details on how to get it done. Happy Trails.
I wake up more than once at night so I brought a pee bottle to camp because the restroom was far enough away & nobody could guess that it was pee because my bottle was tinted.
I agree on all your items except the watch as I have no experience w/it. Seems like it might be something to consider though. When I hiked the AT I brought along a ultra-lite umbrella which I sprayed with permethrin (which kept bugs away from me night and day)...I always slept with it covering my head ...used it on MANY rainy days. It was a game changer and well worth the 6oz. Great video and thank you.
Personal items I have dentures so I carry denture cleaning Tabs in a small screw cap jar just big enough for my teeth ,tab and a few once’s of water. I carry a bidet, but sometimes TP is just more convenient, I use a flextail to inflate my pad, instead of a foam sleeping pad I carry 1/8” foam pad from GGG. I have a pair of light gloves I wear at night to keep my Hans warm when they get out of my quilt. Finally I take my little contour blood sugar tester as I have type 2 diabetes. I recommend trekking poles and keeping your gear as light as possible.
Thank you for your ideas. I wanted to try a flextail pump, but I couldn't find a place that would ship to Alaska because of the battery. I'm intrigued by the bidet, it's just really hard to break old habits. Happy Trails.
Thank you for this video. Great gear tips. I always take a lightweight, open-cell foam mask my Wife made for me. I wear it to sleep at night. It warms and moistens the air. I also take earplugs with me. Sometimes the night is noisy, or there are others sleeping (and snoring) nearby.
Great tip! Lots of folks carry earplugs like you suggest. Flash uses them, but I can fall asleep at a circus. My hearing also isn't the best these days. Some parts are breaking. Happy trails!
I always buy cork grip trekking poles and remove wrist straps. They cause a significant number of injuries and damaged poles, and don't allow one to make all of the quick shifts in hand and pole positions that could be utilized. I use Gorilla Gue and sometmes Gorilla Tape to build up specific right hand and left hand grips at different positions and at least one lower ring for reaching up higher. I use a red Sharpie for marking up the right pole and blue Sharpie for left pole. May take several months to get it just the way you want. Should reduce at least half of the grip energy used.
Excellent! I agree on the wrist straps and cork handles. I also like the bottom section of my poles to have some resistance, like a shock absorber, so they don't bust if I slip. So far, in about 3,000 miles of backpacking, I have broken only one pole, and it was a freak occurence.
Compression socks have allowed me to avoid oedema and painful swelling after a long day's hike. I have been using hiking poles for many years and have found them excellent to help reduce the pain in my knees.
New sub here. One tip for preventing blisters is vaseline or even chapstick. The lubrication prevents blisters. I learned this trick from a park ranger. It works better than moleskin.
Thanks for the sub. Great tip. Some folks carry a product called Body Glide, which most use to prevent chaffing. Last year in Oregon I had chaffing problems for the first time on the PCT. I used chapstick like you suggest and it worked. Thanks for commenting.
I now carry a cork ball when I go backpacking. I’ll also add my vote for the insoles. An old pair of boots without proper arch support lead to a particularly painful struggle with plantar fasciitis. I use the insoles to keep the pain to a minimum, and the cork ball to massage the painful feet and any muscles that might need a little attention at the end of the hike. If I massage the night before, it makes rolling out of the tent in the morning soooo much easier.
Thank you. One or two other commentators mentioned the cork ball. I can't imagine anything more beneficial that weighs practically nothing. Thanks for watching and sharing.
All good stuff 👍🏼. I kid make a whole video of my own about ur vid. But I'm just going to mention one item that to me is invaluable !!! It's something I started using in my late twenties early 30's ish. A yellow nalgene bottle !!! This is so I don't have to get out of my sleeping bag at night to go pee. Once I hit my late 50s early 60s there were some prostate issues so I started peeing more often at night... That's when I was really grateful for my bottle !!! It's the same one and has never worn out. So I have a high opinion of nalgene bottles !!!! The liquid coming out of your body is warm, 98+ degrees and be cuz I never worry about my bottle, ii put I back in my bag and recycle the warmth 👍🏽😁
I am 71 and started backpacking when man first walked on the moon when I was 16. My wife and I still backpack but not as far. I was published by BACKPACKER Magazine in March 1980 about a snow trip to Mt. St. Helens and Spirit Lake. Two months later it was a major eruption and everything changed!!
Wow, that's quite a story. Imagine if you had delayed your trip to Mt. St. Helens. I ran into a backpacker in his 70s along the PCT this summer. His trail name was Way Back, because as he said, he goes way back. Still makes me laugh. I think your experience show that backpacking can be a life-long pursuit. Also, once you have your gear, it can be relatively inexpensive to continue. Thank you for your comment, and Happy Trails!
I now swear by the portable bidet and that's for any age. As a 54-year old, I think my REI Flexlite Chair will be in my kit even when I go fastpacking. I still like to sit around at camp. Finally, I always carry a Nalgene bottle and cork ball for rolling my muscles morning and night. It's how I remain injury-free. ☮️❤️🤝
Thanks for your comment. Lots of folks who watched this episode talked about a chair being one of their favorite pieces of gear. I'll check out the REI Flexlite Chair. I think I could have used the cork ball last year on the PCT for my arches. Thanks for watching, and your insights.
@@akwild1, happy to engage and watch more of your videos. You may enjoy my recent videos (channel just starting) about rolling to prevent injury and Trail Magic.
Closed cell pad vs ultralight chair: I carry a closed cell pad for reasons given in the video but I am seriously considering a light chair. Sitting on the ground though not painful is not comfortable at all. I am not comfortable on the ground when I should be very comfortable and recovering. Trekking Poles: Here in Arkansas they are a MUST regardless of age. The Ozark Highlands Trail has a TON of water crossings and the trail is rocky. All trails here have a rocky tread thus tripping is common. My tent requires them. Dude wipes: I am doing the PCT this year and plan on canteen bathes to wipe down instead of wipes. We will see how that goes. I share the dislike of the sticky feeling. Dedicated sleep clothing would be a good pick. Socks: never get blisters so I'll keep my darn tough socks. I do have a layer of wool from briefs, socks, base layer. beanie to suppress odor. Inserts: My feet usually can heal with inserts if I have foot issues. I trained with a broken bone and with an insert it healed over a marathon training cycle. If i have an issue on the PCT I will buy a set and generally in two weeks my foot issue goes away. I then take them out.
Good luck on your PCT adventure, and thank you for your insights. I like my Darn Tough socks, too, and my feet behave weirdly sometimes. It wasn't until Nor Cal in 2022 that I started getting some small blisters between my toes, not during the start of my trek as I expected might happen. It was during the downhill stretches I had to pay attention to my knees, so I learned to just love the uphill sections of the trail. Hope you have a great adventure. We're planning to hike the CT this summer.
I started hiking in my 30's. Always used trekking poles. I've had a pair of Gabels since 2009. I still use them as they are in great shape. It pays to always clean and properly store gear. They are also part of the emergency 10x10 tarp tent setup plan. You're dead on about as we age, like it or not, we need to adapt to our aging bodies and the right gear helps. Even though I'm in decent shape, the warranty period is up. 🤣 I'll be 50 this year. I've never been able to escape being a weekend warrior due to work which kills long thru hikes. I still hike and hunt while carrying a pack. Usually 25 lbs as I'm prepared to be stuck outdoors in grizzly country should a road become impassable or I can't get back to the truck.
50 is so young. Are you sure you don't have time left on your extended warranty? Yes, Grizzly country requires a whole new perspective, a whole new set of practices. Glad you're still in the game, and I wish you many years ahead on the trail. All the best.
Hell yes! lighter gear us the answer. Thanks for the tips. MY GEAR: TENT-> Tarptent NOTCH Li (Dyneema fabric) PACK-> Osprey EXOS 58 (Almost the lightest but surely the most comfortable) SLEEP SYSTEM-> REI Flash3 season insulated air mattress. Western Mountaineering Megalite overstuffed to 20 F. down bag. OOK KIT-> dTrail Designs Sidewinder titanium Caldera Cone (With the inverted cone INFERNO insert it burns wood as a high efficiency "gassifier" stove, otherwise I use ESBIT tabs with a BEGET tab holder, but alcohol is good too.Winter is a white gas version of an MSR Whisperlite universal. SHOES-> Merrill MOAB low shoes or MOAB high cut waterproof for winter or rain. SIT PAD-> from REI (can be put in 1/2) I'm 80 and still love backpacking. Here in Nevada altitudes are high so I take one L-Arginine tablet/capsule 45 minutes after breakfast and one 45 minutes after lunch. opens capillaries for much better O2 uptake.and better lactic acid flushing from muscles. 👍TIP: the Chinese made Fire Maple BLADE 2 canister stove (not the plain BLADE) is great for all weather down to 10 F. because its very light, well made and the canister can be inverted in cold weather due to the vaporization tube arcing next to the burner. (The plain BLADE does not have this necessary tube.) This stove has a lightweight braided steel fuel tube so the titanium burner sits on the ground (or rock or table etc.) for good stability. Fuel control handle is on the canister, safely AWAY from the stove.
80 and still backpacking! I can only dream. I hope others can also learn something from your gear advice. I'm thinking of switching back to my Merrell Moabs for my next long distance hike. Thank you.
Reflectex-Ibcut a piece to my body shape and use it inside my bag on top of my body to add extra warmth. Also use it as a tent mat/wind screen/sit pad/etc. lighter and cheaper than bag liner and multi use.
Fleece arm / leg warmers are small but useful to keep the slight chill away on early mornings or late nights. Also a thermometer helps me to gauge how many layers to wear to avoid getting sweaty and potentially cold .
Hi tiger! Shug suggested on his channel to ware a puffy vest instead of coat & jacks r better has down sleeves which can be used as warmers over arms or legs sleeping & if not needed makes a great pillow. I just found this channel.
Great idea. I'd like to design a trekking pole that can be turned into a nice fishing rod that can be used to add a little variety to my dehydrated food diet.
@@akwild1 I designed a hobo reel that has two storage compartments, a top can and a bottom can. The bottom can fits over the handle of the hobo reel and doubles as a cooking vessel. It's a baked beans can that I sprayed on the outside with Rust Oleum as a preservative and anti rust. It hangs from my belt. The thing that holds it together is a plastic tin lid which fastens to the bottom of the top can (on which the fishing line is fastened) so I just slip the tin can with such items as can fit into it and still leave room for the wooden handle, and clip shut. I used good screws and two part epoxy glue and the whole thing is as solid as a rock. Looks good, too, because I covered the outside of the top can with blue duct tape and the Rust Oleum on the bottom can is a lovely silver grey. Both cans hold a lot of stuff even though the handle has to fit in the bottom can. It's one-third of my 'survival' kit. The other two pouches also fit on my belt but can also be converted to shoulder straps.
Dude wipes! My fav. They have individually wrapped ones and they seem a little bit bigger than the ones in the big pack. Thanks for the tips my friend.
I bring my knee braces and wear them during the hike. They soften each shock, which cumulatively over time could lead to swollen stiff knees. With them on, my stiff knees problems went away.
Good idea. To me, it seems the downhill sections beat up my knees the most. When I feel knee pain, I use a knee stretch exercise that seems to help. Thanks for your tip.
I found over the years that 2 of the main causes of plantar fasciitis are high sides opposite the main foot arch(cut them down to normal, and front points on either side of a raised heel (just behind the insole or shank). While they may seem vital for quick stops, they greatly interfere with the flexion of the foot at angles. The human heel is a round shape and the shoe heel should also be round.
I have been called a coffee snob before but one thing I carry is an 8 oz coffee grinder as my luxury item. Also as others have said, a p bottle, because in a hammock it’s so easy to use and not have to get up in the cold!
Yes! Someone who understands the importance of coffee. I'll be honest: before the PCT I agonized about bring along my titanium French press because I love coffee served that way. I decided against, mainly because I carry way too much camera gear and I had to cut back somewhere. I wound up liking Death Wish instant coffee, which wasn't as good as the fresh ground kind of which you speak. I imagine being a "coffee snob" brings a lot of friends out of the woodwork, so to speak. Thanks for watching and for sharing.
Yes to the garmin instinct solar. My Apple Watch lives on the charger now because the Garmin just goes and goes and goes! My only beef is that sometimes the charging cable does not connect and I must fiddle with it. But I LOVE this watch.
I have the same problem during charging, but it's not too bad. Jiggling the connection usually works. I feel the same way you do about the watch. Thank you for watching this video.
@@akwild1 I have the REI Flexlite Air Chair. It weighs one pound and I take in on every single hike I go on! So much better than sitting on the dirt/snow! I’m even going to start with it on the PCT this year. Time will tell if I ditch it, or decide it’s worth the weight. A thru hike is a different beast compared to a weekend backpacking trip.
I take a stool instead because my chair (cheap) weighs 1kg meaning 2lbs. Sitting on the floor is miserable. Closed cell foam pad is okay since I can sleep and sit on it, at least get off the ground, but still any kind of raised surface to sit on is great.
I have a foldable 3-legged stool with a shoulder strap and a clip. It goes over my shoulder and then clips to my camera harness. I can carry it for hours and not know it's there. When I want to sit, it's there.
Hope the next video will be HOW TO USE TREKING POLES. hand straps too.. I like them because of balance problems. Im getting a real life bump hat so when I do fall with a backpack on I lessen the impact with the ground i hope. I know it seems dorky to wear a helmet but with TBI and other head injuries I'll take the laughs and pointy fingers.
Thanks Bill, What you're doing seems very reasonable to me. I've seen a lot stranger things on the PCT. I'll have to think about producing an episode on hiking with trekking poles. I busted one of mine last year in Oregon, and I have to consciously remember to not let either of the poles get out directly in front of my feet where I risk tripping over them. Thank you for watching.
Thanks AK, I've been taking the standard wipes you get in the grocery store. Great for hygiene & many other uses as you mention. Appreciate the "Dude Wipe" recommendation. Looking forward to giving them a try. As always thanks for your content!
Great information and video. What brand or style of hiking clothes do you use. I had skin cancer and would like recommendations on long pants for summer and winter. Jeans are uncomfortable. Also do you use shoe gaters when hiking
I believe there isn't one brand of pants that works for everyone. I like hiking in Kuhl pants because they're pretty flexible. I agree with your comment about jeans; I don't like them. Last summer on the PCT I tried some REI shoe gaiters, but I destroyed them pretty quickly. It's usually the strap or line that goes under the shoe arch that is the weak link and cuts, frays or splits. Flash likes her Dirty Girl gaiters and treats them better than I do. My feet get very dirty when hiking long distances, and I do occasionally have to contend with pebbles in my shoes. For me, it's just one of those things I get used to on the trail.
A sun hoodie, it has extra long sleeves with thumb holes to protect the hands as well. I always wear long pants and a sleeved top or sun hoodie plus hat when its sunny. Spending hours in the summer sun in shorts and tee shirt is asking for trouble.
Good tip. Thank you. Sometimes folks get chaffing, and I've seen some hikers on the PCT use Body Glide. I had to use chapstick in a pinch, and it did work. I'll look up your recommendation. Thank you.
I love soft feet and hands. Never had a blister, callus or hot feet. I use hike goo, silk toe liners and darn tough socks. I also put this on my hand crease because of trekking poles and barbell training. And yes, I have silk gloves as well.
An Amazon bubble wrap shipping envelop. Free and weighs almost nothing. I use it three ways: a doormat for my knees getting into and out of my tent, extra insulation under my hips at night (I like my inflatable mattress saggy), and to sit on. You could also use it has a bag for washing clothes. I am also team chair. I find the thing I like least about being an older backpacker is getting up off the ground.
👍 .. after 73 Summers, with wrecked knees and a dodgy hip, I swear by my walking poles. I 'Nordic Walk' to keep in shape. I no longer 'distance hike' with heavy loads .. but with a forest just 150 metres from my front entrance and others easily accessible by means of an excellent Public Transport Infrastructure, I have no excuse to not 'get out there'. Heavier loads (for a decent 'picnic') .. I just pack everything into a shopping trolley (the two-wheeled pull-along type .. they're no hassle on public transport too) and I'm off! An alternative, I remove the 'shopping bag' and just strap on a 55 or 65 litre backpack. Chair .. not there .. yet 😏. Swiss Forests (many villages have a forest sitting adjacent or nearby) have a good infrastructure and are well-maintained. Benches / seating can be found on most of the pathways. Foam Pad .. I have a little collapsible 'concertina' closed-cell foam 'sit pad'. It takes up very little space in a day pack and is great for the rear end and knees. Also, at Bus Stops during Winter .. those that have the more modern 'slatted' metal seating 😳. Freezing the butt while waiting for the bus (not that one has to wait long .. pre-planning and a Service that 'runs on time' sees to that). However, offering the pad to an older 'Granny' reinforces a lomg-standing inbred 'old school' gallantry 😊. Watch and such .. my analogue works just fine. I have learned to 'listen' my body regarding how tired / out of breath / whatever I am at any given time .. and two fingers on my wrist pulse, six seconds times ten, give me my heart rate. Good tips .. thanks for sharing .. take care ..
Just seein' that trail up Whitney gits me 'cited! I spied someone washin' laundry in a bear can. Hmm. That a great secret or a one off? BTW, two poles give you 3 points of contact, if you're not standin' still. ;-) Just picked up my NRS Hydroskin sox from REI's Outlet last night. Haven't pulled the trigger on Injinji or the foam pad since my suitcase is full now and I'm hopin' my inflatable will be safe until a hiker box sprouts a foam pad for me!
Whitney is pretty magical at sunrise. Love it. We used our bear canister for laundry when it was all we had. Sound like you have your feet dialed in. Good luck on the trail.
So right! Hahahaha. Not only do I go nowhere alone, but I also almost always have a twenty or thirty something with me. Advantage of having lots of children. Hahahahahaha.
I was surprised you did not bring up excercise. I realize it is not a piece of gear, but it can improve balance, strength and longevity. I an almost 65, been working out for over 12 years, it has changed me physiocally, but also my mental state in that I Believe I can do things not associated with age. Just my 2 cents. Totally agree with the dude wipes!
@@akwild1 In some respects it may be just as useful as the "swear-by" list. Perhaps a list of age-related factors that led to the colorful language and modification of your gear.
Gear choices "to swear by, or swear at." Exactly! I'll add that Farm to Feet socks are 100% USA sourced and made, with a performance guarantee similar to Darn Tough. Well done and thank you for the tips!
Thanks for the tip. I plan to order a pair and see how they compare. Feet are my central preoccupation when it comes to backpacking. Thank you for watching. Happy Trails.
Ignore arch support Insoles or shoes. The foot is a spring and needs the arch. Use flat footwear! Closed cell foam pad all the way! Fast to sit on for a sec and get off the ground, and so many other things. I’m still young but the best thing I’ve done is use a hammock. Comfortable sleep over a little more weight. I sleep all throughout the night unless I have to pee on my Amok Draumr
I'm glad that works for you, but it didn't for me on the PCT. For example, I tried zero-drop Altras, which most people raved about, and my feet were miserable, and the arch supports did help my feet. That's based on my experience hiking 2620 miles on the PCT.
That's how it begins, with day hikes. Too many people put a majority of their emphasis on gear, but I think having a solid "why" is much more important. Now that I have the PCT behind me, my why comes down to the fact that I love the sensation of feeling physically and mentally sound on the trail. I also just really like to walk, and keep on walking. I think doing daily hikes is a great way to get into the routine of what you do on the trail. I wish you the best as you move toward your grand adventure.
Trekking poles provide better balance but also provide propulsion on uphills, braking or cushioning on downhills, and provide arm and upper body exercise.
I swear by a bag of hot chips, not too greasy but doused in enough salt and vinegar for them to be an almost ever lasting snack on a long day trip. You can use the wrapping paper as a protective hat in the winter too! Win win!!
I always get a kick when I see a through hiker lash a bag of chips to the top of their backpacks after they left town. I usually get chip cravings along the trail. Thanks for your advice.
Generally wipes are not biodegrable and should packed out per leave no trace. Other than that good list, but my can't leave without gear is now a packtowl. Great for washing and wiping down tent when wet. Dries super fast.
I no longer hike due to age and Lyme Disease but when I did, I always took a Crazy Creek chair with me. I would say that from the age of 50 until now (I'm 71) I much appreciated the back support it gave me. I had very few sore back mornings on the trail, and I did have them prior to carrying the chair. A side benefit is that you can un-clip it and lay it flat under your sleeping pad for more R value too. I managed to get my pack down to 27-28 pounds even with the chair and a liter of whiskey from 72 pounds on Springer during my first thru hike in 1990. Hike safe, Hike strong, Have fun! geek
Thank you James. I believe there is one solid theme in many of the comments: the benefits of taking along a hiking chair. Thank you, and thanks for your good tidings.
I find wipes to be too heavy, and generally unnecessary. I might take a few dried ones, only on a short hike. For long hikes, I just bring a lightweight washcloth and use water to wash. Or a tiny bit of soap with it, well away from lakes or streams. The more I can eliminate from my pack, the happier I am.
I agree with all the other comments chair was a game changer for me. I also always take a Kelly kettle I canoe back country camp so weight is not so important and I love being able to take less fuel and boil water with almost anything
Thanks for watching and your comment. The Kelly Kettle looks like quite the stove. I raft a lot, so I might try the stove on my rafting adventures. You got me thinking.
This likely isn’t an “older hiker” item so much as it’s just been my goto for the past 30 years. However, I have an item called “The Original Bug Shirt”. It can be hot, but it’s been a piece of gear that’s been an absolute staple of mine, young and older…
Thanks Glen. As you can imagine, the mosquitoes in Alaska are notorious, and they were pretty annoying last year when I hiked through the PCT in Oregon. Anything to level the playing field against the bugs works for me. How does the Bug Shirt work on what we call the no-seeums?
@@akwild1 First off, you’re awesome. I live in south central Canada, and the nearest national park to me is a place called Riding Mountain National Park. I’ve hiked every kilometer multiple times over the years, and on bad bug years, the mosquitoes are off the charts (as can be the bears). That bug shirt is a staple of mine because I prefer it so much over deet. It provides complete protection regarding no-seeums as well, so for me it’s just been an incredible piece of gear. I will admit it gets hot on warm sunny days, but water is in abundance, and I’d rather sweat than deal with too many bugs. Not to mention, although I have a spare, I’ve been using the same one for 30 years. What a great product.
@@glenloewen7507 Glen, I looked up the Bug Shirt, and I realized that Flash has one that might be the same or similar, and she loves it. I agree with your comments about Deet. I think I'll order one, try it out and talk about it during a future episode on how to deal with mosquitoes. Thanks for the tip. When I was in my early 20s I worked as a fishing guide in the Bristol Bay region. I remember one of our clients was a dentist, and each morning, he gave each of his guides a big fat cigar, which worked wonders on repelling mosquitoes. The cigar smoking habit never took with me, but the memory is still there. Thanks again.
I never heard of those. Flash and I both have Alpaca hoodies, which we love. Alpaca hiking clothes seems to be the new trend, for a good reason. Thanks for the tip.
Dude Wipes are awesome. They help prevent getting a rash in the, ummmm, neither regions. I won’t leave home without them. For good leave no trace practice I haul them out with my trash.
A Life Straw. Ultra light and gives access to water otherwise undrinkable. Water purification tabs, Sawyer etc. Depends where you go what you carry. Water is life.
I met an oldtimer sheepherder in the Wind River Range many years ago who claimed he could live off the high altitude water for extended periods if times because of all the micronutrients and health benefits. He couldn't understand why people would filter all that out, boil it, or add iodine. "Bunch of idiots" he said. I half way agree.
That's a good question. According to Conserve, Energy, Future, they are biodegradable. They are made from pure cotton, and it contains organic ingredients. However, I don't think they break down as quickly as TP.
Yes, I express that very sentiment in my next video. I'm thinking seriously about abandoning my light-weight trail runners for my mid-weight boots on the Colorado Trail next summer. A few other folks in the comments agree with you. Thanks for watching.
@@akwild1 I love that I can comfortably elevate my feet on a hmmock that I can't do with a camp chair. Helps with some minor dizziness and my legs recover faster.
Your wife will help you find a small 30-50ml plastic spray bottle, they usually come with a tube so the liquid place inside can be drawn out from the bottom. Take the tube out, fill with water and you can get a couple of good sprays each time you turn it upside-down. Makes a great bidet. (butt washer)
Helinox Zero camp chair. Don't be surprised if you come back from peeing away from camp and find one of your buddies sitting in YOUR chair. I won't backpack without mine.
You know, you can evaporate the dude wipes or wet wipes, store them in a plastic bag and use a little water to rehydrate just before use. This saves weight.
Am I the only one that likes sock liners? Dry blister free feet longer lasting socks that don't reek. Comfortable sleep system. ( whatever that means to you)
I remember hiking in Hawaii and smelling perfume and after shave on some of the hikers passing by. I guess that adds new meaning to the phrase, "hike your own hike." Your comment made me smile. Thank youj.
Sounds toasty. My feet are my central pre-occupation on backpacking trips, so I really understand your reasoning. Thank you for sharing and for watching.
A few backpackers have mentioned this item. I haven't reached the point where I need one, quite yet. I usually pee before turning in for the night, and the I rise early. Things will probably change as I grow older.
That's a stout sleeping pad. Next week, I'm going to talk about how important it is to dial in your sleep system. You seem to already have that one figured out. Thanks for watching.
I'm glad you started with trekking poles because poles were the biggest improvement in comfort and safety of any backpacking gear I've added.
My knees would always get sore, but since I started using pokes, they never get sore. They also help maintain balance and have saved me from falling many times.
I'm 69, and this is my 55th year backpacking.
Thank you, yes, trekking poles have also saved me from a fall or two. 69 and still backpacking. That gives many of us something to which to aspire. All the best, and continued Happy Trails.
About your wipes; I use hypoallergenic baby wipes with no scent and DRY THEM OUT before the hike. Them wet them slightly with the available water for a wipe-down every night before putting my sleep clothes on.
Thank you. I'm sure there are other folks reading these comments who will also be glad to hear your advice. Thank you for sharing.
A lot of people give me grief for this, but I always take a few pairs of toe warmers. They have saved my bacon more than once on a wet cold night. Stick them under your air pad to warm the air inside. It’s like having an electric blanket in the woods!
I wear toe warmers quite a bit during my Alaska winter hikers. I also have rechargeable heated foot soles. I need them because I did get a little frost nip on my toes, and they're still sensitive to the cold. I hear you, and I would never send grief your way. Keep on trekking!
Good ideas. My wife & I are in our 70’s and due to health & back issues we are restricted to much shorter day hikes for some time. Our favorite recent purchase are a couple folding pads that we can sit on when we stop for a snack break or just to admire another North Atlantic view in Newfoundland.
Thank you for following my channel from Newfoundland. Still hiking in your 70s. That's a beautiful thing. All the best from Alaska.
The Flextail Tiny Pump to inflate/ deflate your sleeping pad is a luxury item I won’t go without!
I second this gear choice. Thought it was a "gimmick" item but man after all day on trail the last thing I wanna do is blow up my pad.
Sounds good. I wish I could find a place that would ship it to Alaska. They wouldn't ship because of the battery. Thanks for watching.
@@akwild1 I’ll ship one to you. For real.
It's battery powered? I was looking at a pump but didn't want to carry batteries since everything I down has an internal rechargeable batteries.
I bought quite a few for my friends this past Christmas. Its something you did not know you needed till you tried it.
I think all of those items would apply to young and older hikers alike. Maybe I’m early in the comments but I’ll be the first to mention a pee bottle. Absolute game changer on those cold nights!
Yes, we had one other older hiker who mentioned the pee bottle. Thank you for the tip. Happy Trails.
Yes…a Nalgene 32 fl Oz wide mouth collapsable canteen is part of my backpacking kit!
The canteen-yes!
Whoa, except for the dude wipes and the watch, I carry everything else on that list. My one extra luxury is a blowup pillow... heaven!
Yes, I love my trekology pillow. It used to be orange, but it's mostly earth-tones right now for 2600 PCT miles, but it's never sprung a leak.
Great list! Used to think trekking poles were silly, now love them!
Glad you like them! I used to feel the same way, now they're pretty indispensable. I also need them for my tent.
I like the Space blanket emergency tarps I've used them when I found my sleeping bag wasn't warm enough, I have put them over my tent when there was no shade in order to reflect the excess s heat, I have used them as a wind breakIn order to stay warm near the fireI've tossed them up as a temporary shelter when caught in a hailstormA little excess weight but comes in so valuableA little excess weight but comes in so valuable
Thank you. I've seen a variety of space blankets. I'm wondering how much the one your prefer weighs. Thanks for the description of all the uses it has for you.
@@akwild1 I think that they are about 17 or18 oz
All good advice. I'm old school and still believe that sturdy footwear is more important than the lightest footwear. Years of backpacking ski touring, lugging canoes and kayaks have left me at 82 with only bike touring. Same basic trail gear minus the compression on my spinal collum. No more 90 day trips. Just shorter trips at half speed, making me a Half A Fast tourer. When I'm gone all of me left behind will be my ashes in a Ball Jar and a 5 gallon bucket of used titanium parts. If it were not for the replacement parts all I would have left of an active lifestyle would be memories. As for socks I have found Alpaca socks. they are the bomb. I still like my 45 year old Thermolite inflatable with foam core but now sometimes carry the new folding waffle pads they make a great sitz pad on the trail, and on that night when you need a wee bit more comfort under you,. Folding the mat in half sure helps. One suggestion I have is to carry a spray bottom. They come in one cup size to one liter. With extreme heat getting more extreme a spray bottle can keep you cool, Just a squirt across the face and neck cools through evaporation. In a dry camp they allow for a refreshing PTA shower before getting into your Sleep System.
I like old school, and I'm thinking about wearing my Merrill Moabs on the Colorado Trail this summer instead of my trail runners. Last year I got Plantar Fasciitis, and I just suffered through it. That's why I'm coming around to your way of thinking. Thanks for the spray bottle tip. Our hike through Oregon last year was intensely hot, and I never passed by a creek or lake without cooling off.
I can’t believe at your age you are able to still sleep on the ground. Great! I’m in my 60’s & had to switch to hammock camping. No more crawling up from a ground pad
Grandma Gatewood was hiking in Keds in the 50s. If you don't know who she is, look her up.
@@akwild1 Plantar fasciitis is neither caused, nor prevented, by footwear.
I found another alternative to Dude Wipes and that is "Attends wipes" 8" size (an item my 97 year old father uses). Super inexpensive and you can get the unscented ones. My luxury must have item is my REI 1 lb. chair, minus the carry bag. Fits right in the outside pocket of my pack and I cannot tell you how often I pull it out and use it on every break and at camp at night. Makes a world of difference for us older folks! Great tips, as usual! Thanks again for sharing!
Thanks Maureen. The chair idea looks tempting. My problem is once I reduce weight in one area, I add camera gear to make up for the deficit.
As a 68 yo hiker/backpacker, I can't gainsay any of these tips. Especially the hiking poles.
One thing I do carry that I found purely by accident on Ebay. It's a roll up/fold up water basin that has a blowup rim. You can shape it into either a square, or close to round. It weighs about 2 ounces and is big enough for both my size 10 feet to fit into. There's absolutely nothing like dipping your feet into a hot water "bath" at the end of the day. I also use it for general cleanup of any cookware. Mostly though, I use it for my feet. Just heat up some water, set up the basin, pour the water in, and luxuriate in a warm foot bath. Of course, before you do that you can use it to wash of your face, or hands.
I also take a GigaPump 4 air inflator with me as well. Normally I use a hammock, but when I have to use a tent, it's great for inflating my sleeping pad, AND it's also a small lantern I can use to light up the tent.
Excellent ideas. I haven't heard of the GigaPump. I'll be talking about a new, very ultralight pump on the market in the next episode. I've ordered it, so I don't have it, but the reviews seem positive. It's very light and compact. If it lives up to expectations, I will probably start carrying it. I also agree, nothing quite like dipping your feet into water at the end of the day. I love cleaning all the stickiness off my body, which makes it so I can sleep better. Happy Trails.
I'm also an older backpacker with a lot of experience backpacking. In my opinion, especially for older backpackers, lighter is better. Any weight you can shed, reduces the strain on your body in all aspects. It reduces strain from your toes to your neck and everywhere between. For gear I use, a petzl e+Lite is all you really need for backpacking. It's about as light (weight wise) as it gets and produces enough light to see close-by at night. Uses tiny 2032 "coin" batteries, so bring an extra JIC... I strongly agree that Trekking Poles should definitely be required equipment. Just use them! You don't benefit from them unless you use them and using them definitely aids in preventing falls and slips and aiding in climbs and descents. Their use also keeps your arms, hands and wrists toned. I still use a closed cell foam sleeping pad in addition to an inflatable sleeping pad. As stated, the closed cell pad definitely helps prevent pokes in the inflatable pad and helps make sleeping just that little bit better.
Thank you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
A pocket hammock was a game changer for me. It makes the ultimate trail nap or camp seat.
I imagine it's also great way to stay above the ants during siestas. Thanks for sharing.
My favorite is my hammock sleep system. I only tent if necessary because I sleep so well in a hammock. Never hit the trail without trekking poles and a chair, Injinji socks, and shoes that make my feet happy.❤
I think that sums it all up. Roughing it easy. One day I'll consider a chair; it's just that I like to carry too much camera gear, so I have to cut weight somewhere. Happy Trails!
Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this informative video. All the best to you. Stay safe out there. 😊
Thank you. My pleasure. I appreciate your kind words.
After a day of Hydrating, I spend all night un-hydrating. For this older Hiker, a Kleen Canteen or any wide mouth foldable water bottle, is a must. For the bladder challenged, getting out of my tent many times into the cold wet night cuts too much into my much needed beauty sleep.
Love your sense of humor! The best way to confront old age is to beat it into a corner, and laugh at it. Well done!
For us women I suggest u get a Freshette at REI, a hygiene rigid funnel so u can pee inside the tent.
I want my youth back. I don't like old age.
Hi, this the first time I've seen your channel but I've hit the subscribe button.
Anyway, one item I take which I believe is absolutely vital is a pee bottle. It takes up a lot of space in my rucksack but it enables me to empty my bladder twice during the night without getting out of the tent. As I am 67 years old, I need to pee at least once each night and, if I've had rather a lot of fluids to drink (more than perhaps I should) and it's cold and/or raining it's a very necessary piece of kit. I also take a "chair" without legs - this means I can fit in my trekking pole tent without having to bend in the middle!
Still backpacking at 67 warrants certain rights -- the pee bottle being one of them. Thanks for your tip, and the details on how to get it done. Happy Trails.
I do that too but use a collapsible bottle.
I wake up more than once at night so I brought a pee bottle to camp because the restroom was far enough away & nobody could guess that it was pee because my bottle was tinted.
I agree on all your items except the watch as I have no experience w/it. Seems like it might be something to consider though.
When I hiked the AT I brought along a ultra-lite umbrella which I sprayed with permethrin (which kept bugs away from me night and day)...I always slept with it covering my head ...used it on MANY rainy days. It was a game changer and well worth the 6oz.
Great video and thank you.
Thanks for the umbrella suggestion. I imagine some Oregon PCT hikers in July would be interested in your tip. Thank you.
Great idea with the permethrin on the umbrella!
Personal items I have dentures so I carry denture cleaning
Tabs in a small screw cap jar just big enough for my teeth ,tab and a few once’s of water. I carry a bidet, but sometimes TP is just more convenient, I use a flextail to inflate my pad, instead of a foam sleeping pad I carry 1/8” foam pad from GGG. I have a pair of light gloves I wear at night to keep my Hans warm when they get out of my quilt. Finally I take my little contour blood sugar tester as I have type 2 diabetes. I recommend trekking poles and keeping your gear as light as possible.
Thank you for your ideas. I wanted to try a flextail pump, but I couldn't find a place that would ship to Alaska because of the battery. I'm intrigued by the bidet, it's just really hard to break old habits. Happy Trails.
Thank you for this video. Great gear tips.
I always take a lightweight, open-cell foam mask my Wife made for me. I wear it to sleep at night. It warms and moistens the air. I also take earplugs with me. Sometimes the night is noisy, or there are others sleeping (and snoring) nearby.
Great tip! Lots of folks carry earplugs like you suggest. Flash uses them, but I can fall asleep at a circus. My hearing also isn't the best these days. Some parts are breaking. Happy trails!
I always buy cork grip trekking poles and remove wrist straps. They cause a significant number of injuries and damaged poles, and don't allow one to make all of the quick shifts in hand and pole positions that could be utilized. I use Gorilla Gue and sometmes Gorilla Tape to build up specific right hand and left hand grips at different positions and at least one lower ring for reaching up higher. I use a red Sharpie for marking up the right pole and blue Sharpie for left pole. May take several months to get it just the way you want. Should reduce at least half of the grip energy used.
Excellent! I agree on the wrist straps and cork handles. I also like the bottom section of my poles to have some resistance, like a shock absorber, so they don't bust if I slip. So far, in about 3,000 miles of backpacking, I have broken only one pole, and it was a freak occurence.
Compression socks have allowed me to avoid oedema and painful swelling after a long day's hike. I have been using hiking poles for many years and have found them excellent to help reduce the pain in my knees.
Excellent advice. Is there a specific brand of compression socks your recommend for those folks needing some.
Currently, I'm just using some socks I bought at Decathlon.@@akwild1
I have been using some compression socks from Decathlon.@@akwild1
You should add crafting supplies as a must have hiking gear!
I’m curious. What kind of crafting supplies do you take backpacking.
New sub here. One tip for preventing blisters is vaseline or even chapstick. The lubrication prevents blisters.
I learned this trick from a park ranger. It works better than moleskin.
Thanks for the sub. Great tip. Some folks carry a product called Body Glide, which most use to prevent chaffing. Last year in Oregon I had chaffing problems for the first time on the PCT. I used chapstick like you suggest and it worked. Thanks for commenting.
Chapstick is new for me! Thanks for this awesome tip!
@@ChummySalmon Always glad to share.
I now carry a cork ball when I go backpacking. I’ll also add my vote for the insoles. An old pair of boots without proper arch support lead to a particularly painful struggle with plantar fasciitis. I use the insoles to keep the pain to a minimum, and the cork ball to massage the painful feet and any muscles that might need a little attention at the end of the hike. If I massage the night before, it makes rolling out of the tent in the morning soooo much easier.
Thank you. One or two other commentators mentioned the cork ball. I can't imagine anything more beneficial that weighs practically nothing. Thanks for watching and sharing.
Okay I think I need a cork ball now. The first crawl out of the tent in the morning is pretty agonizing for me...
All good stuff 👍🏼.
I kid make a whole video of my own about ur vid. But I'm just going to mention one item that to me is invaluable !!! It's something I started using in my late twenties early 30's ish.
A yellow nalgene bottle !!! This is so I don't have to get out of my sleeping bag at night to go pee. Once I hit my late 50s early 60s there were some prostate issues so I started peeing more often at night... That's when I was really grateful for my bottle !!! It's the same one and has never worn out. So I have a high opinion of nalgene bottles !!!! The liquid coming out of your body is warm, 98+ degrees and be cuz I never worry about my bottle, ii put I back in my bag and recycle the warmth 👍🏽😁
That's an innovative idea. Thanks for sharing.
I am 71 and started backpacking when man first walked on the moon when I was 16. My wife and I still backpack but not as far. I was published by BACKPACKER Magazine in March 1980 about a snow trip to Mt. St. Helens and Spirit Lake. Two months later it was a major eruption and everything changed!!
Wow, that's quite a story. Imagine if you had delayed your trip to Mt. St. Helens. I ran into a backpacker in his 70s along the PCT this summer. His trail name was Way Back, because as he said, he goes way back. Still makes me laugh. I think your experience show that backpacking can be a life-long pursuit. Also, once you have your gear, it can be relatively inexpensive to continue. Thank you for your comment, and Happy Trails!
I now swear by the portable bidet and that's for any age. As a 54-year old, I think my REI Flexlite Chair will be in my kit even when I go fastpacking. I still like to sit around at camp. Finally, I always carry a Nalgene bottle and cork ball for rolling my muscles morning and night. It's how I remain injury-free. ☮️❤️🤝
Thanks for your comment. Lots of folks who watched this episode talked about a chair being one of their favorite pieces of gear. I'll check out the REI Flexlite Chair. I think I could have used the cork ball last year on the PCT for my arches. Thanks for watching, and your insights.
@@akwild1, happy to engage and watch more of your videos. You may enjoy my recent videos (channel just starting) about rolling to prevent injury and Trail Magic.
Closed cell pad vs ultralight chair: I carry a closed cell pad for reasons given in the video but I am seriously considering a light chair. Sitting on the ground though not painful is not comfortable at all. I am not comfortable on the ground when I should be very comfortable and recovering.
Trekking Poles: Here in Arkansas they are a MUST regardless of age. The Ozark Highlands Trail has a TON of water crossings and the trail is rocky. All trails here have a rocky tread thus tripping is common. My tent requires them.
Dude wipes: I am doing the PCT this year and plan on canteen bathes to wipe down instead of wipes. We will see how that goes. I share the dislike of the sticky feeling. Dedicated sleep clothing would be a good pick.
Socks: never get blisters so I'll keep my darn tough socks. I do have a layer of wool from briefs, socks, base layer. beanie to suppress odor.
Inserts: My feet usually can heal with inserts if I have foot issues. I trained with a broken bone and with an insert it healed over a marathon training cycle. If i have an issue on the PCT I will buy a set and generally in two weeks my foot issue goes away. I then take them out.
Good luck on your PCT adventure, and thank you for your insights. I like my Darn Tough socks, too, and my feet behave weirdly sometimes. It wasn't until Nor Cal in 2022 that I started getting some small blisters between my toes, not during the start of my trek as I expected might happen. It was during the downhill stretches I had to pay attention to my knees, so I learned to just love the uphill sections of the trail. Hope you have a great adventure. We're planning to hike the CT this summer.
I started hiking in my 30's. Always used trekking poles. I've had a pair of Gabels since 2009. I still use them as they are in great shape. It pays to always clean and properly store gear. They are also part of the emergency 10x10 tarp tent setup plan. You're dead on about as we age, like it or not, we need to adapt to our aging bodies and the right gear helps. Even though I'm in decent shape, the warranty period is up. 🤣
I'll be 50 this year. I've never been able to escape being a weekend warrior due to work which kills long thru hikes. I still hike and hunt while carrying a pack. Usually 25 lbs as I'm prepared to be stuck outdoors in grizzly country should a road become impassable or I can't get back to the truck.
50 is so young. Are you sure you don't have time left on your extended warranty? Yes, Grizzly country requires a whole new perspective, a whole new set of practices. Glad you're still in the game, and I wish you many years ahead on the trail. All the best.
@akwild1 I'm still in decent shape. Just not like when I was a 20 yo infantryman. 🙃
Hell yes! lighter gear us the answer. Thanks for the tips.
MY GEAR: TENT-> Tarptent NOTCH Li (Dyneema fabric) PACK-> Osprey EXOS 58 (Almost the lightest but surely the most comfortable) SLEEP SYSTEM-> REI Flash3 season insulated air mattress. Western Mountaineering Megalite overstuffed to 20 F. down bag. OOK KIT-> dTrail Designs Sidewinder titanium Caldera Cone (With the inverted cone INFERNO insert it burns wood as a high efficiency "gassifier" stove, otherwise I use ESBIT tabs with a BEGET tab holder, but alcohol is good too.Winter is a white gas version of an MSR Whisperlite universal. SHOES-> Merrill MOAB low shoes or MOAB high cut waterproof for winter or rain. SIT PAD-> from REI (can be put in 1/2)
I'm 80 and still love backpacking. Here in Nevada altitudes are high so I take one L-Arginine tablet/capsule 45 minutes after breakfast and one 45 minutes after lunch. opens capillaries for much better O2 uptake.and better lactic acid flushing from muscles.
👍TIP: the Chinese made Fire Maple BLADE 2 canister stove (not the plain BLADE) is great for all weather down to 10 F. because its very light, well made and the canister can be inverted in cold weather due to the vaporization tube arcing next to the burner. (The plain BLADE does not have this necessary tube.) This stove has a lightweight braided steel fuel tube so the titanium burner sits on the ground (or rock or table etc.) for good stability. Fuel control handle is on the canister, safely AWAY from the stove.
80 and still backpacking! I can only dream. I hope others can also learn something from your gear advice. I'm thinking of switching back to my Merrell Moabs for my next long distance hike. Thank you.
Reflectex-Ibcut a piece to my body shape and use it inside my bag on top of my body to add extra warmth. Also use it as a tent mat/wind screen/sit pad/etc. lighter and cheaper than bag liner and multi use.
That sounds interesting. I think I've used the material only for cozzies. Is this material durable when you go backpacking? Thank you for sharing.
Fleece arm / leg warmers are small but useful to keep the slight chill away on early mornings or late nights. Also a thermometer helps me to gauge how many layers to wear to avoid getting sweaty and potentially cold .
Hi tiger! Shug suggested on his channel to ware a puffy vest instead of coat & jacks r better has down sleeves which can be used as warmers over arms or legs sleeping & if not needed makes a great pillow.
I just found this channel.
Good to know. Thanks for watching.
My trekking pole is a 1.5m stainless steel curtain dod with a ferrule at each end. I have 2 and they're hollow so I carry my cordage in them
Great idea. I'd like to design a trekking pole that can be turned into a nice fishing rod that can be used to add a little variety to my dehydrated food diet.
@@akwild1 I designed a hobo reel that has two storage compartments, a top can and a bottom can. The bottom can fits over the handle of the hobo reel and doubles as a cooking vessel. It's a baked beans can that I sprayed on the outside with Rust Oleum as a preservative and anti rust. It hangs from my belt. The thing that holds it together is a plastic tin lid which fastens to the bottom of the top can (on which the fishing line is fastened) so I just slip the tin can with such items as can fit into it and still leave room for the wooden handle, and clip shut. I used good screws and two part epoxy glue and the whole thing is as solid as a rock. Looks good, too, because I covered the outside of the top can with blue duct tape and the Rust Oleum on the bottom can is a lovely silver grey. Both cans hold a lot of stuff even though the handle has to fit in the bottom can. It's one-third of my 'survival' kit. The other two pouches also fit on my belt but can also be converted to shoulder straps.
You sound like a fisherman
Dude wipes! My fav. They have individually wrapped ones and they seem a little bit bigger than the ones in the big pack. Thanks for the tips my friend.
That version of Dude Wipes sounds like a winner. Thanks for sharing.
I bring my knee braces and wear them during the hike. They soften each shock, which cumulatively over time could lead to swollen stiff knees. With them on, my stiff knees problems went away.
Good idea. To me, it seems the downhill sections beat up my knees the most. When I feel knee pain, I use a knee stretch exercise that seems to help. Thanks for your tip.
@@akwild1 And what knee stretch exercise would that be? I've had problem with knee pain on the downhill for years.
Great video, thanks for the info!
Thanks for your kind words, and for watching. I appreciate it.
Thank you for vlogging about hikers with a little more trail under their boots. @@akwild1
I found over the years that 2 of the main causes of plantar fasciitis are high sides opposite the main foot arch(cut them down to normal, and front points on either side of a raised heel (just behind the insole or shank). While they may seem vital for quick stops, they greatly interfere with the flexion of the foot at angles. The human heel is a round shape and the shoe heel should also be round.
Thank you Wayne for your insight. Based on my experience with plantar fasciitis, your advice makes sense to me.
I’m 49 and hiking the AT this summer, half of it. Already got the REI 1lb chair and the Flexlight pump.
Congrats on your plan to hike the AT. I hope you have an amazing adventure.
I have been called a coffee snob before but one thing I carry is an 8 oz coffee grinder as my luxury item. Also as others have said, a p bottle, because in a hammock it’s so easy to use and not have to get up in the cold!
Yes! Someone who understands the importance of coffee. I'll be honest: before the PCT I agonized about bring along my titanium French press because I love coffee served that way. I decided against, mainly because I carry way too much camera gear and I had to cut back somewhere. I wound up liking Death Wish instant coffee, which wasn't as good as the fresh ground kind of which you speak. I imagine being a "coffee snob" brings a lot of friends out of the woodwork, so to speak. Thanks for watching and for sharing.
Yes to the garmin instinct solar. My Apple Watch lives on the charger now because the Garmin just goes and goes and goes! My only beef is that sometimes the charging cable does not connect and I must fiddle with it. But I LOVE this watch.
I have the same problem during charging, but it's not too bad. Jiggling the connection usually works. I feel the same way you do about the watch. Thank you for watching this video.
I take a chair! It’s worth the extra one pound in my opinion!
What kind of chair, and how much does it weigh?
@@akwild1 I have the REI Flexlite Air Chair. It weighs one pound and I take in on every single hike I go on! So much better than sitting on the dirt/snow! I’m even going to start with it on the PCT this year. Time will tell if I ditch it, or decide it’s worth the weight. A thru hike is a different beast compared to a weekend backpacking trip.
@@akwild1 Rei Flexlite or Helinox Zero
I take a stool instead because my chair (cheap) weighs 1kg meaning 2lbs. Sitting on the floor is miserable. Closed cell foam pad is okay since I can sleep and sit on it, at least get off the ground, but still any kind of raised surface to sit on is great.
I have a foldable 3-legged stool with a shoulder strap and a clip. It goes over my shoulder and then clips to my camera harness. I can carry it for hours and not know it's there. When I want to sit, it's there.
Hope the next video will be HOW TO USE TREKING POLES. hand straps too.. I like them because of balance problems. Im getting a real life bump hat so when I do fall with a backpack on I lessen the impact with the ground i hope. I know it seems dorky to wear a helmet but with TBI and other head injuries I'll take the laughs and pointy fingers.
Thanks Bill, What you're doing seems very reasonable to me. I've seen a lot stranger things on the PCT. I'll have to think about producing an episode on hiking with trekking poles. I busted one of mine last year in Oregon, and I have to consciously remember to not let either of the poles get out directly in front of my feet where I risk tripping over them. Thank you for watching.
Thanks for the useful information!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching.
A chair, trekking poles, and a poncho seal the deal for me 😊
Sounds like you have your gear dialed in.
This one is for the ladies. I take Lancome City Block Sheer tinted moisturizer. It's SPF 25 and comes in a small tube.
Thank you.
I'm thinking about adding a super lightweight cot to my gear mix.
I never heard of a super lightweight cot. I've seen camp chairs around a pound, but not a cot. I'll be interested to learn more.
Thanks AK, I've been taking the standard wipes you get in the grocery store. Great for hygiene & many other uses as you mention. Appreciate the "Dude Wipe" recommendation. Looking forward to giving them a try. As always thanks for your content!
To save weight,I open the wipes and let them dry out,then I put a days worth in a ziploc bag and add some water to rehydrate. ✌🏼
@@roberttrinies7698 great tip
@@roberttrinies7698 Thanks for the great tip about drying them out & rehydrating. Will give it a try!
Thanks for watching. Dude Wipes are a bit stouter, and they cause you to grin a little every time you use one.
Great information and video. What brand or style of hiking clothes do you use. I had skin cancer and would like recommendations on long pants for summer and winter. Jeans are uncomfortable. Also do you use shoe gaters when hiking
I believe there isn't one brand of pants that works for everyone. I like hiking in Kuhl pants because they're pretty flexible. I agree with your comment about jeans; I don't like them. Last summer on the PCT I tried some REI shoe gaiters, but I destroyed them pretty quickly. It's usually the strap or line that goes under the shoe arch that is the weak link and cuts, frays or splits. Flash likes her Dirty Girl gaiters and treats them better than I do. My feet get very dirty when hiking long distances, and I do occasionally have to contend with pebbles in my shoes. For me, it's just one of those things I get used to on the trail.
A sun hoodie, it has extra long sleeves with thumb holes to protect the hands as well. I always wear long pants and a sleeved top or sun hoodie plus hat when its sunny. Spending hours in the summer sun in shorts and tee shirt is asking for trouble.
Destin cream for rash. It can make a big difference.
Us regular not Xtra as regular is less greasy and comes off easily.
Good tip. Thank you. Sometimes folks get chaffing, and I've seen some hikers on the PCT use Body Glide. I had to use chapstick in a pinch, and it did work. I'll look up your recommendation. Thank you.
I love soft feet and hands. Never had a blister, callus or hot feet. I use hike goo, silk toe liners and darn tough socks. I also put this on my hand crease because of trekking poles and barbell training. And yes, I have silk gloves as well.
Goo is good stuff. I think it helps prevent chaffing, too, right?
@@akwild1 The bottle does read that although I haven't used it for that purpose.
An Amazon bubble wrap shipping envelop. Free and weighs almost nothing. I use it three ways: a doormat for my knees getting into and out of my tent, extra insulation under my hips at night (I like my inflatable mattress saggy), and to sit on. You could also use it has a bag for washing clothes. I am also team chair. I find the thing I like least about being an older backpacker is getting up off the ground.
That's definitely an original idea. I'll never look at my Amazon bubble wraps the same way again. Thanks for sharing.
Great video! Great advice!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching and the positive comment. Happy Trails.
👍 .. after 73 Summers, with wrecked knees and a dodgy hip, I swear by my walking poles. I 'Nordic Walk' to keep in shape.
I no longer 'distance hike' with heavy loads .. but with a forest just 150 metres from my front entrance and others easily accessible by means of an excellent Public Transport Infrastructure, I have no excuse to not 'get out there'. Heavier loads (for a decent 'picnic') .. I just pack everything into a shopping trolley (the two-wheeled pull-along type .. they're no hassle on public transport too) and I'm off! An alternative, I remove the 'shopping bag' and just strap on a 55 or 65 litre backpack.
Chair .. not there .. yet 😏. Swiss Forests (many villages have a forest sitting adjacent or nearby) have a good infrastructure and are well-maintained. Benches / seating can be found on most of the pathways.
Foam Pad .. I have a little collapsible 'concertina' closed-cell foam 'sit pad'. It takes up very little space in a day pack and is great for the rear end and knees. Also, at Bus Stops during Winter .. those that have the more modern 'slatted' metal seating 😳. Freezing the butt while waiting for the bus (not that one has to wait long .. pre-planning and a Service that 'runs on time' sees to that). However, offering the pad to an older 'Granny' reinforces a lomg-standing inbred 'old school' gallantry 😊.
Watch and such .. my analogue works just fine. I have learned to 'listen' my body regarding how tired / out of breath / whatever I am at any given time .. and two fingers on my wrist pulse, six seconds times ten, give me my heart rate.
Good tips .. thanks for sharing .. take care ..
Thank you Thomas. Three cheers for "old school gallantry." Many miles ahead, and Happy Trails from Alaska.
Just seein' that trail up Whitney gits me 'cited! I spied someone washin' laundry in a bear can. Hmm. That a great secret or a one off? BTW, two poles give you 3 points of contact, if you're not standin' still. ;-) Just picked up my NRS Hydroskin sox from REI's Outlet last night. Haven't pulled the trigger on Injinji or the foam pad since my suitcase is full now and I'm hopin' my inflatable will be safe until a hiker box sprouts a foam pad for me!
Whitney is pretty magical at sunrise. Love it. We used our bear canister for laundry when it was all we had. Sound like you have your feet dialed in. Good luck on the trail.
I bring younger people as my essential gear. 😂
Yes, trail apprentices. As older backpackers, our job is to think the big thoughts while our younger companions do the grunt work.
So right! Hahahaha. Not only do I go nowhere alone, but I also almost always have a twenty or thirty something with me. Advantage of having lots of children. Hahahahahaha.
I was surprised you did not bring up excercise. I realize it is not a piece of gear, but it can improve balance, strength and longevity.
I an almost 65, been working out for over 12 years, it has changed me physiocally, but also my mental state in that I Believe I can do things
not associated with age. Just my 2 cents. Totally agree with the dude wipes!
I have spoken quite a bit about training and exercise in my older hiker tips videos. I agree, exercise is essential.
@@akwild1 Yes, you have.
Thanks...stay safe, enjoy life
Thank you, I will. Happy Trails.
Chair...chair...chair...chair...chair. Did I mention bringing a chair?
You can get a 16 ounce chair now that makes a world of difference.
Lots of chair advocates commenting. I sense a trend. Thank you watching and commenting.
Appreciate this "swear-by" list. Might you also advise of your "swear-at" list?
Richard, that's a great idea. You got me thinking.
@@akwild1
In some respects it may be just as useful as the "swear-by" list. Perhaps a list of age-related factors that led to the colorful language and modification of your gear.
Gear choices "to swear by, or swear at." Exactly! I'll add that Farm to Feet socks are 100% USA sourced and made, with a performance guarantee similar to Darn Tough. Well done and thank you for the tips!
Thanks for the tip. I plan to order a pair and see how they compare. Feet are my central preoccupation when it comes to backpacking. Thank you for watching. Happy Trails.
I simply LOVE "made in USA." What better way to support your fellow hiker than to recommend American made products.
Thank YOU!🌈
Ignore arch support Insoles or shoes. The foot is a spring and needs the arch. Use flat footwear!
Closed cell foam pad all the way! Fast to sit on for a sec and get off the ground, and so many other things.
I’m still young but the best thing I’ve done is use a hammock. Comfortable sleep over a little more weight. I sleep all throughout the night unless I have to pee on my Amok Draumr
I'm glad that works for you, but it didn't for me on the PCT. For example, I tried zero-drop Altras, which most people raved about, and my feet were miserable, and the arch supports did help my feet. That's based on my experience hiking 2620 miles on the PCT.
Can't argue with that! hike your own hike then :D@@akwild1
I'm working on overcoming your 1st thing on your list of mistakes...Not going, but, I am doing day hikes to prepare for a longer trip someday.
That's how it begins, with day hikes. Too many people put a majority of their emphasis on gear, but I think having a solid "why" is much more important. Now that I have the PCT behind me, my why comes down to the fact that I love the sensation of feeling physically and mentally sound on the trail. I also just really like to walk, and keep on walking. I think doing daily hikes is a great way to get into the routine of what you do on the trail. I wish you the best as you move toward your grand adventure.
Trekking poles provide better balance but also provide propulsion on uphills, braking or cushioning on downhills, and provide arm and upper body exercise.
Yes they do. On some slippery sections, I was very glad to have them. Thank you.
A chair with a back is a must have.
Thank you. Awesome idea.
I swear by a bag of hot chips, not too greasy but doused in enough salt and vinegar for them to be an almost ever lasting snack on a long day trip. You can use the wrapping paper as a protective hat in the winter too! Win win!!
I always get a kick when I see a through hiker lash a bag of chips to the top of their backpacks after they left town. I usually get chip cravings along the trail. Thanks for your advice.
thank you sir, great video
p.s. I'm just 38, but it was great advice, and you look better than me! ahaha
Thank you! I appreciate you for watching. Happy Trails!
Generally wipes are not biodegrable and should packed out per leave no trace. Other than that good list, but my can't leave without gear is now a packtowl. Great for washing and wiping down tent when wet. Dries super fast.
I mentioned in the comments that I carry a nasty bag for TP and wipes. I don’t bury them.
I no longer hike due to age and Lyme Disease but when I did, I always took a Crazy Creek chair with me. I would say that from the age of 50 until now (I'm 71) I much appreciated the back support it gave me. I had very few sore back mornings on the trail, and I did have them prior to carrying the chair. A side benefit is that you can un-clip it and lay it flat under your sleeping pad for more R value too. I managed to get my pack down to 27-28 pounds even with the chair and a liter of whiskey from 72 pounds on Springer during my first thru hike in 1990.
Hike safe, Hike strong, Have fun!
geek
Thank you James. I believe there is one solid theme in many of the comments: the benefits of taking along a hiking chair. Thank you, and thanks for your good tidings.
I find wipes to be too heavy, and generally unnecessary. I might take a few dried ones, only on a short hike. For long hikes, I just bring a lightweight washcloth and use water to wash. Or a tiny bit of soap with it, well away from lakes or streams. The more I can eliminate from my pack, the happier I am.
Thanks Karen, I also carry a micro-cloth for washing, too. The Dude Wipes certainly are a trail luxury.
You can dehydrate (leave open to air out) the wipes & then just add a bit of water for use.
I agree with all the other comments chair was a game changer for me. I also always take a Kelly kettle I canoe back country camp so weight is not so important and I love being able to take less fuel and boil water with almost anything
Thanks for watching and your comment. The Kelly Kettle looks like quite the stove. I raft a lot, so I might try the stove on my rafting adventures. You got me thinking.
This likely isn’t an “older hiker” item so much as it’s just been my goto for the past 30 years. However, I have an item called “The Original Bug Shirt”. It can be hot, but it’s been a piece of gear that’s been an absolute staple of mine, young and older…
Thanks Glen. As you can imagine, the mosquitoes in Alaska are notorious, and they were pretty annoying last year when I hiked through the PCT in Oregon. Anything to level the playing field against the bugs works for me. How does the Bug Shirt work on what we call the no-seeums?
@@akwild1 First off, you’re awesome. I live in south central Canada, and the nearest national park to me is a place called Riding Mountain National Park. I’ve hiked every kilometer multiple times over the years, and on bad bug years, the mosquitoes are off the charts (as can be the bears). That bug shirt is a staple of mine because I prefer it so much over deet. It provides complete protection regarding no-seeums as well, so for me it’s just been an incredible piece of gear. I will admit it gets hot on warm sunny days, but water is in abundance, and I’d rather sweat than deal with too many bugs. Not to mention, although I have a spare, I’ve been using the same one for 30 years. What a great product.
@@glenloewen7507 Glen, I looked up the Bug Shirt, and I realized that Flash has one that might be the same or similar, and she loves it. I agree with your comments about Deet. I think I'll order one, try it out and talk about it during a future episode on how to deal with mosquitoes. Thanks for the tip. When I was in my early 20s I worked as a fishing guide in the Bristol Bay region. I remember one of our clients was a dentist, and each morning, he gave each of his guides a big fat cigar, which worked wonders on repelling mosquitoes. The cigar smoking habit never took with me, but the memory is still there. Thanks again.
Excellent! You might like alpaca insoles :)
I never heard of those. Flash and I both have Alpaca hoodies, which we love. Alpaca hiking clothes seems to be the new trend, for a good reason. Thanks for the tip.
Looks like that would make the alpaca mad!?
Mosquito head net. Those little devils are relentless.
Yes, they are real buggers, the lowest form of reincarnation, especially in Oregon.
Dude Wipes are awesome. They help prevent getting a rash in the, ummmm, neither regions.
I won’t leave home without them. For good leave no trace practice I haul them out with my trash.
Thank you, glad to see a fellow brother of the Dude Wipe. Yes, hauling them out. That's called my nasty bag.
A Life Straw. Ultra light and gives access to water otherwise undrinkable. Water purification tabs, Sawyer etc. Depends where you go what you carry. Water is life.
Absolutely. I no longer take water for granted during the stretches I had to endure on the PCT where I ran out. Thank you for watching.
I met an oldtimer sheepherder in the Wind River Range many years ago who claimed he could live off the high altitude water for extended periods if times because of all the micronutrients and health benefits. He couldn't understand why people would filter all that out, boil it, or add iodine. "Bunch of idiots" he said. I half way agree.
Do those wipes break down and compost fairly quickly in the ground or in the forest service privy?
That's a good question. According to Conserve, Energy, Future, they are biodegradable. They are made from pure cotton, and it contains organic ingredients. However, I don't think they break down as quickly as TP.
From my research all wipes biodegradable or not need to be packed out. Not buried or put in privy.
paper map and compass have always works😃🗺🥾
Old school skill never die. Thank you.
Thank you for your video
Thanks for watching!
Regarding footwear, A boot with a shañk for stiffness will keep your feet from getting tired and sore from constant flexing.
Yes, I express that very sentiment in my next video. I'm thinking seriously about abandoning my light-weight trail runners for my mid-weight boots on the Colorado Trail next summer. A few other folks in the comments agree with you. Thanks for watching.
“Shank you” very much for the good footwear advice 😉👍
Trekking poles, Dude wipes, and closed cell foam pad are part of this 62-year-olds backpacking gear list.
Amen. Mine too even as I'm within striking distance of 64.
Mole skin is essential too!
Thank you. We needed a lot of Mole Skin for our son this past year on the PCT. He earned the trail name Blisters.
I bring a hammock even tho i have a tent. The hammock doubles as a chair and sets up just as quickly. Only requirement is a couple of trees tho.
It also keeps you out of the ants. I imagine it's very light, too. I'd love to sleep in a hammock and watch the stars at night... You got me thinking.
@@akwild1
I love that I can comfortably elevate my feet on a hmmock that I can't do with a camp chair. Helps with some minor dizziness and my legs recover faster.
Another use for that large pad is as cover for a squat/pee.
Better than camo. Thanks for the insight. Happy Trails.
Good advice
Thank you so much. I appreciate it
@@akwild1 you're welcome
Use all that gear minus the watch. Love dude wipes at end of the day like a nice bath.
And the name Dude Wipes, always makes you grin regardless of how much pain your feel. Thanks for watching.
Iron pig! What a name lol
Do you ride a Harley?
Never mind the insoles, it's important to avoid the air soles!
Your wife will help you find a small 30-50ml plastic spray bottle, they usually come with a tube so the liquid place inside can be drawn out from the bottom. Take the tube out, fill with water and you can get a couple of good sprays each time you turn it upside-down. Makes a great bidet. (butt washer)
I'm sure we have a plant-watering spray bottle around here some place. Thanks for the advice.
Helinox Zero camp chair. Don't be surprised if you come back from peeing away from camp and find one of your buddies sitting in YOUR chair. I won't backpack without mine.
Thank you. The Helinox has quite a few supporters and defenders.
You know, you can evaporate the dude wipes or wet wipes, store them in a plastic bag and use a little water to rehydrate just before use. This saves weight.
Yes, thank you.
Am I the only one that likes sock liners? Dry blister free feet longer lasting socks that don't reek. Comfortable sleep system. ( whatever that means to you)
I think there are a few in your camp on sock liners. Flash loves her Injini sock liners to guard against blisters.
I always have lipstick. My lips never chap. I want to look alive in pictures with color. And you know what, it makes me feel pretty on the trails.
I remember hiking in Hawaii and smelling perfume and after shave on some of the hikers passing by. I guess that adds new meaning to the phrase, "hike your own hike." Your comment made me smile. Thank youj.
❤❤❤
I LOVE my down booties. Weigh nothing, so no reason not to always have them.
Sounds toasty. My feet are my central pre-occupation on backpacking trips, so I really understand your reasoning. Thank you for sharing and for watching.
Last couple of years I’ve added a bidet and a pee bottle to my kit. No more getting out of the tent 2 or 3 times a night.
Thanks Eric. Those items seem very popular with a few older hikers on this channel. Thanks for sharing.
Gear for older backpackers? And THIS is why God made horses!
And perhaps, drones. Maybe one day we'll all use drones to shuttle all our gear from one camp spot to the next. It doesn't seem too far out there.
For older men particularly, a pee bottle. Stay in your tent the whole night. It really is invaluable when you get to 'that age'.
Probably saves the tent zipper, too.
What about pee bottle?
A few backpackers have mentioned this item. I haven't reached the point where I need one, quite yet. I usually pee before turning in for the night, and the I rise early. Things will probably change as I grow older.
A 9-10cm (3.5 inch) sleeping pad so that i get some good sleep and have the energy to walk the next day.
That's a stout sleeping pad. Next week, I'm going to talk about how important it is to dial in your sleep system. You seem to already have that one figured out. Thanks for watching.
@@akwild1 Yes Im using a Big Agnes Rapide SL and its the best unless your going to sleep in very cold conditions.
I agree. I am more comfortable on my 3.5" Big Agnes sleeping pad than in my bed at home. I took a thinner one last summer and totally regretted it.