Tips for Older Hikers and Backpackers

[@jenniferroberts7581]

Just took a hike and picnic in Yosemite high country with my dad to celebrate his 87th! He led the way ❤😊!

[@rrtt44]

So cool! Still hiking at 87...good for him! You'll always have that memory.

[@kirby7489]

Tip #6 - use hiking poles. They take some strain off your joints and help you feel steady on your feet.

[@rrtt44]

Yes, good tip! Hiking poles help distribute some of the load to your upper body.

[@robvp71]

I actually think it is better to also train without them because it will give you extra strength. I use hiking poles sometimes, especially during long descents with a backpack or on boggy / slippery ground but apart from that I try to avoid using them so I don't depend on them.

[@Heritage3911]

I was skeptical of this video at first but I found all of your recommendations right on point. Finding other hikers is the most difficult one in my opinion.

[@rrtt44]

Thanks for your comments. Agree finding the right hiking partner is key

[@robvp71]

53 now and enjoying my hikes like I am 30.. the only difference now is the time I need to get back to full strength but physically on the trail I feel even better than when I was in my 30's. Fortunately I have always been in good health and enjoying walking / climbing or cycling as much as I can. I prepare by making weekend walks / hikes with my backpack and tent (wild camping) and do indoor climbing. In 2023 I did the Cape Wrath Trail in Scotland and lost 6kgs but even with all the rain I never had the feeling that I wanted to quit. After the CWT I climbed some more munros and felt pretty powerful finishing most of the walks in 50-70% of the time that was needed according to the guidebooks (then again, I have long legs which helps ;-) ).. when I finally came home I think I slept 14 hours for three days 🙂 and that is the main difference with being 30.. this year I already did some great hiks on the Azores, in April I will do the Skye Trail and in september I expect to do the Massiv Norway trail.. already looking forward to those hikes! (oh and actually I prefer to do my hikes on my own.. best remedy for a mad society ;-) and you will always meet very nice people on the trail!)

[@rrtt44]

You've done some spectacular hikes! Keep it up!

[@user-us9uu9vm4k]

Here's a video you might like it.

[@4potslite169]

These are tips that would be helpful to new hikers that aren’t backpacking savvy. As an older long distance backpacker, I’ve learned to slow down, but keep moving. You don’t want to start from scratch every hike w a fitness level that has deteriorated between trips. I’m 63 and still do long hikes (2-6 mos) every few yrs w shorter 100-250 mile trips several times a yr in between. When I’m not on these trips I hike 30-40 miles on my weekends and trail run about 25% of that mileage for cardio. I can’t hike 20 miles a day in only 6 hrs any more…(more like 8 now) but it doesn’t matter how fast you go…just go. You don’t have to get fit to hike if you stay fit.

[@woodsman335]

I like what Andrew Skurka says.... Don't try to hike fast, because you'll always hit a spot on the trail that slows you down. Instead hike more hours per day to reach your daily mileage goal. I like that idea. Fits my 58 year old body.

[@davidterrie7661]

I'm 70. I use La Sportiva Bushido IIs with Sole Performance insoles. Great combination. For training, I wear my pack at max trail weight when I walk or go on a day hike. I've also incorporated some treadmill work going 3.5mph at a 7-10 degree incline for 30 minutes. The incline helps with the hip flexors and glutes. I also weight work on my glutes and quads as well as some core work. I also try to maintain fighting weight. I've you go out with 15 extra pounds on you it's like carrying a super heavy pack. Extra weight is really part of your base weight. This might be more than most hikes require, but I'm hiking the JMT again this year. It's hard even when you're in shape.

[@rrtt44]

Great comments!

[@Teddy-fx6fx]

I am in my 50’s and you have some great advice.Thankfully my job keeps me in pretty good shape.Something that I do every day is stretching, it’s amazing how much it helps me. Especially as you get older. I do most of my backpacking solo,It’s nice to just get away sometimes.

[@rrtt44]

Totally agree on the stretching. I stretch just before lunch 5 days a week and it helps keep my knees strong and healthy. Thanks for your comments!

[@puptrainer546]

I just wanted to add for older women , many have a low thyroid problem which causes fatigue.. I did a deep dive into low heart rate training. Which really helped me with keep a slower yet consistent pace on the incline. I felt so much better. I didn't feel fatigued, or starving (unless it was time to eat).

[@rrtt44]

Great info. Thanks!

[@kennethstarr5545]

I really like Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator mids
I got all the way to Chi Midway to fly to Seattle, Hoh River to Blue Glacier, and realized I forgot my mids. I usually wear them and pack my everyday shoes and then I don’t forget them and the everyday shoes are easier packed anyway. They were awesome from right off the shelf. No issues. Why I will always like Ventilators

[@rrtt44]

Thanks for the comment!

[@TheFairway8]

Another great hiking partner would be a loyal dog

[@rrtt44]

Agreed! My dog was a great hiking partner...for 16 years!

[@michaelstudelska5607]

I’m 66, planning on doing about 3 weeks on the AT later this summer. I’ve been doing everything mentioned except one thing. I’m willing to carry a few extra pounds to have a good nights sleep. I have a Hennessy Hammock, an under quilt, an over quilt, and two pillows. I tried it out a few times in the backyard. I sleep better in my hammock than I do in my bed.

[@AdventureswithLycanmyGSD]

My hiking partner is a well trained Protection dog ie GSD who adores hiking as much as I do.

[@rrtt44]

Really cool!

[@Mrgoofyoops]

Thank you, this is information that I needed! 66 y.o., recovering from very long term battle with ulcerative colitis, getting my strength and endurance back up is critical for me. I will be doing these exercises.

[@rrtt44]

I wish you the very best in your recovery! I just said a prayer for you. Health & wellness is in your future. God Bless!

[@overwatchxrescue]

Great video and tips! ...and so important about your footwear advice since it is sometimes overlooked by those starting out on their first hiking adventures.

[@rrtt44]

Thank you. Agreed, finding the right footwear is so important

[@erict5878]

Thanks for the info..I was a backpacker since my early days in Boy Scouts. I am now 74 but some things in my life got in the way and I haven't been able to do my lifelong favorite thing in over a decade. I wanted to do the JMT when I retired but over the last 12 years have been taking care of my wife. So my muscle mass has depreciated. Thanks for your input on getting ready for next years hiking ( hopefully). You have helped to inspire me! Thank you so much!

[@rrtt44]

Nice job taking care of your wife. You have inspired ME with your comment. Start slow and work your way up. I wish you the very best on the trail. Happy Hiking!

[@richardduprey6611]

Thanks for your video! At 68, still an active member in the county mountain search and rescue. If possible cross train road biking...

[@rrtt44]

Thanks for your SAR service. Good tip on road biking for training.

[@Tiffany462]

Wonderful advice, I enjoyed your video. Thank you and may God bless every step along your path in life. 🙏

[@desertmoons8]

Good video and tips and presented perfectly. Thanks! Will be doing those stretches

[@rrtt44]

Thank you

[@johnslagboom1836]

Great confirmation! I will eventually need a new sleeping bag and tent. Good for now. Looking to do part of the first leg of the PCT this year. From Campo to Julian. See how that goes. Next hike is to Sespe Hot Springs from Sisar Canyon in Ventura County California. This is a 50 miler with over 8,000 feet of total elevation in four days, three nights. I am currently 62!

[@rrtt44]

Sounds like a spectacular hike you have planned! Happy Hiking!

[@woodsman335]

I do a good bit of long distance hiking here in Alabama. Mostly on the Pinhoti Trail. I'm 58 years old. Concerning breaking in your shoes, my thought is that your shoes must be too thick, stiff and heavy if you've got to break them in before going on a long hike. In the old days of wearing leather "hiking boots" (like Timberlands) you did need to break them in before heading out. However these days most serious hikers I know wear trail runners and those don't need much if any breaking in due to the flex built in at the factory (I wear "Merrell Flight Eco"). I'd suggest testing trail runners before heading out though. Otherwise you might get out there and realize something about them hurts your feet. That's just my two cents on the subject of shoes. Good video! Keep them coming.

[@rrtt44]

Great tips! Happy Hiking!

[@54DonaldB]

When looking for shoes, go to a good running shoe store and have them check your stride. You may walk pronated or hypo-pronated. Getting the right shoe to help correcting those conditions is key, especially if you are suffering from knee pain.

[@kennethstarr5545]

Powerstep Insoles, Pinnacle Hiker, Arch Support Hiking Boot Insole, Maximum Arch Support Orthotic For Women and Men
Depending if they are on sale they run from $36-$55

[@keithbandy8959]

a pilow number one

[@davidchipman1156]

Very good advice, thank you. I never though of stretching hip flexors, but you are so right, those kill me after.

[@rrtt44]

Thank you!

[@tonya5419s]

Meetup is great!!!

[@GraceHollister-kr9uc]

Thanks, great tips! The leg lift stretch you showed is helpful 😀

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. The custom footbed inserts sound like a great idea.
I recommend trekking poles. They have been my salvation, especially on slippery or uneven footing.

[@larrycoggin8535]

This guy is a pro

[@billseay6399]

Hey Thanks Loving it big guy

[@lightwalker4558]

Nice tips. Thanks.

[@northwestwalking]

Thanks for sharing!

[@popi7592]

stretching is super important 👍🏻

[@rrtt44]

Agree!

[@stephenbowen9255]

Great video

[@RTFLDGR]

Go to a real chiropractor. Pelvic (sacrum/iliac) joint dysfunction causes regional muscles spasms, knee joint meniscus strain and L5/S1 intervertebral disc strain. Chronic joint problems cause pain and damage.
Myscles stuck in chronic contraction do not stretch.

[@lightwalker4558]

Also taste test your dehydrated food before you leave. Nothing worse than being stuck witheals that you don't like or make you feel nauseated

[@barbarapaine8054]

Voltaren is my friend

[@TheFairway8]

Blimey the cost of some of that equipment I know a lot of it is cos of the super light weight, I think I’d rather work on building up my traps haha. All joking aside that was a very interesting video

[@miken7629]

I am 68 and go section hiking on AT every spring, one thing that changes, you get slower with age, last spring could only do 11miles a day so everyone passes me and I end up alone. Beware, predators like wolves, mountain lions, & bears always target the stragglers that end up alone and can't keep up, easy meal. I train all year long so I will be ready, especially the feet by walking & running, there are 28 bones in the foot and walking distance, carrying weight, causes those bones to spread out & flatten, which makes your feet larger. My shoe size grew from 9.5 D to 12 Wide. That adaptation is painful for some and knocks them off trail, but pain will eventually subside and they will adapt.

[@rrtt44]

Good for you! I also section hike the AT (most) every spring and fall with my two hiking buddies. We're up to Clingmans Dome. I'm glad you mentioned shoe size because I forgot to mention in my video that you want to go up a shoe size or possibly more because your foot swells on the trail. BTW, 11 miles a day is still legit so good for you. Carry some bear spray with you. Happy Hiking!

[@craigcampbell6961]

messed up no sound

[@augusto8821]

Whats the difference between old or young hikers?? Nothing 😂

[@TheNoobHiker]

Corporate Hiker Guy, any chance you can post a link to that foam pad you got the shoes inserts from? It funny how you said your feet moved around in the shoe, I have that same problem also. Solid video!

[@rrtt44]

Hi, the website to get the custom shoe inserts is upstep.com. Once you place an order, they will ship you the foam boxes for you to step on to create a mold for your feet. The inserts are a little pricey but they have worked great for me. Happy Hiking!

[@TheNoobHiker]

@@rrtt44 Thanks!

[@needtokeepwalking]

Damn, hiking advice for retired wall St executives

[@boyang234]

Good tips, but you may want to check your microphone, the sound is a bit off when you're speaking!

[@rrtt44]

Thanks for the comment. I recently ordered a Rode microphone so I think that will work better than the one I have

[@MrCYCLESMITH]

There is no sound.

[@migranthawker2952]

That tent really looks rubbish!!