Tips For Older Hikers And Younger Hikers Who Want to BECOME Older Hikers
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- 00:00 Hey Y'all
00:14 I Want To Break Nimblewill Nomad's Appalachian Trail Record
01:16 Tips - Stay Active
01:41 Hike Slower
02:30 Take More Breaks
03:01 Take Care Of Mind, Body and Spirit (Lift Weights, Nutrition, Mental Health)
05:01 Avoid Injury
05:37 Don't Ignore Changes In Your Body
06:56 Use Trekking Poles
07:19 Lighten Your Load
08:20 Consider Hammocking
09:10 Don't Wait
10:10 Check Out Hiking Rev!
Here is a video he did on this topic: • Tips for Older Hikers ...
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Well I might not be silver but a little grey at 54 but 2 years ago diagnosed with cancer and could not walk 100 yards, last week went to Colorado and hiked over Fifty miles and out for 6 days with 5 scouts and 3 other adults. You just have to not give up. Thanks Dixie keep it up.
I am 70. A few years ago I had a tachycardia episode and wound up seeing a cardiologist. At one visit I had just come back from a trip to the Tahoe Rim Trail, an attempt at a through hike. Anyway, the doc asked if I wasn’t afraid of a medical emergency, like a heart attack, in the back country. I told him that I would rather check out overlooking a mountain meadow or an alpine lake than in a hospital bed hooked up to machines. Obviously, he did not get it, because he looked at me like I had three heads for a few moments, then changed the subject.
I agree with you 100%. 👍
You may want to look for a new cardiologist. A good physician always keeps in mind that they are supposed to be helping to improve your quality of life….not just make you live longer.
I completely agree. I have said the same thing for years. I haven't been backpacking for several years exactly because of some health conditions, but I fully intend to to work towards getting back on the trail this summer. I am working on lightening my load, and I have a brand new pair of boots that hasn't even been broken in yet. So I am gradually working towards getting ready.
Although a heart attack or a bad fall might be painful, in the long run the happiness that I feel by being on the trail is worth the risk.
@@TheNypenfan I could not disagree with you more. The medical industry’s (yes it is an industry) business model is to keep you alive, and reliant on their drugs and services, for as long as possible. The pharmaceutical industry funds the AMA. They also pay for all those continuing education junkets that doctors go on. Why do you think that prescriptions for statins, antidepressants, and (formerly) opiates are through the roof? It’s not for the patients’ benefit. The greatest part of your lifetime’s medical expenses will occur during your final months. If you die suddenly in the Sierra mountains that represents a lot of cash the medical industry won’t get. That is not a happy outcome for doctors. Doctors rack up hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt to become doctors. No matter how altruistically the start out, those debts have to be paid. Guess where the money to service those debts comes from. Regardless of how “good “ you think your doctors is, how sincere their concerned face looks, how attentively they listen to your complaints, you are a ultimately a bank account and an insurance account to be billed. If you grasp that idea you are less likely to be taken in by the medical industry’s facade. As always, follow the money to get to the truth.
Good for you Peter. I had a similar experience with a neurologist when I told him I started feeling dizzy after thru hiking the AT. He asked, why would you want to do that? I said man it's something a lot of people want to do. You either get it or you don't. :-)
Hi, Dixie. Good stuff! I'm 66 and there's a couple of things I would add. First, not only have I lightened my pack (by buying every piece of ultralight gear I can afford), I also try to lighten ME. I realized that for every additional 10 pounds of fat on my gut, its like carrying a bag of sugar in my pack. So, I choose to lose the excess me. Also, I do not allow myself to think of myself as "old". My inner man is still youthful but I just happen to have an aging body I have to deal with. When I go hiking, I embrace my inner kid. I think your mental outlook is very important.
Great advice, I'm preparing for my next hiking trip this summer at 75.
... Have been replacing a lot of good old gear as well ,, still works fine but new designs and materials can be a plus ... Started backpacking in '66 was a part of every year 3 seasons outings ,, slowed down in recent years but still make a couple good 5-7 day trips to high country alpine lakes every year ... Not a long distance thru hiker ..... Backpacking for me has been the means to get to the fish up high ... have never been an ultra light hiker ,not even a lightweight backpacker ,, I won't do without gear that might be the difference of surviving a problem or helping someone else on the mountain .... which is usually the case ... I guess it's the engrained old Boy Scout in me ... Too many hikers today following the ultra-light mentality are putting themselves at risk just to be part of the "cool" crowd ... unprepared for the unexpected ....
... I don't get out as much as in younger years but the list of locations and desire is still there .... mostly grey,, probably some silver and some non-existent ,, physical conditioning intermittent lacking ,, but a recent adoption of a new 4 legged future trail pal has me out on daily walks where with some I throw on a weighted vest or my daypack ... hoping to get a few more outings in for some years ahead ... as you mentioned the "inner spirit " has big plans and hopes the aging body can keep up for a while longer ...
One thing that is important for older hikers is to do balance exercises. As we age our balance deteriorates for a variety of reasons. Falls on trail can be catastrophic for senior hikers regardless of our conditioning. It's just a fact of life. When I was young I seldom had falls on trail but now in my 70's falls aren't uncommon. Trekking poles help but balance exercises are crucial IMHO
Thru hiked AT last year at age 70. Hoping to repeat at age 80 but first I must undo the damage to coronary pipes caused by poor nutrition (sugary carbs apparently contributed to plaque in an artery). I've been dizzy since finishing the hike 8 months ago and am spending a fortune figuring out what's wrong. I saw Nimblewill Nomad at Madison Springs Hut in the Whites. What an amazing man. And I used a hammock and slept great.
I was dizzy for five months after returning from Colorado. A lot of test, a lot of Drs. Turns out it is migraines. Headache came after the dizziness stopped. Now if I get dizzy I can expect a migraine to follow within a few days. Exposure to smoke an high altitude kicked it off.
You might be experiencing BPPV. Earlier this year I had it off and on for a couple of months. It is fairly common. You might want to research it more, but following is a short blurb:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, is one of the most common causes of vertigo (dizziness). BPPV is characterized by sudden bursts of vertigo that are caused by head movements, such as sitting up or tilting your head.
BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals called otoconia come loose from their normal location on the utricle, a sensory organ in the inner ear. If the crystals become detached, they can flow freely in the fluid-filled spaces of the inner ear, including the semicircular canals (SCC) that sense the rotation of the head.
@@rkatrails I saw an ENT doctor who ruled out BPPV. Good suggestion though.
@@ILC6476 sounds like you got over it, thankfully. My situation looks like a cardio issue based on high CAC score for LAD artery. 7 months of junk food on the trail seems to have nudged me closer to a cardio event. I'll know more at cardiologist follow-up.
Look into carnivore “diet” Shawn Baker, MD, Ken Berry, MD, others…
I'm 55. Five years ago, I developed arthritis in my knees, which put quite a damper on my hiking. It really wasn't until I lost weight (68 pounds as of today) that they started to get better, even more than with physical therapy. The one thing I learned from PT is that staying off my knees is the exact opposite of what I needed to do. So while working from home, I'd take every opportunity to take a walk, regardless of the weather. Now that I'm back in the office, I quickly eat lunch then take a walk on my lunch hour. I even put my laptop into my laptop backpack and carry it around with me to kind of simulate backpacking.
I look at myself like a tool (stop laughing). I have a lot of really old tools that were my grandfather's, but they don't get rusty because I still use them. Same with me. I don't want to end us as a rusty tool!
Arthritis is a word that scares me.
Remember, anti inflammatory drugs if necessary. Look into natural pathics if you have a mind too.
@@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869 I actually have it under pretty good control now.
About 15 years ago when I was still running some and my hikes were still just day hikes, a chiropractor (me - chronic upper back issue from spinal injury) told me I would need to take glucosamine every day for the rest of my life.
Well I am not one for habits, not good ones, not bad ones. My glucosamine supplimentation maybe lasted two months, but 10 years after that I started long hiking which even included 80 to 90 pound loads at some times. I did have one knee pop, awkward, but that was from not stepping carefully. Basically my knees have been pretty good.
For me anyway, going slow has kept me free of the blisters, shin splints, knee and hip issues. I have felt the limits a few times and ironically, it happens when my pack gets too light allowing me to move much more quickly. The speed puts a bigger strain on my joints, not to mention other issues in high temperatures.
@@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869 I had a sharp pain in one knee after hiking 6 miles at 4 mph. I eliminated all processed food, sugar and keep total sugar-carbs below 30 g a day. 6 years later I cannot remember which knee it was.
At 70+ I feel like I did at 30. But I train a lot more now so I am a better hiker than I was at 30. For day hikes I take my cat with me, carring 10 to 12 lbs. She is my personal trainer. Also the diet has eliminated entirely my need for glasses -after being short sighted since a teen.
Still working on my fear of hights and those pull ups...
Key thing: I require to be in better shape in December than I was in January every year. How to improve is not hard to define. All I need is apply myself
It is easy to compare progress: I will be hiking above Estes Park CO this summer...and comparing to last year ;)
@@martinep6293 thank you very much.
I remember reading something about sugar and refined flour having adverse effects like that.
I'm 63 and still hiking. Some things I think are important for us "silver hikers"...
1. Keep your body weight down.
2. Cut down drastically on sugar.
3. Walk between hikes.
4. Exercise. Concentrate on exercises that support natural movement. Give up exercises that can cause damage.
5. Hike with someone.
Exactly right David. I’m a 62 YO hiker and skier. The only thing I would add is that we need just a bit of luck…if I tear an ACL on a ski trip it’s going to be much more difficult to recover than it was when I was 30. Not impossible, just more difficult.
@@gregcoldewey7724 Agreed. I often say that I can still do almost everything I could do at 18 - it just takes me longer to recover.
I would love to do #5, but ditching a schedule tops my list for why I hike. Everyone else seems to want predictability, so Semper Gumby has to hike alone.
But I still have many friendly encounters on trail, sometimes 10 minutes, sometimes only 10 seconds.
#4 Indicates experience I think. I have never been limber since my big growth spurt from 17 to 20 years old. All legs.
At around 50 years old I finally discovered the beauty of squatting (Slav squat, Asian squat, whatever you wish to call it) It's very natural and super beneficial.
Two minutes: 1m early each day and 1m at the end of the day.
Sometimes I'll add some cross leg sitting (ouch), but mostly now just the simple squat.
@@paulrevere2379 I suppose I'm fortunate in that respect. There is a local hiking club and strap hangers of same to draw on. Many are fellows my age.
I’ve broken my hip, broken my pelvis, and had my knee replaced twice. I’m still hiking right along.
I’m only 57 but I’ve kicked my own butt by having too much fun and taking too many chances.
Just shy of 62 here - do NOT wait. You never know what the future holds. If at 52 I knew I'd be dx'd with Parkinson's, maybe I'd have gotten started with hiking earlier. Now, my hikes are limited to day hiking, but I find local trails that are wonderful. Yes, poles are a must. Just get out there!
Dixie. I know that I am not a person that you are particularly excited to hear from, but please do me the courtesy of reading through my comments vis-à-vis your recent video regarding the subject of older hikers. I wrote before that due to your videos regarding the PCT, I had made the decision to take a shot at it this year. To say that I didn’t do very well is a massive understatement. The reasons are multi-faceted, but to some degree are related to the trail itself, resources like water, heat, secondly to the demands that this sort of hiking was putting on my senior citizen body, and to a great degree, to my expectations regarding just what is thru-hiking anyway. My beliefs were related to the thousands of miles I had previously done, primarily in the mountains of Idaho. What I quickly discovered, is that thru-hiking is wildly different than the kinds of hiking I had previously done which is more closely related to section-hiking. More than anything else, what I did discover, and you alluded to this in your video, is that my body at my current age is nowhere near as resilient as it was when I was younger, and when I allowed myself to become nutritionally deprived, or dehydrated, I could not just ‘power through it’ and continue hiking. I found that if I didn’t keep nutrition and or hydration going on a regular basis, it quickly became a show-stopper and I would either have to take time away from the trail, or multiple zero days. Also hydration was a real sticking point when normally reliable water sources turned up dry and you were in a position of having to hike a very long ways to get to another source of water. Hauser Canyon was the first major disappointment, and then Tule Spring being dry put me in a very serious position in terms of hydration. I had real trouble realizing that I needed to carry far more water than I thought that I was going to need. All in all I did manage to do 140 miles on the PCT from the Southern Terminus, coupled with over 200 miles on the CDT (beginning at the Southern Terminus) that I did between Fall of last year and Spring of this year. It is my intention to go back to the CA desert in the Fall when the temperatures moderate, and hopefully get the rest of the desert section out of the way so I can begin next year at Kennedy Meadows. I suspect I will do a lot better when there isn’t as much heat, and water is more available. FYI: January 2022 I was 81. Thank you for the contributions you have made to hiking vis-à-vis your videos and sharing of your experience.
Great advice. On the Camino, I saw a lady in her 70s zoom on by me with a tiny backpack about 1/3 my size. I thought she was a local going for a day hike. Nope, she did various Caminos 14x and had all she needed in her backpack. She wasn’t trying to be “ultralight”, but just took what she needed. I met up with her at the next hostel and chatted her up for hours. She’s a retired nurse. Much the same as Dixie’s advice. 1) only carry what you need, and she figured it out from trial and error over the years. 2) small backpack, since she didn’t need much. Easily 1/3 the size of my 40L full bag. 3) always walks with her poles and uses great form. She’s got four legs and walks with a fluid deer-like gait. She’s very thin. Her body is just naturally thin. Genetics helps, but obviously diet and plenty of exercise. Unlike Dixie’s advice, she didn’t take many breaks…but she just didn’t seem to ever need to. 4) she never got a blister. She was wearing trail runners, I didn’t notice the brand at the time. I was a noob. Only one layer of socks. 5) she had a lightweight Altus 5 degree (Celsius) sleeping bag which she preferred to liners and recommended it to me (I love it). 6) she’s social and really enjoys the camaraderie of the Camino and that seems to give her a lot of life. 7) she’s a 3 season hiker, at least. I didn’t ask about winter, but I’d guess she walks most of the year. She’s Spanish and Spain has lots of trails with hostels. She’s not a camper, so doesn’t need tents or extra food.
She probably weighed about 100 lbs or so, thin, but fit. Just a health conscious retired nurse who loves the Camino. She walks so fast I couldn’t believe it. I had to speed up and she had to slow down just for us to chat on the trail. I let her zoom on by so I could rest. She’s the most amazing pilgrim I saw on the Camino.
As a Senior Hiker and someone who has been hiking/backpacking since their 20's, these are excellent. One I would add is set realistic goals and/or modify routes to match what you can do (vs used to do 🙂). No more backpacking 15 mile days for us, we aim for 7-8 miles. No more 10 day food carries, we aim for 5 (and get a resupply). Finally I guess I would add - keep moving. There are lots of things beyond one's control (cancer, stroke, etc) but one thing we can thing every day is to keep moving and keep hiking! Even if it is a lot slower 🙂.
Exactly!!! Perfect point!!
set realistic goals, keep moving -- gee, if only she had mentioned those in the video
@@josephjemello479 yes, great point -- if only she had mentioned those in the video
Valid point no question about it! Motion is the notion.
Hear hear
Thanks Dixie for recommending my channel and especially my video, “Tips for Older Hikers.” You’re very kind.
I’m presently backpacking the 300 mile section of the PCT in the Sierra from Bishop Pass to Echo Lake. I’m finding it harder to do it this time than when I did it in 2020. I guess two years and a heart attack slows you down a bit. I’m making it, just going a little slower than I did last time. Again, thanks for your advice for us “silver hikers.”
Yes, I loved the tips you shared. Thank you. 😊
“65” is still young to me at 80 - whippersnapper!!! 😊
I’m 63 years young and hitting the AT in 2024. Keep moving, don’t smoke, drink in moderation and learn how to laugh at yourself. Dismiss naysayers with a smile, or laugh at them. 😁 Most important, as you mentioned earlier in your video, keep moving. Just so ya know, I prefer “platinum” over “silver”. As always, you have produced another great video!
Im in my 70s and still wildcamping and hiking over here in Scotland. Good, sound. sensible advice to follow to keep us all safe and active. It really is use it or lose it now. Time is taken for granted no more, and Ive never enjoyed it all as much! Cheers!
My mother in law is 87 years old and I struggle to keep up. In fact she is going to service my car today. Her advice is simple. Don’t stop.
I was overwieght and hadn't hiked for 35yrs. My doctor said never push yourself to the point you can't talk, stop catch your breath else you will damage you heart. That advice I've followed for over 10yrs.
Good tips for hikers of any age. I am 83 and still going! Use the SOS rule, Slower, Older, Smarter! Good Video!😀
Wow! Respect!
I'm one of those 65-year old hikers and had a "small" heart attack last year. Three things have been important to me ... 1) Cardio fitness. I walk on an incline treadmill. Walking is easier on old joints than running! 2) Stretching PROPERLY ... Many people stretch too aggressively. For the most part, stretching should FEEL GOOD. 3) Pay attention to your body and attend to it when it talks to you. I had been feeling out of breath and felt a funny flutter near my left shoulder. Turned out one of the arteries on my heart was 99% blocked. After an hour in the cath lab I woke up with a new stent. A year later I completed a 10-mile day hike at 8,000 feet of elevation on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in July heat. Happy Trails :-)
Amazing story. Thank You for being an inspiration. 👍. Have fun on many more hikes in the future. 🏕
It all depends on how you run! I'm 63 and I run ultras and I'm feeling good!!!
Nice!
CAC scan is fairly inexpensive. Know your calcium score. I was disappointed with mine but now I know that I'm at risk.
Recovery! Yes you become stronger…your cardio gets better, your endurance gets better…but the day to day physical stresses don’t heal as fast and start to accumulate! Lighten up, slow down, break often, take more zeros, let your body catch up, & be a bit more cautious. A fall at 25 is NOT the same as a fall at 75! Don’t base your present ability on what you could accomplish 5 yrs ago. Better to be a smart hiker than a “strong” one. The Mt will still be there tomorrow…make sure you are too.
Check your ego! I just got through hiking through Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The most complex struggle is with my ego to realizing I can't do the mileage and am okay with it. When I was in my forties and fifties," I got to make 20 miles today. I got to be at point x today." I realize that's my Ego. At 70 I am more focused on the journey, not the destination.
Great advice. I used to hike the AT when I was younger. But since about age 40, I've been doing long-distance bicycle touring instead. When I started doing that, I could average about 100 miles a day. But now, at age 65, I find that I can only manage an average of about 50-60 miles/day. That was a hard adjustment for me to make. I'm not quitting my bicycle tours. But now I'm just adjusting my daily milage expectations to make it more "age appropriate." And also, I find that I tend to take more motels on the road (especially in bad weather), and not camp quite as often. But I'm still out there doing it, and that's the most important thing!!! 😎
That adjustment is a hard pill to swallow but your body ages, can't stop it, and those changes have to be addressed. Getting older is a challenge, not just physically but mentally accepting what you can't change.
@@a.p.5429 Well....at first until you add up the miles under your butt and realize you've EARNED a warm...DRY bed...and a Shower and Owe No One Any Excuse....Period. 70 and STILL kicking ass and have added the BEST Single Malts at the end of my day. Sue Me 😂
Absolutely! I'm sixty and I've done 19 of the 14ers in Colorado over the last few years. I pass hikers well into their 70s and still doing them. Plan, prepare, know your limits, take your time, but go!
58 and have found that I need to snack more to avoid walls. When I was younger, I could hike all day with no snacks. Not anymore. When I get tired and feel like I can’t push anymore, I take a few bites of something and always have water with electrolytes. The electrolytes are something new too that really make a difference. I hike with a 70 year old and she has started doing the same thing. Really makes a difference. I did my first thru hike on Foothills Trail last November and did a thru of the Palmetto Trail this year with my 70 year old friend.
As a past 65 backpacker, I'd add to all that, talk to your doctors. You GP that you go to all the time, and consult with a podiatrist. They'll tell you what shape your feet are in, and what type of footwear you should invest in. I'd also see an orthopedist to get a really good idea of how ready your joints are. And finally, also check in with a sports medicine specialist. All of those folks will be able to not only tell you if you're even capable of backpacking, but can also help you set any on-trail fitness goals you may want to either set, or accomplish.
I'm a mid-70s hiker/backpacker. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but I have the following comment about Lostagain's post about consulting the doctors: It's certainly prudent to be self-aware about our health, and checking with the doctor about any uncertainties should be part of that. Lostagain's advice, however, sounds like offering folks a way to find an excuse for not getting started. I'd be willing to bet that if I consulted the recommended panoply of specialists, it's 100% I'd be able to find one or more who would warn me as to why hiking/backpacking "at my age" is a bad idea and should be avoided. I think a more positive approach (assuming a person is not aware of existing serious health issues) is to just get out there and do it. Follow Dixie's advice and start slow and easy and incrementally work up to a sustainable regime.
Menopause menopause menopause. Thank you for not silencing this conversation. Make sure you get solid advice early on. It’s not just male hikers who want to continue adventuring. Many of us female athletes completely hit a wall and had to leave our favourite sports and skip out on backpacking trips because of bad or no advice on the severe drop in hormones.
So please, get in with a good menopause specialist early on 35-40 to prepare.
Great video, Dixie! Thanks!!
I'm not a through hiker, but I'm a hiker and do my hiking and hammock camping here in Sweden.
Started with outdoors and hiking again after many many years absence due to overweight and being limited in what I could do, lost 110 pounds and now I'm back in the bush. I love it, love being out there again enjoying nature here in Sweden.
One small tip: It's easier to crawl in and out of your tent if you can enter it from the side of your mattress, not at the head or foot end. If you use a sit pad at your entrance for taking on and off shoes and so on, it's almost like as if the tent wasn't there at all. And one extra to add: There's no shame in using a three liter pee bag.
I said this on your Facebook page too….my trekking poles save me from hurting myself about every 5 minutes when I’m in the woods. I’m not kidding. I have osteoarthritis…severe osteoarthritis. Even after I’ve overdone it by being out several days in a row, I sometimes use two canes like trekking poles to walk to the kitchen lol. I’m a wildlife and landscape photographer from East Tennessee. Born and raised. I’m off trail hiking a lot too. And trust me when I say…leaf litter is your friend lol. It cushion the fall. Always try and redirect your body towards the leaf litter if you’re going down. I’m just sayin
My mother’s BFF hiked the Camino pre-pandemic at the age of 70+. She quickly realized she couldn’t carry her pack and keep up the miles, so she had her main pack delivered to her next stop. She wasn’t afraid to shuttle ahead when she needed to, especially when she got pneumonia at the end of the trail. She trained year-long prior to the Camino. She’s going to do another Camino trail next year. She was going to do it this year, but knew that the current heat wave in Europe would kill her, so she’s postponing to next year. The older you get, the less your body can regulate it’s temperature - both hot and cold.
You have to talk with the Wander Women! Three badass ladies that completed the triple crown in their late 50s.
Dixie, many thanks for bringing up this subject. I am 62 and walk/hike in the UK mainly on the SW coast path. As others have said it is truly stunning. A few tips I think work for me.
Start slowly as you warm up. I mean real slow. For the first 10 minutes it is a real slow walking around the department store speed. Next 10 minutes is a slightly faster bimble speed and finally for the next 10 minutes it's a slow Sunday walk speed to get the newspapers. Then you are at your normal hiking/walking speed.
Sleep well. Yes I carry a few extra pounds but a good air mattress and pillow are the difference between a tolerable night's sleep and a good night sleep.
Don't jump over obstacles or jump down onto lower areas of your path. Climb or scramble down/over them instead. It is easy to forget that you are carrying an extra 12 kg on your back and that weight x distance is additional force on your joints. Ouch. I have a couple of dodgy knees. 1 broken many years ago.
Hiking poles. I think they help maintaining rhythm and momentum whilst climbing and take some strain off your knees when decending . I was very sceptical at first so only bought an inexpensive set but now looking for something a bit better.
Take time to stop and look behind to see what you have done as well as what you have to look forward to.
Dixie, dare I say it, to me at 78, listening to your philosophy, is as it should be. To me, your advice and knowledge rings all the bells. I have always walked/tramped. Where I moved to here on the East Coast of the South Island, low and behold I found many beautiful stones, some gems, and not supposed to be here, 20 years later a large collection, etc. Legs a walking. The health side is enormous, its the best natural tv which you turn off by taking a rest, and shutting your lids! Night..........Love ya Dixie.....
I'd like to add:
1. Work on balance - you know how rough the trails can be. The older you get the less quickly you can catch yourself. Hiking poles help in this regard too!
2. Take care of your feet. Whether it's blisters, gout, ingrown toenails, or ??. Without feet, you don't get too far.
I am 66 and 6 months old. I have been active all my life, but have never done a thru hike (even though I have lived in Colorado for the past 34 years). Marathons (eg Pikes Peak in 85 and 86), I maintained my activity level ( National Senior Olympics, hiking Long's Peak 7 times) "Ride the Rockies" in 2019'", I have always longed for the "Thru Hike". Well, I am starting my Colorado Trail thru hike this Saturday. After watching many of your videos (as well as others), I am going to go for my own dream thru hike. And as you just mentioned, as we get older, we have to change and modify our efforts commiserate with our abilities- but it is imperative to remain as active as we are as much as possible. And though I yearn for the feelings and achievement that youth offers, I find myself always moving forward- always seeking the next adventure. On Saturday, June 23 Rd, I shall endeavor to keep seeking the unknown and the unknowable challenge that is life. I thank you so very much Dixie for your positive attitude, sharing your knowledge, and for keeping individuals such a myself in the game of life. Take care!😃
Congratulations! My dream is to do the CT, too, but maybe in sections. Are you filming your wonderful adventure? I am currently following ‘Joyful Rambler’ who is on YT. That is such a beautiful trail. Have a great time out there! ⛰🏕👍
@@Mtnsunshine Hi Karen. I will be filming my adventure on my cell phone. Not sure on the dynamics of posting it though.
@@JackFalltrades I hear that!! Hopefully, I can stay reasonably clean with the basic wild sanitary clean liquids offered.
Wishing you a wonderful trip!
I am realizing this year that I am slowing down, trekking poles and Hoka shoes/boots have helped tremendously. I'll hike till I die , one step at a time
I'm old and I do a lot of walking (as opposed to backpacking) but for what it's worth - 1. excessive drinking will screw your body more than just about any other drug, do it when you're young and you're just storing up problems, 2. massage balls are cheap and work, 3. Be aware of your breathing, muscles need oxygen and your body needs iron to transport it optimally so make sure you eat enough iron rich foods like spinach etc. or take a supplement if you don't think you're getting enough. 4. Don't stress, the journey is the point not the destination, no one cares if it takes you 1 hour or 2 hours or a week.
I started backpacking at 59 and now my singular goal is to be able to keep doing it. Oh the things I can see .. and do .. and experience!! ❤️ I hike with my son and we both exercise regularly and obsess about our ultralight gear and hammock set ups 😀
Can you give advice on best hammock set up you’ve found so far? Thanks.
We both love our Warbonnet hammocks. I use a 3/4 down under quilt from hammock gear and a silpoly tarp from hummingbird hammocks (pelican).
I hiked a bit when I was in my twenties, only hiked the occasional time with my kids while they were growing up, now I'm looking to get back on the trail. I'm 57n now, I'll be hiking with my son this year with hopes to continue. Thanks for commenting!
I'm in my 50s and just starting out. I do have some medical issues, but I don't let that hold me back. I usually hike solo so I'm not pressured to keep up with others. I stop often to rest my bad knees, and to just absorb the beautiful surroundings.
The obsession with “miles” can really be counterproductive. HYOK means *at your own pace.* People end up quitting because they push themselves too hard-don’t get me wrong, hard work is part of backpacking but pushing too hard trying to “keep up” or make certain mileage, can cause injuries and break spirits.
As a 60 year old woman who has been backpacking since age 11, I speak from experience. I also have nine knee surgeries under my belt and know something about pain on the trail.
I am 65 and I have led a ladies hiking group for 15 years. We have two ladies in our group that are 81 years old. What I have noticed is that they both have perfect posture! I think that might be a key to longevity in hiking.
Last month my brother and I were hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail and came up on several people hiking the other direction. An older gentleman pointed to my brother and asked "What is 100 take away 6?" My brother, thinking it was a trick question, simply answered 94 and the guy pointed to himself. I sure wish I can be hiking at that age.
Two tips to add. (1) if you are type 2 diabetic you can still do long distance hiking. My endro was mainly worried about lows, so she removed or lowered some meds to compensate for the daily backpacking. (2) if you have apnea you can still backpack. I carry a battery operated cpap and plan my stops around recharging batteries. I’ve done up to 750 miles with the battery operated cpap.
been a tough summer, 53 yrs old and have a disorder called CVI, blood doesn't get back to my heart from my legs and it has been a tough spring-summer. waiting to get the ablation surgery done so I can get back on the trail. went from hiking weekly and a lot of weeks daily to having a hard time walking. I know in 2018 I knocked out literally 14 weeks straight of 25-30 mile weekend hikes. have not done a fraction of that the whole year. trying to be patient. want to be one of those 80 year old long distance hikers! :)
A year ago, at age 65, I was using a walker post-op from left hip replacement surgery. I put in the work during PT and was back on a mountain bike four months later. Nine months post op I did the Highline and Loop Trails (11.7 miles) in Glacier NP. Fell in love with hiking. I’m lucky to live 20 minute from the Florida National Sceanic Trail. I do day or overnight hikes there weekly and have joined the Florida Trail Association. Love the information you put out and please keep up the good work. See you out there👍🏼
Great channel here, Dixie! I’m 60 now and just started hiking regularly about 4 years ago. My son and I spent a week in Yosemite in June 2022 and did 81 miles total, including the 19 mile Half Dome cables hike. We’re planning to bag our first 14er in Colorado in August. Go and see and do, don’t wait. I have noticed I’m more of a minority age-wise on the trail. People would say I’m inspiring and I had no idea what they were talking about! It’s just a ton of fun. I will say I need to work at it and bike/walk/hike/lift weights or something physical everyday to stay in shape. Your mental attitude is important also. My knees were starting to bother me to the point where I wore braces on them. I thought I would need to do some replacement surgery. Then I cut the sugar out of my diet and no more knee problems and no surgery needed. Also, I’m a big believer in trekking poles, they are a game changer no matter what your age. Keep the great content coming!
My mom is 80 years old. She walks, hikes and bikes. Her favorite saying is......you guessed it, you have keep moving!! For me, I find it's important to make sure you give yourself more recovery time as well. As a former athlete, this is one that is hard to follow. Your brain still thinks it can do the things you did 30 years ago(I'm 62 btw). But, in order to avoid injuries, recovery is very important. Another thing I found I had to work on was taking it easy here on the AT in Pennsylvania in terms of aggressive rock hopping. I started to have some plantar fascia soreness. Just backing off on the rocks made a difference. A big help for me was getting good shoes with a nice stack height and big toe box. I like a wider show. The Altra Olympus 4 made a huge difference in my hiking.
I'm a silver hiker. I have to go slow and rake more breaks so it's hard for me to find others to hike with. I'm a couch potato who discovered I enjoy hiking but can't get over the 10 mile per day hump. I just put an earbud in and enjoy myself.
I gave noticed the bottom of my feet hurt now that I'm older. I've added felt to the bottom of my shoes and it helps.
Balance. As I transition to an older hiker I have found myself less confident on some trails . Doing exercises strictly for balance has greatly helped.
Good tips. I'm 74 and have been hiking all my life. For the past four years I have been working on completing the Washington part of the PCT. I'm old enough to remember hiking it when it was called the Cascade Crest Trail. This year I'm hiking my last section: Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass, considered one of the most challenging sections of the entire PCT. My tip: for God's sake wear proper ankle high boots, not those puny trail runners. They will help you maintain your balance and prevent ankle sprains as well keeping your feet dry.
Senior Hiker 77 is another great hiker to follow... FYI
I've hiked consistently for 30 years. Just recently I've noticed changes. Recently I hit a wall on a challenging trail. It was sobering to realize I can't just push through as I always have without breaks. I had to stop a lot on this trail. Regardless, I finished and felt amazing.
When I'm hiking and I'm convinced I'm going to die, the feeling of accomplishment at the end is a major high!
@@youngkimmy40 😂 It can be a roller coaster of emotions!
@@laurahoule6169 it really can! I love it so much.
That happened to me for the first time back in April. I was on the Keto diet at the time. My buddy gave me a snickers bar and I was good for the rest of the day.
Thirty years ago I hiked for 5 days with nothing to eat. The body changes.
@@dixietarian it depends on how it is.
I think a lot of your viewers (fans) like myself are in awe of your accomplishments on the trails. If older viewers are interested in getting started in backpacking, they can start short. Beautiful lake, waterfalls or even mountain views can be reached within 5-7 miles from trailheads. Easy enough for older beginners even if it takes all day. Then they can start building on their distances. I’ll be 58 next month and I still consider myself a beginner, but my feet start hurting after 14-16 miles a day. I’m okay with that.
Most places have nice local trails. Make it a goal to walk all of the trails in an area. It gives a way to challenge yourself to complete something but close to home. I was amazed at the number of trails near me when I started looking for them.
Some great suggestions for us senior hikers. I got a few for those approaching the senior years . . . don't get hurt when you're young. And if you do, keep hiking and backpacking at a reasonably rate and incorporate those suggestions brought up here. How can I say that? As a younger, in separate incidents I broke an arm, broke my right ankle twice (the second time as a scout leader about two miles in on a 50 mile backpacking trip . . . thought it was a sprain until it turned black and blue at the ending part), broke my left ankle once. Herniated several discs in my spine. Broke metacarpals, cracked ribs, have rotator damage in a shoulder to name a few things. Do I still hike or back pack? I'm getting ready to try out a new tent on a trail next month 🙂 I'd rather wear out than rust away.
I am 67 in June......Starting my first season of backpacking. Iv'e invested money and time to prepare for this season, The new interest has been sparked with your videos and few others. You tube is a great tool. Must of thank you, you touch young and old......
Thanks for doing this. I will be starting the AT with a friend in May. I use to hike when younger. I took a 20 year sabbatical, gained 50 lbs and lost a lot a confidence. I will start the AT at 69 and will finish at age 70. My hiking buddy is a couple of year older. I am excited and nervous! But I feel like it’s now or never. Not in the best shape but we are going to take it slow and easy!!
Thanks for doing this video. Lots of good info.
Honey, I am 81 years old and the reason I listen to you is that you are such a good student of life!!!!! You have and are, learning from others and passing it on to me!!! Wonderful. Thanks!
For sure avoid injuries for me and I'm 82 it means be more cautious with things like River Crossings and hill climbs with scree you just have to be more cautious
You nailed it Dixie! I attempted a thru hike this year, but was totally surprised at how much harder it was than in my 30’s (60’s now). This will not beat me! Getting right back in the saddle again next year. Going a bit slower…but going!
What about starting thru hike in October. NOBO. Hike for 30-60 days. Go home. Heal. Come back inthe spring. Finish by 10/1. Old guy strategy.
I spent the first three days of this year on Flagg Mt helping Sunny with firewood chores. He also let us make breakfast for him. He is 20 years older than me and SUCH an inspiration!!! As are you Dixie. I live in the FL panhandle and never knew about the FL trail until some of your videos. Thank you for all of the GREAT content over the years. Hiking has changed my life in so many positive ways even at the age of 64. For the record I have been doing yoga for 25 years as well as riding a bike 10 miles a day for 30 years. And I have been sleeping in a hammock for many, many years now.
Yes listen to your body , hike/ walk at your own pace. I was hiking in Germany, and I was trying to go up a hill like I would do locally ( Australia) except these were steeper and longer in Germany. I was about half way up one of these hills puffing and snorting, and a local actually came up to me and said it’s not a race. slow down.. Trekking poles are definitely a plus found them great especially on steeper grades. ( mid 40’s whilst in Germany now in my 50’s)…
I hiked with the wander women and they stop every two hours and stop wherever the clock lands and its super to do this. I find that it works better for me to have much shorter rests and look for trail furniture -- logs, stumps, ledges every hour or so depending on the terrain. I tend to walk quickly except uphill. So true about lightweight gear. There is no way I will hammock. I don't trust it and appreciate all of my bones. I have the zpacks altra and since it's taller it's easier to get in and out of and less than a pound. Use hip belts especially for women. We do end up carrying more than young men with thighs that come up to my shoulders. They simply get to water sources and resupply sometimes twice as fast. Being in nature means everything to me. Much better for mobility than even watching Carol Burnet re-runs all day. ... that said a good laugh is also healthy.
At 65 my right knee lets me know it's there. The change I've made is to not twist while stepping up on a rock or stair, but rather step straight up and then make a turn with weight off the knee joint.
Humans are not cats. We are actually not designed to twist our bodies, although we can chew our food unlike cats.
72 year old section hiker. I always train with my backpack about 2/3 normal trip weight. The biggest problem I have is balance problems over blow downs and river crossings. I’ll finish California on the PCT next year. Bugs is my trail name.
Hi Jim, I hear you about the balance issues. A few years ago I took a major fall (not hiking -:) and ended up in the hospital with a subdural hematoma. I'm recovered, but I now have to take care while hiking because things that didn't used to be an issue can quickly upset my balance. I'm much more cautious now about scree and gravel, etc. Recovering from a balance episode can be tricky. Once I start to lose it, it's almost impossible to stop mid-stream and not end up on the ground. It only takes a second to recover and keep on hiking, but in the instant it's a helpless and scary sensation.
@@Pilgrim771 I hear you John, I seem to be able to recover when I trip or lose my balance when my pack is lighter. Other times a stumble and I’m on the ground before I even know what happened. I have been doing balance exercises to see if it will help.
Hey Dixie
I'm 72. Hiked a lot before age 35 then stopped for 30 years. Best things to help me staying able to hike. A couple weeks b4 a hike, I carry a full load while walking with my dog. Just 3 miles or so. But it has helped get me ready. Also helps dial in my gear pack. I hav lightened my load by more than 50% vs what I once carried. My big 3 went from 16 pounds to 7. One thing that's really important is getting good sleep. So a high quality pad and bag or quilt is essential. Excellent footwear is critical. Do not wear your every day shoes on trail. Get footwear made for hiking. I agree about trekking poles. Mine have SMA at least once every day. As Harry said, important thing is knowing your limitations. So if you can do 5 miles then do 5. Keep at it and enjoy.
Don't use it.
I just turned 50. And I’m still hiking as often as I can. Cutting pack weight is a big one. And honestly, just walking. Walk your dog, take walks around the neighborhood. It helps so much.
Welcome to the youth stage of old age.
Yeah I find my balance is more precarious than it was when I was younger I have to be conscious of balance when I'm doing things particularly River Crossings
All great advice! As a newbie older hiker I would whole heartily agree.
I've been putting together my load out over the past year and my mantra is " I'm ultra light because I'm ultra old". Need my food bag system still, and can pull clothes from other activities, but currently checking in around 7.5 lbs. I figure hopefully I can hit a sweet spot of around 15lb. Friends were amazed at how light and compact my packet was. I do HIIT, officiate sports, try to avoid any high impact activities as my knees are shot from college athletics and I know their remaining mileage is low if I'm not smart about it. Trekking poles rock, I have a $30 pair that have changed my view on my abilities, especially the down hills!
Do what you can while you can. The sense of pride you will get from yourself will inspire you to do more! 🍀
I’m from Mississippi & my husband from the Arkansas delta so your accent is about like ours.
I’m a bit ocd & adhd so usually read the transcription as well as listen. Funny the typos from voice to print! 😂😅
A Latin year load
Translated from “lighten your load!” This one had me laughing.
Maybe you could have a funny segment of all these. It’s in every video but this was funny
I was 63 when I completed my AT thru hike in 2021 - my hiking partner was 61 (thanks Dixie for your inspiration). We didn't hike quite as fast as many of our younger counterparts, and we didn't do huge miles, but we were generally more consistent with our day-to-day mileage. We're even considering the CDT or PCT in 2023. For anyone that thinks age is a factor, you're right. However, it's definitely NOT the deciding factor. To me the most important attribute is having a strong positive attitude - it was the key reason I was able to reach Katahdin. I strongly encourage anyone that has a burning desire to hike the AT to get out there and do it. Be smart. Train and properly prepare - then give it your ALL. It is well worth the effort. It was a life changing event for me. BTW my hiking partner had triple bypass heart surgery and was on several medications - of course consult with your doctor - but it didn't stop him.
Two additional items important for older hikers: balance exercises and hydration. These are often overlooked, but are part of general guidelines for older people. Balance exercises are easy to do and make a real difference in fall and injury prevention. There are lots of ways to do it but it can be as simple as one leg standing with the other foot pulled up. Hydration commonly is over looked, but older individuals often under hydrate, either because of decreased thirst or even on purpose, and it can be reflected in exercise tolerance, dizziness and fatigue. Pre-hydrating before starting a hike, and even timed and measured drinks during can really help, and make one safer.
This is important advice for all older people, but the need is amplified by increased outdoor physical activity.
There was a study a few years ago that found that well over half of thru-hikers were hiking in a dehydrated condition. I've disagreed entirely with the people who limit themselves to a couple of smart water bottles and rely on cameling up, and then in their videos they're hiking miles and miles to some water source because they cut their water capacity to the bare minimum. I know how much water I need to consume to stay comfortable, and a smart water bottle doesnt cut it.
Sorry, I'm ranting and off topic...
Yeah, proper hydration is important for everyone, especially hikers. The problem is exacerbated with age, often with serious consequences.
Older men should not ignore the benefits of nutrition,not synthetic vitamins,but natural herbs and supplements.Men over 40 get on vitamin K and boron to help remove plaque buildup in the blood vessels.Also decalcifies in the joints.Moringa powder,cats claw powder,ginger root powder,diatomaceous earth (if you eat unclean foods).Put all of that into a smoothie in the morning,add some CBD oil on a bad day or if you feel anxious/nervous.Moringa oil is great to carry for rashes or painful spots/flare-ups.A high fiber diet regardless of age and replace sugar in your coffee with honey (it comes in individual packets that are great for hiking).
Dixie;Moringa would be great for you,it will boost your bodies immune system to allow it to combat against those nagging allergies.
Slow and steady wins the race...it may take a few months before you really feel the difference,but many report a difference in a few weeks.
On trail you can use capsules and at home use the powder forms to save money.You can assemble your own capsules also at home.
Also,and possibly the most important,put away all bitter,anger, resentment you may have towards others or yourself.Forgive,move on.
Get toxic narcissistic people out of your life,You will find something or someone will take their place in time and you will see your level of anxiety go down.Don't keep them around because you are feeling lonely.Use the quiet time to pray and respect God.Do what He said to do.It's private between Him and you,no one else has to know.He is quick to forgive and wants to.Give thanks if you can't do anymore than that.Volunteer when you can or simply visit the lonely neighbor,but keep your boundaries.Have a great life.Dixie has great advice...Start today.
Have a wonderful,happy day.
Anne Lorimor hiked Kilimanjaro at 89 years old setting a recored as oldest person in 2019. Dixie if you would like to hike with her when your in AZ doing the AZT i can make that happen . shes my aunt. Her motto is never quit.
One big thing is that as you get older, things can happen that require immediate medical attention much more commonly. Carry a satellite communication device and subscribe to a wilderness evacuation service before you need it.
That thumbnail is epic 🤣
My regular hiking buddy, at 84 years young, does quite well! It certainly can't hurt that he stays active with our once a week hikes, plus three days a week he goes out for 4 mile runs. Last Thursday was a hike to the top of Mt San Jacinto in California, a grueling rocky obstacle course of a trail covering nearly 12 miles RT with a little boulder scrambling at the peak.
Tomorrow will be another hike on the same mountain, but not to the peak this time. My avatar photo is from a 2018 hike to the same peak, but there is now a new sign! In 2019 the sign was just a piece of cardboard.
Great vid. Thanks. I am 72 and have been hiking since I was 9. Hiking has changed a lot for me over the years. First and foremost I had to start leaving the EGO at home. Even at 63 I was hiking and trail-running every day. But the knees and hips began to take a beating so although I still hike, I don't run anymore. Arthritis has set into my knees and feet. That is probably from years of lifting heavy weights more than hiking. So far Arthritis is not unmanageable but I do take it easier. A Physical Therapist once told me the best thing I can do for Arthritis is to keep doing what I am doing...hiking and walking. If I ever stop I will pay the consequences. So I just keep on truckin'. I plan to do this for the rest of my life..at least another 20-25 years.
A couple add-ins: Core muscles -- try to keep your core muscles tuned up. I use push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups. These are things you can do on-trail also. The Trekking Poles Experiment -- Try this out. Stand on a scale with your trekking poles and then push down a little bit on your poles and see what it does to the weight on your feet at the scale. Now push down a lot. This illustration should prove how much weight is balanced between your upper and lower body using trekking poles. So proper use of trekking poles is huge. Training Wheels -- I tend to put my training miles / hours in on sports with lower impact to my joints, like cycling, swimming and roller blading. Save the weighted impacts for the trail, because joints do wear down (as much as we wish they would not). Good Luck and Happy Trails.
Everything Dixie talks about is spot on. I am 62, i have always day hiked but didnt start backpacking until age 57. I work in Healthcare and know how taking care of your body is everything. Good cardio, muscle toning, and mind care all make a huge difference. Andmake sure you take sometime to enjoy the view. Breath deep, enjoy God's world....
I love every single video you post, but this one is 🔥🔥🔥. I’ll be 45 in exactly 7 days and this touched my heart. I know it’s only 45, but I feel the age creeping in. I have arthritis in both knees and patella femoral syndrome in my left knee. I’m also fighting Covid at this very moment. So, I feel all the feels watching this video. I plan on hiking until I die. So, all of the suggestions resonate with me. I made a vow to take even better care of myself going forward. My next “big” goal is finishing the Foothills Trail in May 2023. My 1sr attempt in April 2022 failed when my iron levels dropped too low and I had to get off to Burrells Ford. We went back and did BF to Bad Creek, but now we need to finish the rest. Happy trails
Dixie!!
Diet on and off trail is key. Unlike the junk food -junkie -eating young guns that eat tons of sugar on the trail and seem unaffected by it, sugar does the older bod dirty. I’m 60 and the inflammation is painful when I do slip and eat the occasional sweet.
Your spot on with the hammock. It’s a game changer. My Dutchwear Half-wit and dyneema tarp are my besties on trail🥰
Spot on except I wish I could tell my young self what to avoid and who not to listen to (government and medical establishment).
Thanks for the video. At 58, I'm starting to realize it's a bit harder to keep up with my younger friends. I realized a bucket list hike earlier this year and hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I put that trip off so many times and finally decided if I'm ever going to do it, i should now. Planning to hike Grand Canyon Rim to Rim in the fall. Seriously contemplating Mt Kilimanjaro. The one thing i really noticed as I have gotten older is how much foot shape changes. I used Brooks Cascadia's for a long time, but now they are just to narrow. I have always put off the PCT because of the time commitment - i will look into doing it in sections. Happy Hiking!
I’m only 44, but just started hiking seriously a few months ago. It’s really made me regret some of the stupid things I did when I was younger. Stupid aches and pains.
Thank you, Dixie, from an eighty year old hiker.
Hey Dixie, from my experience on JMT don’t get caught planning the miles everyone else is doing, average hiker does not have my 63 year old body. Good news is we are able to adjust time/miles since I no longer work. Excellent vid. Thank you
great advise and helpful insights. I've been backpacking for about 50 years and have seen the gradual decline in my pace over the last 10 years in particular, but not in my enjoyment or enthusiasm for the outdoors. It's harder to find companions my age to hike with me, but there are still a few veteran hikers out there to share the fun. Going lighter is an obvious choice now in the past I scoffed at the idea. I thought only sissies counted every ounce.
I am a geriatric RN for 40 years. 80 is a pivotal year. Listen to your body and respect what it is telling you. Trust me after 80 YOU don't push the limits. Accept and respect that 80 plus body and it will take you where you want to go.
At 70 with arthritis (among others health challenges) I had to think outside of the box. Camping hammocks made it possible to continue in the outdoors. However understand that they are very finicky and there is a learning curve. If you decide to go this direction TH-cam has Sean Emery (Shugmerry) and he has an entire section of videos for the beginner hammocker. Learning the ins and outs are difficult but well worth it IMO.
I definitely need a little more recovery time, and my altitude acclimatization takes a little longer (previous smoker) at 35 than it used to (I know 35 isn't old). I can still put in the miles, but there's definitely more prep and recovery than my 20's. It's not major, but enough to open my eyes that I need to put in the work now so that I can do this when I'm older. I've added daily stretching, increased workouts between hikes, and cut out junk food to help me stay in hiking shape as I get older.
I lost so much progress after a foot injury kept me off trail for a year and I kind of self-sabotaged myself because of it, but onward and upward! Enjoying reading the comments from folks older than me. I love seeing y'all out there on trail getting after it.
Spot on on the Hammock and Trekking Poles. I'm just getting into backpacking and I'll be 53 in a couple months. I've found I simple CANNOT get comfortable on the ground no matter how thick an air mattress I try and use. But I find the hammock to be SO comfortable. And it's not climbing in and out of the tent, it's the sleeping part. I do caves and the such, crawling around is no issue. But sleeping on the ground is.
For the trekking poles, I've found that my knees hurt SO MUCH LESS using them. Now I have found I need them less and less as I get in better shape and loose weight (both pack and body weight, the knees don't care!) and on my last trip I actually found my grandson and I don't down hill trail running with full packs. Maybe not the SMARTEST thing I've done, but the next day I was fine. 2 years ago that would NOT have been the case. I've lost about 20 lbs off my belly and a similar amount out of my pack (I started trying to pack car camping gear and military surplus gear.)
Eat healthy and exercise regularly. I’m 80 now and still hiking some tough trails. Last year did the Teton Crest trail. Feel very fortunate being able to do these hikes, feel as though I’m reaping the rewards of taking care of myself. Sounds as though I’m boasting, maybe I am, but taking good care of yourself between those hikes can make it possible. Love watching your informative videos Dixie…thank You!
My friend Coleman and I met Nimblewill Nomad while we were thru hiking the Pinhoti Trail in Alabama (and, I think he was on his first thru hike) in 1998 (he actually mentioned meeting us in his book, “Ten Million Steps”). I remember thinking, “Wow! He’s hiking WAY MORE than the AT. He’s hiking the whole east coast (starting in Florida).” He was very nice and, afterwards, I wished we’d talked with him more. But, we were anxious to get restarted after getting off trail for a few days to gather warmer gear when an unexpected cold snap hit with sleet/snow after 4 solid days of torrential rains. Anyway, glad to know he’s still out there!
Great video! Since getting older I also have added a few sample packs of biofreeze to my first aid kit since i don't like taking ibuprofen very often. Especially good on hot days lol thanks a bunch, Dixie!
Oh yes! Those little Biofreeze packs are awesome!
Such a pretty baby puppy.
Two more that I can add as I turn 60 this year and started to section hike the AT in 2020 with a 10 year plan: (1) Section Hike. It is a smidge harder to stay in shape between hikes, BUT it takes less of a toll on the body day-after-day, week-after-week, and if you do get a sprain or injury it's not as discouraging because you can take time before the next section to heal. (2) Slack Pack. Oh my goodness! This has become a life-saver for me. Yes, you can't slack some portions but with lighter gear you can do that because its one or two nights vs. one or two weeks. Slack packing may require a few more miles, but carrying less weight makes the extra daily miles much easier on the body. Thanks for your encouragement and inspiration Dixie!
At 72 I am still out there with my dog. Now it's day hikes these days and at my pace. But by being careful, using trekking poles, and knowing my limits I hope to be doing this for many more years. I also invest in very supportive shoes with soles taylored to whatever terrain I'll encounter. One issue that came up was losing my sense of balance on narrow trails that have steep dropoffs. So I'm taking Tai-Chi to help regain balance
The last tip was the best
I ran into Nimbleweed Nomad at Above the Clouds Hostel during his historic hike. One thing you didn't mention was his support crew. He had a couple people in a car with gear & supplies meeting up with him along the trail for assistance. At the hostel they set up a cot for him with some blankets for insulation. Support crew is really handy if you get into trouble and to have someone dropping off food & supplies so you aren't carrying that weight. My support crew is Jackson & Franklin, Jackson is on the $20 & Franklin is on the $100. People who are older should consider a support crew on a long hike.
Hi Dixie, I have never been a "thru-hiker" I take day hikes and sometimes weekends. So at 80, I don't intend to start but I still appreciate your tips. I will keep up my "walks in the woods" as long as possible.
I am packed and ready two days before I leave so I am well rested before I hit the trail. Less stress, more energy, better experience!