I'm 79 and never really noticed my age until this year. I saw a TH-cam, young man (Liam Brown) who hiked a high route over the top of Madeira in 5 days. So I thought I can do that in 7 days, but in reality I should have booked 10 days. In the end, I hiked two thirds of the route, and then had to catch my plane home. The route was fantastic but so steep!
From an old guy starting out, thank you. Regarding number 8. I don't know where I heard or read this, or maybe it just popped into my head. " I have nowhere to be and all the time in the world to get there." Appreciate all your videos. Thank you for efforts.
Great video. I’m 69 and a backpacker for 20 plus years. Doing my first mountaineering club of Mount Baker in a couple days. As a triathlete, I just added another layer of workouts to my existing routine.
I’m only 21 and I’m really looking forward to backpacking. I’ve already climbed my first baby mountain in Juneau, Alaska and I’m excited to build up my strength so I can go on longer adventures. I love your view on enjoying the moment rather than the destination and I can’t wait to enjoy the outdoors for the rest of my life. One day I’ll be an older man like you and I’ll hopefully still be able to enjoy the outdoors and use my body like it’s meant to be used. You know what they say, bodies in motion stay in motion
I appreciate your video. From the trails I've hiked, I would say the top mistake to avoid is ego. i.e. I'm older, I'm wiser, hence I know what I'm doing better than others. That's leads to other mistakes and getting hurt. Modesty is good for all ages. Be modest out there.
Mistake number nine: Ignoring possible signs of especially circulatory diseases like hypertension or coronary heart disease and not having that checked and treated beforehand. That would be a general mistake in all conditions of life, though, but when being out for an unusual (maybe having somehow not followed Aaron's advice on exercising...) level of physical activity symptoms might really show up and put you in acute danger - far away from the next ambulance or hospital. So better see your physician on a regular basis anyhow; it's not a shame to get older and have your body aging and developing problems that won't simply go away by waiting, "pushing through" and, sadly, often not necessarily by life style changes alone. (Of course I am writing this from a country where all people have health insurance. And I am an M.D.) And don't forget to bring (and take!) your regular meds, and have some extra with you in case you might have to stay out a little bit longer.
When I was 38 I spent several days backpacking as part of my job under extremely heavy loads (60-90 lbs primarily equipment for work). Most of my travelling companions were in their early 20s. When we got back to the vehicles one of them turned to me and and said, "you impress me, the way you kept pace was impressive". I said "I'm not in that bad of shape". He replied, after pausing to think how he should answer, "well Sir, there's no way around it... you're old".
Yer, I planned a 4 day circuit hike some weeks back in an alpine region here in Australia, I was fricken smoked after day one 😆 I doubled back over my tracks and got away with a minor glute injury. That trip just about ended my relationship with my heavy Lowe Alpine pack, I lashed out and purchased a Seek Outside pack handmade in Colorado. I just turned 40 this year, but I do look after myself- I very rarely drink alcohol and don't touch pharmaceuticals, soft drink and junk foods that just make you fat and sick.
@@ALinsdau Will do, cheers mate. Started doing a lot more walking, sometimes with a weighted vest, and some deadlifts. Just picked up a PLB today after hearing you suggest getting one.
Stay in shape. Pretty simple. At 65, I sill can average 15 miles/day in the sierras, pretty easily. Pro tip for us olders...keep a bottle in the tent to avoid getting up to pee at night. Just don't forget which bottle is which.
I'm 79 and never really noticed my age until this year. I saw a TH-cam, young man (Liam Brown) who hiked a high route over the top of Madeira in 5 days. So I thought I can do that in 7 days, but in reality I should have booked 10 days. In the end, I hiked two thirds of the route, and then had to catch my plane home. The route was fantastic but so steep!
Great times, glad you returned safely.
From an old guy starting out, thank you. Regarding number 8. I don't know where I heard or read this, or maybe it just popped into my head. " I have nowhere to be and all the time in the world to get there." Appreciate all your videos. Thank you for efforts.
Thank you.
Great video. I’m 69 and a backpacker for 20 plus years. Doing my first mountaineering club of Mount Baker in a couple days. As a triathlete, I just added another layer of workouts to my existing routine.
Be safe out there!
I’m only 21 and I’m really looking forward to backpacking. I’ve already climbed my first baby mountain in Juneau, Alaska and I’m excited to build up my strength so I can go on longer adventures. I love your view on enjoying the moment rather than the destination and I can’t wait to enjoy the outdoors for the rest of my life. One day I’ll be an older man like you and I’ll hopefully still be able to enjoy the outdoors and use my body like it’s meant to be used. You know what they say, bodies in motion stay in motion
Nice! Be safe out there.
Another great video my Friend, thank you for sharing it. Stay safe out there. 😊
Thanks, you too!
Excellent advice, Aaron. Thanks for reminding us all. 🙌🏻
Thanks!
Thanks for the info
You bet
I appreciate your video. From the trails I've hiked, I would say the top mistake to avoid is ego. i.e. I'm older, I'm wiser, hence I know what I'm doing better than others. That's leads to other mistakes and getting hurt. Modesty is good for all ages. Be modest out there.
Yes, ego is a risk for sure.
“Slow and steady wins the race!”
Truth.
Good advice. Thanks !
Thanks!
Thanks brother 🙏 all true, be sensible and make the most of your life 😎🙌
Sure do thanks.
Funny, these are all practices I was taught as a beginner by the older mentors!
Excellent.
Mistake number nine:
Ignoring possible signs of especially circulatory diseases like hypertension or coronary heart disease and not having that checked and treated beforehand. That would be a general mistake in all conditions of life, though, but when being out for an unusual (maybe having somehow not followed Aaron's advice on exercising...) level of physical activity symptoms might really show up and put you in acute danger - far away from the next ambulance or hospital. So better see your physician on a regular basis anyhow; it's not a shame to get older and have your body aging and developing problems that won't simply go away by waiting, "pushing through" and, sadly, often not necessarily by life style changes alone. (Of course I am writing this from a country where all people have health insurance. And I am an M.D.)
And don't forget to bring (and take!) your regular meds, and have some extra with you in case you might have to stay out a little bit longer.
Stay safe out there.
I'm older and agree with this. But I also feel it's not a older person thing. It's just best to be smart. Plus enjoy the journey. Not the destination.
Very true.
When I was 38 I spent several days backpacking as part of my job under extremely heavy loads (60-90 lbs primarily equipment for work). Most of my travelling companions were in their early 20s. When we got back to the vehicles one of them turned to me and and said, "you impress me, the way you kept pace was impressive". I said "I'm not in that bad of shape". He replied, after pausing to think how he should answer, "well Sir, there's no way around it... you're old".
Whoa - 90lbs is a crazy heavy load. Stay safe out there.
@@ALinsdau Those loads were horrible. Recreational hiking is much better.
Yer, I planned a 4 day circuit hike some weeks back in an alpine region here in Australia, I was fricken smoked after day one 😆 I doubled back over my tracks and got away with a minor glute injury. That trip just about ended my relationship with my heavy Lowe Alpine pack, I lashed out and purchased a Seek Outside pack handmade in Colorado. I just turned 40 this year, but I do look after myself- I very rarely drink alcohol and don't touch pharmaceuticals, soft drink and junk foods that just make you fat and sick.
Stay safe out there. Glad you made it back without anything too serious.
@@ALinsdau
Will do, cheers mate. Started doing a lot more walking, sometimes with a weighted vest, and some deadlifts. Just picked up a PLB today after hearing you suggest getting one.
Stay in shape. Pretty simple. At 65, I sill can average 15 miles/day in the sierras, pretty easily.
Pro tip for us olders...keep a bottle in the tent to avoid getting up to pee at night. Just don't forget which bottle is which.
The pee bottle is a key piece of kit.
What watch are you wearing?
Omega Seamaster 300:
www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-seamaster-diver-300m-co-axial-master-chronometer-42-mm-21030422003001
Is point one and two the same or do I have early Alzheimers?
Very similar. Or I lost count.
Great video!! I suffer from those ego driven tendencies too push hard and push on, my brain says I’m 20 and my body reminds me I’m 44 lol.
For sure.