Senior Hikers?

[PGH1NC]

I am new to this forum. I am scheduling a section hike this summer on the AT in Shenandoah N P.
with my two adult sons. I have read much of the technical (gear, training, a bit, AT culture, etc.) Being in my mid-70s, I am perhaps, among the more "elderly" members of this forum.

I am curious to learn what other "mature" members have as advice, suggestions, experiences for someone "over the hill."

I have done marathons, Warrior Dashes, triathlons in my late middle age, and continue to cycle, hike; but backpacking is a new experience. I summited Katahdin in 1977 (the day the fire broke out), and again in 2010. It was much easier in '77.

[Gambit McCrae]

I am not an...experienced gentleman like yourself, but I have see many people hiking, and thru hiking older then you. My suggestion would be to do routine walks with your pack on before your trip, an overnighter or 2 with some challenging terrain and gauge that as to how far you can go on a daily basis, and possible as well, decrease the second half of your trip daily mileages if you see fit to due to wear and tear thru the hike. The good thing about SNP is that skyline drive is passed many, many, many times. If there is a big climb you don't care to do? who cares just put a thumb out and catcha ride up to the next trail head, if the sons want to do the climb, it would give you some time to relax under a shade tree while you wait for them Have a great trip and post a group photo after your hike!

[Traillium]

I'm only 67, so I've a few years to reach your maturity.
Last May, I thruhiked the 890km/500+miles of the Bruce Trail in Ontario. From hiking with Kookork, I learned early on the value of going slowly but starting at sunrise and going until supper time with lots of little breaks. Afternoon micro-naps of 20 minutes or so were very welcome too!
Thinking back to my cross-country skiing days, the wonderful Herman "Jackrabbit" Smith-Johannsen is reported to have said something along the lines that the reason he kept skiing in his old age was so that he could keep skiing into an old age. It must have worked: he died at the age of 111+ years. (I saw him on skis when he had just turned 100 years old.)
Like you, I'm new to hiking — and I'm continuing backpacking and walking as long as I can.

[Hosh]

Certainly not too old to enjoy backpacking. Your physical activity is commensurate with someone in shape. Hiking uses different muscles, lots of exercise routines published, although like all sports doing it gets one into "football" shape.

Most people find lighter pack weights lead to more enjoyment. You'll find some contrarians on this site but it's people holding on to the old days or packing for every contingency or packing their fears.

Lot's of advice on gear, shot for a sub 12# base weight, less if you have the budget. With a group of 3, there are lots of ways to share and consolidate things, cook kits, first aid/survival kits, shared food & menu planning. Usually sleeping together is a cost effective way to lower weight per person, although it has it's challenges. Shoot for sub 2#'s per person on tents.

If your buying gear, select your pack last. It is a major weight contributor and other gear, tent, sleeping etc, will dictate how much volume you need.

A good place to start:
http://www.hikelight.com/articles.html

[jimmyjam]

Take your time , dont over pack and enjoy yourself is the best advice I have.

[booney_1]

get the best sleeping pad that you can!!! Over the last 60 years the ground has gotten harder and harder!!

Seriously, today's sleeping pads offer amazing comfort at a reasonable weight.

[RangerZ]

get the best sleeping pad that you can!!! Over the last 60 years the ground has gotten harder and harder!!

Seriously, today's sleeping pads offer amazing comfort at a reasonable weight.

+1 on that. My Christmas present ThermaRest ProLite Plus made a real difference this past weekend.

[PGH1NC]

Thanks for the advice so far. So far I have the Big Agnes Fish Creek HV UL2. It is light and I will appreciate the extra space. Also have Thermarest Prolite Plus. Used an older one 20 years ago and the old bones will appreciate the extra half inch.

I am considering the Osprey Atmos AG 65 L. A bit heavier than some, but I think the fit will be worth it. Comments? I have carried with some weight on a trail for a mile and seemed comfortable.

I like the idea of lots of breaks and their carrying my gear! Hmmm. maybe I can get them to see this thread.

[Patrickjd9]

get the best sleeping pad that you can!!! Over the last 60 years the ground has gotten harder and harder!!

I'm not even 60 yet, and have noticed this as well. There must be Leprecauns sprinkling invisible concrete everywhere. I can't imagine camping on the trail without an inflatable pad now.

[Longboysfan]

get the best sleeping pad that you can!!! Over the last 60 years the ground has gotten harder and harder!!

Seriously, today's sleeping pads offer amazing comfort at a reasonable weight.

I second that.

I'm always finding the place where the ground is rock hard.

[jimmyjam]

I met a man in his mid 70s thru hiking the trail for his third time. And he was out walking most 20 somethings. I also met a 70 something man from Italy thru hiking who did half the trail the year before and liked it so much he came back to do the whole thing. I see lots of over 60 section hikers.

[garlic08]

You probably have many tools that younger people may not have. If you have money, use that appropriately for newer, better, lighter gear, for luxury during town stops, etc. If you have strong sons, ask them for support in carrying heavier stuff--handicap them, if you will. If you have a ton of mountaineering experience, use that to know when best to eat, rest, seek shelter, turn back, etc. You may know your body's needs better than younger people, and may have less downtime due to injury or overuse.

[Gambit McCrae]

Might wanna talk to this wolf guy from Damascus, hese like 97 I think?

[George]

Might wanna talk to this wolf guy from Damascus, hese like 97 I think?

no, that is how old his beard is - but he did not start growing it till he was like 10

[Ethesis]

no, that is how old his beard is - but he did not start growing it till he was like 10

Glad for both updates (how the section went and how old that beard is).

I am doing sections but want to through hike in 2019. I just need to hit 63 and retire.

[Old Hillwalker]

For many of us, 70 is the new 50. In less than a month I will be continuing my section hiking of the GR 11 in the Spanish Pyrenees. I will be sectioning the central part for about three weeks and then transitioning onto the Camino de Santiago GR 65) for my second thru-hike on the Camino. I'm planning for about 45 days to thru the Camino. I did it in just under 30 days three years ago, and missed a lot. The stats on the GR 11 are as follows: Total distance around 540 miles, total elevation change 128 thousand feet. I'll turn 78 on the Camino in November. Report with videos to follow....

[Rex Clifton]

For many of us, 70 is the new 50. In less than a month I will be continuing my section hiking of the GR 11 in the Spanish Pyrenees. I will be sectioning the central part for about three weeks and then transitioning onto the Camino de Santiago GR 65) for my second thru-hike on the Camino. I'm planning for about 45 days to thru the Camino. I did it in just under 30 days three years ago, and missed a lot. The stats on the GR 11 are as follows: Total distance around 540 miles, total elevation change 128 thousand feet. I'll turn 78 on the Camino in November. Report with videos to follow....

70 is the new 50 is BS! Know your limitations. If you try to keep up with the twenty somethings you are going to have a bad outcome, and probably break something you don't want broken. I hike only around 7-10 miles a day, with allot of lollygagging along the way. As they say in boxing, there's only one fighter who is undefeated and untied, Father Time!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[SouthMark]

I turn 70 this year and in 2010 I met a lady on Barren Mountain in the 100 mw who was 84. She was carrying a full pack.

[SawnieRobertson]

I turn 70 this year and in 2010 I met a lady on Barren Mountain in the 100 mw who was 84. She was carrying a full pack.

I wish that I had her address, contact number.

[1azarus]

I really want to underline Garlic's advice... you should have whatever you need to be comfortable, AND you should never carry more than 20 pounds -- 10 would be ideal -- seriously. So, go for the cushiest sleeping pad and let the kids carry the food, the stove, the shelter, the first aid kit... and have a wonderful time. then tell us all your stories!