Introduction
As an older backpacker, what has become apparent to me over the past few years is that my needs on trail are changing. As we age, we may encounter various new challenges, including muscle loss, joint and muscle pain, a slower metabolism, reduced energy levels, hormonal shifts, changes in mental sharpness, balance, vision, and hearing, as well as increased concerns from family members about our safety while hiking in the wilderness.
Elderly hikers are more likely to suffer from balance-related falls, cardiopulmonary-related events (including strokes and heart attacks), and slower recovery times in response to the type of exertion demanded by hiking several hours a day with a heavy backpack.
Without addressing these emerging issues, aging backpackers can risk discomfort, disorientation, injury or worse. The good news is that as gear improves and technology allows for increasingly lighter equipment, there are ways to improve gear choices, even on a fixed income.
During the past four hiking seasons, I have continued my quest to keep my pack weight as low as possible, but I have also added some items to my arsenal that I believe will help keep me out there longer and with less discomfort and risk. Although the cost of new gear can be a challenge, I found ways to accomplish my goals: I didn’t have the money to replace all my gear with ultralight alternatives right away, so I decided to chip away at it as I could. I scoured online gear sites, budgeted for purchases and waited for sales. I started asking my family for gift cards to REI and Amazon for holidays and birthdays, and created wish lists on those sites so that they would buy me what I really wanted for special occasions. I also shopped used gear websites and stores, where I found some great deals on slightly used gear at a fraction of the price of the new versions. Slowly but surely, I made positive changes.
The other challenge posed during this process of creating more comfort on trail was doing so without increasing my pack weight. At this point, I’m quite happy with my new items, but in adding them, I have had to figure out how to compensate for the extra weight by finding ways to scale back. Thus the great conundrum of the aging backpacker: skimp too much and be miserable and hurting in the backwoods; add weight and increase the possibility of pain and injury. Here are a few ways I have tackled this problem.
Three summers ago, while hiking the Timberline Trail around Mt. Hood in Oregon, I met a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker. During our chat, he told me about an unfortunate event that had happened to him at a town stop in California: He left his pack outside a little store while doing a quick resupply, and when he came out, his pack was gone. When locals in this trail town heard of the young man’s plight, they rallied together and replaced all his gear. Some of the replacements were second-hand, and most were not of the same brand he’d had before, but he was grateful that his hike didn’t have to end abruptly in that little town. When I met him, he had been using his new-to-him gear for a month, and he told me about a pleasant surprise he’d experienced: The Exped Ultra sleep pad he’d been given was now his favorite piece of gear. The used pad donated to him had a puncture in it that was duct-taped over, and it was much heavier than his previous pad, but even so, he said it was the most comfortable pad he’d ever slept on and that he planned to purchase a new one.
1. A more comfortable sleeping pad
That conversation launched what would become a four-year pack reprioritization for me. I wondered if there were tradeoffs I could and should make as an older hiker to help me stay stronger, last longer and feel better while on trail. I had been using a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlight pad, gloriously tiny and weighing just 8.8 ounces (249 grams), but I had been waking up multiple times a night with sore hips while using that pad. It was also noisy, narrow and a bit slippery, too, so I slid off the pad numerous times each night. Could I justify switching to the Exped Ultra 5R MW, weighing in at 1.6 pounds (0.74 kg)? And if I did make the change, could I find a way to shave off that added pound elsewhere in my pack? I decided it would be worth a try.
I ordered the Exped, and have now slept on it multiple times. The added cushion and comfort — and better sleep — are worth every extra ounce, so the next step for me was to find a way to shed a pound from my pack to keep the scales balanced. I began with the most obvious place: my pack itself.
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2. A lighter backpack
I had been carrying an Osprey Aura AG 65 (3.8 lbs / 1.7 kg) and started researching ultralight packs. Though the Osprey’s frame was comfortable and provided nice support for me, I decided I was ready to graduate to an ultralight pack.
I chose the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 (2.1 lbs / 1 kg), which instantly shaved off the extra pound of weight and then some. Perfect! The pack went on sale during a Memorial Day weekend special the following spring, so I snatched it up. With this, I pondered other changes I might make that would create more on-trail comfort while simultaneously shaving off weight.
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3. Adding a camp chair
A year later, the summer after my Timberline hike, I took a four-night backpacking trip in the Goat Rocks Wilderness of Washington, and three of my hiking partners were carrying ultralight camp chairs. This seemed an unnecessary indulgence to me, but at the end of the long and tiring hiking days, I looked longingly at those chairs, and snuck in a few sits on them. Blessed relief! Sitting on the ground was uncomfortable and at times even a bit painful for me — particularly with no support for my back — so I came home and did my research. I purchased the Helinox Chair Zero (1 lbs / 0.5 kg) during a sale at REI. Though I wouldn’t carry my chair on a thru-hike, for shorter trips and section hikes, that extra pound brings much comfort. The problem? Now I had to find a way to cut my pack weight down by another pound.
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4. Switching to a smaller, lighter food bag
On a trip in the Strawberry Mountains of Eastern Oregon last summer, one of my backpacking partners questioned why I was carrying a Kevlar Ursack food bag (5 oz / 28 g). I loved the security of knowing that my food bag was incredibly critter-proof, but I had to admit it was a bit heavy for my purposes, and its large capacity made it tempting to pack more food than I needed. Upon returning home, I purchased an REI Lightweight Stuff Sack (1 ounce) and shaved off several ounces. While I might opt to use my Ursack on a thru-hike, for shorter trips and when I know I’ll do a bear hang, the REI sack is just fine. This gear swap, however, still left me 12 ounces over my previous pack weight because of the chair, so I had to find more ways to tip the scales back in the right direction.
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5. A tent upgrade shaves off another 2.6 pounds
In preparation for this year’s backpacking season, I found a significant way to reduce my pack weight. After several years of sleeping in my beloved Big Agnes Fly Creek 2 (classic version) tent (3.5 lbs / 1.6 kg), I took a big leap and purchased a Durston X-Mid Pro 2 with DCF (Dyneema) flooring (17.9 oz / 507 g). By investing in the new Durston tent, I cut my base weight back by another 2.6 pounds (1.2 kg). My new tent was expensive, but after budgeting for it all winter, I was able to order it in the spring. I did a couple of practice pitches in my backyard, and took the tent out recently for its maiden journey. I love it! The reduction in pack weight by switching to this tent is notable and provided welcome relief during my recent outing.
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More ways I reduce pack weight
My quest to add comfort while concurrently reducing pack weight won’t stop with my new tent: I have figured out that there are other ways I can safely trim back.
A few of those include:
First Aid Kit – My previous kit contained an abundance of supplies, from multiple sizes of Band-Aids to gauze and scissors, tweezers, a sewing kit, a variety of medicines, two emergency foil blankets and more. Now, my kit has the basics of what I might need, but not as much or as many of each item. I no longer pack my fears in my first aid kit; I include just enough to get by until help arrives if I have an emergency. My kit went from 18 ounces (510 g) to 9 ounces (255 g).
Lighting – Up until now, I used a Coast headlamp I purchased at Costco, (3.8 oz / 108 g) and packed a Coleman mini lantern (7.4 oz / 210 g) as a backup light. I recently upgraded to a Nitecore NU25 UL headlamp (1.6 oz / 45 g), and, knowing my phone has a built-in flashlight I can use as a backup, I will no longer carry the mini lantern. These simple modifications will save me 9.6 ounces.
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Food – I will still carry one extra day’s worth of food as prescribed by the 10 essentials, but I won’t carry extras beyond that. Knowing that it takes weeks for hiker hunger to set in, I don’t worry about packing extra food and snacks. It’s extra weight that I’ll likely bring home with me.
Water – This is a tough one for me: I have an irrational fear of running out of water on trail. While doing a 100-mile section hike on the PCT from Willamette Pass to Santiam Pass in Central Oregon a few years ago, there was a long waterless stretch over hot, steep, exposed lava rocks that involved an overnight dry camp. I had to carry about 24 hours’ worth of water, and in my fear, I carried 7 liters (!) of water (15.43 pounds). My trail buddies dubbed me “Water Girl” after that irrational carry, and I wound up dumping 2 liters at the next water source. My back complained about my bad judgment for weeks, and I learned the hard way to not go overboard with water.
Enjoying the process
I’m still learning how to balance the scales with my pack weight, and I know I’m not finished yet. Likely, I will never be finished, as gear evolves and my needs continue to change. But to date — even with my added creature comforts — I’ve managed to reduce my pack weight by more than 4 pounds (2 kg), and it’s made a big difference in my comfort and energy levels on trail. By replacing my gear one item and one sale at a time, I have lightened my load without emptying my bank account, and I’ve had a lot of fun in the process.
Discussion
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Camping wise think a more luxurious, yet still ultralight sleeping pad, could go a long way considering how much time is spent sleeping (and lounging) in camp. Camp chairs pop up on other hikers including younger ones. I am able to use a small foam “sit pad” and try to get in the habit of using it at home on the floor once daily to help stave off any need for a dedicated chair. I knew a backpacker, who also fished, that used a now discontinued folding “hinged” type 16 oz chair inside the original G40 pack as a frame (along w/TT Contrail, pot with lid that was also a small pan, etc..). Maybe an integrated design using something similar would have a market? Of course it’d have to be available for breaks (= outside the pack).
There’s taller doors on shelters too, but ultimately some sort of exercise/physical therapy may need to be adhered to. In terms of not being able to hike, maybe replace with overnight trips on a bike?
Hi Jerry! Thanks for the nice compliment here. I’ve been out of town so very belated on my responses. I’m glad you enjoyed the article. I am toying with incorporating some strength-training exercises with my routine to help keep my muscles and bones stronger. Happy hiking and thanks again!
Hi Terran,
Thanks for your nice comments and compliment on the article! I’ve been out of town so very belated on my responses to comments here. I love my Exped too! I was recently diagnosed with “severe” osteoporosis, so I will definitely be continuing my quest to find ways to make backpacking possible into older age. Happy hiking and best wishes to you! Keep up the great work!
Hi Naomi,
Thanks for your awesome comments and encouragement regarding my article about aging hikers! I have been out of town so I’m very belated on my responses. That is SO encouraging to me that you are in your 70s and still out there. I just turned 64 last Friday, and I was also just diagnosed with “severe” osteoporosis! This came as a shock to me, as all my other vitals and levels have been so healthy thus far. But I will definitely keep up with the hiking, and my doctor gives his blessing on it too. I’ll continue to find ways to shave off weight while sleeping well, and utilize these great tips you’ve shared. Thanks again and happy trails!
Hi Megan!
Thank you for your terrific comments and encouragement regarding my article on aging hikers. I so appreciate them, and you! I just turned 64, and also just received a diagnosis of “severe” osteoporosis! I was shocked, as I’ve been so healthy for so long. But I will continue to hike/backpack, and continue to find ways to keep myself safe while doing so. Keep up the great work… you are doing fabulously well! Thanks again and happy trails to you!
Hello AK!
Thanks for your sweet compliment and comments about my article on aging hikers. I’ve been out of town so I’m very behind in my responses! As for my food stuff sack, no, it isn’t waterproof, so what I did when there was a threat of rain is I put my food in a plastic bag inside the stuff sack, so that it would stay dry even if the sack got wet. That seemed to work just fine.
And yes, the stolen backpack was a wake up call! I was happy the young man got help from the town, but I guess we do have to consider theft as a possibility when leaving our packs unattended. Yikes!
Thanks for the tip about yoga… I too am looking into supplementing my hiking/running with yoga, Pilates or strength-training exercises. I just turned 64… definitely longer recovery time and harder to keep up with the fitness level!
Thanks again AK! Happy trails!
Hi Michael! Thanks for your nice compliment and comments about my article. I’ve been out of town so I’m very behind on responding to everyone. Good idea to chip away at honing in on the best gear for you now… it does take time and money, so good to start early. Keep up the great work, and happy hiking! I will continue to share what I learn on my journey as an older hiker.
Hi Mike!
Thanks for your comments on my article about aging backpackers. It is an interesting process to observe how our bodies change with age, isn’t it?!? I get colder now much more easily as well. It’s definitely a balancing act to stay comfortable out there without getting the pack too weighed down. I am thankful for the new lightweight gear that continues to evolve. I will continue my quest to learn how to successfully hike into old age, and share any valuable information I learn. I was just diagnosed with “severe” osteoporosis, so I will be working very hard to balance the comfort/safety/ultralight scales! Thanks again and keep on trekkin’!
Hi Jane! Wow, you are my hero! I sure hope I’m able to hike and backpack at 82! Good for you! Hiking with a 15-pound daypack as training is a great idea. I have done that before as well. And yes, there is a huge difference between 50, 60, 70 and 80. I just turned 64 last Friday, and I am amazed how much my body changes with each passing year now, especially since turning 60! I really enjoy watching the older YouTubers who thru-hike as well. There are some great creators out there, and I always appreciate the tips they offer on how to hike long distances as an older backpacker. Thanks again Jane!
Hi John,
Thanks for your very valid comments on the backpacking for older hikers article. I’m just back from being out of town so am just now able to respond to the comments. Your points and suggestions are all great! Safety and preparedness are definitely key to longevity! I tend toward over-preparedness myself, and my motto is that I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it, particularly where safety items are concerned. Thanks again and happy trails!
Hi Daniel! Thanks for your comments and suggestions about my article. I have actually thought about downsizing my pack from 60 to 40. It seems the more space I have, the more inclined I am to fill it! LOL! I am still experimenting with everything, and will share my discoveries as I go about this process. Thanks again and best wishes to you!
Hello Regina! Thanks so much for all your awesome tips and for sharing your journey! I just turned 64, so I am encouraged that you are still out there in the Sierras!! I really want to get out into the Sierras as well. I totally understand what you mean about stuffing the pockets and pouches… yep! Me too! And what I learned this summer is that while I love the Durston XMid Pro 2, it is huge! A 1-person XMid Pro would have been a wiser choice for me. I like the tent, but like you, I struggle to get the little bathtub walls to stand up straight. I also feel a bit more “exposed” in this tent than my old Big Agnes Fly Creek, since the Dyneema fabric is a bit transparent. But I sure love the weight savings! Thanks again for sharing, and I’ll continue to share what I learn here on BL. Happy trails!
Hi Jim! Thanks for your comments and questions pertaining to my article on older backpackers. Wow, you made your own pack… I’m impressed! Sounds like your changes over the years have proven beneficial. I switched to a quilt a couple of years ago as well, and I love it! It’s so much lighter weight than my old sleeping bag was, and it’s cozy and warm. On warmer nights, I use it like a blanket and it’s perfect. As for switching to a dcf tent, I’d say that is totally up to you. If your existing tent is still working for you, I’d say use it until it falls apart! LOL! Not sure about that blue tarp… Thanks again and happy trails!
Thanks Megan! At 64, I am now hoping and envisioning hiking in my 70s too, and the newer lightweight gear is definitely a contributing factor in that. Keep up the great work… and I agree, a wallaby encounter is probably preferable over being chased by a bear! LOL! You go girl!
Hi Rob,
I agree wholeheartedly! We def need to hike our own hikes. Gear fidgeting is part of the process, and it evolves from year to year! Keep up the great work, and happy trails to you!
Hi there! Thanks for your comments and thoughts about the backpacking for older hikers article. The idea of a chair built into the backpack is an intriguing idea! Hmmm…
I am considering adding a stretching routine and perhaps some strength-training to my exercise regimen in hopes that it will keep me out there as long as possible. Physical therapy is always a good idea too!
Thanks again and happy trails!
Just turned 62 last week. (52 years on trail) I tried everything over the last 6 or 7 years to avoid knee replacement.
Long story short, I found myself lying in the mud on the side of a trail, staring up at the sky, dealing with the pain for the second time. I finally decided to get the knee replacements.
At least the implants are titanium, which is ultra-light (and expensive), right?
John, are you able to get back to hiking and backpacking with your new knees?
I know of a couple people with new knees that are doing fairly well, although not hiking and backpacking
Hi John!
So sorry to hear about the pain you endure with your knees. My 90-year-old cousin used to always say aging isn’t for wimps, and boy was he right! I just turned 64, and I am struggling to accept how my body feels on some days. BL has contracted me to write about my experiences as an older hiker, and now, with a brand-spanking-new “severe osteoporosis” diagnosis, I will be happy to share with you all what I learn, what I do, and how it goes with the backpacking endeavors.
I hope that the knee replacements eliminate your pain, AND that you are able to return to hiking and backpacking once you recover!
All the best to you! — Ronni
Maybe Ronni, we need an osteoporosis backpackers’ forum! Wouldn’t it be cool to know if carrying a heavier, rather than a lighter pack, made a difference in our bones?! Research needed.
The yoga helps, as does the pharmaceuticals. I’m saving the legal pot for when it gets really bad. If I have to crawl, I will. Maybe I’ll learn how to use alpacas or donkeys or something to carry my stuff.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Rer4CkReezCGm2TC7
I’m 66 with 67 in sight. Is anyone else reducing the daily milage/vert as a way to stay fresh? Since I’m a planner, I’m using a spreadsheet to plan each day by using a “hiking difficulty” index. This helps determine what I can do without exhausting myself. Too bad the formula ignores elevation effects, something to also consider. Thoughts?
https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/how-to-determine-hiking-difficulty.htm
I use Petzoldt’s energy mile theory to estimate the difficulty. Multiply elevation gain by 10 and add it to the distance. Works ok for me in planning my food carry and in estimating effort over a variety of terrain but if doing really hard alpine, the multiplier would need to go up.
The theory was proven on average studying caloric burn (but with high variability between individuals depending on weight and fitness) which isn’t quite the same as perceived effort.
I figure each 1000 feet elevation gain = 1 mile
I forget where I got that from
Both David & Jerry’s numbers come from NOLS teachings.
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