13 Tips for Older Hikers Starting the Appalachian Trail

13 Tips for Older Hikers Starting the Appalachian Trail - In this video I give you my top 13 tips for older hikers setting out to thru hike or section hike the Appalachian Trail or any long distance backpacking trail. Tip number 13 is one I feel strongly about and I'm still working on overcoming. Hope these tips help get you out on the trail.
#hiking #hikinggear #hoka #altra #topo #appalachiantrail2024 #appalachiantrail #backpacking #hikertrash #womenwhohike #olderhiker
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Пікірлер: 73

  • @BruceEllmaker
    @BruceEllmaker14 күн бұрын

    Thank You for sharing your insight.

  • @bensimonian1859
    @bensimonian18592 ай бұрын

    As a 76 year old backpacker it’s nice to hear and learn from your experience.

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you!! I love hearing about older backpackers getting out there.

  • @tsengmactantan7854
    @tsengmactantan78543 ай бұрын

    At 59, I really appreciate your sharing and videos. Please stay strong and healthy.

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much!! 🏕️🥾⛰️

  • @user-kq7lx4jo6h
    @user-kq7lx4jo6hКүн бұрын

    Great tips thanks for sharing

  • @carolrobarts5992
    @carolrobarts59922 ай бұрын

    Great tips! As a "senoir" hiker, I'm training and preparing to hike the AT in 2026. There has been a lot of gear tweaking from trial and error. I concur about the shoes and foot care! Glad I found you in KZread and IG!

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you! Glad it has helped in your planning! That’s so exciting you’ll be out there in 2026!

  • @miken7629
    @miken76293 ай бұрын

    I am 69 and section hike AT every year as a test to see how I am aging, going again end of March for 200 miles, could only do 11 miles/day last year. Instead of trekking poles I like a 45" hiking stick, call it my "Dog Stick" because I use it to defend against dog attacks, some dogs think I am the Postman and attack. Also use the hiking stick as a catapult to sling my rock bag over a tree limb to hang my food, gives more power and directional control. #12: I do carry Imodium AD just in case virus attack. This time I will be swapping gear between sections, during 5 day sections I will carry my 32lb 70l backpack with hammock setup. There are some 3 day sections that I bet I can do in 2 days if I swap gear to carrying an old fashion Hobo Roll (a bedroll containing torso groundsheet & pad, down blanket, polyester tarp cover, gloves, jacket), betting I can make better time with 13 pound gear including 1 pound of Walnuts for 2 days food.

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    3 ай бұрын

    11 mile days are fantastic! I hope your upcoming 200 mile section hike goes smoothly for you. Great idea to use your stick as a catapult to help hang your food. I couldn’t do only walnuts for food. Lol

  • @Seamus3051
    @Seamus30512 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the wise tips, particularly the mention of not comparing yourself with your younger self. We all, to a greater or lessor extent, have a strong tendency to lament the loss of our abilities to the onset of age.😞

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    2 ай бұрын

    It is hard sometimes to just enjoy where you are at and not compare. I do pretty good but still fall into it every now and then. We are still getting out there and having a blast and that’s what counts even if it is not as fast as we’d like. 😊

  • @sharonseifert76
    @sharonseifert763 ай бұрын

    Excellent tips for even us day hikers! Thank you😊

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad they were helpful!! Thanks for watching!! 😊🥾⛰️🏕️

  • @CzyzAdventures
    @CzyzAdventures3 ай бұрын

    Great tips to live by. I put hiking poles right up there as an absolute necessity. Hike on 🥾🥾~ CrazyQuilt

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    3 ай бұрын

    I agree hiking poles are a necessity. Can’t wait to see your upcoming Utah adventures!

  • @adelevickers2120
    @adelevickers21203 ай бұрын

    Good advice thanks. Im 71 and do shorter multi day hikes 5 to 21days in Australia and New Zealand. Having a 'zero' makes the experience so much easier and enjoyable.

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    2 ай бұрын

    That’s fantastic that you’re doing multi day hikes! I sometimes have to remind myself how much better I feel after a zero. It’s so much better after.

  • @Mtnsunshine
    @Mtnsunshine3 ай бұрын

    All great tips, Silva👍. Thanks so much for making this video.

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you! 🥾⛰️🏕️

  • @robbinwhaley9378
    @robbinwhaley93782 ай бұрын

    Great tips! Thanks for sharing.

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching! 🥾⛰️🏕️

  • @jeffstone28
    @jeffstone283 ай бұрын

    Excellent tips. I already do many of them but I learned a couple of things. Thanks!

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching! 🥾⛰️🏕️

  • @Randee04
    @Randee043 ай бұрын

    Perfect tips!

  • @michaelbutler4961
    @michaelbutler49613 ай бұрын

    All wonderful tips, Silva! Thanks for sharing. Hike~~On~~>

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching! 🥾⛰️🏕️

  • @barbaraadams-daugherty4584
    @barbaraadams-daugherty45843 ай бұрын

    Great tips!

  • @paavoviuhko7250
    @paavoviuhko72502 ай бұрын

    Hello Silva, I just re-subscribed. I was with you a while back on your AT run. I accidentally saw your video on youtube and thought it would be a good time to come back. I turn 75 this July so I'm getting more conscious of the need to watch my step. I've been very active getting on trails in my area most days of the week. But last week I was doing a 15 mile road walk and started to get knee pain in my right leg. I should have paid attention to it but instead did a long bush hike a couple of days later and had to hobble back in a lot of pain. So now I am house bound for a while. The lessons of old age are a difficult teaching. I look forward to enjoying your videos again. Best wishes to you.

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you for re-subscribing! So sorry to hear about your knee pain! I hope you recover quickly! I have many times tied to push through after an injury and it never turns out good. You’d think we’d learn but for some reason those lessons are difficult to remember. lol Thanks so much for following along. 🥾⛰️🏕️

  • @jaapongeveer6203
    @jaapongeveer6203Ай бұрын

    IMHO, the top tip relates to foot wear and care. Your feet are what gets you there!

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    Ай бұрын

    Agree your feet are so important! 🥾

  • @juliamarple3785
    @juliamarple37852 ай бұрын

    This was really helpful, thanks.

  • @groemer9913
    @groemer99133 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @Teddy-fx6fx
    @Teddy-fx6fx3 ай бұрын

    Nice job,great tips. 👍

  • @suecox8355
    @suecox83553 ай бұрын

    Thanks

  • @lucindaturnis6605
    @lucindaturnis66052 ай бұрын

    Tip 13 is #1! Ty for this 💓 great advice

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching! 🥾⛰️🏕️

  • @1952jdadler
    @1952jdadler2 ай бұрын

    Hey Silva, As an older hiker carry a small bottler of baby asprin. Just in case for me or anyone else who might need it. I liked this video.

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    2 ай бұрын

    That is a fantastic idea! I’m going to have to do that. Glad you liked the video. How have you been? Hope all is well!

  • @toneandheddyadventures609
    @toneandheddyadventures6093 ай бұрын

    Awesome Tips Amiga! I am an older hiker 62 this month. Moka

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    3 ай бұрын

    I can’t believe you’re 62! You guys are awesome! Can’t wait to catch up with you both!

  • @turtlemummatreks9786
    @turtlemummatreks9786Ай бұрын

    Silvia, such a great list so well communicated. It was more like 24 tips. The term LASH is new to me. Is it an acronym? G'day from Australia💚💛

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you so much glad! LASH stands for Long A*s Section Hike. Lol 😂

  • @turtlemummatreks9786

    @turtlemummatreks9786

    Ай бұрын

    🤦‍♀️ thank you! I feel like a newbie🤦‍♀️

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    Ай бұрын

    @@turtlemummatreks9786 no worries!! We learn something new everyday! 😊

  • @susietopspin
    @susietopspin3 ай бұрын

    Very good video with some helpful tips. The most important is not to be intimidated and get out there. Happy trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you!! Happy trails! 🥾⛰️🏕️

  • @RonaldBrock-qs1uf
    @RonaldBrock-qs1uf3 ай бұрын

    Great 13 tips. Thanks for doing the video

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching!! 🏕️😊⛰️🥾

  • @ervinslens
    @ervinslens3 ай бұрын

    Lovely upload my friend 👏👏

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you! 🥾⛰️🏕️

  • @peterquinter8130
    @peterquinter81302 ай бұрын

    All great comments. Love your accent. Maverick

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you! 😊 ⛰️🏕️🥾

  • @jorgemiguel1040
    @jorgemiguel1040Ай бұрын

    While training, work your pack weight up to overload. After working your way up. Take some shorter hikes with extra water weight. You can find stairs to climb with your loades pack also. Many, mnay step on the AT

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    Ай бұрын

    Great tips! Agreed there are many steps in the AT! 🥾🏕️⛰️😊

  • @johnnyat
    @johnnyat3 ай бұрын

    Amazing isn’t it? Early March and the woods are already bare of snow here in Maine. Great tips, I’m 65 and just started using trekking poles last year and what a difference it made.

  • @justjonoutdoors

    @justjonoutdoors

    3 ай бұрын

    I started using them in my mid ‘50s - I wish I had started a couple decades earlier!!!

  • @johnnyat

    @johnnyat

    3 ай бұрын

    @@justjonoutdoors Me too.

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    3 ай бұрын

    I know I can’t believe there is no snow around here. I had someone tell me still lots of snow in Grafton Notch area so I may try to get over there to do a hike soon. Lol. I love my trekking poles. I can’t imagine hiking without them.

  • @jamesmonahan1870
    @jamesmonahan18703 ай бұрын

    Listen to this song about the mountain wilderness. DON'T GO UP TO THE MOUNTAIN TOP WITHOUT ME (C)2006 james monahan original songs.

  • @jamesmonahan1870

    @jamesmonahan1870

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you.

  • @kristymoore7052
    @kristymoore70523 ай бұрын

    Subscribed. Thanks for being an older hiker and sharing. I’m struggling with food now, but will prevail. Yes, the onion rings, etc., are not wise for me. Sound good, taste good, but ulimately not worth it.

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much for subscribing! It is so hard to resist certain foods sometimes but definitely pay for it after. Lol

  • @carriesparks8105
    @carriesparks81052 ай бұрын

    Hi there Silva girl.

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    2 ай бұрын

    Hi Carrie!!! Miss you! Hope you are doing well!!

  • @Bohonk212
    @Bohonk2123 ай бұрын

    Bring plenty of Vitamin I.

  • @Monica1268
    @Monica1268Ай бұрын

    thank you! how many packs of LMNT do you use per day?

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    Ай бұрын

    I usually just use one per day. If it’s really hot I may use two.

  • @markwalker4485
    @markwalker44853 ай бұрын

    I didn’t put my 3or 4 times on the AT but this woman is wrong. My personal opinion is just try you never know what will happen. Yes for my last time I need medication but my doctor gave me the health ok. A doctor is a good thing for anyone. And next year I will be 77 years old and do my last through travel number 13 will be a joke. I know I will punish the young folks I just finished with pain the Shanganie. For fun i walked the trail of death. It’s not as long as AP….but try the Bulawayo to Vic Falls run in even winter you learn what kit to carry. I will never make a video of those walkers. Mainly because I don’t want people to see me fun dancing. lol you can make me USA but ya can’t take RSAS from me. Oh got to add this. Never had a crock try to eat my leg on the AT and never had a Buff try to end my life. My worst was hippy’s wanting my food. For a walking stick I fully swear by them. I used a staff all the same and it helped all the time and it was a very heavy black thorn staff. Hands up to my suicidal Republic of Ireland friends. For hiking a walking stick or staff is beyond beneficial. One of my staffs actually has a button compass and a small little place to horde a small amount of matches. Best part of a staff is something you will never use. They make great rests to shoot you firearm. And in a not joke one of my staffs did beat off an annoying Grizzly Bear. I don’t suggest that attitude unless you like death. If you get the chance I would suggest the old sheep farmers staff. The hooked end works well to help you climb up nasty high land terrain

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    3 ай бұрын

    Good luck on your next hike!

  • @prosec34
    @prosec343 ай бұрын

    Learn how to pronounce it correctly

  • @silvasoutdooradventures

    @silvasoutdooradventures

    3 ай бұрын

    I’m from Maine and that’s how we pronounce it. That’s how New England pronounces it. 😊🥾⛰️🏕️