I THOUGHT MY PARENTS MIGHT DIE // Taking Seniors Backpacking for the FIRST TIME on the Skyline Trail

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

Justin, what a great thing you did for the Boomers. I am 64 and have hiked over 7,000 miles since the age of 60. I will be on a four day hiking trip with my oldest grandson this coming week, making great memories for us. Happy Hiking

[@chipkk7868]

A tip of the hat to you sir. That is my goal after retirement which is firght now set at 70 - about 3 years to go and my grandson will be 7 then so the timing is perfect

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

@@chipkk7868 during my thru hike of the AT I hiked with several guys over 70. They were section hiking the AT. The oldest thru hiker I met was 77 years old. He had thru hiked the AT three times after he was 66 years old. Happy Hiking

[@cindyjohnson4017]

Cotton Tales: I am turning 61 this year and want to start hiking. What do you suggest for training? I was thinking baby steps starting with low level, beginner trails then gradual progression to more difficult trails. How does that sound?

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

@@cindyjohnson4017 if you have desire, dedication and discipline you can and will go as far as your feet can take you. Start by walking wherever you can and as long as you can. The key is building endurance and the way to get it is by walking wherever you can for as long as you can. Put your backpack on, add a couple of liters of water and start walking. After the first week, add more weight and just keep progressing. Find some easy trails to hike either loops or out and backs. Then you are own the way! Remember hiking is just walking, so do not make it more complicated than that. If I can assist you, just give me a shout. Happy Hiking

[@RoughLandings77]

My dad, who is 75 this year, still backpacks with me and my boys (11 & 12 yrs of age) - three generations on the trail! He has been slowing down over the last couple years as three fights with different cancers have taken their toll, but we have nearly 25 years of hiking together behind us. I'm grateful for the many trips and memories we've made together, but sad to know he doesn't have much more left. Next weekend though, we've got a 2-night trip planned in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state! Hike with your folks as long as you can!

[@daviannabriche9278]

Awesome trip. Great video! I’m 65 and finished the Pacific Crest Trail last year. The best advice I could ever give anyone is SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY. Take breaks and just live in the moment. Lighten up your pack and eat as healthy as possible. Spend an extra night in towns if you’re feeling it. Thanks again for letting people know we can hike at any age.

[@brycewalburn3926]

I admire the courage to take out both of your sets of parents! I get a big enough sense of adventure taking my parents to a restaurant they've never been to before.

[@berryrohseberryrohse8392]

Thanks! Love the family wave dance at the top of The Notch.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Thanks Berry! We went on a second Family Trip this year and that video will drop in a couple of weeks!

[@leeterryberry2563]

I am nearly 62,backpacking and disperse camped Mount Zirkel Loop Trail outside of Steamboat, Colorado this summer. Also hiked Mount Bierstadt outside Denver. Last weekend hiked 13 miles which included Old Rag in Etlan, Va.

[@LMay64]

Both sets of parents crushed it! What a beautiful journey and bonding experience!

[@Vic-dog]

That’s gold right there! Experiences and their memories is what it’s all about.

[@whatkjsaw4461]

Great video, I loved it! Im closing in on 60 years and have only just started multi day hiking. I have found that a break every 5km breaks the hike into nice sized bites, that keeps it enjoyable, and also find that I’m satisfied keeping 20km days as my longer days. For pack weight I find that 15kg is the comfort rating for my old joints. Hiking poles are great too, totally recommend them. As you can see I thought your hike was perfect 👍

[@denisewhitney5926]

My people!!! I'm 64 and my sister is 63 and we started backpacking 10 years ago. Just finished 8 days/7 nights on the John Muir trail. The parents are such good, strong hikers!!!

[@shirleybewley6646]

that was great! Thanks to all! Fun and Very encouraging too! I'll be 72 this year. Have been getting my walking miles up this year, now to take your mom's advice for getting in shape and start collecting gear...next summer for hiking!😁

[@paulatermini2526]

I started backpacking at the age of 65. With my son’s encouragement, my first hike was 11 weeks and 800 miles on the Appalachian trail! My new adventure is bikecamping, again with a new bike and my son’s encouragement. Take it slow, enjoy the journey!

[@OHSOKIMBERLY]

2023 Heading into the fall and this has me so pumped up for my first backpacking adventure at 55! Great job thanks for sharing!!!

[@ThanatosWings]

Your dad's shirt! Lol. Dragon boat racing on the Welland Canal. I grew up in Port Colborne and was in rowing for 6 years practicing on the Welland Canal. Small world. Right now I'm preparing to do the hike from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie on the Meritt Trail / Greater Niagara Circle Route which passes the Welland Canal. Then I'll loop on the Trans Canada Trail to Fort Erie and up to Niagara Falls. I'm 47 years young

[@memathews]

Hey, the Boomers did great on this three-day! I introduced my dad and mom to backpacking, they were both city kids who moved us to Oregon and this was a new adventure for them. Dad and I did a bunch of trails together and a couple of week-long backpacks in the Wallows of NE Oregon. Mom did one overnight and decided it wasn't going to be her new adventure, the ground squirrels were too rambunctious at night lol. I turned 68 the end of last year and still backpack a dozen times spring/summer/fall and a couple of times in the winter snow, it's a habit once you get started. Thanks for showing us how it's done and give your Boomers my best.

[@jennyquinn8356]

Favorite video of yours! What a wonderful trip to feature!

[@anne-mariewirth4396]

I love the parents and their positive attitudes! Great hike!!! You’re all an inspiration to a lot of people!!!

[@jaywickerham2245]

As someone in my 60s I found it really interesting to see how your parents handled back country hiking for the first time. Having you as their guide, Sherpa and mentor made it much better. I think my biggest issue would be the mosquitoes, they seem to bite me more than anyone else. Thanks for doing this VLOG.

[@debs7411]

Great video-very inspiring to this 64yo camper. We do a lot of car camping, and the occasional walk-in or cart-in, but never an overnight hike...yet. I'm subscribing because your parents are awesome, and you didn't kill them!

[@filmic1]

That was just terrific. Don't feel so left out. Thanks to your folks.... Great stuff that they were so positive and buoyed throughout, especially going up over the notch. When we did it, we went from Jasper down to Maligne Lake. We climbed up the back of Signal, we didn't use the fire road. Boy I remember those howling winds along the ridges... Great post. Thank you!

[@filmic1]

We were glad enough just to have coated rip stop nylon, solid 1/2 shank trekking boots, a SVEA or Primus stove and a poncho in the nineteen seventies. Let alone all these new fangled gentrified high tek fabrics that swallow up travellers cheques.. Sheesh, we were thrilled just to have a pair Timberland boots. The highlights were the bear and wildlife stories scaring the crap out of each other around the backcountry fire pits before we crawled shaking, into our sleeping bags.. HA!!

[@TracyIrish]

Justin, I just came across your channel. I love that you did this with your parents! Making great memories. I’m 64, a boomer and love to hike and camp. I have two grown sons and they always tell me I can run circles around them. Lol. Age is a state of mind. Look forward to watching more of your videos. 🙌🏻👍🏻

[@MultigrainKevinOs]

That is darn wholesome, you two are wonderful people inspiring others to be more adventurous and the satisfaction and enjoyment that comes with it. Great trip and video idea!

[@kristymoore7052]

My son started me backpacking 4 years ago and now I go all of the time, even solo. I’m 58 now. I plan to hike the JMT and if that goes well the PCT

[@aidanhoneyman8544]

Canadians seem like the chillest people EVER!

[@markheming3507]

Great video! Super awesome enjoy these moments my dad BPed w/ me & my 2 sons until he was 72-73. Some of the best memories ever

[@lizdg3892]

Great trip to take your parents on. We may be in our sixties but we’re still kick in’ it. Love hiking and camping. Glad you all had this fabulous time together.

[@paulflannigan276]

He Justin, Really enjoyed the topic of this episode, the boomers done great!! as a 61 year old i have done quite a few multi day and long distance hikes now. Think the older you get the more you appreciate the great outdoors. Loved the views and the obvious happiness of the group.

[@marylousherman5471]

Nice video! I just turned 71 and finished the 42 mile Pictured Rocks section of the North Country Trail yesterday on L. Superior. I planned low mileage and a day off into the middle of the eight days on the trail and it worked out well. Had great weather, met nice people and met the challenges of the trail & campgrounds pretty well. I ran out of bug juice, toilet paper and food on my last day, so I guess I packed fairly well... carried about 32 lbs starting out and was very greatful for my hiking poles and some lessening of weight as the week went by. This is a beautiful section of trail, by the way.

[@sullivanadventures6454]

This video is epic!! I hope we get to see more of y’all’s parents hiking with y’all. ❤️

[@JJ-gc8du]

OMG!! Turning 70 next month...broke out of lifelong depression and finding super energy to try stuff like this. How do I go from "zero" to something like what you and your folks have done in prepping?? OPEN for suggestions!! LOVE IT!! Very inspiring! Thank you!!

[@wildflowerwind6941]

How did you break out of lifelong depression?

[@BigBlueVentures]

So awesome! Love the happy victory dance on top of The Notch. 💕 Way to go, everyone. What an amazing experience you created for both your sets of parents. Well done, Justin.

[@RAMtrails]

I took my Dad on his first backpacking trip in the snow! We had a blast. Definitely nice of you to open up a new world to your parents like that.

[@chipkk7868]

Super video and great comments from my fellow BOOMERS. As a 65+ year old fellow who has most friends who are not at all intersted in backpacking one of the challanges is finding someone to go with you, and at your pace. Very nice to see both sets of parents joining into the business and pasion of thier son and future son in law. Please have them on more often as it would be neat to see their return to a trail and progression if hapening.

[@pjismydawg]

Your Parents Rock! Id like to hike the PCT next year but at 61 my mom days im to Old. Hah! Now Im encouraged ! Thank You ALL!

[@sunnygram3850]

What a wonderful video to see all of you together.I am 64 and done a lot of hiking but not backpacking .I still dream of doing the AT.Its good to see others out there just starting out too. .

[@christinesprando5847]

This is spectacular in so many ways. What a terrific couple of kids you are! I’d love for my sons to go backpacking with me. I’m 52 and did my first trip 5 years ago. I’m getting prepared to section hike the Oregon section of the pct.

[@peterdavis2233]

Fun video! Thanks. My brother and I are both in our 70s and have been backpacking every year since 1964--mostly in the Sierra Nevadas--and usually in northern Yosemite. In fact, we just returned last week from a six-day hike in the Tahoe National Forest, about 10 miles from Donner Summit at 8000' to 9000'. Roundtrip, out and back, was about 17.8 miles (not including daily side hikes from our base camp) with over 1500' of altitude gain over rather rough terrain. The only thing I've noticed after all these years is my growing lack of flexibility--which makes climbing in and out of a tent a bit of a challenge. It's something I now work on consistently during the off-season. The only thing I can't hike without these days is a camp chair. Being able to sit down in a chair with a back after a long hike is increasingly important the older I get. And since we don't hike where there are picnic tables and benches, a chair is a must. A log or stump simply won't do anymore. So, yes, Boomers can, in fact, backpack.

[@normanc.2021]

Excellent video Justin glad to see everyone having a good time. Beautiful scenery as well. ✌️

[@exrhodie1234]

Fantastic video, thanks guys! Just finished your Mont Blanc series and now this outstanding vid with the folks was amazing. Thanks for sharing and congrats to the seniors!! Cheers

[@eric55406]

What a great way to have some fun and make new memories. Glad to see your parents are well and fit enough to do this. Skyline Trail looks beautiful; i'd love to hike it someday.

[@derbywinner6316]

My husband & I are 60 years old. Never been in backpacking trip ⛰ ; however we did day hikes like R2R , rim to river Grand Canyon , the Tetons, Yellowstone, Shenandoah National Parks 🏞, Pine mountain. I am trying to get my husband to do our first backpacking trip 🤔⛰.going to Acadia National Park and the White Mountains ⛰ late week of September& first of October.😁

[@HeBeWorthy]

Nice trip, cool to get the parents out there! I have been wanting to do this trail as well

[@o2bnov0307]

Excellent! Thank you for sharing your family hike. Your Skyline Trail is very different from Virginia's Skyline Drive.

[@2laughandlaugh]

57 here. 15 to 20 mile days depending on terrain.

[@cidifede1]

Great episode! You should do a lot more interactive videos like this. Keep up all the great work!

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 Justin, greetings from Northern California. Thank you for sharing your Family video. I really enjoyed it. You certainly have a fine Family. The very best to all of you. Stay safe, healthy and keep hiking. 🤗

[@MotherMaples]

Loved this! My son and I are going on our first 3 night backpacking trip next week. Total newbies both of us. I am 50 and I’m nervous but doing it anyway. How amazing you could both do this with your parents. They did great!

[@maggiedoor6093]

How did your trip go?

[@MotherMaples]

@@maggiedoor6093 Awe Thank you for asking. Unfortunately ended up with Covid before the trip. Still slowly recovering. We rescheduled for mid-September and hoping for good weather.

[@Mr.T711]

I just had lunch with my folks and got to hear about the backpacking trip my Dad is taking next week. He’s 78 so I think age isn’t part of it if your body is still in decent condition. Good stuff.

[@Sunshine_day]

I'm almost 60, and a newbie backpacker. It's been really hard to make time to train as much as I need to and I live in a fairly flat area, so high elevations really kick my booty, but I just absolutely love the mountains! I have to work for several more years, but I'm training and planning to take off a while to do the Appalachian Trail. Trying to tackle mt Elbert this next weekend (a month ago I was a mile from the peak before storms formed earlier than forecasted; sent me back down.) I'm just sooo slow! So I'm going to break it up over two days instead of one. Wish me luck!

[@mountainmantararua8824]

Hello Justin, from NZ, One is never to old to go tramping (hiking) I'm 74 and so far this year I have done 46 tramps (67 last year) and carry an average of 20kg on over nighters. on a day tramp I will carry about 9kg. It's nice to see you take your parents, it is something not often seen. Over here in NZ we have tramping clubs for the seniors and they go out for the day or for multiday trips ( and they are rugged trips, not just around the botanical gardens). Enjoyed the video. ATB from the mountains of NZ😊😊

[@vaidahick1703]

We’re heading to NZ Feb 2023. Hope to get in some tramps.

[@kimberleybruce39]

So wholesome 😍 We take my Mum on overnight backpacking trips a few times a year and this reminded me a lot of our trips. A lot more breaks are definitely needed when the parents come along 😅 and we ALWAYS bring some wine haha. The camp life if what keeps my Mum going on these walks!

[@neemancallender9092]

I would say the most important thing is camp comfort to get the physical rest after a day hiking Sleeping on the ground for a first time can be difficult The most comfortable sleeping mat and pillow A foam kneeling pad to protect the knees And a folding chair to sit comfortably These will take off some of the wear and tear And a pee bottle Also Must have hiking poles and use them correctly

[@learntechwithruth2147]

Wonderful video! Your parents are so cool and it was great to see everyone in great spirits the whole time. No complaining from anyone. I’m sure that’s unusual. I also wonder about breathing in the chemicals from the thermacell but I guess if you don’t overuse it then it’s ok. Bugs seem to be horrible in Canada this year. Strangely I’ve only gotten one bite all season here in TN this year. Normally I get attacked just in my car port. Very sweet video!

[@kjclem94]

This was so much fun to watch!!! Both sets of parents were great sports!

[@hammeredironworks7788]

Awesome idea! Thanks for the scenic video and taking us all along!

[@lindaselover2536]

What fun to take your parents! -- I did the John Muir Trail solo at age 67, had a bad knee, so went back on my 68th birthday to finish it. I had not been backpacking in 40 years, but I had a lot of experience at it in my 20s. Go your own pace, stop and breathe and enjoy the view. If you are not huffing and puffing, you will feel much better. I just got a new knee at age 72, hoping to get back on the trails. Happy Trails.

[@MichelleCTorresGrant]

I love this video so much! Your parents did a fantastic job, and you prepared them well. I really loved their attitudes and willingness to try something new and challenging.

[@papajeff5486]

Car camped Ocoee Lake, with my mom and dad, sometimes for 8 - 10 weeks at a time, swam all day, hiked, canoed. Mom would take care of the kids and Dad would go to and from work and stay on the weekends. WONDERFUL memories. Never went on a weekend hike; but, we had some fun. Kentucky

[@davidloucks1495]

Great Vid, and a GREAT TOPIC! As a 60 year old, I'm not slowing down and your parents will be talking about this adventure for a while! I hope to see all of you on another trip soon! Pack light and enjoy the views!

[@vicmiera3277]

Great family fun! How much did the parents packs weigh? I just finished the Colorado Trail, my pack was around 34lbs. at it's heaviest (8 days of food) but towards the end it was close to 29....I'm 67 and had no issues, TONS of rain, but I carried a umbrella, best decision ever! Cheers to your family!

[@sandrazern649]

Awesome video! What wonderful memories you all must have made!

[@pollyd612]

It looks beautiful!! Good for them I’m 68 and have done a lot of kicking but no backpacking Bravo to them !!!

[@dadainthip]

That's fantastic and great job to all the 'rents! I started backpacking last year at the age of 52.

[@sandramorey2529]

We are octogenarians who backpacked from our 20's through our 60's and into our early 70's. We backpacked until I injured myself stepping down from a bench. I was 73. I still hiked, but I was also beset by arthriis in both ankles. Luckily I have incredible memories to fall back on. We even backpacked Haleakala twice, once we stayed at one of the campgrounds for a week and once we stayed at the cabins. We took our kids when they were kids. Our eldest camps but doesn't backpack. They have a very nice van. Our youngest isn't a camper or a backpacker. Oh well. We used to dehydrate everything in our oven. We never used ramen. Didn't need it.

[@chili1593]

Pretty aggressive hike and altitude gain for first times. They can cut it.

[@thisismylaine]

Fantastic! Well done to all xx

[@dralthoff1]

Great video! Did the hike a couple of years back- we skipped the night at your last campsite due to the mosquitos and just did the monster day to exit and avoid the skeeters. Didn't regret. Also you mentioned the 4 party = no bear attack; however, Lake Ohara had a bear attack on 4 hikers a couple of decades back with 2 needing evacuation. So the party of 4 rule should be up to the party of 5 = no grizzlies!

[@theonlynikki27]

I love this. Your mom is adorable. (And totally has your same voice!)

[@scottyplug]

This might be one of my favorite of yours, J Money G. Fantastic!

[@debbilermond1553]

Old Timers??? Try to give your parents some slack as they are pretty brave to go out on camera backpacking for the first time. I'll be 69 in two weeks, am a cancer survivor for nearly 11 years from Melanoma, have a bad back and bad leg from lipoma surgery and still backpacking! I did try and lighten my pack to get my base weight down to under 14 lbs. and total under 19 lbs. I used to carry 40-50 lbs. when I was your age and over the years, have taken it down to 30-40 lbs. I also have a bad arm and shoulder (compromised from taking a large chunk out of my upper right arm from the cancer). It only slows me down but doesn't stop me. My twin sister went with me backpacking for the first time to Colchuck in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness at age 66 with a 30 lb. pack. I took a 40 lb. pack up 2,200 elevation gain and then went 1/3 the way up Aagard Pass where a man feel to his death a few days later! For fun, my husband and I are Extra Class HAMs and climb mountains to activate them for points doing SOTAs (Summits on the Air). I activated Wo-Mann Butte last year with no trail, just bushwhacking and getting bloody to call out with my Handheld Transceiver (HT).

[@jojoandroses]

Omg. Love the dancing! So much fun!

[@beckyleheny8636]

As a boomer, I recently got back into backpacking. To me what was really beneficial was being taught the proper way to use trekking poles, especially for steep ups and steep down. It really saves the knees and leg muscles.

[@vaidahick1703]

Never hike without my trekking poles!

[@DetraDearmas]

Now don't forget to take them again! I'm 68 love backpacking have ultralight outfit. Son is now too busy! Grandson is 13 maybe he'll go again. We both love hammock and tarp camping. Just not safe alone

[@abigailr4243]

Awesome idea Justin! Thanks for sharing

[@itsherlocknosh]

Love your channel. Really uplifting. I'd like to know what the music clips are. Some of them are great! Like the the music on this one....

[@llo70422]

OMG the cutest video ever. Fantastic fun parents. Yeah I'm 68 so I get this video with the boomers

[@krisroush]

Great video, thank you! I’m 67 and from Arizona. Would love to make this trip a life goal. Can you share specifics about this exact trail. I think I heard you say Skyline and Canada. Do you mind sharing your specific beginning and ending points and what month did you do this? Thanks SO MUCH! I am a new fan!

[@lizard2425]

My wife is 70 with a pacemaker, I am 71. Been backpacking since I was 10 years old and we are still doing it. I must say your parents doung a 20 kilometer day is pretty impressive!!! 😉😉 😛

[@HikingwithGus]

I'm 64 and get out and backpack and day hike as much as I can. There are some times that my brain says you can do something and my body says "um yeah no". Good to see yur folks out pounding the dirt.

[@bearanoia673]

I went from camping & day hikes to backpacking trips as part of my 50th birthday. No looking back 🐻

[@andreaknibbs9328]

Haha! You made everyone do your weird wacky waving inflatable tube man dance! Awesome vid from a boomer

[@jbstuff]

Great video dude. I wish I had people I know to go outside with me when I go

[@juanbackpacks]

Fun video! The parents did greet!!!

[@sueb860]

66 is not "late 60's", it's the last year you can say you are in your "mid 60's"! You'll want to know that when you get there Justin! 🤣

[@hollyfisher8811]

Heck Yeah, Seniors Can HIKE🏔!! I Have a Friend, Age 66, Who Just Finished the John Muir Trail & Now Planning on the Crest Next Year😎...

[@MariaPerotti]

Love that you brought wine glasses. Glamp-packing goals.

[@diannchumney3216]

What a special trip. Goes to show we boomers can still makes precious memories with our kids AND learn from them too.

[@BigCountryOutdoors325]

Thanks for this very inspiring video. I’ve been camping my entire life. But, didn’t get into backpacking till I hit 50. My goal is to LASH the AT (southern section) for my 55th b’day (03/2025). I was also surprised at your parents pack weight. I feel really good with a base weight of 18-ish pounds now. They did a great job. I hope I can keep up to their pace in another 10 years or so. 👍

[@rogerlewis1295]

Simply brilliant, such a positive video.

[@mmozell]

Thank you, Justin. Such a good thing you have done! And kudos to your parents. So proud of those Boomers!. I am 65 and I have backpacked 34 of the 36 western ("Lower 48") US National Parks in the last six years. If all goes to plan, I will finish the west this coming spring and all 46 of the "backpackable" Lower 48 US National Parks by the spring of '24. Then? Alaska and Hawaii? (And, someday, American Samoa?) Who knows? I will backpack until I can no longer put one foot in front of the other. Happy Trails to all!

[@ArcaneSpells]

This is so heartwarming!

[@tommoskal4419]

What a great trip. My fellow retired buddy and I are turning in the canoe for back packing this year. Did your parents like it? I'm from St. Catharines On. so I might know where to get some slightly used gear maybe. lol

[@Mike_Blanda]

Justin this was freaking awesome bro!!!! Good stuff 👍

[@donmartin9567]

Ummmm, I hiked the Iceline Trail (Yoho Valley) including the Whaleback on my 70th Birthday (September 2020) that was after hiking it earlier that year when I was a young, spry, 69! I just find going uphill is far slower than it used to be "way back when". :)

[@roncarr7179]

Fantastic video, just another reason to never stop

[@terrycarkner1698]

Awesome, i was 70 before I did my first backpacking trip. But we used goats to back our stuff.

[@johncheeseman6764]

Justin, you have to try Rescue mosquito clips, I tested them in the Colorado and Wyoming rockies. They work great

[@whimpihastarobbi5700]

This video is so nice and peaceful love your videos keep making good content! Whimpi, Indonesia...

[@hikingwithdoc7904]

Great hike. I'm curious what that drone thing was you filmed with?

[@JustinOutdoors]

360 camera

[@sharvo6]

What a beautiful, well maintained trail.