Older Hikers: It's Your Time for the PCT!

[@maureenobryan6141]

A grand adventure can be had by just choosing to do a section hike! At age 62 I was invited to do a very small section of the PCT for 3 days in Washington. I had not backpacked since college, but I'm always up for a challenge, and someone believed in me. I had been a day hiker previous to this, so I had some trail experience. With just a few months to prep, I gathered my gear, did lots of longer, higher elevation practice hikes with a full pack, and off I went. I have never looked back! Now, 3 years later, at age 65 I've completed several hundred miles of the PCT and ventured off on other long weekend trips. Part of it for me, was having someone who was willing to ask me to join them, had full belief I could do it, and cheered me on. It's a mind game, and personal belief in yourself, and willingness to do what it takes to prepare. I intend to backpack as long as my body allows me to; age will not be a factor. There are so many places to explore, so if you believe you can, YOU CAN!

[@akwild1]

Thanks Maureen. I'm amazed by the different paths we all have taken toward answering the call of the wild, but it seems a desire to break the status quo -- that gnawing tension in our lives -- seems to unite us. I agree that the mind game is real, and an obstacle for all of of us. Your desire to keep pursuing adventure can inspire all of us regardless of age. Happy Trails!

[@hikingwithscrooge]

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I’m heading to Campo Monday and starting on Tuesday. This isn’t my first thru hike but each time getting to the start is daunting. Hanging on and trying to push the envelope of endurance at age 66 now is harder each year. The stubborn Scotsman in me doesn’t seem to want to quit. Although I have a lot more common sense now, my inner 17 year old is still wanting to get out and go explore and wander in the woods. The mountains still call and I suppose as long as I’m able, I’ll go. Thanks again!

[@akwild1]

Stubborness is a virtue for older hikers, I'm convinced. I'm excited for your PCT adventure. I'm sure the younger hikers will think you're the coolest hiker on the trail. Happy Trails young man!

[@backpacker3421]

One of my earliest inspirations as a backpacker came when I was around 20, so... several decades ago. I was in Yosemite, hiking up into Little Yosemite valley behind Half Dome. Coming down trail were two hikers, loaded up for a long hike. Back in those days, a full pack base weight was rarely below 25 pounds. Everything was heavier then, even the packs themselves. As they got closer I decided to yield to them even though I was going uphill and they were going downhill, because I realized they were impressively older hikers. They thanked me, and we introduced ourselves to each other, and had a nice little break as we talked a bit. Turned out they were in their mid-80s and backpacking was how they spent their retirement. I walked away thinking - if they can do that, so can I. And I'm halfway from my age then to their age and still going strong. I hope one day I can be the mid-80s hiker inspiring some 20 year old goofball to realize that backpacking can be a lifelong endeavor.

[@akwild1]

Yes, here's to inspiring goofballs. This summer, while Flash and I were 250 miles into finishing up our PCT hike from last year, a younger hiker at a watch cache looked at us, assumed I think that we were too old, and said, "Oh, are you out hiking for the weekend." We had to explain to her that we were only 400 miles from completing the trail, and her demeanor changed. Let's aspire to be known as the generation of badasses on the trail. Your story brought back my memories of hiking through Yosemite, tough and beautiful. Happy Trails!

[@olddad67]

56 have leukemia and absolutely love outdoors. I have a five-year-old little girl also that I am a single father and shows like this is very encouraging last year. I bought backpacks for me and my girl and I decided after sitting around for three years hiding from everybody because of Covid, I was gonna take off on this grand adventure and go camping for a week and walk 30 miles and Hocking Hills Ohio well made it about 2 miles in and was just about ready to collapse. Spent the weekend in one area camp and had a blast. Spent the whole summer working out and buying some new gear. That was much lighter. I’m gonna spend the winter doing my best to try to get in shape and I’d like to try to do a little bit more backpacking this summer and shows like this keeps me encouraged so keep up the good work. Thank you olddadmoore that shoes that I found by the way or the.Topo shoe they are extremely durable and very very comfortable

[@akwild1]

I'm inspired by your story. Your example captures the spirit of the TR Poem I read in the video. Please watch next week's video. I've been inspired to try something a little different with this channel, that I believe will make it more interactive, and it will help inspire and help sustain others as they advance toward their own grand adventure. Happy Trails!

[@BobPritchard]

AT at 58, Vermont Long Trail at 62, PCT at 63 (just finished in November) and this year I'm going to start the CDT. It was not without physical challenges and limitations but if the desire is strong you can find a way.

[@akwild1]

Thank you. I don't speak Spanish, but I think the word Ganas sums it up pretty well, too. Good luck on the CDT. The CDT has me intrigued, much more so than the AT. So many trails... so little time.

[@Andy-ku3jy]

Good on you - How was PCT at 63 ? Did you solo it ? Any injuries ?

[@BobPritchard]

@@Andy-ku3jy PCT is beautiful and terrain is gentler than the AT despite higher elevation. Almost all solo again. No substantive injuries in '23 although 2 years ago I broke ribs in the Sierra! Would prefer a group but logistics often don't work out.

[@jamescooper2425]

I've thru hiked the pct seven and a half times in the last seven and a half years. I'm sixty years old. Some of this is good advice, but when it comes to gear, it's extremely important to get your base weight as low as possible. there is a vast difference in climbing hot mountains all day with a light pack and crawling uphill all day in misery with heavy gear, even more so as you age. Preparing yourself physically as much as possible is always a good idea, but nothing can really prepare you for thru hiking except thru hiking. Most important things you can do is start with light gear instead of being stubborn and learning the hard way that heavy sucks. Second, start slowly. Even if you're in great shape, your body needs to slowly adapt to the punishment your body will experience hiking all day, every day. Some of the fittest people are the first to quit as they beat up their feet instead of slowly letting the connective tissue and muscles stretch and strengthen. Don't be self conscious about age; In the beginning it seems like everybody is 22 years old, and at the end it seems like most people are 55.

[@akwild1]

Thank you for your perspective. How was traveling through the Sierra section this year? With all your experience, have you ever considered a trek in Alaska? For me, and it's my perspective, gear is easy to figure out, and nothing teaches you what you need and don't need like hiking the trail. I'm also a firm believer in training beforehand, even though as you stated, nothing prepares you for thru hiking like thru hiking. The process of getting into shape helps maintain your focus on the goal of starting and enduring a thru hike, and helps protect against injury once you hit the trail. If we use the analogy of sports, no boxer, marathon runner, or football player would dismiss the importance of training in preparing for competition. However, I do notice that the more I practice basketball the worse I seem to get.

[@jamescooper2425]

@@akwild1 I did a desert section yoyo (1400 miles), then thru hiked the trail southbound from Canada this year, so the Sierra was essentially snow free when I got there in early September, and I was able to ford the river with the broken bridge. I have gone through the Sierra three previous times with 100% snow coverage, and done about 2500 miles of continuous snow on the pct in the last eight years. It doesn't require special skills or training, although I have alot of experience with snow travel so my perspective is skewed and my confidence in sketchy terrain is high. it's just hard work and pushing yourself to make miles before your food runs out. It's not mountaineering by any means when pushing through the sierra on a through hike, but it is grueling. Sometimes that requires hiking hard, day and night, with little sleep, efficient navigating, and pushing yourself physically and mentally. Of course, being as fit as possible before starting is better than not being fit, but for example, I snowboard aggressively six hours a day for 140 days a year in the winter, at 10,000 to 13,000 feet, so my aerobic capacity is off the charts, and I still feel like I'm out of shape the first few days of a thru hike.

[@jamescooper2425]

I've been to Alaska but I prefer the mainland

[@akwild1]

@@jamescooper2425 Thanks James. We completed the Sierra section in 2022 with ideal, easy, conditions. Very little snow, and once I acclimated after Whitney and Forrester, I could go into my Zen mode on all the other passes. Hiking the PCT during spring and summer, snowboarding all winter sounds like a great line of work. All the best.

[@mtadams2009]

Good advice. I am an East Coast hiker and the last two years I hiked the Long Trail which is about 270 miles or so of some of the most brutal trail many people have ever experienced. No switchbacks and lots of mud and hiking in water on a wet year, like this past summer. This all said near the end of the Northern terminus, Canada the South bonders are starting and over my last two days or so will run into them. The ones that look the worst are all carrying way too much crap. Especially the middle men in their 40s to early 50s in average shape. They always ask the same things, is that all your carrying, yes that’s it. I am 64 and my base weight is about 8 pounds. I do train and work out but I always have, I also ski and mountain bike a lot. I am a big fan of UL because at my older age I am actually hiking longer, further and faster than I did thirty years ago all because my pack is light. My old Dana Design pack weighed eight pound or so empty. Thank god for Zpacks, Waymark, Lite AF and other gear companies. Train hard and go as light as possible is my approach. Take care and congratulations on your multiple thru hikes, it’s very impressive along with all your snow boarding. Take care

[@trexinvert]

Just doing PCT sections A,B,C would be an amazing goal for me. This is where many PCT hikers end up quitting early. The grueling desert section and the 10,000ft San Jacinto peak. BTW, did anyone watch the Codgers hike the 2023 PCT? Just amazing.

[@akwild1]

Yes, about 30 percent quit during the first 300 miles. I think the most important thing on the trail is to live in the moment, try your best find joy no matter what your circumstances and let the miles take care of themselves. It worked for us. Thanks for watching.

[@absoRAZ]

I hiked the PCT in 22 and got to cross paths a few times with a couple in their 70s. They completed the whole trail and seemed to love every second of it. This trail can seem intimidating for anyone and it can be hard but with preparation and a cautious respect for nature you can do it. I can't speak for your physical limitations, you have to make that decision for yourself and maybe with a doctor but if anxiety or indecision is all that's holding you back, do it! You won't regret it!

[@akwild1]

Thank you. I think you make a great point about hiking with humility. It's the same way I approach river running. I think older hikers can sometimes be quite humble based on their experiences over the years. When they're on the trail, their humility allows them to slow down if they start to feel pain rather than push an injury, and they also might have the perseverance to keep going because they know they might not get another shot at a grand adventure, which is also an indicator of humility. Thank you for watching and your comment.

[@ItsRubysMomsTurn]

Me…. You were talking to me. I’m 62 years young and It’s my turn to go on my adventure. I’m on the East Coast and have been planning/working towards a thru hike of the AT … BUT…. My heart lies on the PCT. (Being a California girl growing up). I have just now decided that… (based of your words of encouragement) to chase my dream of the PCT. If I only get one shot at a thru hike I WANT THE PCT. I can train on the AT to get there and if it’s in the cards, I can do the AT second 😎 Thank you for your videos…

[@theskyehiker]

If you train on the AT your legs should be ready to go for the PCT. Good luck.

[@akwild1]

I have read the oracles, and it is indeed your turn. Please let us know how it's going from time to time. Please also, check out next week's video. I have a special idea, one more interactive, that I'd like folks to consider. Happy Trails!

[@akwild1]

Absolutely. Just got to keep moving.

[@ItsRubysMomsTurn]

@@akwild1 I’m sure I’ll see the notification and watch.

[@ItsRubysMomsTurn]

@@akwild1you have inspired me greatly. After talking it over with myself and my family… it is now instead of never. I have committed to a PCT 2025 through hike. I’m so very happy, excited and a bit nervous. Thanks for the kick in the pants to help me understand that I can do this. 💕

[@markwilliams1680]

Hello akwild1. I just did the CT summer of 2022 via the Collegiate loop. I averaged about 23 miles a day and finished in 21 days of hiking. I will be 60 this December and I plan on retiring after next year and head for the PCT. I spent most of this summer section hiking the CT. I have certainally had setbacks with too much snow in the south San Juans and being stopped by knee pain etc. I will be 62 when I hit the trail for the PCT. Thanks for the encouragement and take care. PapaBoiOutdoors.

[@akwild1]

Hi Mark. We're seriously considering the CT for next summer. My goal is to do one 500-mile a hike until, well, even when I'm using a walker. I think you're well prepared for the PCT. You know what to expect. I always think it's a roll of the dice what leg or foot injury is going to hit you on the trail. In 2022 it was knee pain, and then in 2023 I suffered through Plantar Fasciitis. Take care of your wheels, young man. All the best.

[@markwilliams1680]

Thank you for the kind words. You will love the CT (well, most of it that is). Good luck and I can't remember the last time someone called me young man. 🤣@@akwild1

[@williamdudleybass9302]

Thank you for your clarity & inspiration. Thruhiked the AT way back in 1991 with my then-wife. We planned to attempt the PCT in ‘93, & after I almost drowned in whitewater mishap trying to rescue someone else, decided to have a baby instead. Things happen. Circumstances come & go. Some we may control. Others, well, sometimes ya gotta surrender to it all & let it go. Never did the PCT. Wildfires pushed off the Wonderland Trail in 2017. Was gonna attempt the PCT in 2019, but a financial hit followed by the Pandemic, blah blah LOL…so, been planning to attempt the PCT again in 2027 as I turn 68. I’ll be better prepared than ever, God willing. Last 2 years & this one been focused on addressing & recovering from several health issues that got neglected or ignored. Been saving money. Been training, tho not the same way as in my “glory days.” Slower & more thorough. I practice the practice of giving up obsessions & attachments to outcome. It’s in my nature to live out in the world, not all day & night long in front of screens & media. This time, however, I’ll be going solo. And I’m good with solo. As I’ve aged & friends & family fall away, there’s fewer & fewer to go with. And that’s OK. Part of the messy cycles of living this life. Thank you again.

[@akwild1]

You said so many inspiring, insightful and profound words. I like your slow and thorough comment because that gives you time to find a sustainable pace. I never focused on the end because I knew so many unforeseen events could get in the way. Each day I was healthy enough to keep hiking was a blessing. Good luck reaching your dream. Happy Trails.

[@TheBrightestBeacon]

Hi! Thank you for sharing. 💙

[@akwild1]

You are so welcome. Happy Trails!

[@stevemartin8994]

I especially loved the ending. 😀

[@akwild1]

Thank you, Steve. If you're referring to the Teddy Roosevelt speech, I've come to believe the courage to think and try something different is a virtue. I'd rather be ground into the dust by trying versus living unscathed because I avoided risks.

[@tomd1914]

I'm 58 and have been a hiker for many years. But I had a "Widowmaker" heart attack 3 years ago, and had knee surgery in 2013. After the heart attack, I had 2 choices. I could start eating right and get back on the trail, or I could go home and wait to die. I chose to get back on the trail with the full blessing of my cardiologist. God is good and I have much to be thankful for just to be able to still hike, and I don't want to squander that. I did the entire John Muir Trail in 2012, before my health issues. I attempted it again in 2018, but got driven off after about 50 miles by the numerous wildland fires that filled much of the trail with smoke. My goal is to do it again, this time solo, and I secured a permit for later this year. I'd love to do the PCT, but the true reason I may not do a hike that long is because I would miss my wife if I were gone that long. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@akwild1]

Tom, thank you for sharing your story. I think you are an inspiration, and I am thankful you survived your heart attack. The same could happen to any of us at any time. We should all do the best we can with what we have, and not squander our precious lives. Happy Trails on the JMT. I hope it's glorious. All the best.

[@peterfontaine4627]

My goal as I am about hit 59 is to do the WA PCT--I'm not sure if the whole 2,650 is in my future but I at least want to do my home state. After backpacking, hiking and some mountain climbing since age 12 it is an adventure (along with the Camino de Santiago) that I have looked at and researched for many years. Thank you so much for this heartfelt and inspiring episode.

[@akwild1]

Oh yes, Washington and the Sierra were my favorite sections, with the Goat Rocks Wilderness Area at the top. Washington is a great place to start and would be quite the achievement. I have a feeling you'd also never regret it. Just sayin. Happy Trails.

[@glenloewen7507]

I love this mission you’re on. You’ve clearly been inspired, and you have a goal of spreading that inspiration to others. Thank You for that. I’ve been an office executive all my life, but the wilds always called me. I’ve been a backpacker since I was 21, but the season in Canada can be short, and the chains to the laptop even shorter. When I do my big hike, my why will be “to experience life the opposite as I’ve known it”. Here’s hoping it all works out.

[@akwild1]

We're all pulling for you Glen. I can't wait to see your words, something to the effect: "Well, I've gone and done it. I'm headed to my grand adventure..." All the best!

[@sisyphusrex]

I’ll be south bounding the PCT in July 2024

[@akwild1]

Congratulations! That sounds awesome. I wish you the best.

[@jackwalsh7341]

Thank you for the inspiration!

[@akwild1]

You are so welcome! A lot of folks who have commented on this channel have inspired me, too.

[@Karen-dq8nw]

What is "older?" lol I'm 59 but still have to work. I try to take good care of myself but no idea if I'll be able to do anything when I finally get to retire. But I do as much as I can right now!

[@akwild1]

Older is a state of mind. I mentioned in my documentary of our adventure the wise words of an Ahtna Elder who lived to 103. His advice: "Choose an age and be it." I understand your dilemma. I've worked since I was 13, now I have a small business. Most of us when we reach 60 we've spent our entire lives putting others' needs before our own, and that's a good thing. Being responsible is better than the opposite. But, for me, there came a time, when I retired from being a teacher, and my kids were on their own trajectory, that it was okay for me to be a little selfish, to pursue my own most extravagant dream. But fulfilling what was in my heart, I think, made me a better person to those who still need my support. One of the hardest parts of taking a grand adventure is giving yourself permission to live. Protect the dream. Staying active, anyway you can, like you're doing is a great way to keep that inner fire smoldering. Happy Trails!

[@MOGirlOutside]

Your best one yet! Really resonated with me. Thank you!

[@akwild1]

You are so welcome! Please watch next week's video. I'm going to try something a bit unusual that will either be wonderful or backfire, kind of like many things in my life -- it's one or the other. Happy Trails, Laurie!

[@ajaynangalia334]

thank you for your wonderful encouragement and inspiration!! 😃 🙏🏽

[@akwild1]

You are so welcome! Next week I'm going to share an idea that, hopefully, will keep the inspiration flowing. Please check it out.

[@sharingmyfun8804]

Love the dog singing. 14:34

[@akwild1]

Thank you. That might be the main reason I love huskies so much. They love to sing for their people.

[@miken7629]

Approaching 70 and section hike on AT every spring as a test to see how I am aging, did 11 miles a day last year, going again next month. I am like an old car, got a lot of miles on me, occasionally something breaks, my "Check Engine" light is always on, figure the way I'll die is broken down and abandoned on the side of the road.

[@akwild1]

I love your words and analogy. I have an old Dodge that fires up each spring after being buried in snow. Kind of a metaphor for me, too.

[@lightwalker4558]

Thanks for the encouraging words with nice video clips in between. I will be 62 in April and still working full time for at least 3-4 more years. However, I still backpack for a week or two a year along the AT or LT. I prefer to go late Sept to early October. It's like a special silent retreat for me. Perhaps after I retire I will complete the remaining 1,000 miles on the AT or venture out west to hike the PCT. I will first acclimate to hiking in "dessert" climate by doing shorter hikes, like the JTT, Crater Rim, Paradise loop, etc ... 🥾☮🍀❤

[@akwild1]

Sounds like a plan. I think you're right about acclimating to the desert. As an Alaskan, I'm not fond of heat and prefer hiking in cooler climes. This last summer on the PCT (we hiked Oregon and part of Nor Cal), the heat was intense. Hot conditions may become the norm, so I think it's necessary to build up heat resiliency before heading to the trail.

[@mtadams2009]

I am 64 and do similar trips. My dog and I have done the Long Trail the last two summers and next year we are headed to do the Colorado Trail. I would love to do the PCT but I really enjoy hiking with my dog and the PCT would be a bit much and parts do not allow dogs. Like yourself i may do the AT instead. If there is anything left in the tank maybe the PCT solo. I would prefer to do more western hiking because they have switchbacks and their trails tend to be less brutal than say the Whites or the Northern section of the LT. Take care

[@lightwalker4558]

@@mtadams2009 Good for you. My advice is to hike the harder New England states first NB. Hiking off season you avoid most crowds and rarely need to carry a tent. Just a small tarp will do in the event of an emergency. The lighter the pack, the better.

[@mtadams2009]

@@lightwalker4558Yeah I have hiked all the northern stuff already. I used to pretty live in the Whites hiking there every weekend and on my vacation time. I love the Whites and Main and New England in general. Take care

[@pierredelage9150]

Many thanks for this video. I'm 63 and preparing for the pct24, if I can get the long distance permit. I watch your videos from France and there is a lot to learn. I have lots of questions about feeding and refuelling, I hope I'll find answers in the other videos.

[@akwild1]

Thank you, and good luck on your PCT 2024 adventure. Feeding and refueling are big topics, but I can start to take a crack at it. Most hikers either send re-supply boxes (use USPS flat rate boxes) to locations along the trail, or purchase supplies at the towns along the way; or use a combination of both methods, which I think is the better choice. It's a struggle to consume enough calories on the trail. I can't imagine any scenario where someone hikes 20-30 miles a day, and at the end of the trail, gains weight. Please let me know what specific questions you'd like answered and I'll do my best to answer them. Thanks for watching.

[@pierredelage9150]

Yes, it's a real difficulty for me to consume enough calories because I'm thin and I lose weight when I walk for long days. In addition, I don't know what products I could find in the USA. The years don't help when it comes to some intestinal sensitivities😅. So I'm taking information from your videos to try to avoid various problems on the trail (but there will still be some and that's normal).

[@jamescooper2425]

Hey Pierre. I've thru hiked the trail eight years in a row and am doing it again next year. Don't worry about getting a permit, I manage to get one every year, and it's not that difficult. even if you don't get one in the first two lotteries there are always cancellations, and if you still can't get one you can do it with local permits. Don't let not getting a permit stop you from doing it, It's amazing.

[@pierredelage9150]

Hi James and thanks for your comforting note. Yes, this lottery thing is stressing me out, I admit. It's a project I've been putting together for months. There are still lots of things I have tons of questions about; food, replenishment, water, cold,... But that's what I like about it too ;). I'll keep in touch if you don't mind. See you soon

[@Henning_Rech]

@@pierredelage9150 Hi Pierre, how is your project going? - 63 here, from Germany, starting date April 6th.

[@mountaincat8]

Was there any time while you were hiking the PCT that you felt you age was holding you back?

[@mountaincat8]

your age.....

[@akwild1]

63

[@akwild1]

That's a great question. I would say no, not at all. Age never held me back, but it did adjust my expectations. I knew I would never be able to hike 30-40 mile days, nor would I want to. I love photography and videography too much. We did pass our share of younger hikers, but for the most part, they passed us. We had a variety of leg and foot injuries, but so did everyone regardless of age. Midway through the Sierra, I honestly felt I could keep hiking to the stars. Once you have your trail legs and aerobic capacity age is moot. I hope that helps. Thanks for the great question.

[@glendavis9663]

👍👍👍