How to Backpack More Efficiently for Older Hikers

[@PrebenElkjaer1974]

Thank you rev. You are the first hiker I saw on YT around two years ago. You got me to believe I can do it at 50years - and I have now had my first couple of 3-day hikes and realy enjoy it. Next is longer hikes, and helping other hikers at a lokal annual hike here in Denmark. Thanks again. Take care 🤗

[@Esther-ps3vx]

I always like your videos before watching them because I know that they will be good. Now back to watching the video. Edit: Thank you for another wonderful video. Next time I feel lazy to go on a hike, I should watch one of your videos for motivation. Or set a reminder saying, Here is Rev reminding you to go on your hike 😃

[@ruthgoebel723]

I do that too!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. If I provided motivation to get outside and enjoy God’s creation, then…mission accomplished! 😁

[@kristymoore7052]

Thanks Rev. I completed the John Muir Trail earlier this year at 61. First long trail and 1st time over 4 nights. I researched and planed extensively. I also became a gram weenie in some respects, not others. I was unwilling to switch out my ULA Circuit to something like you have as I would not have had the time to really try it out. I also had to carry a bear can and I did plop the money down for a Carbon fiber bearikade after I tried a gear load out 40 mile trip with my bv 500 and all of my gear. I realized my gear was TOO MUCH. I did ok on the JMT meaning I completed it, but if I were to do it again I would have considered a brush or comb and more ibuprofen and Imodium unfortunately. I would have reconsidered my food and resupply. I skimped on, at first, a lot of sunscreen, realized I needed a lot as I was going NOBO in very exposed areas and then carried the weight.

[@TheHikingRev]

Sounds like you had a great trip. Congrats. I find that, with each hike, I learn a little bit more. 😁

[@rrichardson53]

Nice to see you Rev! Great vid with excellent advice. I hope 2025 provides us with some exciting hiking adventures 🥾⛺️🗻

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Rebecca. Sounds great. 😁

[@elizabethclark4722]

Love listening to books on audio! Ever heard of Dallas Willard? Or John Ortberg? “When the game is over it all goes back in the box“… GREAT BOOK! also, I figured out the green vest people….a little slow but… Slow and steady DOES win the race… Thanks for all your great videos and ideas for older hikers !

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome. Sounds like a great book/authors. I’ll have to check it out. 😁

[@woodchip2782]

As to multiple use, I use rain gear against moskitos even if it’s hot on trail. I rather suffer heat than bug bites.😮

[@TheHikingRev]

Ain’t that the truth. 😁

[@ChiknWing62]

I totally agree with the mental challenges. I found that if I set small goals such as looking ahead on the trail, find a target, set a goal to reach that target, achieve my goal, I won a small battle. Then find another target, repeat, until I’ve reached my destination for that day, then I’ve won my challenge for the day. It just makes me feel better.

[@TheHikingRev]

Whatever it takes to motivate you. 😁

[@bser2293]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome. Hope it helped. 😁

[@markgoodsmith7229]

I just found you. I think we are about the same age. I once went hiking with a bunch of scouts in the Rockies. My pack was 75 pounds. Crazy. I was carrying their weeks worth of food because they were unable to carry much weight. Funny thing is, I had a heart attack a year earlier. But I did ok. I am learning a lot from you on how to travel lighter and more efficient. I hope to grow beyond my day hikes that I do now. Maybe take on some more challenging hikes. I have another medical condition that scares the compost out of me, so we shall see. Anyway…. Thank you for sharing your expertise, wisdom and lessons learned.

[@BarnCatGary]

Thanks Rev! Fantastic videos. Preparation, efficiency, planning, contingencies, trying new things, challenge yourself, at home responsibilities, mental challenges - such great advice!

[@TheHikingRev]

Sounds like you took notes. Good student! 😂😁

[@Brett_Noll]

Thanks, Rev! Appreciate the tips-always good to have a little extra help for us seasoned folks!

[@TheHikingRev]

Yes. Sometimes it’s great to just be reminded of some things. 😁

[@ervinslens]

Outstanding topic and so brilliantly presented man! Brilliant content

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Ervin. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😁

[@planesandbikes7353]

thanks, very helpful. I just retired at 57 and plan to get doing more frequent treks. Wife and I have done a few 4-7 day treks over the past decade. Complication is I am better off if I sleep with a CPAP, and I have one that can do 2 nights on trail between charges. But it is heavy, and now I like carrying a chair too, adding 4 lbs to my younger-age ultralight base load. Still typical weekend pack load is 22 lbs, max I have carried is 30 lbs for 7 days in the Sierras.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Very well done and said my friend!

[@luannproctor672]

Useful!! Just I just started hiking because I gave up my road bicycle. Hiking is so much better, I wish I had known …..65 years old in two weeks. 🎉😂

[@TheHikingRev]

Congrats. Happy birthday. 😁

[@melindakier1661]

Great vid. Very informative and loved the various hiking spots. Wish I lived close enuf to hike with you. You look very healthy and pic of you and your wife is great. Glad you’re still out there.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Melinda. Would love to hike with you. 😁

[@ruthgoebel723]

We have had a mountain fire here in eastern PA that has affected the AT in Northhampton County. If you do the AT you will see the burned area. We haven't had rain in over a month and a burn ban has been in force for a while. I can see the smoke from where I live but we are a good hours west of there along the Blue Mountain. The AT has really taken a hit this year between Helene, fires and hogh winds in places. Thanks for the good advice!

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Ruth. Yeah, I heard about the fire. 😢. Perhaps they’ll have it all repaired by next year. 😁

[@ruthgoebel723]

@TheHikingRev We shall see. Still smoky over that way today and I could smell the smoke.

[@ekimpp]

Golden nuggets!! Thank you so much!

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re quite welcome. 😁

[@billseay6399]

Hey thanks as always appreciate the information

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re quite welcome Bill, as always. 😁

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

Very good advice, Rev.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. 😁

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

@@TheHikingRev you're welcome

[@dorlajacobson3077]

Thanks for the good tips!

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome. 😁

[@monaangeloutdoors514]

Great video. Thank you very good information. 🎉

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome. 😁

[@roamingrick8736]

Thanks Rev always good information from you.

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome. 😁

[@joebishop9063]

Rab, I haven’t seen your channel I’m 61 years old and hike the Appalachian Trail through hike in 1991 really enjoy your advice. I have a question what tent sleeping bag and the rest type. Do you use to keep your weight down but it’s efficient Joe Maine.

[@musingwithreba9667]

God-cast 😂 good one!

[@TheHikingRev]

😂

[@micksmith2929]

I want to go hiking with you!

[@TheHikingRev]

Sounds good. I may hold you back though. 😁

[@romenhiking8623]

I was efficient and watched your video at 1.5x and finished in 10 min vs 15 min. Lol

[@TheHikingRev]

🤣😂🤣 That’s great! 😁

[@eleanoreadams]

Shout out to Richmond CA !!

[@TheHikingRev]

RICHTOWN!!! Yea! 😁

[@Thedagoneman]

Great things to think about

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you. 😁

[@josephmduvo326]

Rev, what was the total pack weight of your pack for any thru or section backpacking venture? Do you have an list of all items for a lightweight that is budget friendly? I'll be 70 next year. I do still do day hikes and backpacking and access myself after each one. Keep the faith.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Joseph. Sadly, lightweight items are expensive. Check out my gear lists in the Description Section if any of my KZbin videos. My total pack weight for any Thruhike or otherwise was usually under 20 lbs. 😁

[@margiegray6766]

Do you plan to do the CDT?

[@TheHikingRev]

Yes. Gotta do the AT first. 😁

[@susanellsworth1290]

You mentioned that you do 3 conditioning hikes of 8 miles with a pack...how much weight do you carry? This is something I need to do...carry a pack with weight when doing my conditioning hikes. I do approx. 5-6 miles 3x's a week...8 miles would consume too much time.

[@TheHikingRev]

Hey Susan. I carry a 20lb pack strictly for conditioning. (I carry several books in it). I don’t stop for breaks so it usually takes me about 2 1/2 hours. 😁

[@susanellsworth1290]

@@TheHikingRev Great idea...thank you...enjoy all your videos!

[@chili1593]

Rev, by any chance were you a Scout?

[@TheHikingRev]

No. Wished I was though. 😁

[@chili1593]

@@TheHikingRev well their motto is "be prepared" so you have channeled it! thanks for what you do for us older guys.