Old Fogie interested in Backpacking

Hi first post on the forum.

As the Title says, I can definitely classify myself as an old Fogie. I am 71 and about to retire. I've camped all my life in tents, in trailers, on motorcycles, etc, etc. but never backpacked.

I really want to experience some of the back country not accessible by vehicle and am very interested in doing some basic backpacking.

As you can imagine, at my age I have a few physical issues which include a heart attack and coronary bypass surgery a little over six years ago, diverticulosis and dentures. That said I'm in good physical condition, walk daily and have no physical restrictions from the heart attack and surgery.

So what do you think? Am I good to go for short trips? Any clubs in SoCal that I should think about joining?

Thanks in advance.
Joe

Go for it. We have met many people out on the trail older than you===and I seem to recall that some of the members of this board fall into that category. My wife and I are in our youthful sixties.

One suggestion I would make is to get a nice sleeping pad. As we get older, we are less comfy on the bare ground. The money we spent on a Neo-air mattress is well worth it to us.

Hope to see you out on on the trail soon!

Clear it with your doctor first. The most common cause of deaths on the trial is heart related. If the doctor says your good for it go for it.

Look up your local Sierra Club chapter; they generally have beginner backpacking trips which are a great way to get into backpacking, learn the routines, see what others use, and meet people. Sometimes outdoor stores like REI will have backpacking classes that end in a group trip.

Good for you wanting to broaden your horizons! Backpacking definitely adds another level of enjoyment to your outdoor experience.

I'd definitely encourage you to go as light as possible to make it easier on your body. You can still be quite comfortable and safe. There are apparently several articles here that should help and I wrote a paper for Scouters that you can find.

There are three of us regulars here on this forum who admit to 78--so welcome to the septuagenarian hikers club!

Lightweight is important at our ages; at least I just can't carry the weights I staggered under through the Washington Cascades back in the 1980's. Besides, one of the mottoes of this site is "Backpacking light is more fun!"

Do keep in touch with your doctor, especially when going to higher altitudes. You probably should allow more acclimatization time than the younger folks allow (although they are just as apt to need it as you are).

The home page of this site has lots of good info, especially the articles and gear lists listed in the left hand column.

Here's a link to Topshot's excellent article. Good for all beginners, not just Scouts.

Another good article on going light, from "PMags" of Colorado.

Mark Verber's enclyclopedic website is an awesome source of info on outdoor gear. It has budget gear info, too, at the end of each gear type section.