Getting back in the game...at 49!?

Not really a question...more of an introduction...

Not a NEWBIE to hiking...I've got my experience. 100's of miles on the AT and other WNC trails. Did my time at Philmont in NM, Eagle Scout...HOWEVER...

I just turned 49 in December...all of that was in high school and college (uhummm...30 years ago).

I've been seriously working out for about 6 months. Am down 25 pounds. In better shape than I've been in years. As a family, we have done day hikes for years, but no overnighters.

Well, my college aged son wants to start backpacking. Only thing he wanted for Christmas was an Eno...so, I've made the commitment to start backpacking again with him...he plays college baseball, so fitness is not an issue for him...but we probably won't get to go until after they get knocked out of the NCAA tournament.

That should give me ample time to start rebuilding my gear. I have noticed that gear has changed a bit in the last 30 years! haha

Anyway, I'm going to be looking to you guys for advice on gear and also planning some shorter hike in hike out overnighter's in my area (upstate SC).

Thanks for listening to me ramble.

Greg

Welcome!

May I suggest you start by reading the articles on the home page of this site, left hand column? Lots of excellent info on gear selection there, and some good gear lists. Especially with packs and shoes, the most important aspects are fit, fit, and fit, which vary considerably with each individual--comfort is more important than brand names. Be sure to heed the advice about buying your pack last, after you've bought your other gear--the pack has to fit your gear and be comfortable for you with your specific gear loaded in it (two of the 3 "fits" I mentioned).

Ten years ago I updated much of my gear (due to age and injury I could no longer carry the heavy gear I had from the 1980's) using the "7 day, 27 lb. gear list" as a model. I didn't pay a lot of attention to specific gear brands or models, but rather to the generic descriptions and item weights.

Be sure to read phat's sticky post at the beginning of this Backcountry Beginners forum branch.

You can do the gear on the cheap to start out; here's a freshly published $300 Gear Challenge Be sure to read the notes after the list for some highly recommended alternatives and other references.

Used gear is another way to save when starting out. So is renting or borrowing gear until you have a better idea what works specifically for you.

What I don't recommend is putting yourself in the hands of a big outdoor store like REI to get everything at once. I've found (the hard way) that most of their staff is not nearly as knowledgeable as they advertise, unless you get really lucky. You'll end up with a maxed-out credit card and so much unnecessary and/or overweight gear that after the first mile on the trail you'll say "never again!" I'm not saying don't go there; just do your research first and buy judiciously. I never shop at REI without my electronic postage scale in my purse. Drives the staff nuts and thus automatically gives me the upper hand!

There's an encylopedic reference to modern materials and gear on Mark Verber's website. Not all of it has been updated recently, but most of it is pretty good. You probably don't want to start out with the very newest cutting edge stuff (too many $$$$!) anyway!

First of all, welcome!

Second of all, OM's advice is spot on--get up to speed gradually, both on conditioning and on equipment. You have time, and this will all work out.

And finally, at 49, you're a lot younger than many of the regular posters on these boards! IN fact, you're practically a kid!

Don't let anything stop you from having fun.

Welcome aboard, scdigger! I think you'll find the articles on this site and the forum are a really great source of information.

Welcome! No such thing as a dumb question on here!

Or, too old...

A couple of us will be hitting 80 in the next year or two--and we're still backpacking!

The only "stupid" question is the question you don't ask!

I'm starting to think I won't go backpacking until I'm 80.

Unfortunately, "Use it or lose it" definitely operates here!

Thanks everyone!

Greg

Thread is very encouraging. I'm 39 and looking to take up backpacking but not in the best of shape. Finding lots of great info here thanks.
Oh and by the way I'm in Louisiana. Trail recommendations would be great.