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At age 68, Diane Spicer calls herself a proud elder hiker . The creator of the blog Hiking For Her and author of Hiking For Hers Best Tips For Women Dayhikers, she writes all sorts of tips and encouragement for backpackers who have lived a few years and trekked a few miles .
In America, were dominated by media messages telling us that the older we get, the weaker and less worthwhile we become, she wrote. I learned to ignore that junk years ago.
Though shes passionate about hiking at any age, Spicer will attest that hiking for older folks can be made easier with the proper equipment. To help you feel safe and empowered on the trail, we asked Spicer and some of our favorite hikers over 50 for their favorite gear and tools to take with them on the go.
Beyond safety, I recommend that older hikers consider what will make their hike more fun, Spicer told HuffPost. Often, this comes from maximizing time to rest and recover.
Whether youre a casual day hiker or are taking a multi-day, multi-mile trip, we hope you find some new handy things to make taking that next step even easier.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Garmin InReach Mini portable satellite communicator
Safety's first especially when hiking. that's why Joellyn Joey Ferguson, founder of the hiking blog The Joyful Rambler says her #1 piece of advice is to carry a two-way satellite communicator. She recommends the Garmin InReach Mini . (According to her website , Ferguson was 52 when she first hiked the Appalachian Trail.)
"Having an SOS button in case of emergency provides peace of mind, but thats not the only benefit. Paired with a phone (even when theres no cell service) its a great tool to communicate with friends and loved ones about the progress of your trip," Ferguson said. "If youre delayed, need to arrange a ride to town or have a minor injury and need to get off the trail, a satellite communicator puts you in touch with people you need to reach. It also offers access to weather forecasts, route tracking, and routine messages like, 'Im in camp for the night.'"
"Having an SOS button in case of emergency provides peace of mind, but thats not the only benefit. Paired with a phone (even when theres no cell service) its a great tool to communicate with friends and loved ones about the progress of your trip," Ferguson said. "If youre delayed, need to arrange a ride to town or have a minor injury and need to get off the trail, a satellite communicator puts you in touch with people you need to reach. It also offers access to weather forecasts, route tracking, and routine messages like, 'Im in camp for the night.'"
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Or a Spot GPS tracker
Another tracking option HuffPost Facebook user Jeanne Stapleton like the Spot GPS tracker. "At 76 hiking alone in the mountains where I live, I bring the SPOT GPS tracker so my family can find me or my body!!" she said.
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Oboz waterproof Bridger boots
"For me the right shoes make all the difference," Teresa Baker , outdoor diversity activist, and founder of the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge told HuffPost. (Baker is 58.) "Over the past three years, Oboz hiking boots have been my go-to. I love their Bridger collection. Especially the waterproof boots, so comfortable." (Facebook user Kelly Boyce , 55, also recommended this brand.)
Made with Oboz's proprietary insole, these supportive boots mold to your foot. They have a rubber toe cap and protective outsole to keep your feet safe from sharp rocks or gravel and a cooling system that lets your feet sweat dry while blocking exterior moisture from coming in. These come in women's sizes 5-12 and men's sizes 7-15 in wide options.
Made with Oboz's proprietary insole, these supportive boots mold to your foot. They have a rubber toe cap and protective outsole to keep your feet safe from sharp rocks or gravel and a cooling system that lets your feet sweat dry while blocking exterior moisture from coming in. These come in women's sizes 5-12 and men's sizes 7-15 in wide options.
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Teva Tirras
Another shoe option, this one for lighter hikes or hanging near water, Facebook user Lori Radakovich recommends Teva Tirras.
"Im 55 and have had four spinal surgeries in the past 2.5 years, so my 'hiking' looks a bit different than some," she said. "I need to stick to easy trails and my feet get hot easily, so for short hikes, I am a big fan of the Teva Tirras . They offer support and I can adjust them and theyre my favorite walking/ 'hiking' shoe I also use them kayaking and for every day too."
These come in women's sizes 5-12.
"Im 55 and have had four spinal surgeries in the past 2.5 years, so my 'hiking' looks a bit different than some," she said. "I need to stick to easy trails and my feet get hot easily, so for short hikes, I am a big fan of the Teva Tirras . They offer support and I can adjust them and theyre my favorite walking/ 'hiking' shoe I also use them kayaking and for every day too."
These come in women's sizes 5-12.
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Al all-terrain walker
If you need extra support while hiking or are recovering from surgery or other medical procedures, Radakovich recommends getting an all-terrain walker . "That allows me to go 'off-road' and let me start back into short 'hikes,'" she said.
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A pair of Good Bones knee sleeves
Give your knees a little extra compression and support with this pair of Old Bones sleeves, recommended by Facebook user Boyce . These non-slip sleeves help encourage blood circulation around the knees, helping relieve pain. They're available individually or in sets of two .
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A pair of walking sticks
"I believe in staying as active as possible no matter what situation Im in," Radakovich said noting that she got a pair of Cascade Mountain Tech poles (known as the "Costco poles "), which you can snag from Amazon and Walmart, too.
These extendable poles range from 26-54 inches, with a quark grip and wrist straps.
These extendable poles range from 26-54 inches, with a quark grip and wrist straps.
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A big sun hat
One Facebook user who answered our 50+ callout was Rose Mandy McMaken , who recommended a giant sun hat. While she didn't give a specific one, we like this lightweight, breathable option with a UPF 50+ rating. It comes in a bunch of colors, is super lightweight on.
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Compression socks
Hiking For Her creator Diane Spicer , 68, says compression socks are another must, saying they "aid circulation in hard-working legs."
We love this cost-effective trio of socks that come in colorful and neutral options in small/medium and large/x-large sizes.
We love this cost-effective trio of socks that come in colorful and neutral options in small/medium and large/x-large sizes.
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Smartwool hiking crew socks
Another sock option: Boyce recommends Smartwool hiking crew socks that are made in the USA from a merino wool blend. They give you light cushioning across the bottom of the foot and are nationally temperature-regulating.
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Osprey hiking backpack
Whether you deal with back pain or just want to be mindful about what you're carrying, Boyce also recommended Osprey hiking backpacks , which are made with extra lumbar support, adjustable shoulder straps and a waistband to get an even and comfortable fit that aims to stop back strain.
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Proper nutrition
Staying safe on the trail also means keeping up with food and drink. Per Spicer, "Powdered electrolytes in handy packets as part of a smart hydration strategy to avoid cramping. She also recommends "Easy to digest carbohydrates unsulfured pineapple, raisins and cherries to be eaten at regular intervals, but especially when feeling 'out of gas.'"
Rated the best hydration mix by Clever Hiker , we like these portable packets from Ultima, with six key electrolytes, vitamin C and zinc.
Rated the best hydration mix by Clever Hiker , we like these portable packets from Ultima, with six key electrolytes, vitamin C and zinc.
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If youre looking for more footwear tips, check out what hikers over 50 had to say about their favorite hiking boots .
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Salomon X Ultra 4 low hiking shoes
For Diane Spicer , creator of Hiking For Her , the best hiking boot is the Salomon X Ultra 4, a lower cut shoe. "The outsoles grip like crazy, an important feature for hikers like me who explore varied trails, from sand to loose rocks to wet mud," Spice told HuffPost. "They are lightweight, supportive yet supple. All this adds up to less leg and foot fatigue on a long hike."
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Keen Targhee waterproof hiking boots
The most common brand we heard? Keens, baby. Per HuffPost reader Sarah Demers , "They are wide enough for my orthotics and my super comfy Sockwell compression socks," and Kris Roden added that they have a "nice big toe box and they stay waterproof even after years of use."
While no one suggested a specific Keen style, we love the Targhee 3 mid-height waterproof hiking boots that reviewers say give you ample room for your toes and good support of your hips and back.
While no one suggested a specific Keen style, we love the Targhee 3 mid-height waterproof hiking boots that reviewers say give you ample room for your toes and good support of your hips and back.
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Danner Mountain Light boots
"Danner Mountain Lights," said Facebook user Michael Metzger . "Been using them for 30 years. They are full leather, sturdy and though a bit pricey, last for decades if you take care of them."
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Merrell Moab 3 waterproof hiking boots
Another reader-favorite brand is Merrell. Ruth Dubinsky Heffes said "Merrells. Lightweight, strong bottoms for rock balancing and water resistant." Lynn K. Brown echoed the lightweight sentiment, adding that Merrells are "very comfortable."
If you're looking for a specific style, we love the Merrell Moab 3 waterproof hiking boot that comes with a removable contoured insole and extra heel cushioning. They boast a 4.6 overall rating on Amazon, with reviewers saying the Moab 3 style gives you more arch support and cushion than previous models.
If you're looking for a specific style, we love the Merrell Moab 3 waterproof hiking boot that comes with a removable contoured insole and extra heel cushioning. They boast a 4.6 overall rating on Amazon, with reviewers saying the Moab 3 style gives you more arch support and cushion than previous models.
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Hi-Tec waterproof hiking boots
Reader Susan Mayle reccomended boots from Hi-Tec, saying they have a "good fit" and are comfortable. We like the Hi-Tec Black Rock waterproof hiking boots (available only in men's sizes) for their reasonable price point and sock liner made with recovery foam. One reviewer said these boots are the most comfortable shoes they've tried since they started hiking mountain trails in the '70s. Who can argue with that?
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ALTRA Lone Peak 6 trail running shoe
If you're looking for a trail running shoe or something lightweight and lower cut, Facebooker Anita March recommended the Altra Lone Peak 6 for its "wide toe box!" This style has an overall rating of 4.7 on Amazon, with reviewers even deeming these babies the "Holy Grail of comfort all terrain walkers ." (Sizes and colors are slightly limited in this style, but the brand's Lone Peak 7 shoe offers similar features.)
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Zappos
Hoka Anacapa Mid Gore-Tex boot
While you may already know and love Hoka for their running and walking shoes, many HuffPost readers recommended their hiking kicks, with Naa Hadi uak calling them "durable, comfortable, light."
We love the Anacapa mid Gore-Tex for their cool look, but also for their ankle support and strong traction. Zappos reviews say they barely have break-in time and are comfortable on their first wear, right out of the box.
We love the Anacapa mid Gore-Tex for their cool look, but also for their ankle support and strong traction. Zappos reviews say they barely have break-in time and are comfortable on their first wear, right out of the box.
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Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Goody Lindley likes the Quest 4 GTX, a high-top Salomon style, noting they're "lightweight, supportive and madly comfortable." Reviews say they're great for trekking, wearing in the snow or general use in extreme weather, giving you support and coverage through your whole ankle.
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Columbia Newton Ridge waterproof hiking boot
Columbia shoes were another brand named multiple times, with reader Peggy La Point saying "they are solid and supportive on even the most challenging trail." We like the Newton Ridge Plus waterproof hiking boot, which has a 4.7 overall rating on Amazon with a hikers in their 70s calling them "attractive" as well as "supportive, functional, waterproof and breathable, they provide excellent stabilization and support."
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