Hiking Over 60: A Modern Guide to Hiking Gear and Techniques for Active Adults

If you want to start hiking as an older adult or you hiked as a youth and are just getting back onto the trails, you'll quickly discover that the hiking gear and skills used by today's hikers have changed significantly in the past 20 years. From lightweight gear, footwear, and clothing to advances in GPS navigation and satellite communications, nearly every aspect of the hiking experience has been transformed, making hiking more accessible than ever for older adults. Hiking Over 60 has two parts: Part 1: Hiking Fundamentals is written for beginner hikers, and covers the basic gear and techniques needed to day hike, including: How to choose hiking footwear How to prevent blisters or treat them when they occur. How to choose hiking clothing. How much food and water to bring with you. How to go to the bathroom outside. How to use a map to navigate and not get lost. How to plan a day hike. How to write a trip plan and leave it with a trusted friend. Part 2: Hiking Gear Guide explains the why, what, and how of modern hiking gear. It includes gear recommendations to help you select the best gear for different adventures and budgets, including: How to create a lightweight footwear system that prevents blisters. How to layer hiking clothing including base, mid, insulation, and waterproof layers. How to choose and use trekking poles. How to filter or purify natural water sources. How to choose and fit a backpack, including fastpacks. The pros and cons GPS-enabled smartphone navigation apps. • • And much much more!