At age 68, Diane Spicer calls herself a proud elder hiker. The creator of the blog Hiking For Her and author of “Hiking For Her’s 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, we’re 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 she’s 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 you’re 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.
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Garmin InReach Mini portable satellite communicator
"Having an SOS button in case of emergency provides peace of mind, but that’s not the only benefit. Paired with a phone (even when there’s no cell service) it’s a great tool to communicate with friends and loved ones about the progress of your trip," Ferguson said. "If you’re 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, 'I’m in camp for the night.'"
Or a Spot GPS tracker
Oboz waterproof Bridger boots
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.
Teva Tirras
"I’m 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 they’re my favorite walking/ 'hiking' shoe — I also use them kayaking and for every day too."
These come in women's sizes 5-12.
Al all-terrain walker
A pair of Good Bones knee sleeves
A pair of walking sticks
These extendable poles range from 26-54 inches, with a quark grip and wrist straps.
A big sun hat
Compression socks
We love this cost-effective trio of socks that come in colorful and neutral options in small/medium and large/x-large sizes.
Smartwool hiking crew socks
Osprey hiking backpack
Proper nutrition
Rated the best hydration mix by Clever Hiker, we like these portable packets from Ultima, with six key electrolytes, vitamin C and zinc.
If you’re looking for more footwear tips, check out what hikers over 50 had to say about their favorite hiking boots.
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 Nađa Hadžić Čučak 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.
Orthofeet waterproof othepedic hiking boots
According to an Orthofeet customer who claims to be over 50, these orthopedic hiking boots are comfortable enough to support their ankle after multiple surgeries, compound fractures and an ankle fusion. "They also provide cushy comfort but not so cushy that I don't feel the terrain and lose balance," they wrote.
Available in sizes for both men and women, these pain-relieving shoes are intended to accommodate several foot conditions and promise a roomy toe box.
Salomon X Ultra 5 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."
Although Spicer originally spoke about the X Ultra 4s, they have since sold out and now the X Ultra 5s are the brand's most recent iteration.
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, which reviewers say give you ample room for your toes and good support for your hips and back.
Danner Mountain Lights 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."
The Danner Lights are certainly the most expensive of the brand's hiking boot offerings, but the Danner Mountain Leafs are very similar and more affordable.
Timberland White Ledge waterproof boots
Timberlands are just as handy on city streets as they are while hitting your local hiking trails. They're sturdy, durable and look good while they're at it. They're rust- and water-proof, have comfortable and cushy soles, and are beloved by all generations. Reviewers even wear them in snow and ice.
ALTRA Lone Peak 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 trail running shoes for their "wide toe box!" This style has an overall rating of 4.6 on Amazon, with reviewers even deeming these babies the "Holy Grail of comfort all-terrain walkers."
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 4.6 overall rating on Amazon, with hikers in their 70s calling them "attractive" as well as "supportive, functional, waterproof and breathable, they provide excellent stabilization and support."
Hi-Tec waterproof hiking boots
Reader Susan Mayle recommended 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?
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.
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.