Handheld Garmin GPS unit. I get mine from GPS City. Dont be afraid to buy a Garmin Refurbished unit. Using the Garmin will help you navigate without relying on your phone (and depleting its battery) and it will be more drop and weather resistant too.

Try meetup.com to find local hiking groups. There are a lot in my area, many of which are for seniors. Easy, moderate and difficult hikes, and scheduled pretty regularly.

Also, some trails allow dogs, so take yours along!

I'm definitely a day hike kind of guy. I don't do any hikes that require a full pack - just water, appropriate snackage (i.e., jerky), a basic first aid kit, and maybe a layer stuffed on top (although that's more Mrs.BurtonRW - if it's above freezing when I start and supposed to get 20 degrees warmer as the sun comes up, I'm probably in short sleeves and a fleece vest to start anyway).

My go-to hiking guide is Falcon Books' Best Easy Day Hikes series. They're compact, so you can take them with you, the trail descriptions are largely accurate, and the maps are decent. I use those to figure out where I want to go and then usually confirm details with AllTrails, which is useful for more recent reviews and notes, although I don't really like their mapping system all that well - but the GPS overlay feature is useful in a pinch.

Just don't overdo it. Elevation gain is what kills me, so if I'm climbing 500+ feet per mile, the payoff had damned well better be worth it. Pinnacle Saddle at Mt. Rainier or Mitchell Peak in King's Canyon NP come to mind.

These days - even if you're not alone - I also carry a PLB in case of extreme emergency. I refuse to be one of those stories about the guy (or people) who get hit by a string of bad luck and are found dead 100 yds. off a trail a week after they go missing.

-Rob

I've done quite a bit of hiking in the last few years....nothing too major, mostly 2-4 night trips and anywhere from 15-50 miles. a few takeaways:

Light weight is your friend. Don't take things you don't need. I even get by with cold food when I can't have a fire because I don't like humping around a stove and gas. I take extra underwear and socks, and thermals to sleep in if it's cold, but wear the same outer clothing for the whole trip to save on weight.

I prefer a good pair of cross-trainer tennis shoes to boots. They're lighter weight and don't use as much energy to keep lifting one foot in front of the other all day. They also breathe better. Good wool socks are a must, and if they get wet, change them. Your feet are your lifeline and you have to protect them. I carry a lightweight pair of neoprene shoes for water crossings and around camp so I can keep mine dry.

Trekking poles are really nice. They give you more stability in sketchy areas and water crossings, and help spread the load to your arms going uphill, and off your knees going downhill. Mine also double as my tent poles, so they save weight out of my pack.

Sleeping gear is critical if you're going to do overnights, but starting out limiting yourself to day hikes can save you a ton of weight not having it. If you are going overnight, some kind of pad to insulate yourself from the ground is critical...I thought I could get away without it and almost froze to death in the bighorns one time. Now I just have a basic foam pad....not as comfy as an inflatable, but it's lighter to carry, cheaper, and can't get get punctured. You can spend stupid money on tents and sleeping bags...so far I have been more than satisfied with my kelty cosmic synthetic bag and cheap trekking pole tent that I got off Amazon. Just make sure you're cognizant of the weather forecast and make sure your gear is rated for it, with a reasonable buffer.

Water is also critical. I like the smart water bottles that you can get at Walmart. They're big, lightweight, and durable. I use a Sawyer Squeeze filter (the bigger one, not the mini), but don't completely trust it...I try to get my water from places that aren't likely to be contaminated in the first place...the filter is just an extra layer of protection. Also, never let a Sawyer freeze or it'll break the tiny fibers inside and become innefective.

There's a ton more that could be discussed, but that's probably enough for now. I'd recommend getting into to hiking, even if it's just day hikes to start out. It's healthy, keeps you in shape, and relaxing for your soul if not necessarily for your body.

Keep it simple. Start small on well marked and established trails. Water and snacks and a way to carry them. Emergency blanket and lighter. Watch the weather. There are tons of YouTube videos on hiking. I like Dan Becker it he’s more of a thru hiker.

Look at local municipal parks to get started. Many of them have some version of "backcountry" hiking trails that are pretty accessible. The closest one to me has a range of trails from one that's a ~1 mile wheelchair-accessible out and back to several miles of more rugged trails that give you a little elevation change and terrain to deal with. None of them are too bad, but they are pretty safe and great for building you up for something more rugged.

I've done quite a bit of hiking all over the U.S. Born in northern NH (think White Mountains) and have had a chance for a few miles in the Rockies, some in WA State, Pacific Coast Trail, etc.

If you have medical or other issues that prevent you from hiking anything with some elevation, try googling "Hikes for Seniors Near Me". You should get a list of trails that are short and easy to hike with little elevation. You might also ask some "senior" folks if there is an older hiking group in your area.

Please don't hike alone. We have had two deaths this month in the Franconia Notch area from novices that were not prepared. Both hiked alone, were not experienced, and didn't have gear for the changing weather.

Good luck to you....

quote:

Originally posted by wrightd:
Are trekking poles just nice to have, or could they save my ass ? I know some experienced backpackers use them on dicey trails but beyond that I don't know.

Good for snow, good for water-crossings, good for knife-edges, good at reducing the load on your knees when hiking downhill, and good for helping you get a mile plus down the trail when you break your ankle/foot.

I'm huge into mountaineering, hiking, and trailrunning (30+ mile hikes/runs up multiple 12-13k foot peaks in a day). A few months back, I was on an "easy" 7 mile run in the mountains before work and had a really bad lateral ankle sprain that also broke my foot (calcaneus). I rarely bring trekking poles on short runs like that, but on this run I had a thought that I should grab them, so I did. They saved my ass. There's no way I would have been able to hike over a mile out on a broken foot without them.

quote:

Originally posted by WingedMedic:

quote:

Originally posted by wrightd:
Are trekking poles just nice to have, or could they save my ass ? I know some experienced backpackers use them on dicey trails but beyond that I don't know.

Good for snow, good for water-crossings, good for knife-edges, good at reducing the load on your knees when hiking downhill, and good for helping you get a mile plus down the trail when you break your ankle/foot.

I'm huge into mountaineering, hiking, and trailrunning (30+ mile hikes/runs up multiple 12-13k foot peaks in a day). A few months back, I was on an "easy" 7 mile run in the mountains before work and had a really bad lateral ankle sprain that also broke my foot (calcaneus). I rarely bring trekking poles on short runs like that, but on this run I had a thought that I should grab them, so I did. They saved my ass. There's no way I would have been able to hike over a mile out on a broken foot without them.

Once you use them you will be convinced. Particularly if you are having lower extremity issues.

Get the "All Trails" phone app. It lists nearby trails and rates them by difficulty. It gives distances and has on-line and off-line maps and tracking.

Get in shape if you aren't already. Walking on flat hard ground is easy. Introduce hills and rough ground uses muscles you didn't know you had.

Depending on your initial condition, after flat ground is okay, might I suggest level (no real slopes) but somewhat rough terrain (small rocks and such). Something that requires some ankle flex. Or bosu ball. Something to build ankle strength and other muscles related maintaining stability and balance.

ETA: What he said ^^^^

Might be over looked but don’t forget how ever far you walk you need to walk back.

The wife and I rented bikes at a state park. We have not rode bikes in years. About 30 minutes in she began to get tired. Not thinking we had a 30 min return trip.

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
Handheld Garmin GPS unit. I get mine from GPS City. Dont be afraid to buy a Garmin Refurbished unit. Using the Garmin will help you navigate without relying on your phone (and depleting its battery) and it will be more drop and weather resistant too.

Garmin InReach is a good tool too. Allows satellite communication, you can send and receive messages and third parties can track you on the Garmin site you set up. We used one for our ocean crossing in the sailboat.

When preparing to take my Scouts to Philmont, I trained by hiking in the gear that I planned to use. Shoes, socks, outerwear and appropriately weighted pack. Started slow and worked up the distances. Also did a lot of stairs and ramps in the local University football stadium fully geared up. Took the Scouts with me in the training sessions so they would be prepared as well.

quote:

Originally posted by wrightd:

quote:

Originally posted by comet24:
Good boots or shoes. Go lightweight unless you are in conditions where you need something else.

Wool socks, light weight or heavy depending on temperature and your preference. Sock liners if you think blisters are a poseable.

Since you mention medical stuff I would take a look at trekking poles. You want a set. The height should be set with your arms at your sides and elbows bent 90 degrees they should reach the ground when in your hands.

Backpack with supplies needed for condition and where you're going. Don't take everything and the kitchen sink. A one-mile hike on a popular trail and good weather doesn't need much. A 15-mile hike at 10,000' in a remote area well you get the idea.

Layers are your friend as well as wicking undergarments.

With a little more information and we can provide better advice.

Are trekking poles just nice to have, or could they save my ass ? I know some experienced backpackers use them on dicey trails but beyond that I don't know.

Trekking Poles are a must in my opinion. I’ve had a fair bit of backpacking experience. Hitting multiple states and mountains around my area and also hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina.

The two most helpful bits of advice given to me was save weight and use trekking poles. You DONT want to injure yourself on the trail. Trekking Poles have carbide tips on the end of them allowing them to stick to rocks, ice and mossy wooden steps. A wooden stick, which is better than nothing, is prone to slip while you are depending on it not to. They also increase comfort. It makes it easier to go uphill and helps save your knees and adds stability going downhill. So I can’t recommend them enough. They are also perfectly adjustable to the right length, and lightweight.

It’s hard to go super lightweight without spending a ton of money. The "Big 3" weight savers are Pack, Sleeping Bag and Shelter. You can pretty easily and cheaply find a pack that weighs under 2 pounds. But try to find one with a thick waist belt to take the weight of the back off your shoulders and onto your hips. (Get fitted for a pack at REI and learn to put it on properly as well as distribute the weight within the pack properly, this is for comfort and safety).

Sleeping bags. I went from a 3+lb sleeping bag to a 19oz sleeping bag. But that costs a lot of money. The higher quality down, the lighter it’ll be and more expensive. Mine is a Western Mountaineering 30 degree bag with is plenty warm for the areas I’ve hiked in but sometimes would have to wear warm clothes to bed.



The last part of “the big 3” when it comes to saving the most weight is a shelter. I’d recommend YouTubing “backpacking tents” or “backpacking shelters”. You don’t want to be hauling around a 8 pound tent on your back.

You can save weight by having multi use items. Such as forget the camp pillow and just roll up a shirt or jacket. Ditch the heavy Nalgene water bottles and use like a Disani or Smart Water water bottle. I never got crazy to the point of cutting corners off my maps and shortening my shoelaces, shorting my toothbrush and then drilling holes init.... but as you get more experience what you pack will change for the better.

Get your boots or hiking shoes broken in before going out. Take a small, lightweight and simple FAK that includes duct tape or mole skin for blisters.

Start slow with a simple overnight trail at a state park! Do that a few times for proof of concept and to work out some gear issues and details before you start hiking further.

Start a spreadsheet with what you plan on bringing. Note the conditions and location you were hiking in, and make notes by your gear, what you used, or didnt, what you liked about a piece of gear or wished were different. That will help you in future trips. Also you can include the weight of all the items you take, and overtime you'll learn where you can save more weight. Saving weight is safer and TONS more comfortable.

I always enjoyed taking Croc's with me. Nothing like the feeling of putting on some crocs after a long days hike. Plus they float and are easy to attach to you pack.

Some of my best memories were made on the trail! You’ll absolutely love it!

quote:

Originally posted by TMats:

quote:

Originally posted by wrightd:

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
where do you want to go?

Anywhere where I can drive to come back in a single day or perhaps overnight. Couldn't be anything steep or rocky. And couldn't be anything where I couldn't get to a hospital if anything got messy. And it would need to be well marked trail, and hiking with others, can't go alone in the woods anymore like I used to hunt etc.

You don’t say where you live, and you seem to have quite a few things you’re concerned about. Excuse me for saying, sounds like what you really want to do is start walking, and that’s a good thing. Start there and then see what comes next.

Walking is not the problem. Managing diabetes is after decades on my butt in an office. Physical activity after sitting all day is hard for blood sugar control, everything's fine for a while, and then crash - just be doing regular physical work, walking etc. It used to be easier to manage, and bringing blood sugar back up quickly isn't so quick anymore at my age and level of brittleness. That's why physical stuff, which I enjoy, can get scary at times. If you crash there's no guarantee of coming back. This is the main stickler. All my follow on medical issues are more manageable and somewhat predictable. Dying from hypoglycemia because of exercise, heavy, easy, or otherwise, even walking, is the main problem. For some reason I'm extremely susceptible to emergency level hypoglycemia. 120 mg/dl cruising along nicely, start walking, 30 mins later it's 42 and dropping like a rock, and takes too long to bring it back up. That's scary stuff and the medical community doesn't have anything faster for bringing back up that I don't already have, and that stuff is still too slow if I'm outdoors and moving or working etc. I wish the medical community had some type of training to self-administer D50 or something more effective like that, but they don't. Glucagon is too slow, sometimes it takes an hour, and by that time I could be, well, drt. It bothers the shit out of me, since I used to be very fit when I was young - distance running, sports, power lifting, swimming, ocean rescue - and I did all that as a Type 1. I used to swallow a snickers bar whole and run into the surf with my float or board, but my body doesn't respond fast enough anymore to bringing my BS back up fast enough. Its downright scary at times. During a normal day I'm gtg, my metabolism is set with predictable diet and insulin. Getting active is the dangerous part.

I will toss this out there even though it may be a little off-putting:
If where you live has a large, older cemetery nearby, start your hiking there. Most boneyards are flat and paved. I walk a planned route in Park Cemetery of about 2 miles every other day. The city even plows it in winter. This is a historic cemetery, and the stories of the occupants are fascinating. Its full of wildlife too. Its easy to view a cemetery in a depressing light but you just need to move past that. Its a great walk for me!

quote:

During a normal day I'm gtg, my metabolism is set with predictable diet and insulin. Getting active is the dangerous part.

I'm type 1 and I concurr with this. I'm pretty good as long as I can stick to my routine, but when stuff starts messing with it, everything goes to hell. The holidays have been a pain in the butt, even though I've stuck to my diet while watching everybody else consuming bucketloads of carbs at every meal, just the variance in my regular routine with visitng family and having my in-laws around all week has everything out of whack. It was also -40 for a couple of days, which messed with my running and walking routine.

IMO if you want to do this you're going to have to build up to it slow and incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Start with what you know you can handle, do it consistently, and step it up as you can manage. I try to run at least a mile and a half every morning after breakfast (more on days off), and walk at least another 2-3 miles every afternoon. It's not abnormal for me to get in 7-8 miles in a day. I also try to get in a round of 50 pushups and 100 situps before bed every night. I find that my body reacts pretty well to this routine, especially if I can maintain it consistently, and it helps keep my blood sugar regulated. It's also quality, distaction-free time with my wife and dog.

When on a hiking or backpacking trip, I try to stick as close my regular diet as much as possible. I eat a lot of meat, cheese, and veggies which can be pretty hard to maintain on the trail, especially when it's hot out (although I prefer to do most of my hiking in the spring or fall or at higher elevations where it's not so hot...which makes everything easier). I've found that I can eat pretty good for several days on zero net-carb tortillas, some fresh peppers and onions, hard cheese, and beef jerky. Nuts and granola for breakfast supplemented by a few wild blueberries if I can get them, and I snack on mixed nuts all day long as I find they do a good job of keeping my blood sugar up without causing aggressive spikes. I also wear a cgm and try to watch for trends and head problems off before they get completely out of control. Obviously, you're also going to want to keep some rapid-acting sugars/glucagon on hand, too, in case you crash.

I think walking and hiking is going to be a really great thing for you that you will enjoy doing and also improve your overall quality of life. Just take it slow, pay attention to your body, and work up at a realistic pace.

quote:

Originally posted by wrightd:

quote:

Originally posted by TMats:

quote:

Originally posted by wrightd:

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
where do you want to go?

Anywhere where I can drive to come back in a single day or perhaps overnight. Couldn't be anything steep or rocky. And couldn't be anything where I couldn't get to a hospital if anything got messy. And it would need to be well marked trail, and hiking with others, can't go alone in the woods anymore like I used to hunt etc.

You don’t say where you live, and you seem to have quite a few things you’re concerned about. Excuse me for saying, sounds like what you really want to do is start walking, and that’s a good thing. Start there and then see what comes next.

Walking is not the problem. Managing diabetes is after decades on my butt in an office. Physical activity after sitting all day is hard for blood sugar control, everything's fine for a while, and then crash - just be doing regular physical work, walking etc. It used to be easier to manage, and bringing blood sugar back up quickly isn't so quick anymore at my age and level of brittleness. That's why physical stuff, which I enjoy, can get scary at times. If you crash there's no guarantee of coming back. This is the main stickler. All my follow on medical issues are more manageable and somewhat predictable. Dying from hypoglycemia because of exercise, heavy, easy, or otherwise, even walking, is the main problem.

We’re on the same page. There are members fitting you out for expeditionary mountaineering. I think you need to stay within the limits of your cellphone signal. I also think it’s outstanding that you recognize the need to get physically active. You’re considering your own quality of life, and sticking around for those who love you. I think you’ll find your diabetes is a bit easier to manage as your conditioning improves. Do you have a treadmill?

Good point on a treadmill. I'm assuming by that you mean one's body getting normalized to a daily exercise to help brittle diabetes not react so badly to exercise otherwise resulting in emergency hypoglycemia. Is that what you're saying ?

An interesting thing I found out since I op'd this thread - it appears there are more modern glucagons that are faster than the kind I'm currently using. I also learned about a dry nasal spray glucagon - meaning, in an emergency I could hit it with BOTH. I was also wondering if I could purchase powdered glucose or powdered dextrose, and mix my own super-duper-sickening sweet emergency "shots" that I could drink. My thinking is 1) drink the glucose, 2) take the glucagon injection, 3) take the nasal glucagon. After that all I can do is lay down and hope the ambulance gets there before it's too late. It bothers me that there's no self-administration of intraveneous glucose avail for self-rescue. After researching it last night in the medical literature it's still the fastest and surest way to bring a diabetic out of a hypoglycemic coma, particularly those patients whose bodies do not respond to glucagon.

Have any other diabetics here tried anything like that - a double or triple approach like that ? And does anyone know if self-administration of intraveneous glucose/dextrose/D50 is safe enough to try if one could get the "training". Though it's illegal for any non-medical person to punch their own IV drip, but at that point, who fucking cares ? I can't imagine a jury or judge prosecuting someone for saving their own life - what about that ?