The Gear I Refuse to Hike Without Over 60, by Hiking Over 60 with Yolanda on YouTube. 14 min 23 s.
- Video length
- 14 min 23 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Lay everything out on the floor before you pack. Put the heavy items in a pile and the light items in another. This stops you carrying things you will not use.
Fill your water bottles or bladder first. Carry about 1 litre for every 2 hours of walking, plus electrolyte tablets for hot days.
Pack sun protection at the top: a wide brim hat, sunscreen and lip balm. Add a small hygiene kit with tissues and hand sanitiser.
Add a small bag for rubbish and any used tissues. Plan to carry everything out with you, including fruit peel and wrappers.
Slide the whistle, mylar blanket and a charged phone into an outer pocket where you can reach them fast.
Build a small first aid kit: plasters, blister pads, pain relief, antiseptic wipes and any personal medicine.
Pack layers in this order: a light long sleeve shirt, a warm mid layer and a rain poncho. Choose hiking trousers and wool or synthetic socks over cotton.
Put a headlamp or small torch in the lid and strap trekking poles to the outside. Load the heaviest items against your back, close to your spine.
Try the pack on and tighten the shoulder and hip straps. It should sit high on your back and stay close to your body when you walk.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep the total pack weight under about 10 percent of your body weight so your knees and back stay fresh.
Break in your boots and socks on short walks before a longer hike to avoid blisters.
Check the weather forecast the night before and leave out anything you will not need.
Tell someone your route and expected return time before you set off.
Questions
How much water should I carry on a day hike?
About 1 litre for every 2 hours of walking, more in heat. Add electrolytes if you sweat a lot.
Do I really need trekking poles?
They help on steep or uneven ground and take load off your knees. Many older hikers find them worth the weight.
What should I leave at home?
Skip heavy cooking gear, extra clothes and large cameras for a short day hike. A light pack is a safer pack.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
