Have you ever told yourself, “I’m too old, too out of shape, or too inexperienced to start backpacking?”
I used to believe all of those things too. But I didn’t go on my first overnight backpacking trip until I was 40…and nine years later, backpacking has become one of the most empowering parts of my life.
In this post, I’ll share what I wish I would’ve known as a beginner: the fears, the mistakes and everything I had to learn the hard way, so you don’t have to.
If you’re a woman in your 40s, 50s or 60s dreaming of hiking or backpacking solo for the first time, or getting back on the trail after a break, this post is for you.
My Journey: Starting Backpacking at 40
I didn’t grow up outdoorsy. I didn’t have a mentor, and I definitely didn’t have the right gear when I first started.
On my very first trip, I borrowed gear I didn’t know how to use, camped in the snow and even got lost on a day hike. Nothing went “right.” But something about being out there lit a spark…and I wanted more.
Over the next few years, I learned everything the long, slow way: trip planning, gear selection, map reading, solo safety and how to trust my body, even when I was slow, sweating or struggling.
Just two years after that first messy trip, at 42, I solo thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, from Mexico to Canada…alone. Since then, I’ve hiked the Wonderland Trail, the John Muir Trail, the Trans Catalina Trail, multiple Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hikes, the Superstitions and even trekked to Everest Base Camp…twice.
None of this happened because I was naturally brave or athletic. It happened because I kept moving forward, learned from my mistakes and refused to quit, even when I felt slow or behind.
Myth #1: “I’m Too Old to Start Backpacking”
Age is one of the biggest fears women have when starting backpacking later in life. It’s valid! Starting something new can feel intimidating.
Here’s the truth: age can be your biggest advantage.
Women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond start backpacking all the time and thrive. Life experience, patience and discipline go a long way on the trail. Your mindset, more than your age or fitness, will carry you through tough sections and long days.
Myth #2: “I’m Too Out of Shape”
Many women worry they aren’t fit enough to start backpacking. The truth? Fitness builds on the trail.
You don’t need to be “mountain fit” on day one. Step by step, mile by mile, you can build endurance, confidence and strength.
Backpacking is an endurance sport. Taking your time isn’t a weakness. It’s a strategy. You’ll go farther and enjoy it more when you listen to your body.
Even now, I train in the off-season with short day hikes, walks throughout my neighborhood, yoga, and gym sessions…gradually building the strength I need for multi-day trips. You don’t need to wait until you “feel fit” to start.
Myth #3: “I’ll Slow Everyone Down / I’ll Be the Weakest”
Some women worry that their pace will hold others back. Here’s the truth: slow is strong.
Taking breaks and hiking at your own pace allows you to enjoy the journey and build confidence. Solo backpacking removes the comparison trap because there’s no one keeping score.
Even in my group hikes for The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System, no one is left behind. Often, I end up being the slowest, and I love it. It reminds everyone that there’s no shame in going at your own pace.
On trail, your speed doesn’t define your adventure. Your courage, consistency and willingness to show up do.
The Truth No One Tells You About Starting Later in Life
You’re not too old. You’re not too out of shape. You’re not behind.
The real barriers are things you can change:
- Lack of skills
- Lack of training structure
- Lack of guidance or mentorship
Every skill, every bit of strength, every ounce of confidence can be learned, step by step, mile by mile. You just have to START.
5 Lessons I Wish I Knew When I Started Backpacking at 40
- Start Small: Begin with short overnight hikes or front-country car camping trips to build confidence.
- Gear Matters, But Not the Fancy Stuff: Comfortable, functional and reliable gear beats expensive or flashy gear every time.
- Practice and Planning Build Confidence: Packing efficiently, setting up camp and reading the trail gives freedom and helps reduce stress.
- Community Changes Everything: Support from like-minded hikers can make all the difference.
- Don’t Wait Until You “Feel Fit”: Hiking builds fitness, not the other way around. Start where you are, take breaks and go slow.
You’re More Capable Than You Think
Starting backpacking later in life is possible and incredibly empowering. You’re not too old. You’re not too out of shape. You’re not behind.
What you need is guidance, a plan and the confidence to take the first step. That’s exactly what The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System provides: structure, mentorship and a community of women who support one another every step of the way.
If you want help getting started…even if you feel unsure, out of shape, or scared, you can schedule a free one-on-one enrollment call with me. We’ll talk about your goals and see if the program is the right fit.
It’s never too late. You’re not behind. This is your time. Start your backpacking journey today.