If you’re over 40 and thinking about starting backpacking but part of you is wondering:

Am I too late for this?
What if my body can’t handle it?
What if I’m too out of shape to start?

I need you to hear this:

You are not too old to start backpacking but you do need to start differently.

Most women over 40 don’t quit backpacking because they can’t do it. They quit before they ever give themselves a real chance to begin.

Usually, it’s because they:

  • Try to do too much too fast
  • Feel overwhelmed by all the information
  • Or convince themselves they need to be “ready” first

I started backpacking at 40 and honestly, I almost talked myself out of it multiple times.

So, if you feel behind, overwhelmed, nervous about your body or unsure where to start, this is your plan.

The Biggest Mistake Women Over 40 Make When Starting Backpacking

The biggest mistake? Waiting until you feel “ready.”

I did this for way too long.

I kept telling myself:

I need to get in better shape first.
I need more confidence.
I need to figure everything out before I go.

So instead of starting? I watched YouTube videos, read all the blog posts, overthought everything and stayed stuck.

Here’s what I wish someone had told me sooner: You don’t get in shape for backpacking. You get in shape by backpacking.

And yes, I know that can feel scary over 40 because our bodies recover differently now.

You may be dealing with:

  • Joint pain
  • Lower energy
  • Slower recovery
  • Perimenopause symptoms
  • Fear of injury

I understand all of it. But waiting doesn’t fix those things. Starting slowly does.

Start Smaller Than Your Ego Wants To

This one is huge.

When I first started backpacking, I thought: If I’m going to do this, I need to go BIG. Huge mistake.

That mindset:

  • Overwhelms you
  • Increases injury risk
  • Creates fear
  • Makes backpacking feel miserable

And honestly? It’s one of the fastest ways to quit.

If I were starting backpacking after 40 today, here’s exactly what I’d do instead:

Start with:

  • Short day hikes
  • Flat terrain
  • 1–3 miles max
  • Low pressure
  • Close to home

Then gradually build toward:

  • One overnight trip
  • On a well-marked trail
  • With very simple logistics

Because confidence comes from:

  • Small wins
  • Repetition
  • Proving to yourself you can do this

Not from throwing yourself into a giant trip immediately.

Stop Focusing on Performance

This one changed everything for me.

I spent way too much time thinking:

I should be able to hike farther.
I should be faster.
I should be carrying more.

But “should” is dangerous out there. Your body doesn’t care what you think you should be able to do. It responds to what you can actually do.

So instead of focusing on performance, focus on:

  • Comfort
  • Safety
  • Recovery
  • Enjoyment

If you don’t enjoy backpacking, you won’t keep doing it and you do not get bonus points for suffering.

Finding the Right Backpack Matters More After 40

This is one of the biggest mistakes I made.

At first, I assumed:

  • Bigger backpack = better
  • Lighter backpack = better

Wrong on both counts.

I bought a lightweight pack, overloaded it, and then wondered why:

  • My shoulders hurt
  • My back hurt
  • My hips hurt

I thought something was wrong with me. It wasn’t me. It was the pack.

Women over 40 often need:

  • Better support
  • Better weight distribution
  • More structure

Sometimes a slightly heavier backpack with a better suspension system is actually more comfortable.

If you’re starting backpacking after 40:

  • Try on multiple packs
  • Load them with weight
  • Walk around in them

The right pack should:

  • Transfer weight to your hips
  • Feel stable
  • Feel supportive

If your backpack is uncomfortable, your trip will be miserable, no matter how “lightweight” it is.

Don’t Buy All Your Backpacking Gear Right Away

This is another trap beginners fall into.

You start watching gear videos and suddenly feel like you need:

  • Expensive gear
  • Ultralight gear
  • The “best” gear

You don’t.

If I were starting over, I would:

  • Borrow gear
  • Rent gear
  • Test gear first

What works for someone else may not work for you. Before spending thousands of dollars? Make sure you actually enjoy backpacking first.

Protect Your Body From Day One

This matters so much more after 40.

When I first started, I ignored:

  • Knee pain
  • Tight hips
  • Sore ankles
  • Recovery time

Big mistake.

Things I prioritize now:

Trekking poles especially are a game changer.

They help:

  • Reduce impact
  • Improve stability
  • Protect your knees on descents

And when it comes to footwear? Your feet are the star of the show. Take care of them.

Backpacking During Perimenopause Is Different

This is something almost nobody talks about.

Perimenopause can absolutely affect your backpacking experience.

I remember hiking at higher elevation during a solo section hike and suddenly having:

  • Heat intolerance
  • Energy crashes
  • Wild temperature swings

And I kept thinking: What is happening to me?

If you’re over 40, plan for variability.

This means:

  • Dressing in layers
  • Wearing breathable clothing
  • Being prepared for temperature changes
  • Giving yourself flexibility

Your body is changing.

That doesn’t mean you have to stop adventuring. It just means you need to approach backpacking differently now.

Prioritize Sleep and Recovery

I learned this lesson the hard way.

Bad sleep on trail affects everything:

  • Energy
  • Recovery
  • Mood
  • Confidence

And over 40? Recovery matters more.

Things worth investing in:

Because again, backpacking does not have to be a sufferfest.

Put Safety Systems in Place

One of the best things I ever did for my confidence was getting a satellite messenger.

Not just carrying it but actually learning how to use it.

Having systems in place changed everything mentally.

 My backpacking safety systems:

Safety systems can help create confidence and confidence is what gets you out on trail.

Stop Waiting for Someone Else to Go With You

This one changed my life.

If I had waited for someone else to backpack with me, I probably never would’ve started.

Especially in our 40s, life gets busy:

  • Schedules
  • Family
  • Work
  • Different priorities

Waiting for the “perfect” hiking partner can keep you stuck for years.

Learning how to backpack solo gave me freedom. Freedom to go where I want, when I want and on my own timeline

After spending so much of life taking care of everyone else, this gets to be your time too.

You’re Not Too Old to Start Backpacking

You just need to start:

  • Slower
  • Smarter
  • More intentionally

And if you do? Backpacking can become one of the most empowering things you do in this season of your life.

Not because it’s easy but because it reminds you: You’re still capable of hard things.

If You Don’t Know Where to Start, Start Here

If you’re a woman over 40 who wants to start backpacking but feels overwhelmed by:

  • Gear
  • Planning
  • Safety
  • Confidence
  • Doing it alone

I created a free guide to help simplify the process.

Download my free guide: The First Solo Backpacking Trip Roadmap

This free guide walks you through the exact steps to start planning your first backpacking trip without overthinking everything.

Want More Support and Guidance?

A lot of women don’t need more motivation.

They need:

  • A clear system
  • Support while planning
  • Accountability
  • And someone to help them stop second-guessing themselves

That’s exactly why I created The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System.

Inside this program, I help women over 40:

  • Build confidence
  • Plan their trips step-by-step
  • Learn backpacking skills safely
  • And actually follow through on their goals

You can learn more here: The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System

Final Thoughts

You’re not behind. You’re not too old. You don’t need to become a completely different person before you start backpacking.

You just need a slower start, a smarter approach and permission to begin exactly where you are now. This version of your life deserves adventure too.

 

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