Backpacking Products Designed for Older Hikers
The number of older backpackers is growing as people live longer, and more mature men and women are introduced to the sport. While I’m still a vigorous 65-year-old hiker and backpacker, there are age-related gear modifications that my peers and I wish gear manufacturers would make to their products. There is precedent for this. In recent years, companies such as Gregory Packs, REI, Osprey, etc. have expanded the sizing of their gear and clothing to be more inclusive of taller and shorter people, and people with larger waistlines. In addition to increased sales, serving underserved populations is a great way to build lasting brand loyalty and dominate new market segments.
AI Analysis of Older Hiker and Backpacker Needs
What physical challenges do older hikers and backpackers face, and what kinds of new products or product modifications could be developed to address them? To answer this question, I performed a data analysis with Viola AI, which is an excellent tool for analyzing disparate text and video sources to identify user trends and needs. I used to do this kind of analysis as a product manager by interviewing people, a lot of people, and while still indispensable, being able to interactively process a large amount of online content using Viola AI to assess user needs is mind-blowing.
Content Sources
I didn’t tell Viola AI what content sources to select for this analysis, so I asked it what sources it used. These sources could be expanded if you wanted to run your own analysis.
- Outdoor Community Forums and User Feedback
- Reddit (r/Ultralight, r/SeniorHikers, r/Backpacking)
Active discussions where older hikers share gear challenges, preferences, and modifications. - Backpacking Light Forum
User-generated reviews and experience reports, including posts from senior backpackers. - Trailspace
User reviews and Q&A focusing on comfort and accessibility in gear use.
- Outdoor Retailer and Manufacturer Publications
- REI Co-op Journal
Expert articles, buyer guides, and user stories emphasizing comfort and accessibility. - Outdoor Research, Osprey, MSR, Therm-a-Rest, Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Product specifications and design rationales highlighting ergonomic features aimed at diverse user groups. - Patagonia and Columbia Sportswear
Technical details on materials and layering systems suitable for aging hikers.
- Ergonomics and Accessibility Research
- Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES)
Studies on product usability for users with reduced dexterity or mobility. - Occupational Therapy Journals (e.g., American Journal of Occupational Therapy)
Research on adaptive equipment for seniors engaging in physical activities. - National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Guidance on physical capabilities and limitations in older adults.
- Physical Therapy and Geriatric Health Literature
- Books and Articles on Aging and Mobility
Examples include “Geriatric Physical Therapy” by Pamela M. Stein and “Exercise in Aging” journals. - Research on Arthritis and Joint Health
Insights into how joint pain affects gear interaction and what adaptations can help.
- Outdoor Gear Reviews & Expert Blogs
- SectionHiker
In-depth gear reviews with attention to comfort and ease-of-use for older adults. - The Trek Outdoor Magazine
Articles discussing modifications and gear trends for senior hikers. - Switchback Travel
Reviews focusing on lightweight, ergonomic gear options.
- Medical Device and Assistive Technology Sources
- Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)
Standards and best practices for devices aiding mobility and daily tasks. - Consumer Reports on Medical Aids
Evaluations of products like compression garments, orthopedic supports, etc.
- Safety & Emergency Preparedness Resources
- American Red Cross Wilderness & Remote First Aid Manuals
Recommendations for first aid kits and emergency preparedness tailored to older hikers. - Search & Rescue Guidelines
Best practices for medical alert devices and communication aids in outdoor settings.
Physical Challenges of Older Hikers
Older hikers have diminishing physical capabilities. There’s no way to sugarcoat it. While older hikers live longer than ever, they (including myself) have to adapt to aging sensory capabilities, chronic health issues, reduced strength, or diminished motor capabilities. That doesn’t diminish their desire to hike or backpack, although it often requires some modifications to their goals. What are some of the more common obstacles they need to overcome?
Here are the major age-related hiking and backpacking challenges that Voila AI reported.
- Diminished eyesight
- Reduced dexterity due to arthritis
- Reduced mobility due to arthritis, injuries, and wear and tear
- Hearing loss
- Increased temperature sensitivity, particularly to the cold
- Neuropathy
- Reduced sense of balance
- Loss of “cushioning” in joints
- Chronic health issues: diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease
- Thinning skin and susceptibility to sunburn
- Fallen foot arches
- Bunions, hammer toes, etc.
Product Ideas/Modifications for Older Hikers
Viola AI writes that “The following list of product requests does not copy from a single source but synthesizes common themes, real-world feedback, and practical adaptations specifically relevant for older adults who want to continue backpacking comfortably and safely.”
I hope some cottage companies are reading this list because there is some low-hanging fruit in it that would make for some great products or product add-ons.
- Larger buckles that are easier to see and manually adjust on backpack lids, sternum straps, dry bags, and pack lids.
- Oversized strap adjusters that are larger and easy to grip for arthritic or gloved hands.
- Larger displays on electronic devices, including Smartphone apps, satellite messengers, and GPS units.
- Voice-controlled headlamps.
- Headlamps with larger buttons that are easier to use with arthritic hands.
- Voice-controlled smartphone camera.
- Non-crushable pockets for storing glasses in backpacks.
- Clearly marked medical/ID pack pocket: Labeled external pocket for medications or emergency info.
- Big zipper pulls and toggles: Easy to grip with weak hands or gloves.
- Water bottle holders angled for easy reach on packs: Positioned so bottles can be grabbed without removing the pack.
- Mesh or trampoline-style back panels: Keep air flowing against the back to reduce sweat and overheating.
- Reflective trim/accents on backpacks to improve safety in low-light or dusk/dawn conditions.
- Hands-free GPS control and route guidance via voice commands to avoid fiddling with buttons.
- Radios and communication devices designed to pair seamlessly with hearing aids.
- Devices that provide audible or tactile confirmation when buttons are pressed correctly.
- Clear, loud audio cues for upcoming turns or trail changes to reduce reliance on visual monitors.
- Piezo stove igniters with big, tactile buttons that are easier to operate with gloves or stiff fingers.
- Cooking utensils with thick, ergonomic handles: Easier to hold with arthritic hands.
- Insulated mugs/cups with large handles: Comfortable for sensitive hands and retain heat longer.
- Quick-connect fuel canisters with no threading required: Reduce hand strain..
- Clear, easy-to-read fuel level indicators.
- Pre-measured spice kits and meal packets with easy-tear packaging: Minimize fine motor tasks like cutting or measuring.
- Smart stove timers with audible alerts for meal readiness.
- Large, easy-grip zipper pulls or magnetic closures for doors and vestibules.
- Sleeping pads with varying firmness zones for hips, shoulders, and legs for better spinal alignment.
- GPS devices with big, high-contrast screens and large fonts for easier reading by those with declining eyesight.
- Soft, contoured trekking pole grips that are designed to fit natural hand shapes and reduce pressure on joints.
- Built-in or attachable folding seats or stools integrated into or supported by trekking poles.
- Trekking poles with built-in lights or emergency signals for visibility and safety at night.
- Built-in dampeners on trekking poles to reduce impact on wrists, elbows, and shoulders when walking downhill or on hard surfaces
- Shirts, jackets, and pants featuring Velcro or magnetic fasteners instead of traditional buttons or zippers.
- Portable basins with rigid rims for washing hands or small laundry at camp
- First aid and hygiene product instructions that are printed in large, clear fonts for those with vision challenges.
- Organized pill organizers with daily doses pre-packed and clearly marked for ease of use on the trail.
- Compact, pre-filled auto-injectors or allergy kits with simple instructions for emergencies.
- First aid kits with large, bright labels and compartments organized by injury type for quick access.
- Medical information cards: Waterproof cards stored in pack pockets containing medical history, allergies, and emergency contacts.
- Pre-Assembled Blister Kits that contain all the necessary items to clean, pad, and protect blisters in one easy package.
- Pre-packaged meals and hydration solutions tailored to medical needs, such as diabetes or heart conditions.
- Tailored first aid kits including items for asthma, arthritis, or cardiac emergencies.
- Compact devices with large displays and simple controls for monitoring vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate
- Downloadable videos on first aid techniques for offline viewing on smartphones.
- Large-print guides or visual aids for managing chronic conditions or injuries during outdoor activities.
- Battery-operated cooling wraps or heating pads for managing inflammation or circulation issues.
- Secure, weather-resistant cases designed for carrying insulin and diabetes care supplies safely.
- Water reservoirs or bottles with integrated pockets for medications or supplements to make it easier to adhere to medication schedules.
- Waterproof hearing aids that can be safely worn despite sweat or rain.
- Garments with built-in ultraviolet protection to reduce sun damage without extra sunscreen applications.
- Clothing treated to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects without needing sprays.
- Adjustable Sleeve and Pant Lengths: zip-off sleeves and pant legs for versatility in changing weather conditions.
- Hats that provide sun and rain protection for the face and neck with easy adjustment.
- Compression socks with wide openings for easier dressing and undressing.
- Water Filtration systems that work without pumping or squeezing, reducing hand fatigue and complexity.
- Maps printed with larger fonts, symbols, and clearer contrast to accommodate reduced vision.
- Use of map colors that are easier to distinguish for those with color vision deficiencies.
Parting Thoughts
I think there’s a real need to accommodate the outdoor gear, clothing, health, and nutrition needs of older hikers. Of the 60 million hikers and backpackers in the United States, over 25% are older than 55 (Werner, 2025). This represents a huge market opportunity with a user base that’s growing every year and living longer by the minute.
If you’re an older hiker and backpacker, what age-related products or product modifications would you like to see made to your hiking and backpacking gear?
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One item that older hikers with neuropathy and cold sensitivities may appreciate (and younger hikers with wide feet) are shoes with wider toe boxes, which facilitate less toe compression and more room for thicker socks and air insulation between the sock and shoe for the toes areas, which get less blood flow. Too many shoe brands have narrow toe boxes and no wide width options. Also, zero drop heel stack heights may be more comfortable for people with knee and hip issues because they can help reduce impact straight up the bones in the legs to the joints from excessive heel striking.
True this! Shoes that allow thick socks, or two pairs at once, are helpful for those older hikers who explore the woods in the shoulder months.
Buckles are an issue, too … and do they all have to be hard-to-see black? How about yellow?
I really hate the mini ultralight buckles that some backpack makers have switched to. I know a lot of people who complain about the same thing.
OMG, preach. Those ittybitty clasps are IMPOSSIBLE.
I hate them. I think they’re put on by misguided pack designers who think that saving a few grams will make their packs more attractive. I literally have to take off my glasses to see them up close.
I totally agree on the toe box issue. I usually get wide toe box shoes, sneakers, dress shoes and hiking boots. Makes all the difference in being on one’s feet. I also agree about the wider/larger buckles. Although I do have hydration backpacks, some of them are less than desirable on both the hip belt and the buckle wider belts make for more comfort and a bigger buckle, perhaps one with a magnetic clasp, would be an improvement.
I’ve found the same issue and am a distance hiker. I now wear Topos which fit the bill.
My wife lacks sufficient strength in her hands to work a standard plastic buckle, so item 1 on your list is also number 1 on our list. Come to think of it, I often struggle with those buckles myself, and I don’t even have arthritis. I replaced all our dry bags with drawstring bags.
My hands barely operate when even slightly cold. So many of the suggestions would be a huge help. Many hikers have Raynauds and must keep a layer on their hands, frequently making it difficult to buckle, snap, tie, use device buttons and so on.
I always enjoy your articles and what I find most challenging as I age (72) and continue to do wilderness backpacking , usually 3-4 days is finding companions to join me due to the many reasons you listed. I purchased solid UL gear when I did about 200 m of the PCT in 2013. It continues to hold up and I just bought a new 1 man UL Big Agnus tent.
I really did not answer your request, just feel fortunate I can keep going !
Aloha
Unimpressed by the AI. Also unimpressed by the obvious miss here: most of the suggestions are related to disability, not age. People of any age can have disabilities and still want to hike. I had an injury at the age of 6 that permanently affected my vision, and I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in my knees at 16, and still chose to start hiking in my 30s, so it’s very much not a theoretical thing for me.
Are you saying the other people commenting are disabled? I know lots of people with these ailments who hike.
CPAP – I use a ResMedMini on the trail. Issues with battery charging, weight, and volume of equipment.
Looking to optimize system and humidity.
What are the Best padded hiking shoes and socks for folks with no cartilage in their knees?
While what you note will increase comfort to a degree, it’s also somewhat of an extrinsic solution to an intrinsic problem. To that end, you may want to try a glucosamine sulphate/chondroitin supplement to help augment and maintain whatever cartilage you have left. I truly does help but may take 4-6 weeks before you notice anything. If you are “well worn” (i.e. “bone on bone”), you could also consider some form of hyaluronic acid knee injections such as Supartz which mechanically internally cushions the joint. (You might need a series of 3) and results are typically good, albeit temporary as it’s not a fix, but an aid. Still, there’s little risk or drawbacks to this treatment.
Another often overlooked biggie is weight. As the weight above the knee increases @ 4-fold as it passes through the condyles of the joint, losing even 5-10# can often make or break the pain threshold and lower inflammation. Whether on your body or in your pack, makes no difference to your knees.
Finally, someone mentioned zero-drop heels. I’d caution use of this before a substantial off-trail trial. Most of us were brought up wearing @ 1″ heels and our posture (including spinal curves) adapted to such. To throw on a completely new “kinetic chain” component that will shift posture to a body with DJD especially in the spine, may wind up causing low back pain in short order. Back in the 80’s when the “Earth Shoe” was the rage, I had many patients with them come in for “new onset of back pain”. Their entire treatment consisted of throwing away the shoes and all was good.
Fantastic info Gary!
just got out of the Sierra…..could use some refinements
Maybe it’s me, but I cannot find the subreddit named r/SeniorHikers, under that particular spelling or any variant. Does such a sub actually exist? Can somebody post a link if it does?
My big complaint is footwear. Lousy choices out there for flattening feet.
I swear by insoles for extra arch support. Plus they let you recreate the same augmented foot environment even if you switch shoes.
Me too! I was stubbornly refusing to consider an insert because I figured I should be able to fix the problem by strengthening/conditioning the impacted areas. A while back, I finally decided that I wanted to address the pain & dysfunction while working on my feet & legs. Guess what? Arch supports have worked wonders to reduce the pain in my hip that stems from my still un-strengthened & un-conditioned feet.
And when things don’t hurt, it’s easier to do the work to prevent the pain from coming back.
Insoles are absolutely the way to go. What comes in new shoes is just dumb. Too bad they just dont
leave them out. I use Treadlabs. and one of their. little metatarsal pads, but it still doesn’t make up for the lack of wider sizes. Hoka, Ultra, Salomon, La Sportiva…the majority are all way too narrow
My eyesight is not as good as it once was, and I have difficulty with the relief and font size on both printed and digital maps. In the Gaia program, you can zoom in on the topographical features, but the fonts remain very small. Although large print maps may be too much to hope for, I would like to see better contrast in printed maps, and ways to expand all the information on digital maps.
It may not work on all the map layers (I haven’t explored that) but there is a setting to adjust the font/label size under “account”. You can adjust the track and trail widths as well. I’m on Android, iPhone may be different.
Would love to see
Sleep Apnea equipment / devices for the trail.
This might be of interest to you for treatment of sleep apnea. It is an invasive procedure but no big machine to lug around
https://www.inspiresleep.com/en-us/
That pretty cool. Buy the stock too!
Thanks Bruce, I’ll speak with my doctor about this. Have you had experience with using the implant device?
With diminished eyesight many of us seniors wear glasses with bifocals. I found for hiking I did best with single vision lenses rather than bifocals. It allowed me full vision, particularly when looking down for proper foot placement in sketchy terrain.
In my particular case I did not need the bifocal to read printed maps or screens as I was on the AT. Pretty clear path guided by white blazes. Generally the only printed item I needed to read all summer was a menu when in town.