Hiking Over 60: A New Book by Philip Werner

My new book “Hiking Over 60: A Modern Guide to Hiking Gear and Techniques for Active Adults” is out. It’s a book for new hikers as well as more experienced ones who want to come up to speed on the lightweight hiking gear revolution that has occurred in the past 10 years.

Gone are the days when you had to carry a crushing weight to go hiking or use heavy leather boots that felt like you were wearing cinder blocks on your feet. Hiking gear, clothing, tools, and techniques are much lighter weight and simpler than they used to be, making hiking more accessible than ever for mature hikers. Hiking is also very budget friendly, since you can get started with a pair of sneakers you already own and hiking is free in most local or state parks, conservation areas, and national forests.

In addition to its physical benefits including better weight control, aerobic health, and enhanced muscle strength, hiking has mental and social benefits that become increasingly important as we age. Hiking gets you of the house and away from your TV, computer, phone and the constant interruptions we all experience in the “attention” economy. It also strengthens your social connections which can be difficult to maintain, but are so important when we get older. Hiking is a great way to expand your social circle with people from all walks of life, and to maintain your ties to family and friends.

Hiking Over 60 is divided into two parts.

• Part 1 – Hiking Fundamentals covers the basic skills you need to plan a hike, use a map, choose hiking  footwear and clothing, pack food and water, and how to go to the bathroom outside. Hiking safety is also addressed including blister prevention and treatment, how to pack a first aid kit, and who to call in an emergency using conventional means like a cell phone or a satellite messenger.
• Part 2 – Hiking Gear Guide goes into much more depth about hiking footwear, clothes and layering, how to use trekking poles, what to look for when choosing a backpack, hydration and water filtering, GPS navigation apps and devices, and satellite communicators. There’s also a section on medical support gear including leg braces, compression sleeves, and straps to minimize pain and keep older hikers on the trail longer.

Hiking Over 60 includes hiking gear recommendations throughout the book based on my experience reviewing hundred and hundreds of hiking and backpacking gear products on my website, sectionhiker.com. My goal there and in Hiking Over 60 has always been to help people understand what is real and what is BS when it come to penetrating the wild claims made by many hiking and clothing manufacturers. I’m also a pretty frugal guy by nature, so if I recommend gear or clothing, you can rest assured that its the real deal.

So, if you’re like me and over 60 years of age, I hope you find Hiking Over 60 enlightening and useful. In the words of one of my readers, “age is no barrier to hiking.” You can do it if you try, and I hope that my guidance will speed you on your journey.

Hiking Over 60 is currently available on Amazon as an eBook. A paperback version is in the pipeline and should be available next month.