Golden Years Hiking
One of the common answers on "retiree activity" surveys to the question "What would you like to do in retirement?" is HIKE!
On this channel I provide tips and how-to's for recent retirees who would like to get into the world of hiking - whether it's short day hikes or massive through hikes - whichever best fits your lifestyle.
I did some hiking before retirement, a few hundred miles at most, but in the years since I've logged about 3,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail (completed my final section hike of the trail in 2024), the New England Trail, the Long Trail, the John Muir Trail (thru-hiked in 2025), and the Grand Canyon. I share tips and knowledge with special emphasis on the over 55 age group. I also hike two to three miles daily as part of my normal exercise program, adding another 2,000+ miles since retiring.
I do not accept compensation for gear reviews or endorsements.
I am a FarOut 2025 Product Ambassador, a commitment I made before starting the channel.
Golden Years Hiking
As mentioned in my video (https://youtu.be/aJmS8nHMqZM), here is a brief summary comparing an Esbit Solid Fuel Cookset with the JetBoil Stash. This is not meant to be comprehensive, and there are other stove types to consider (liquid fuel, alcohol, etc.) and other cooking methods (including open fires, when legal) and "cold soaking." None of these are covered in the video because that really wasn't the point I was making; the stove comparison was just an example. Also note, in many areas a solid fuel stove is not legal - it is considered an uncontrolled "open flame," while the isobutane/propane stoves can be turned off mechanically.
2 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Golden Years Hiking
One of the issues I have with this channel is achieving the right balance between information and topics that are of interest to backpackers (multiday hikes) and for those who prefer single day hikes. So far, I haven't said much about day-hiking, but for those of us concerned with improving health, just starting out, or who simply prefer day-hiking, this can seem like we're being left out. As I enter the winter season, I myself switch from multiday backpacking trips to day hikes only.
For those viewers who prefer day-hiking, what topics interest you? If I have any experience or special knowledge, I'd love to share it in upcoming videos.
2 months ago | [YT] | 1
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Golden Years Hiking
Thanks to all who voted on my question about whether I should accept gear review arrangements with manufacturers. Despite the support (95% answered yes with most adding that I should be selective), after careful thought, I've decided to not engage with gear manufacturers at this time. I have turned down a couple of offers from some very fine companies, not because I didn't think the products were good, but because this is not a direction I want to take this channel. A paid review or reference, whether that "pay" is free gear, commission on sales through an affiliate link, or through some other means, can be perceived as a conflict of interest, no matter how honest the reviewer's intent is, and no matter how balanced the review is.
Even an affiliate link, (a link to a manufacturer website where I would collect a commission on any sales at no extra cost to viewers), gives the impression of an endorsement. While I am in an affiliate program with one manufacturer, I won't be using it here until such a time, if ever, I can honestly find a way to overcome the actual or the appearance of a conflict.
When I do mention gear brands, that is for informational purposes: what I use or have used, and shouldn't be taken as an endorsement, and will be free of any conflict of interest or payment from those brands.
2 months ago | [YT] | 13
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Golden Years Hiking
Recently I have been contacted by gear manufacturers with offers of free gear in exchange for reviews, or with the opportunity to have affiliate links where I would get commissions on sales made through this channel, at no extra cost to viewers using the link. I started the channel with the intent to avoid all such entanglements (other than a pre-existing one-year commitment to FarOut, which I entered before starting the channel.) It occurs to me that some of the products may be of interest to some viewers, depending on their hiking styles and goals. Of course, any such arrangements will be fully disclosed, either in the video itself when appropriate, or/and in the description. What do you viewers think?
2 months ago | [YT] | 5
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Golden Years Hiking
I just got done thru-hiking the John Muir Trail (JMT) in California. In the next few weeks I will be posting videos with this hike as a background, but I will NOT be posting a general "travelogue" of the hike, but rather I will be using the experience to illustrate points that I believe should be of general interest to all senior hikers like myself. Thanks for all the views, likes, and comments that arrived while I was away. I had limited connectivity, but did my best to read and respond in one way or another to all comments.
3 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 12
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Golden Years Hiking
At Golden Years Hiking, our mission is to inspire and empower people in their golden years to embrace hiking as a pathway to better health, personal growth, and connection with nature. We believe that age is not a limitation but an opportunity to explore new horizons, challenge ourselves, and live vibrantly.
10 months ago | [YT] | 9
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