“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”
― Sophia Loren
If you ever ventured onto the Pacific Crest Trail or the Appalachian Trail, you probably encountered hikers of all ages, from young children, teenagers and young adult to older adults in their 70s and 80s. Outdoor adventuring is and should be ageless.
People in the backcountry fit no other criteria than a desire to be outdoors. For many reasons, more and more people find themselves wanting to spend time in the woods–to see the views, to be healthier, to see wildlife, and to have an adventure.
While paddling against whitecaps and strong headwinds, trying not to spill our beer, and making sure my dog Moo didn’t capsize, my paddle-boarding partner in crime sparked a fascinating topic of conversation.
“Do you find yourself gravitating towards female outdoor partners who are close to your age or instead do you gravitate toward women who are in a different age bracket?”
Welp, considering one of my closest and most inspiring friends is an English woman in her seventies, I definitely can attest to the fact that I do not discriminate against age when it comes to making friends or finding like-minded trail companions. Although I prefer to spend every second in the outdoors with my dog Moo, I also enjoy human companionship.
The more I contemplated this question while attempting to stand up and paddle after five too many beers in, I realized that most of my female hiking partners are much older than myself by a decade or two. I may have a handful of female trail companions around my age, but the majority of women I choose to sleep under the stars and climb mountains with could easily be my mom or aunt, in terms of their age.
I never really thought about this until my paddle-boarding co-captain brought this topic to my awareness. He then inquired whether the female “on trail experience” differs if my hiking partners are much older or younger than me.
Nope.
I have also climbed and hiked with women who are much younger than me, and nearly every experience has been positive.
After a few moments in thought, I realized that I choose my hiking partners, not based on their age but on their knowledge, grit, physical ability, and sense of humor.
A sense of humor is essential for me in every single aspect of my life. I want to laugh as much as possible. I want to laugh until my belly hurts. I want to laugh until I pee my pants, and I want to laugh until I cry. If my hiking partner can humor me to this extent on the trail, then they are gold in my book. Big hugs and kisses to Shuping, Shannon, and Brandi for making me cry, pee my pants, and belly laugh during the middle of some ridiculously challenging outdoor adventures. These are the moments I live for and cherish.
I use the term “knowledge” loosely as I am fully aware that we must all start somewhere. So I would rather adventure with someone willing to learn something new than someone who thinks they know more than God.
Physical ability is also essential, especially if we are doing big miles, high peaks, or if we are on the trail for multiple days. You have to be mentally and emotionally strong and physically able to overcome barriers. This does not mean you have to be fast, but you have to be strong.
Grit is important because let’s be honest, sometimes Mother Nature gives us a beating, and we have to keep on trekking, regardless if we are scared or tired. I have had my fair share of “oh shit” moments and mental freak-outs, but I have always held my composure and persevered.
These are all important qualities that I look for in an outdoor partner. Age is just a number, in my opinion.
I have no interest in defining or characterizing generational stereotypes in the outdoors. Still, I am sure many of us have a fictional representation in our head of a millennial hiker and a baby boomer hiker. During this time, where so much hatred and judgment is based on stereotypes, I think debunking stereotypes and straying away from generalizations can benefit us in the outdoors. After all, the outdoors should be a safe space for everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
I am always in awe of the strong women I hike with, especially those who are 20 years my senior. I hope that I can be as strong and courageous when I reach their age.
As we continued this topic of conversation while paddling in circles around the small cove of rocks used as a wind shelter, my friend wondered if I am ever “mothered” or “bossed around” or “made to feel young and inexperienced on the trail.”
Never.
I have never once felt talked down to or “mothered” by one of my female hiking partners. We view each other as equal partners, regardless of how wide our age gap may be. I also never feel as though they cannot keep up or “do as much as me.”
Age does not define physical ability, grit, humor, or knowledge on the trail.
As I continue to think about this topic, I am inspired and so grateful that the outdoors can bring so many people together, regardless of their age, race, social class, or gender. Although access to the outdoors may not be as inclusive as I would like, Mother Nature has gifted me some of the kindest, most courageous, badass, and hilarious female mountain companions that I can ever ask for, and I am forever grateful.
Cheers to all my female adventure partners near and far. COVID has really put a wrench in our trail shenanigans, but I am so grateful for you, every day!
I hope this topic provoked your mind and sparked conversations!
“I do not think, sir, you have any right to command me, merely because you are older than I, or because you have seen more of the world than I have; your claim to superiority depends on the use you have made of your time and experience.”
― Charlotte Brontë
See you on the trails,
Xx
Kristen
