I used to be 46 after I set out on my first solo tenting journey again in 2023. I selected the Jap Sierra in California, a spot near my coronary heart that at all times jogs my memory of my childhood highway journeys to Patagonia. The huge, rugged landscapes and serene mountain views introduced again reminiscences of these early adventures and made it the right spot to start my solo journey. You possibly can view an in depth account of that life-changing journey on this video: Solo Tenting within the Jap Sierra.
On the time, I wasn’t certain if I used to be being courageous or loopy—or possibly a little bit of each. I had spent years loving highway journeys and the outside, however the concept of tenting alone felt a bit intimidating.
However I had seen so many ladies on YouTube doing it—establishing their camps, cooking easy meals, sharing wonderful sunrises from their tents—that, although I knew most solely present the glamorous facet of tenting, I nonetheless had the urge to attempt it myself. I couldn’t cease eager about it! “If they will do it, why can’t I?”
What I found was one thing I want I’d recognized sooner: a approach of reconnecting with myself, with nature, and with a deep sense of freedom I didn’t even know I used to be lacking.
In the event you’ve been questioning whether or not it’s “too late” to take up tenting in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or past, let me guarantee you: it’s the excellent time to begin. And right here’s why:
You Know Precisely What You Like—and What You Don’t
In my 20s, I could have tried tenting principally to slot in or tag together with others. Now, in midlife, I camp precisely how I wish to.
For me, meaning parking my SUV at a distant spot on BLM land, or a small campground. Others, it means rolling into a longtime campground with scorching showers and facilities. However a lot of the instances, it means selecting an evening beneath the celebs over a flowery resort.
One of many items of this stage of life is that you recognize your self. You don’t should impress anybody or show something. You get to design your out of doors experiences round what really brings you pleasure.
You Crave High quality Time—Not Simply Extra Display Time
I’ll be trustworthy: I began solo tenting principally as a result of I desperately wanted area from screens, stress, and the infinite pull of on-line life. I work full-time within the software program sector, which implies I spend 8+ hours a day gazing a display screen—minimal—to not point out the fixed strain of a fast-paced, high-responsibility position. Most days I really feel burnt out, overstimulated, and craving silence.
Tenting— or being in nature usually, turned my approach of stepping off the treadmill, even when it was only for a weekend. It gave me the psychological reset I didn’t understand I’d been needing for years.
Tenting forces me (in the easiest way) to be current. There’s no cell sign the place I normally camp, and that’s precisely how I prefer it. After the primary few hours, I discover that I not solely now not miss it, however actually, embrace it. I begin residing within the now. I hear the birds as an alternative of background noise. I used to be joking with a fellow GenXer the opposite day that our youthful selves would most likely snigger and name us loopy in the event that they knew that 20 years later, we’d be out right here birdwatching and loving each minute of it. However that’s the fantastic thing about midlife, it offers you permission to seek out pleasure within the easy belongings you might need as soon as missed.
This stage in life can really feel filled with obligations, work, household, caregiving, worrying in regards to the future. Stepping away into nature is likely one of the strongest methods I’ve discovered to reset and recharge.
You Respect the Well being Advantages—Thoughts and Physique
After recovering from an extended well being problem myself, I’ve come to understand simply how therapeutic nature may be.
Tenting is light train, strolling trails, establishing camp, carrying gear. It’s recent air and vitamin D. It’s additionally psychological area: analysis exhibits that point outside lowers cortisol, improves temper, and boosts general well-being.
As we transfer via midlife, investing in each psychological and bodily well being turns into much more necessary. Tenting helps that in ways in which really feel joyful, not like a chore. You’ll by no means, ever see me inside a fitness center—however give me a path or a camp to arrange, and I’m all in.
You’re Able to Problem Your self—in a Good Approach
I’ll always remember the second I climbed into the again of my SUV on that first solo journey and cozied up beneath my blanket. I felt considerably nervous—but in addition proud. I used to be doing one thing new. I used to be studying.
Sleeping in my SUV gave me a way of safety for that first outing, and it was the right technique to ease into solo tenting. Each journey since has constructed on that feeling. I’ve realized tips on how to arrange camp shortly. I’ve found out tips on how to deal with sudden conditions. I’ve confronted doubt and sudden conditions—and every time, I come dwelling just a little stronger.
There’s one thing deeply empowering about difficult your self in midlife. You understand that progress doesn’t have an age restrict.
You Have Assets to Camp Comfortably
In my 20s, I might have at all times most popular going out dancing in a crowded, loud nightclub somewhat than being in the course of nowhere.
Now? I’m all about consolation. sleeping pad, high quality camp meals, a comfortable camp chair, this stuff make a giant distinction.
Midlife typically comes with a bit extra monetary freedom as properly, and we will spend money on gear that makes tenting really pleasing. In the event you like your creature comforts, embrace them. There’s no rule that claims you will need to “tough it” to be a camper.
It’s By no means Too Late to Begin
In the event you’re studying this and considering, “Possibly I may do this,”—Sure, you’ll be able to!
I began solo tenting at 46. Many ladies begin even later in life. The outside welcomes all of us, regardless of after we start.
Begin small: an evening at a neighborhood campground, a car-camping weekend with a pal, a solo journey near dwelling. Every expertise builds confidence and pleasure.
Tenting at this stage of life isn’t nearly sleeping outdoors, it’s about creating area for your self, connecting with nature, and remembering that journey has no expiration date.
Able to Give It a Strive?
In the event you’re curious, go for it! Pack your gear, belief your instincts, and embrace the expertise. You may simply discover, as I did, that tenting in midlife is likely one of the best items you may give your self. For useful recommendation to get began, it’s also possible to try my Suggestions and Methods web page.
Your expertise that midlife is the right time
How previous had been you if you found the advantages of being in nature and determined take pleasure in time away out of your screens and the day after day of metropolis life? Have you learnt somebody who has began adventuring within the outside later in life? Share your ideas within the feedback under.
Alejandra Iorgulescu
Alejandra, referred to as “Alex” to most within the U.S., was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her love of journey was sparked throughout childhood highway journeys from Buenos Aires to Patagonia, but it surely really took root after a solo journey via Europe in 2001. In 2002, she moved to California, drawn by its local weather and beautiful pure range—from seashores to mountains and deserts—all inside a number of hours’ attain.
Her YouTube channel and web site, Miles and Hikes, had been born throughout a solo cross-country highway journey and displays her ardour for highway journey, tenting and mountain climbing. Alex constructed the channel from scratch whereas juggling a demanding tech profession. By her content material, she shares out of doors adventures, journey ideas, and the enjoyment of discovering inventive freedom within the nice outside.
