I used to be 46 once 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 all the time jogs my memory of my childhood street journeys to Patagonia. The huge, rugged landscapes and serene mountain views introduced again reminiscences of these early adventures and made it the proper spot to start my solo journey. You’ll be able to 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 positive if I used to be being courageous or loopy—or possibly a little bit of each. I had spent years loving street journeys and the outside, however the thought of tenting alone felt a bit intimidating.
However I had seen so many ladies on YouTube doing it—organising their camps, cooking easy meals, sharing wonderful sunrises from their tents—that, although I knew most solely present the glamorous aspect of tenting, I nonetheless had the urge to attempt it myself. I couldn’t cease excited about it! “If they will do it, why can’t I?”
What I found was one thing I want I’d identified 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 good time to begin. And right here’s why:
You Know Precisely What You Like—and What You Don’t
In my 20s, I’ll have tried tenting largely to slot in or tag together with others. Now, in midlife, I camp precisely how I wish to.
For me, which means parking my SUV at a distant spot on BLM land, or a small campground. Others, it means rolling into a longtime campground with sizzling showers and facilities. However a lot of the occasions, it means selecting an evening underneath the celebrities over a flowery lodge.
One of many items of this stage of life is that your self. You don’t need to impress anybody or show something. You get to design your out of doors experiences round what actually brings you pleasure.
You Crave High quality Time—Not Simply Extra Display screen Time
I’ll be sincere: I began solo tenting largely 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—minimal—to not point out the fixed stress of a fast-paced, high-responsibility position. Most days I really feel burnt out, overstimulated, and craving silence.
Tenting— or being in nature on the whole, grew to become 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 one of the simplest ways) to be current. There’s no cell sign the place I often camp, and that’s precisely how I prefer it. After the primary few hours, I discover that I not solely not miss it, however in truth, embrace it. I begin residing within the now. I hear the birds as a substitute of background noise. I used to be joking with a fellow GenXer the opposite day that our youthful selves would in all probability giggle 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 great 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 full of obligations, work, household, caregiving, worrying concerning the future. Stepping away into nature is among the strongest methods I’ve discovered to reset and recharge.
You Recognize 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 will be.
Tenting is mild train, strolling trails, organising camp, carrying gear. It’s recent air and vitamin D. It’s additionally psychological area: analysis exhibits that point outdoor lowers cortisol, improves temper, and boosts total 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 Method
I’ll always remember the second I climbed into the again of my SUV on that first solo journey and cozied up underneath my blanket. I felt considerably nervous—but additionally 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 proper approach to ease into solo tenting. Each journey since has constructed on that feeling. I’ve realized how one can arrange camp shortly. I’ve discovered how one can deal with sudden conditions. I’ve confronted doubt and sudden conditions—and every time, I come dwelling a bit of 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’d have all the time most popular going out dancing in a crowded, loud nightclub slightly than being in the course of nowhere.
Now? I’m all about consolation. A great sleeping pad, high quality camp meals, a comfortable camp chair, this stuff make an enormous distinction.
Midlife usually comes with a bit extra monetary freedom as properly, and we are able to spend money on gear that makes tenting actually pleasurable. In the event you like your creature comforts, embrace them. There’s no rule that claims you should “tough it” to be a camper.
It’s By no means Too Late to Begin
In the event you’re studying this and pondering, “Perhaps I may try this,”—Sure, you possibly can!
I began solo tenting at 46. Many ladies begin even later in life. The outside welcomes all of us, regardless of once we start.
Begin small: an evening at a neighborhood campground, a car-camping weekend with a buddy, a solo journey near dwelling. Every expertise builds confidence and pleasure.
Tenting at this stage of life isn’t nearly sleeping exterior, it’s about creating area for your self, connecting with nature, and remembering that journey has no expiration date.
Able to Give It a Attempt?
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 among the biggest items you can provide your self. For useful recommendation to get began, you can even try my Suggestions and Tips web page.
Your expertise that midlife is the proper time
How previous had been you once you found the advantages of being in nature and determined get pleasure from time away out of your screens and the day after day of metropolis life? Are you aware somebody who has began adventuring within the outdoor later in life? Share your ideas within the feedback beneath.
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 street journeys from Buenos Aires to Patagonia, nevertheless it actually took root after a solo journey via Europe in 2001. In 2002, she moved to California, drawn by its local weather and beautiful pure variety—from seashores to mountains and deserts—all inside just a few hours’ attain.
Her YouTube channel and web site, Miles and Hikes, had been born throughout a solo cross-country street journey and displays her ardour for street 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 artistic freedom within the nice outdoor.
