Why Midlife Is The Good Time To Begin Tenting

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 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 may 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 perhaps a little bit of each. I had spent years loving street 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 superb sunrises from their tents—that, regardless that I knew most solely present the glamorous aspect of tenting, I nonetheless had the urge to attempt it myself. I couldn’t cease desirous about it! “If they will do it, why can’t I?”

What I found was one thing I want I’d identified sooner: a manner of reconnecting with myself, with nature, and with a deep sense of freedom I didn’t even know I used to be lacking.

When 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’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, 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 below the celebrities over a elaborate resort.

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 outside 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 largely as a result of I desperately wanted house from screens, stress, and the infinite pull of on-line life. I work full-time within the software program sector, which suggests I spend 8+ hours a day observing a display—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 normally, grew to become my manner of stepping off the treadmill, even when it was only for a weekend. It gave me the psychological reset I didn’t notice 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 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 in reality, embrace it. I begin dwelling 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 most likely snicker 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 provides you permission to search out pleasure within the easy belongings you might need as soon as ignored.

This stage in life can really feel full of obligations, work, household, caregiving, worrying in regards to the future. Stepping away into nature is among the strongest methods I’ve discovered to reset and recharge.

You Admire the Well being Advantages—Thoughts and Physique

After recovering from a protracted well being problem myself, I’ve come to understand simply how therapeutic nature could be.

Tenting is mild train, strolling trails, establishing camp, carrying gear. It’s contemporary air and vitamin D. It’s additionally psychological house: analysis reveals that point open air lowers cortisol, improves temper, and boosts general well-being.

As we transfer by means of midlife, investing in each psychological and bodily well being turns into much more vital. Tenting helps that in ways in which really feel joyful, not like a chore. You’ll by no means, ever see me inside a gymnasium—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 Manner

I’ll always remember the second I climbed into the again of my SUV on that first solo journey and cozied up below 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 option to ease into solo tenting. Each journey since has constructed on that feeling. I’ve discovered the best way to arrange camp shortly. I’ve found out the best way to deal with surprising conditions. I’ve confronted doubt and surprising conditions—and every time, I come house a bit of stronger.

There’s one thing deeply empowering about difficult your self in midlife. You notice that development doesn’t have an age restrict.

You Have Assets to Camp Comfortably

In my 20s, I’d have at all times most well-liked going out dancing in a crowded, loud nightclub fairly than being in the midst of nowhere.

Now? I’m all about consolation. A great sleeping pad, high quality camp meals, a comfortable camp chair, these items make a giant distinction.

Midlife usually comes with a bit extra monetary freedom as nicely, and we are able to spend money on gear that makes tenting really pleasant. When 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

When you’re studying this and pondering, “Perhaps I may try this,”—Sure, you may!

I began solo tenting at 46. Many ladies begin even later in life. The outside welcomes all of us, irrespective of after we start.

Begin small: an evening at an area campground, a car-camping weekend with a good friend, a solo journey near house. Every expertise builds confidence and pleasure.

Tenting at this stage of life isn’t nearly sleeping exterior, it’s about creating house for your self, connecting with nature, and remembering that journey has no expiration date.

Able to Give It a Attempt?

When 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 may give your self. For useful recommendation to get began, you too can take a look at my Suggestions and Methods web page.

Your expertise that midlife is the proper time

How previous have been you whenever you found the advantages of being in nature and determined get pleasure from time away out of your screens and the daily of metropolis life? Are you aware somebody who has began adventuring within the open air later in life? Share your ideas within the feedback under.