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 recollections 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 positive 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 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 desirous about it! “If they’ll do it, why can’t I?”
What I found was one thing I want I’d identified sooner: a method of reconnecting with myself, with nature, and with a deep sense of freedom I didn’t even know I used to be lacking.
In case 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 right time to start out. 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 sizzling showers and facilities. However a lot of the occasions, it means selecting an evening beneath the celebs over a elaborate lodge.
One of many items of this stage of life is that you already know your self. You don’t must 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 sincere: I began solo tenting principally as a result of I desperately wanted area from screens, stress, and the countless pull of on-line life. I work full-time within the software program sector, which implies I spend 8+ hours a day watching a display screen—minimal—to not point out the fixed strain of a fast-paced, high-responsibility function. Most days I really feel burnt out, overstimulated, and craving silence.
Tenting— or being in nature usually, turned my method 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 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 search out pleasure within the easy belongings you may need as soon as neglected.
This stage in life can really feel filled with 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 a protracted well being problem myself, I’ve come to understand simply how therapeutic nature might be.
Tenting is mild train, strolling trails, establishing camp, carrying gear. It’s recent air and vitamin D. It’s additionally psychological area: analysis reveals that point open air lowers cortisol, improves temper, and boosts total well-being.
As we transfer by means of midlife, investing in each psychological and bodily well being turns into much more essential. 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 Method
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 solution to ease into solo tenting. Each journey since has constructed on that feeling. I’ve discovered arrange camp shortly. I’ve discovered deal with surprising conditions. I’ve confronted doubt and surprising conditions—and every time, I come dwelling slightly 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 Sources to Camp Comfortably
In my 20s, I might have at all times most well-liked going out dancing in a crowded, loud nightclub relatively than being in the course of nowhere.
Now? I’m all about consolation. A superb 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 will spend money on gear that makes tenting really pleasurable. In case you like your creature comforts, embrace them. There’s no rule that claims you need to “tough it” to be a camper.
It’s By no means Too Late to Begin
In case you’re studying this and pondering, “Perhaps I might do this,”—Sure, you possibly can!
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 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 case 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 may as well take a look at my Suggestions and Methods web page.
Your expertise that midlife is the right time
How outdated 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 each day of metropolis life? Are you aware somebody who has began adventuring within the open air later in life? Share your ideas within the feedback beneath.
Alejandra Iorgulescu
Alejandra, often known 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, but it surely really took root after a solo journey by means of 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 couple of hours’ attain.
Her YouTube channel and web site, Miles and Hikes, have 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 suggestions, and the enjoyment of discovering inventive freedom within the nice open air.
