So, are there any others out there who enjoy hiking and getting outside? My wife and I enjoy hiking in the local parks with trails on the weekends. Just curious if anyone else enjoyed it? Any special tips that help you on your outings that others might enjoy? What are some of your favorite places to go? Nothing better than getting "lost" outside.

i love to hike! my only tip is, make sure you bring plenty of water and some snacks.

I love hiking, and am fortunate enough to have an option of hiking through some woods as one route to get to work. It's about a one mile hike on nice trails each way, and it makes the whole day feel better! The dog loves it too.

I'm also planning a backpack trip for July (I was sleeved April 29) and looking for food tips and suggestions. I figure LOTS of Water and plenty of small Snacks through the day. Any suggestions are welcome!

Kate

I love hiking -- my 14 yo son and I have had some great hikes. There are a lot of great trails and parks around here to walk in. We've gotten ourselves into some hairy situations some times -- he pushes me beyond my limits and we've lived through it and had lots of fun.

My advice -- get some great hiking shoes and/or boots. I have some high ankle ones I wear when we're doing rough terrain or the low cut ones on smoother trails.

Hey Kate, where are you going backpacking? I am going in July in Colorado. 3 friends and I will be climbing Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. A 4 day hike from Twin Lakes to Turquoise Lake. I can't wait!

Hiking is one of my favorite outside activities. Love it. I live in the Pacific Northwest (specifically Washington) so have done a lot of different hikes from PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) to Camp muir on Mt Rainier to summit of mount Adams to a million day hikes in the cascades and Olympics. I do have to say hiking on the PCT is my favorite, especially between Stevens pass and Snoqualmie Pass. When you go out, remember to hydrate 2x as much as you think you will need, maybe 3x. And take plenty of protein snacks, even if they happen to be cliff bars. Trust me, your body will burn through the calories and then some. Have fun!

Hey Kate, where are you going backpacking? I am going in July in Colorado. 3 friends and I will be climbing Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. A 4 day hike from Twin Lakes to Turquoise Lake. I can't wait!

I'm in Washington state - likely heading for the Olympic Penninsula this year, and can wait. Just hit the REI sale and got a water bladder so I can sip all day. I go with my golden retriever and a younger woman friend, who is also much overweight. She went last year and is up for it again, thank goodness! I'm hoping that my being down thirty pounds so far, and hopefully more by then, will make it easier! Your plan sounds like a nice trip - it's been 35+ years since I backpacked in Colorado though. Enjoy!

Hiking is one of my favorite outside activities. Love it. I live in the Pacific Northwest (specifically Washington) so have done a lot of different hikes from PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) to Camp muir on Mt Rainier to summit of mount Adams to a million day hikes in the cascades and Olympics. I do have to say hiking on the PCT is my favorite, especially between Stevens pass and Snoqualmie Pass. When you go out, remember to hydrate 2x as much as you think you will need, maybe 3x. And take plenty of protein snacks, even if they happen to be cliff bars. Trust me, your body will burn through the calories and then some. Have fun!

Got to say Fiddleman, I want to get down to where you are--and up to where you are too health wise! Last year we did about half way from White Pass to Chinook Pass on the PCT, but I/we were too out of shape to make it. major disappointment! I just got a 2 liter water bladder, and am hoping I can get used to using it since I can no longer chug half a liter each time I stop! I appreciate the water advice and protein reminder. We are also considering Spectacle Lake - out 90 and beyond - know that area?

I like hiking too!

Proper boots make such a huge difference. The number one thing is that when you get to any boulder scrambles or other difficult footing, a good pair of hiking boots give you so much more security and grip than other footwear.

Around here alot of the hiking groups don't let you join with jeans since cotton takes forever to dry out if it gets wet. i finally broke down and found (on sale) some zip off shorts/pants made of a good quick dry fabric - designed for hiking.

Good stuff!

Got to say Fiddleman, I want to get down to where you are--and up to where you are too health wise! Last year we did about half way from White Pass to Chinook Pass on the PCT, but I/we were too out of shape to make it. major disappointment! I just got a 2 liter water bladder, and am hoping I can get used to using it since I can no longer chug half a liter each time I stop! I appreciate the water advice and protein reminder. We are also considering Spectacle Lake - out 90 and beyond - know that area?

Ah yes, spectacle lake. It is on my favorite part of PCT between Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass. I know that area well and there are many other good hikes in the Vicinity. From 90, there are actually 2 routes out to Spectacle Lake. The first is along the PCT and can be done in a single day of all day hiking (dawn to dusk) or two if you stop at gravel lake for the night. I prefer to do it in two because you can relax a little more during the actual hike. Be warned that there is fairly little water between Gravel Lake and Spectacle lake so pack a lot of water. The sun really beats down on you along this stretch as you hike along high alpine rocky territory. Very little growth if any, but pretty exciting nonetheless. There is also a neat cat walk before gravel lake that has sheer rock drop offs of 2000+ feet. Don't look down! The second route is via Pete's Lake. It is a much tamer hike and much of it is spent in the shadows of trees in the valley. Not as much fun though and definitely not as scenic. Spectacle lake is so beautiful. It is one of my favorite memories from hiking as a teenager. It is one of those places you never want to leave.

Got to say Fiddleman, I want to get down to where you are--and up to where you are too health wise! Last year we did about half way from White Pass to Chinook Pass on the PCT, but I/we were too out of shape to make it. major disappointment! I just got a 2 liter Water bladder, and am hoping I can get used to using it since I can no longer chug half a liter each time I stop! I appreciate the water advice and Protein reminder. We are also considering Spectacle Lake - out 90 and beyond - know that area?

Ah yes, spectacle lake. It is on my favorite part of PCT between Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass. I know that area well and there are many other good hikes in the Vicinity. From 90, there are actually 2 routes out to Spectacle Lake. The first is along the PCT and can be done in a single day of all day hiking (dawn to dusk) or two if you stop at gravel lake for the night. I prefer to do it in two because you can relax a little more during the actual hike. Be warned that there is fairly little water between Gravel Lake and Spectacle lake so pack a lot of water. The sun really beats down on you along this stretch as you hike along high alpine rocky territory. Very little growth if any, but pretty exciting nonetheless. There is also a neat cat walk before gravel lake that has sheer rock drop offs of 2000+ feet. Don't look down! The second route is via Pete's Lake. It is a much tamer hike and much of it is spent in the shadows of trees in the valley. Not as much fun though and definitely not as scenic. Spectacle lake is so beautiful. It is one of my favorite memories from hiking as a teenager. It is one of those places you never want to leave.

Oh good Lord - thank you for the warning Fiddleman! I do NOT do drop offs! I used to rock climb and rapel all the time as a teenager, and I find I can no longer handle cliffs and heights at edges. Again - thank you for that warming! Pete's Lake will be just fine thanks. Hah. We're planning a three night trip, taking the dog and not too much elevation gain if possible given my hiking partner. Any other suggestions would be most welcome!

We did a nice hike yesterday (~5 miles) through AntiAircraft ridge and surroundings, and I"m feeling like I'll be ready in time for a July backpack trip if we keep this up--my fitbit said something insane like 53 flights of stairs, and I thought 'surely it must be wrong' --but it sure feels like it this morning!

Kate

Hi everyone I am in the process of starting a facebook group for bariatric backpacking to inspire others that have had bartatric surgery to go hiking and backpacking and to discuss the issues when it comes to food and other issues. Please stop by and join if your are interested.

• baratricbackpacking@groups.facebook.com
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/baratricbackpacking

My first hike will not be until next March due to starting a new job.

Edited June 21, 201412 yr by Jennifer Colson

Good idea Jennifer - I would normally jump at the chance but I've not gone public with my WLS and don't want to do anything Facebook-wise that might 'out' me - hah! If I figure out how to keep that ultra private i will though.

Hey there everyone...I hope the hiking is taking you on new adventures. Mine has! Went to Colorado earlier this month with some friends. This was my first real test since surgery last year. Coming from Louisiana and an altitude of roughly 200 feet above sea level, I made it to about 12,300 feet above sea level before the altitude just got to be to much for me. Physically though, I felt awesome! Last year, I would not have made it half as far as I did. Dang lungs just couldn't handle it...lol Thats ok, gonna try again next year and hopefully have more time before the hike to acclimate to the altitude. Headed to Arkansas next month with my wife to do some hiking in the Ouachita Mtns. Can't wait!!

Here is a pic from day 2 on Mt Elbert at about 11,200 feet.