Over 50 Outside, a program created by Outdoor Research, Oboz, and Osprey in collaboration with 52 Hike Challenge and In Solidarity has launched its second program. Over 50 Outside started last year to inspire women over the age of 50 to take to the trails and build their health, fitness, confidence and well-being.
“We opened enrollment with 150 spots in August 2021, hoping we would attract enough women to participate and fill all the slots. To our delight, we had more than 2,500 women apply,” said Liz Wilson, one of the founders of the effort and Senior Vice President of Global Product Creation at Outdoor Research. “That tells us that the desire and the need is there, and we’re looking forward to continuing to increase participation, engagement and miles hiked in the second year of Over 50 Outside.”
A survey of 65 people who responded after the past year’s event found that those participants:
- Hiked in 46 states around the United States.
- Hiked more than 22,331 miles.
- Completed more than 3,707 hikes.
- 92 percent plan to continue hiking regularly.
Most importantly, the women increased their skills and confidence. Before starting the program, 23 percent of respondents identified as beginners, 28 percent as intermediates, 34 percent as seasoned, and 15 percent as advanced. After the challenge, 12 percent identified as intermediates, 33 percent as seasoned, and 53 percent as advanced.
The year-long program launched in September 2021 with a virtual kick-off followed by monthly check-ins covering topics such as hiking gear for the different seasons and recreating responsibly, as well as sessions on safety, conditioning, nutrition, and more.
For more information, visit 52hikechallenge.com and follow #over50outside on social media.
