What I wished I knew when I started backpacking

Hi, I’m Stephen, otherwise known as the Midlife Crisis Camper. This is a website with information I wish I had when I first started my backpacking journey. The fun is that you will be learning right alongside me, as my first overnight backpacking trip was in early 2025.

Here, you will find a growing trove of tips, gear reviews, trip reports, and area guides to help you get started with camping. I am not oblivious to the fact that similar content exists all over the internet. So that’s why I’m focusing on two niche areas of age and location.

I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors, but I started backpacking in my late 40s. Also, I am currently focusing on trips in western and central Pennsylvania.