How we started our kids backpacking - bk 101
Bug nets and Hydration packs
In 2011 we took our first backpacking trip with our kids. It was an overwhelming success and we were hooked. We utilized a few key strategies. Some of these strategies are staples of successful backpacking trips. Others are unique to facilitating a good experience for the young ones.
Strategy 1 - Begin with good footwear and day hikes
May 15, 2011, 5 miles. We took a day hike on one of the more rocky higher elevation hills in the area. We had recently purchased new boots for everybody. We did not carry any weight. It gave us a chance to see how the boots were working. I noticed that my son's boots were a bit loose, but he did not have any problems. So, with growing feet, it may be okay to size up without a problem. We used lightweight smartwool socks.
Strategy 2- Add some tenting, travel and a hobby
May 21, 2011, 5.5 miles. With the new boots checking out, we added an overnight at the at the Union Bay campground at the Porcupine Mts. state park. Then we did a day hike on escarpment trail. My daughter had some clothing issues with pants that were too tight and too hot. So, we changed to looser, lighter weight pants. It also gave us a chance to try out an oatmeal camping breakfast before hiking. We tried to keep breakfast as simple as possible. The kids would usually be okay with their trail mix, but we would bring some meat and cheese along. On this trip our daughters hobby on the trail really took off. She really liked to take video and narrate, think youtube. The small video camera we bought really added to her engagement in the hike. Her videos and pictures are also a keepsake from the trips.
Strategy 3 - Add some hydration backs
May 29, 2011, 6.5 miles. There is something that just worked out with the hydration packs. Of course, keeping the young ones hydrated is paramount, but it made sense to them that they could carry there own water and some food. A staple for food turned out to be a trail mix we would make up at home in a huge mixing bowl. When hiking with the hydrations packs with snacks, there was never the question "why to I need to carry this?" Plus, having the hydration tube to freely drink from while hiking was relaxing for them. Of course, I needed to replace many mouth pieces from the constant drinking.
Strategy 4 - Use huts(cabins) for the first overnights
June 4-5 2011, 16 mi. Renting a backcountry cabin really made the first overnight special. We hiked all day wearing head nets for the black flies and mosquitos. When we got to the cabin it was instant relaxation to remove the head nets and have a seat. My son's hobby turned out to be fishing. He could easily gear up to go fish from the cabin. Meal preparation and getting everybody set up for bed was a breeze compared to pitching the tents. We simply did a grocery store style dinner with pasta, sauce, and chicken in a pouch for dinner. For breakfast everyone had some type of hot cereal.
Strategy 5 - Creek crossing and swimming
June 12-14 2011, 20+ mi. Having Lake Superior in our area makes it easy for a swim, but we realized that creek crossings were really a highlight of our first backpacking trips. It broke up the days hike, was a chance to cool off, and look for wildlife. We always take some kind of water shoes for crossings. So, we don't get our boots wet
Strategy 6 - Day hikes and small elevation in the mountains
August 12 2011, 9 mi. Our first trip to the real mountains and the Appalachian trail. To avoid any severe elevation challenges we parked at Newfound Gap and hiked over to Charles Bunion. We stopped off at the Jump off and Ice water spring shelter. This hike was a chance to see the mountains and shelters without having hours of hiking up or down hill. That would come later.
