tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.comments2015-08-31T16:19:05.975-05:00Backpacking with BooAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244408591475393249noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-44562856722957015962015-08-31T16:19:05.975-05:002015-08-31T16:19:05.975-05:00Sleeping on the ground isn't actually a proble...Sleeping on the ground isn't actually a problem for me as long as I can stand and walk and still feel my foot. <br /><br />I am intrigued by camping hammocks, we have a really comfortable one for hanging around. I haven't heard as good things about them for 2 people, though. Probably will try some year. <br /><br />I miss you, too. Turns out I'm an utter hermit :-)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05244408591475393249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-44860102533212994662015-08-30T21:09:01.688-05:002015-08-30T21:09:01.688-05:00Awesome Blog!!
Thought about researching camping ...Awesome Blog!!<br /><br />Thought about researching camping hammocks? they are pretty awesome for messed up backs!<br /><br />Miss you my friend. Hope to catch up some day! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02070574387944696761noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-54707462640562208062013-10-01T09:05:38.713-05:002013-10-01T09:05:38.713-05:00Sorry no advice really, every kid would be differe...Sorry no advice really, every kid would be different, most will be excited about the possibility but the practicality is a different matter. I don't think any kid is great at telling their own condition, we just have to keep an eye out for the kids that are been quiet which are normally loud, saying silly things out of character or not looking "right". As you know it's abut knowing each child individually. Body mass definitely plays a roll as does surface area, children been smaller will get colder faster, there is a plus side though, if you catch it soon enough you can reverse the effect quickly.<br /><br />Clothing wise is she brushing against things or falling in puddles? If it's moister from contact good waterproofs are great, don't know how hard it would be to get them for kids but you can get fleece lined waterproof trousers which are really comfy and trap heat without been too hot, far better than normal trousers with waterproofs over top (which tend to also trap sweat). If it's from puddles then the only real option other than a dry-suit is the hi-tech path, get several thin layers that are fast drying, will be cold when she first gets wet but soon dry off and warm up again after, benefit with thin layers is you can also strip off a layer or two if it gets too warm. Either way ensuring socks stay dry or swapped is a must, amazing how much of a difference cold feet makes.<br /><br />When the Scouts camp in winter we just make sure they have plenty of changes of clothes and change often, similar goes on with the Cubs but with them there is always a building nearby which can be used if necessary. Some leaders do take their younger kids with them and other than cold hands (too many snowball fights usually) they tend to do well. Outside sessions tend to be short with the possibility of retreating to shelter at regular opportunities and hot drinks are free flowing.<br /><br />As to if my advice would change with just one adult, somewhat. Having multiple adults means one can be watching the kids while the other is busy with the task. While I find it much easier to look after my nephew solo than my pack (2 adults to 16 kids) it's much harder to do something if the child is also not taking part when it's just you and them.<br />Do make sure you have an escape plan, for minor problems a trip to a cafe, museum or play centre can be handy as somewhere to warm up and offer a distraction, bigger problems consider aborting and returning home and of course do consider how the emergency services would get to you in the unlikely event it all goes wrong. I'm from the UK so get outs tend to be easier to find as we're never truly that far from a road or some sort of shelter (assuming you know where they are), as a first camp I'd definitely recommend somewhere close to civilisation even if it may not seem as exciting.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14038705944750235906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-5792100391005122182013-10-01T06:28:56.003-05:002013-10-01T06:28:56.003-05:00(Argh, my first reply got eaten!)
Age may not mat...(Argh, my first reply got eaten!)<br /><br />Age may not matter, but maturity and thermal mass might. It's hard to keep her dry, and she's not good at telling us (noticing?) when she's getting warm until she's sweating, or getting cold until she's shivering. Maybe I should listen to what I've written elsewhere and pay attention to my specific kid. <br /><br />The adults have winter camped, but in snow caves, not tents. And we no longer live in a place where one can build a snow cave in the backyard. But affording gear is a lot easier now... <br /><br />Do you have any advice for how to tell if a kid is ready to winter camp? Any good stories? Does your advice change with only one adult? <br /><br />Thanks for the comment, good stuff to think about. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05244408591475393249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-50405776857124305152013-09-30T03:51:43.037-05:002013-09-30T03:51:43.037-05:00Does age truly matter?
Get good quality winter equ...Does age truly matter?<br />Get good quality winter equipment and ensure dry warm clothes are worn and it's no harder than summer camping. If you can keep warm on a long winter walk you can keep warm on a winter camp.<br /><br />If you've never been winter camping before ensure you get a 4 seasons (or even 5!) sleeping bag, a good liner and a thick mat (usually one with the foil on the back). An additional layer underneath the mat sometimes helps (such as a blanket). Tent wants to be a little on the small side (less area to warm up) or at least have a dedicated sleeping area.<br />Ensure you have plenty of hot drinks and food available.<br />And nothing beats a good old camp fire if you are allowed one.<br /><br />Best of luck and let us know how it goes :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14038705944750235906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-4934372263423195232013-05-13T19:30:38.308-05:002013-05-13T19:30:38.308-05:00Hah, I had a flashlight bigger than my head on my ...Hah, I had a flashlight bigger than my head on my first camping trip! I was so proud of it...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05244408591475393249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-3430357017501735262013-05-13T09:55:55.991-05:002013-05-13T09:55:55.991-05:00We keep suggesting headlights on the Cubs kit list...We keep suggesting headlights on the Cubs kit list but they usually get the spare torch from under the stairs, one was bigger than the Cubs head which was a laugh.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14038705944750235906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-64702684749758402122013-03-08T06:56:31.588-06:002013-03-08T06:56:31.588-06:00We haven't actually. On paper, it's at lea...We haven't actually. On paper, it's at least 2600g / 5.8 lbs. Approx 14% of her weight. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05244408591475393249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-11478863000754094232013-03-07T15:43:32.666-06:002013-03-07T15:43:32.666-06:00Did you end up weighing the pack? If so, what was ...Did you end up weighing the pack? If so, what was the weight?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01182953562323493140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-4367473629328585232013-01-19T09:35:26.254-06:002013-01-19T09:35:26.254-06:00How is that going so far? Boo really wants a tree ...How is that going so far? Boo really wants a tree house, and, thinking of you I countered with a fort under the bushes. We are plotting, as it's currently either cold or mucky here. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05244408591475393249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-5558408697939315942012-12-13T12:00:45.330-06:002012-12-13T12:00:45.330-06:00Another good idea for kids a little older (6-12) i...Another good idea for kids a little older (6-12) is a fort building book. I can't wait to see what my kids do with the one I bought them this year!<br /><br />Hi Birch. I have nominated your blog as a Liebster Blog (it means "dearest"). Here are the details about the award, a graphic to put on your blog, and some other tasks to do if you choose: http://backpackingkids.wordpress.com/2012/12/09/liebster-blog-nominees/<br /><br />Also, if you want to read my responses to the questions that were asked of me when I was given this award, you can read that here: http://backpackingkids.wordpress.com/2012/12/03/its-a-major-award/<br /><br />Thanks for the great stories, and keep them coming! :-)<br /><br />TonyaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-67502089027900766802012-12-11T07:07:29.830-06:002012-12-11T07:07:29.830-06:00Thanks! She's especially cute outdoors being w...Thanks! She's especially cute outdoors being wild, because she's so happy then. I was very surprised to have so much help filtering water, but it was very popular. Getting places is the worst part of a trip. 2-3 hours through central IL isn't the most exciting terrain. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05244408591475393249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-46282439958262138162012-12-09T14:48:05.530-06:002012-12-09T14:48:05.530-06:00Hey Birch, nice pics. Your little one is such a cu...Hey Birch, nice pics. Your little one is such a cutie. Sleeping in the tent and sleeping bag is definitely one of my kids' favorite things too. They like backpacking more than hiking, even though they have to carry a lot more weight, mainly because of sleeping in the tent. My son used to absolutely LOVE filtering water. We used to take the water filter and let him pump even on short hikes. He also loved to ride the bus when he was little, so we often took the shuttle bus in Rocky Mountain National Park even if we didn't need to. Anything to make it fun!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-56784367398177559282012-11-19T09:35:08.296-06:002012-11-19T09:35:08.296-06:00Ha! This is so true of my daughter as well. Funny ...Ha! This is so true of my daughter as well. Funny though, my son never really had this issue. Yes, he ate quite a bit on the trail when he was young (and eats even more now), but he never really got whiny. My daughter seems to get whiny for no reason often, and it took me a while to realize that food is the key. Once she wanted to turn around on a hike so much that she sat down and refused to go any further. I pulled out a peach I had sliced up before the hike, and when she finished eating it, she jumped up and led the way up to the pass!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-22945820419311625902012-09-25T18:46:34.837-05:002012-09-25T18:46:34.837-05:00The boy's a cousin, but he and Boo make a good...The boy's a cousin, but he and Boo make a good team. She has loved carrying a tiny backpack since she could toddle, and she loves planning and packing. Her complaints about the pack correlate better to heat than pack weight or hike distance. She loves carrying her own stuff. I think we're going to try to squeeze in one more overnight with her this fall. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05244408591475393249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-53452663589873252822012-09-18T14:30:09.763-05:002012-09-18T14:30:09.763-05:00Hi Birch! You're kids sound so much like mine!...Hi Birch! You're kids sound so much like mine! My son is also in cub scouts and also loves to whittle -- though he did more of that last year. My son and I both have Osprey packs (though mine is 10 years old and canvas), and my daughter has an REI pack we just bought for our last trip this summer because she insisted on carrying her own things. And she did -- with absolutely no complaints! Our first trip out this year was the weekend right after school was out (late May) to a favorite backcountry spot just about 3 1/2 miles in. I haven't written about that short over-nighter yet. It was just me and the two kids. I am so glad they like backpacking. They are always asking when we are going on the next trip!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-86831096552510795332012-08-01T06:08:50.032-05:002012-08-01T06:08:50.032-05:00That makes sense. I usually fall because of someth...That makes sense. I usually fall because of something stupid I've done, regardless of the underfoot. Somehow, I suspect you've put a few more hours on the trail than I have. :-)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05244408591475393249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-54028077870153187052012-07-30T07:01:50.506-05:002012-07-30T07:01:50.506-05:00I tend to take the rocks - I have slipped and slid...I tend to take the rocks - I have slipped and slid on dust and grit too many times, whereas a rock will generally provide a sturdier base for my stride. Admittedly, sometimes there are loose rocks - but that's why you test before applying all your weight. :)Melhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12344657823211165856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-55937759161352964632012-07-01T20:23:00.884-05:002012-07-01T20:23:00.884-05:00Maybe not even all that far now that I've look...Maybe not even all that far now that I've looked @ a map.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-91098853994685972152012-07-01T20:20:45.184-05:002012-07-01T20:20:45.184-05:00That might be a bit far, but it may work out. More...That might be a bit far, but it may work out. More camping? Or something else?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-69628866624917624462012-07-01T19:40:57.229-05:002012-07-01T19:40:57.229-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Leeduckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04784499145105197717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-25560984201428618592012-07-01T19:40:51.137-05:002012-07-01T19:40:51.137-05:00We will be up that way again, I'm sure. I'...We will be up that way again, I'm sure. I'm still sad that I didn't get to go with on the overnight.<br /><br />We will be in the Perham area in August.Leeduckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04784499145105197717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615888640503145814.post-4736694847372370242012-07-01T17:10:05.586-05:002012-07-01T17:10:05.586-05:00Haven't done any of the SHT yet, but we'll...Haven't done any of the SHT yet, but we'll get there before too long. It's one of the trails the dog is learning to carry a pack for. Love to hear from you guys if you end up that way again, or anywhere else up here in northern MN.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com