Hiking with younger children?

[Jayboflavin04]

So, my son(8) and I like to hike together. I recently have bought him a backpack and am anxious about getting him out. We did a day hike today 9 miles....not to bad! He was ok until the last mile or two (his feet started aching). I really try to limit our mileage, but it is harder to do on a day hike.....you cant just flop down and camp.

Wanna know about everyones experiences with this. Packs and pack weight, shoes, gear, mileage, what you do to keep them occupied while not hiking and enjoying the scenery(luckly my son likes to read). I wanna keep it enjoyable and educational.

Mostly had to deal with aching feet in our experiences.....but he still likes to get out there! He asked me today on the way home....."Where to next dad?".

We did see a little wild life today! A Blue Heron, some king fishers, tree ducks, and a couple canadian geese.

[mister krabs]

Sounds like you don't have to worry, a little complaining is part of the deal with kids, whether you go 2 or 10 miles.

I've got my son (a big 7 years old) in a 2500 pack, he carries 1 liter of water, his down sleeping bag and clothes, extra socks, crocs. I let him take a few toys like lego figures. He never plays with them, but likes to bring them. I let him take a pocket knife too, though he loses it almost every time. His pack is about 10 lbs. I carry everything else. He just wears his regular sneakers. We always bring FRS radio walkie talkie. It's lots of fun for the kids and gives them a sense of independance while I get a little comfort knowing I can talk to him when I can't see him.

I have discovered the ultimate at keeping my son entertained while backpacking, a friend. I'm lucky enough to have a like-minded friend who has a son who is 8, they get along great and keep each other entertained. The bit of extra peer pressure also helps keep the complaining down.

The important thing is just getting them out there. The details will work themselves out.

[Blissful]

What a great story. Keep on hiking. They are making better hiking shoes for young ones too, esp if he really wants to get out there. Maybe a trail runner he can wear both hiking and for every day - though I know their feet grow fast.

[Jayboflavin04]

I just bought him a New Balance Trail runner(460). They were brand new last night and all muddy today!!! He said they were comfortable! Only thing is I think he could feel the rocks. I first started him off in a all leather hiking boot....never again! Their feet grow before they break them in! He really suffered through a hike one day in those.

Thanks cranky. I have a set of those walkies...I should break em out! I bought my son an osprey jib (2100ci). It is adjustable with room to grow w/ an integrated rain cover. He also has a TNF tiger synthetic bag rated for 20 and will fit a kid up to 5'. Just a few odds and ends to get him. A mess kit, a couple stuff sacks, and of course
clothes. Need alot of suggestions on the clothes.

[Feral Bill]

My kids started off the same way, short trips, kid driven, with decent gear. That was a time that my Dana pack really shined, carrying much of the gear for three.

I always kept my kids in sight, but I guess you don't have grizzleys and cougars in Ohio.

Don't be afraid of challenging trips, as long as your son is enjoying himself. Even an eight year old can surprise you.

My kids always brought a book, but usually found plenty in nature to entertain them.

Oh yes, socks are really important, I got my kids Smartwools early on and I believe that paid off.

Mine are 16 and 18 now, and I'm too slow for their taste. Enjoy your adventures .

[JAK]

My daughter is 9 and we have done alot of 20km days since she was 7 but I don't have her carry any weight yet. She is on the small side though. I think we will make her a pack this summer. Her feet are not even kids size 1 yet. She is still a size 13 in whatever is less than a kid. She is pretty light on her feet so she could hike in moccassins, and we might make a pair of those also. She's been hiking in running shoes.

The big think is they need to explore. Adults tend to be on a mission. Children are naturally more inclined to learn and explore, especially in a natural setting. With other kids around, which they like, they can get a little more distracted, but other kids can also make them more willing to go. We had a dog the other day and I find with a dog along kids are more inclined to keep moving. I don't find kids get tired, as long as they aren't overburdened. They just get bored, so you have to let them explore, though sometimes they respond to a challenge also. With my daughter we generally try and hurry on the way out, and doddle once we get there and on the way back. The most important thing is to give yourself enough time so that they can doddle on the way back.

They also seem to like sticks.

On longer trips and overnights a book of short stories related to nature works really well.
We read this book on our 3 day hike when she was 7 and it was awesome...

http://www.amazon.com/Micmac-Stories.../dp/1551090996

My advice is try and not make it about the gear, except what you make with them. For clothing I try and encourage her to avoid cotton and to always wear wool, and always have clothing and shoes for outdoors fun even when she goes to school. When we go hiking she knows how to dress, but for everyday clothing its harder to get her to make good choices. It isn't easy to tell women what to wear. She is more likely to tell me what to wear, and get away with it.

Basically same clothing as me. Wool sweater, fleece pants. Pack base layer and wind and rain shells.
Adult wind shells can be worn by kids with the arms bloused up. Works really well.

[Jayboflavin04]

Really good info so far. I realize this is part of my problem. As I have not learned the total art of the ancient practice of "patience". I have to say though....This was his hike today....I followed him almost the whole way except for the few times he told me to lead. I have to also say I did not raise my voice once today.

Oh how nice it would be to have another child along. Unfortunately I don't have any friends w/kids that are interested in hiking as we are, or they are older or younger than (wee man/lil e/stinky) ethan. HINT HINT HINT.....any women out there that have kids love to hike and are SINGLE.....lol........

Have to say.....this hike was a little better than the last, a little less complaining, and we covered our miles a little quicker, I was more relaxed. I saw a lot more comfort, enjoyment and self assurance in him also.

[Alligator]

Keep the mileage and weight comfortable and do some overnights and I think it will fall into place. Your fellow is older than miine, but celebrate the accomplishment of of getting them out!

[JAK]

Patience. lol
I still catch myself sometimes saying stuff like...
"Come on Margaret we can't stop and play we have to get to the playground."

Remember this simple rule. If they stop and play, you have arrived.
So give yourself enough time and build alot of flexibility into your plans.

It is great to have other kids and another adult but enjoy time alone with them also. I've found the best place to really communicate and get somewhere with her is when we are out in the woods alone doing nothing.

[Ox97GaMe]

I hiked with a group of 9,10, and 11 yr old girls back in '98. They worked up to being able to carry their kid size packs (Kelty). They carried their lunch, one liter of water, and their clothes. The adults in the group split the weight of the tents, food, and cookware.

They made it from Springer to Pen-Mar (over 1000 miles)

[Jayboflavin04]

I really enjoyed our lunch today! We didnt talk about nothing. We just sat on the pic-nic table enjoyed some jerky, gorp, and some left over easter candy. Enjoyed the breeze along the Clear Fork river. He also ate like a thru-hiker afterwards. Two cheeseburgers, small fry small soft drink and a oreo mcflurry.

[JAK]

Way cool thread.

We've been rather successful lately using hot lemonaid as an alternative to hot chocolate.

[SteveJ]

I started backpacking with my oldest son when he joined Boy Scouts at age 11. On our first trip we also brought along my then 9-yr old. I knew enough then, even tho we didn't have good lightweight gear, to keep their packs light (<20% body weight). My youngest went on his first trip when he was 6 or 7, carrying a book bag with his sleeping bag in it. He's now 13, has done about 120 miles of the AT with me, and we're planning a 50 mile trip this summer. The middle one, now 19, is talking about joining us when he's home on break. (It'll be a cold day somewhere before the oldest goes backpacking again!)

It sounds like you have a great start! Get him out there - keep his pack light so he isn't miserable - and have fun! (river hikes during late spring, summer, or early fall are a great idea!)

[Jayboflavin04]

For anyone that is interested. There is a pretty nice website site....http://www.upsideover.com. They have all kinds of cool gear for kids. Backpacks, footwear, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, rain gear, ect from top makers.

Wee Man also has a day pack. It is a kelty "starfish". Comes with a 1L hydration bladder and has just enough room for rain gear, lunch, and any extras., also has a sternum strap whistle. Overall a very nice piece of gear durable and functional and has a nice fit.

I was thinking about doin a section of the AT with him this year. Any thoughts on taking him to do Mt Rogers and trying to check out the wild ponies in the Grayson Highlands. I was wondering if anyone can tell me about the difficulty of that section and how often the wild ponies are around. Maybe carry a bag of carrots or apples and feed them. I think he would be totally stoked about something like that.

[jesse]

9 miles is a bit much for a 8y/o IMO.

[Two Tents]

When my daughters were 4 and 5 we did our first real trip to Whittenburg in the Catskill Mountains. I had them each carry some thing that the group had to have ie. the cook pot or the fly for the tent. That way I could motivate them to keep going because the group needed us and we needed them. The five year old was no problem but me and my little one were always at the back of the pack but she didn't want to not catch up to mom and her sister. We did many trips in the blue ridge mts. and used the important piece of gear trick alot.--- Two Tents

[Jayboflavin04]

I agree that 9 miles is high for an 8 y/o. We are still tryin to find our "happy medium" . I just love all the great input as usual. This something I have always been interested in. Now, I just have to someone I need to teach it to and keep him interested and open enough to keep him going with me.

I guess the reason I started this thread is because I am a concerned parent. Doin an activity with my young son that can sometimes push us all to the edge of our comfort zone. As an adult, I am happy pushing myself to that edge and enjoy the beauty and all the other stuff that comes with this activity. I am happy doin absolutely nothing and never find myself as an adult sayin "Im bored", or doin an extra couple miles with some tolerable pain. I think one of the reasons we all hike is because of the beauty, solitude, and challenges. Something that is hard to make a child understand.

[JAK]

Kids can walk all day. Just don't overburden them and let them go at their pace.
My daughter has been doing 12 mile days since she was seven, even in rugged terrain.
Sometimes she will so a 12 mile day. Sometimes 2 miles is enough. She doesn't get tired, just bored.

My advice is to let them hike as far as they want to, and encourage them to do so,
but carry everything you can for them, and let them stop and explore as much as they want to.

Margaret is going on 10 this summer and she still doesn't hike with a pack, but she hikes 12 mile days if and when she wants to. She has never gotten tired and sore doing it. She does sleep very well at the end of the day though.

[DAJA]

I think one of the reasons we all hike is because of the beauty, solitude, and challenges. Something that is hard to make a child understand.

Stick them with a 1 hr commute to and from a job stuck in a cubicle and a phone ringing off the hook and they will get it! LOL

Keep in mind we all come from a hunting and gathering society, one in which it was normal to move many times a year depending on the food migration routes and season. Children where expected to participate and assist in the move just as adults.

Children are far more resiliant than our PC culture wants us to believe. Hell my grandfather was 16yrs old when he lied about his age to enlist in WWII. He started in Italy and ended in Germany... How many 16yr olds today could handle that kind of responsibility and commitment? Guess it makes a difference when folks are shooting at you.

Even 100yrs ago it was not uncommon for a 16yr old boy and 14-15yr old girl to start a family together. We have turned childhood into a never ending process in which everyone from Oshcosh, Fisher Price to Nike can sell them every imaginable peice of garbage...

Challenge them and push them, don't let them fall into the consumer sink hole that makes us all soft.

Other exsamples are in current third worlds. It's not uncommon at all for an 8yr old to walk 5 - 10 miles for water or firewood.. We in the developed world are getting softer by the minute... But our excessiveness can't last forever, mother nature will be teaching us a very harsh lesson sooner than many would like to believe! Better to prepare them young... Wally World won't be around forever..

[Jayboflavin04]

Stick them with a 1 hr commute to and from a job stuck in a cubicle and a phone ringing off the hook and they will get it! LOL

I guess I got my point across without saying it as bluntly as you.