Learning Experience

It is quite a challenge to take two boys under six backpacking.  It is also very rewarding.  Some of the times backpacking with the kids can be a painful car ride, or a trip to the dentist.  But, it is worth it when on the way home the four year old says "that was the best trip ever!"

I am going to list a few of the things that we have learned so far:
1.  Do not think you can ultralight a trip with kids.  Pack-weight of about 45lbs with food is about the norm.
2.  Keep the distance short.  With a four year old, we keep the hike in under 2 miles and plan on adding miles with day-hiking.
3.  Know where you are going.  Kids do not enjoy getting lost.
4.  Lots of snacks and sugary incentives.  Sugar is not a big part of the kids diet, but we keep the candy and sweets for times when they just need a little help getting over the next hill.
5.  Do not plan on cereal for breakfast.  Messy, stick to bars.
6.  Freeze dried coffee is a decent alternative to the lightweight backpacking coffee gadgets.

This is it for now, I will add more to the list as we learn.  We have only been on 3 trips with the boys so we have a lot to learn.
-Tree