Re[4]: [at-l] slackpacking: opinions on it ?

[Bob Cummings <ellen@clinic.net> (Bob Cummings)]

"...I am quizzing people on packs for an 8 and 10 year old. What did your grandson carry?

 I bought him one of the Kelty "adjustable" frame packs, designed for growing
 kids. I kept it light at first, but gradually added more weight as I tried to
 keep up with him.

  I find kids like to be independent. My youngest son hiked into Chimney Pond,
  half way to the summit of Katahdin at age three years, three months. Coming
  down he started to cry. Luckily my seven year old daughter slipped and bruised
  her knee at that point. So I took her pack off and gave it to the 3-year-old.
  He never whimpered again in the three miles to the car.

  My rule with kids is that they need to at least carry their own clothes and
  sleeping bag. A second rule is to never carry them -- other than an occasional
  boost over a rock.

  A third rule is to let them set the pace, even if it is agonizingly slow. Kids
  are incredibly curious. Encourage that curiosity. I did a lot of three mile,
  10 hour days,  when my kids were growing up.

  Weary