[at-l] [Fwd: appalachian trail with kids]

[l_parker at cacaphony.net (L. Clayton Parker)]

Lauri,

I have been long distance hiking with my children since they were four years
old. Based on my experiences, I believe that you are asking the wrong
questions. While concerns about "gear, getting physically prepared, mentally
prepared, and surviving the elements" are certainly appropriate; there are
other, less obvious, concerns that are of more immediate importance.

First of all, the AT is really not much more than a sidewalk. True, it is a
sidewalk in the woods rather than the city, but it is not "wilderness" in
the classic sense. Civilization, and help, are rarely more than a few hours
away. As such, being physically prepared is generally not an issue for
children as much as it is for us grown-ups. Children are usually much more
physically fit then we are, and as such will rapidly accustom themselves to
hiking.

The only specific advice I would have to offer on this point is in relation
to gear and I will repeat it again later: the weight the child is carrying
will make an enormous difference in whether they enjoy the experience or
not. Keep their load as light as possible and get a pack that fits them
well.

Mental preparation is probably not going to be something that can be
purposefully addressed. I would say only that it needs to be stressed as a
"fun thing" not a "trip". Which brings up my next point, for all but the
seventeen year old, stopping to smell the roses, frequently, is a must.
Children will not hike non-stop for hours on end, it rapidly becomes boring
and ceases to be "fun".

This necessarily means that your father will have to plan on much shorter
mileage than he may perhaps be accustomed to. Hourly breaks are a very good
idea and flexibility to stop for interesting points as well. I have seen
seven year olds churn out seventeen mile days, but they are much happier
with eight or ten mile days. There are lots of interesting side trips off of
the trail that allow for motel stays, baths, and hot meals, plan to use
them.

Gear. Hmm, well other than a good pack and sleeping bag, the only other
thing I would say is important are well fitting shoes and several pairs of
good socks. Children do not need expensive hiking boots; good, sturdy
athletic shoes will work just fine. These sorts of shoes will get wet
however, so several pairs of socks are a must. My children have gone through
three pairs each in one day before. It is not necessary to buy expensive
outfitter clothing either, WalMart sells polartec bottoms and tops,
insulated vests and lightweight rainwear that will work just fine. Shorts
are generally just bathing suits or athletic shorts with a pair of nylon
warm ups for long pants.

Generally, keep them dry and warm and comfortable and they will enjoy the
trip. Now revisiting the question of gear weight, the rule of thumb for pack
weight is generally considered to be no more than twenty-five percent of
their body weight. In recent years this has been refinged to include all of
their gear, including what they are wearing for clothing and shoes. For the
younger children I would try to aim for the twenty finve percent figure or
less. The teenager(s) may be comfortable with as much as thirty percent. In
no case should any of them be carrying more than forty five pounds.

Good luck, and I hope thay have a fun hike.

Lee I Joe


Once I knew where I was going, but now I have  forgotten.  Sometimes my mind
wanders.  Sometimes it goes alone, and other times it takes me along...this
isn't one of those times...



> -----Original Message-----
> From: at-l-bounces@backcountry.net
> [mailto:at-l-bounces@backcountry.net]On Behalf Of Ryan Brooks
> Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2004 3:05 PM
> To: Ryan Brooks
> Cc: lmaynard@chartermi.net; at-l@backcountry.net
> Subject: Re: [at-l] [Fwd: appalachian trail with kids]

>
> Hello.  My father is planning to walk the Appalachian Trail next year
> with his four grandsons and I was looking for information on "Walking
> the Appalachian Trail with Kids" but have been unsuccessful.
>
> My son will be 12 years old when they leave for the hike and I would
> like to help prepare him but I have NO idea where to begin.  (The oldest
> grandchild will be 17 and the youngest will be 9.)
>
>  I desire info on gear, getting physically prepared, mentally prepared,
> and surviving the elements and of course ANY helpful hints anyone
> may have!
>
> Any info from other hikers who have hiked with kids or books on it would
> be great.
>
> Thanks so much.
>
> Lauri
>
> >------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
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