PINT-SIZED BACKPACKING


When determining your hiking route, take your kid’s attitude, excite- ment and previous experience into consideration, advises author, father and avid backpacker, Michael Lanza. If you’re just getting started, choosing an easy to moderate hike and keeping it short and sweet is key to fostering a love of the sport, says Lanza. As editor for Backpacker magazine, he and his wife have tripped extensively with their two children, now 11 and 13. “In moderately hilly terrain, a kid


In heavy hikers, bear whistles With each river crossed, I saw


the confidence growing in the boys. Their steps came more easily, the placement more pre- cise. They called out warnings of upcoming hazards and held back branches, offering steady hands for support. Luke repeat- ed, “Thanks for bringing us,” like a mantra and I was so glad that we had.


GOLDEN TICKET


We fell into an easy routine. Each evening Fraser and I set up camp while the boys played at our campsite, each one seem- ingly


plucked from a glossy


travel brochure targeted at busy urbanites like us dreaming of empty beaches.


around their necks, the kids dug in the sand, burying each other, sketching masterpieces with sticks and unearthing treasures of smoothed glass, perfect skipping stones and once, a half of a ten- nis ball lost from some far shore. They could have discovered gold for how thrilled they were. With no electronics to turn to, their imaginations were enter- tainment. Activities that back in the city would be deemed un- cool were thrilling with nobody watching to pass judgement. I was amazed by their resilience; never


too tired, never bored,


and rarely a complaint. When the May blackfly clouds became too thick, we climbed into our sleep- ing bags and I read to them from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.


PARTNERS IN GRIME


When the topography became demanding—which was of- ten—banter was replaced with grunts of exertion and the thud of boots drumming against rock and earth. We wiped the mix of


rain, sweat and bugs from our eyes and sported cuts, bruises and bites like badges of honor. For possibly the first time in their lives, our guys faced real adversi- ty. In doing so, they were finding themselves one step at a time, proving to themselves just how capable they were, both physi- cally and mentally. On past trips, Fraser and I had


acted like camp counselors, as- suming most of the responsi- bilities. To complete this trip, the boys had to become our tripping partners. They carried their share of the load, did their share of the work and deserved to share the credit. Four equal members haul- ing gear, route finding, menu planning and bear calling. A week of jumping crevasses,


marveling over bear prints and crossing


dizzying suspension


bridges taught them more about problem solving, judgement and teamwork than the best efforts of parents or teachers ever could. Outdoor industry veteran Jen-


nifer Johnson blogs at www.back- countrywiththekids.com.


carrying little or no weight can easily maintain a two-mile-per-hour pace while walking,” he advises. Don’t ask too much of your younger child though—little ones “will go very slowly because they want to explore instead of just plodding forward.” While adults should expect to shoulder the lion’s share of pack weight, part of maintaining a child’s interest is allowing him to contribute to an expedition. “Don’t ask a kid to carry a pack; let the child ask to be given a pack to carry,” advises Lanza. By doing this, you create an association in the child’s mind that adults and older kids who are strong, experienced hik- ers carry packs. “Your child will want to be that kid, and you should then constantly compliment his ability to carry a pack,” he adds. While adults are generally advised


to carry between a quarter and a third of their body weight, mak- ing a child’s pack that heavy could put them off of the experience all together. “For a 50-pound child, I’d keep pack weight around 10 to12 pounds or less,” recommends Lanza. To inspire participation and


interest in making miles, offer small rewards. “Bring a treat they don’t often get to have to help build a positive association with hiking in their minds,” says Lanza. Play games on trail (anything but I-Spy) and “pick a hike that has terrain features that will interest kids, like creeks or lakes that are safe to play in, waterfalls, rocks to scramble on, or the likelihood of seeing animals.” Most importantly, aim for fun and not distance in the early years. This way you stand the best chance for a future filled with family back- packing adventures.


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