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Backpacker Magazine – February 2007
Family Camping: How to Pull it Off
87 tips for making your next family trip easy, fun, and comfortable
Camping with kids is all about highs and lows. One minute they're ecstatic because they scrambled up a boulder. Then, in a flash they're sobbing because they dropped a lollipop in the dirt. To parents, planning a family backpacking trip can be daunting. After all, it can take a day to pack for a 2-day outing. But getting into the backcountry–even a few miles off the beaten path–can lead to a whole different kind of adventure. In short: It's hard work that's worth the effort.
Plus, we can make it easier. Here's our straight-talking, trail-tested advice for taking children of all ages into the wilderness.
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READERS COMMENTS
Love the article and support for getting kids to the outdoors. We've taken ours out since they were infants!! They love it!! They sleep better in a tent than they do at home!
But, it looks like another reader needs to do some more research on co-sleeping and SIDS. The pediatricians are a little behind on this. New research is showing that babies nestled into their mothers arms are actually less likely to succumb to SIDS. Do a little research on this and you will find the same. We have co-slept with both of our babies and the benefits are numerous!!
Also, I wear trail running shoes backpacking, why would I force my kids to wear boots. If your kids are at all active in normal running shoes, they will be plenty strong enough to carry a lightweight pack. The more padding you put under your kid's (and your) feet, the more likely you are to have a twisted ankle, knee, etc. Learn how to step lightly and strengthen your feet and then you won't need all that padding and support.
Posted: Sep 02, 2010 Jeremy
I LOVE the idea of taking an infant camping with me some day but I am very bothered by your casual suggestion about co-sleeping. Fears regarding co-sleeping are real! A brief review of the pediatric literature will show you that co-sleeping IS considered a risk factor for SIDS. (Prone (tummy) positioning is the most important risk factor.)
Parents should at least be aware of that fact, before they decide what sleeping arrangement works for their family. As you also suggest, a small, and separate, sleeping arrangement for the infant is also feasible.
Posted: Sep 02, 2010 Katie
I've got two girls (5&7 ) who love their "adventures". I love ASPRIN !!! My Girls wear Ariat kids boots. Their 'light & pritty' and nothing gets through the soles. They've hiked the window at big bend and the devils hallway in guadalupe NP. Aside frim the occasional piggy back ride NO PROBLEM! I really apriciate this article... hope to see more family related stuff real soon. P.S. Try energizers' crank up flash light. It's light cheap and keeps hands busy.
Posted: Aug 01, 2010 Mike C
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