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Backpacker Magazine – June 2008

Trip Doctor: Making Junior's First Backpacking Trip a Success

Any suggestions for making my 5-year-old's first backpacking trip a success?

by: The Backpacker Editors

Photo by Steve Glass

JUST LIKE THE COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS, anticipation is half the fun, says Scott Graham, author of Extreme Kids. Let a child choose special trail snacks (chocolate, jerky, cheese sticks, or other treats). Get him a small daypack; hauling some of his own stuff will make him feel important. And remember this formula: Low miles (three per day) + light packs (five pounds) + a campsite with a creek or lake = happy kids.

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READERS COMMENTS

I'm 46 and I just had a partial knee replacement in May. I have just reached my 90 days and feel great! I want to get back to hiking and camping, any advice on what my training should be?
Thanks!
Posted: Aug 23, 2008 Scott Bland, Waxhaw, NC