Backpacking with Kids

[Craig]

My kids are 9 & 10. I sprung the idea on them and they were interested. We will be heading up to Oregon and Washington in June/July in the RV and I thought it would be fun to get out of the campground and into the woods. I don't want to go drop a ton of cash on packs, bags, tents and all the other crap you need, if it were to end up a one time trip.

Who's done it? How far? What if it rains? :D Got any equipment you want to sell?

[John_P]

My kids are 9 & 10. I sprung the idea on them and they were interested. We will be heading up to Oregon and Washington in June/July in the RV and I thought it would be fun to get out of the campground and into the woods. I don't want to go drop a ton of cash on packs, bags, tents and all the other crap you need, if it were to end up a one time trip.

Who's done it? How far? What if it rains? :D Got any equipment you want to sell?

Honestly, I don't have kids, but I do backpack. The following link will direct you to all the info you need...even regional inforamtion. It is a forum just like this site...

http://forums.backpacker.com/eve (go to the backpacking with kids area)

If you asked me...The first thing you need to figure out is what the conditions will be like where you are going. Once you have an idea of what terrain, and tempratures are going to be like (yearly averages are often a good start), you can start to think about distance.

My advice would be to find a loop hike, however in & outs are fun too. The first place I would check in terms of finding equipment would be the link above and craigslist.com. You can often find a bag cheap. The second thing you have to ask yourself is...

How many nights do you want to be out? Overnighter? (easiest)

Will you be carrying most of the weight? (this and the above question factor into pack size)

Since you asked about rain...If I expect rain, I carry fleece, a lightweight water-proof shell, and a poncho that will cover me WITH my bag on. No sense in getting the rest of your clothing wet, eh?

Good luck. If you have any more questions, let me know.

Oh yea...go to REI.com and find out when they are having their garage sale...They sell returned items and overstock cheap. Get there early and buy a membership. Well worth it.

[amber.hodge]

Also, if you are looking to go really cheap as far as camping gear, poncho liners, bags, etc...I have done well at a military surplus....Especially now that a lot of the new items are coming out, you should find a lot (the new items aren't what they are cracked up to be either...the wear life on the new ACU uniform is 2 years TOPS - the BDUs would last 10 years or more).....Besides being cheap, my son thinks the stuff is cool

[k7mto]

The weather in Oregon/Washington during June/July is really nice. Chances are it won't rain but there's always the possibility. The forests up there are amazing so for your kids first campout/hiking trip you will really be spoiling them :)

There are some great hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, but be prepared for steep climbs/switchbacks, etc. The views from the top make it all well worth the effort.

[Cave Gimp]

The REI Garage Sale in Tempe is on May 18th, or at leats that was what I was told last time I was there. Great place to get gear for cheap.