Community› The Bump Message Boards› Pre-School and Daycare
Pre-School and Daycare
New Discussion

Camping / Backpacking

Nic&SusieNic&Susie
in Pre-School and Daycare

DH and I are long time backpackers but have not been since DS1 was born.  We really want to get back into enjoying the outdoors on longer camping adventures with both boys. 

Has anyone done this?  I know we are limited to how far DS1 can walk.  What gear did you find necessary and what was not needed?  Any tips for camping with DS2, especially sleeping arrangements?  

Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
Report Reply to Post

Re: Camping / Backpacking

  • jlw2505jlw2505 member
    We have camped but not hiked with the kids.  Honestly, at least in the beginning, I would just start out slow - do a drive up camp site for a night or 2 and see how he does.  You can work up from there based on how he does - you can plan some short hikes around the campground.  As far as gear, we have air mattresses and sleeping bags, flashlights, etc - all the normal stuff.  I always bring hats, warm clothes, extra clothes, good close toed shoes - nothing really different than what I pack for DH and I.  Oh and we camped in the backyard before we ever went to a real camp site with them - to get them used to sleeping all in one tent and sleeping outside - the 1st try, we ended up inside but the second time, they loved it.
    Jenni Mom to DD#1 - 6-16-06 DD#2 - 3-13-08 
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • howleyshellhowleyshell member

    Are you talking about remote camping where you pack your gear in or are you talking about car/camp ground camping with some day time hiking excursions?

    There is NO way I'd do remote camping with kids that young simply because unless you're off roading to get there I couldn't get all my gear + the kids gear + the kids in too far.  

    As far as car camping - you're only limited by what you can fit in your car IMO.  We've done the pack-n-play for the baby and an air mattress for the toddler even when he was still in a crib.

    My advice:

    - do a trial run at home in the back yard first.  If it's not enjoyable then bag the idea until they're older.

    - keep your expectations low.  Know where the closest motel is and be prepared to break camp and go check in if it's just not going well.  If one of them becomes inconsolable you're going to have to leave out of respect for other campers (if there are any around).

    - start out closer to home until you get a feel for how well they handle it.

    - try doing some day hikes closer to home and build them up to bigger hikes.  I have one that will seriously hike all day long if you let him and another that's just not that into it.  The beginning of the season is always full of a lot more "I'm tired." and "I need a drink" and "I need a snack"

    Along those lines pack wayyy more food and water than you think you'll need. 

    - I'm sure you've got a hard framed back pack carrier for the baby, right?  Having one that you can set down and leave him in upright was a life saver for us.

     

    It's doable for sure!  Just don't expect much and be prepared to bail on things as you work up to longer adventures. 

    And be prepared that you'll likely need a day to recover.  It's way more exhausting than camping without kids.  

    Our IF journey: 1 m/c, 1 IVF with only 3 eggs retrieved yielding Dylan and a lost twin, 1 shocker unmedicated BFP resulting in Jace, 3 more unmedicated pregnancies ending in more losses.
    Total score: 6 pregnancies, 5 losses, 2 amazing blessings that I'm thankful for every single day.
    Report Reply
  • Nic&SusieNic&Susie

    We would rather do remote camping but not very far away from the trail head and just one night starting out.

    We take them hiking for short 1/2 day trips now and DS1 loves doing that.  I have always used my ergo to carry DS2 so that I could still put a day pack / water bladder on my back. 

     We will defiantly start out in the backyard and then move to the national park that is less than 30 minutes from home in case we have to pack up and come home. 

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
  • Stacyc625Stacyc625 member

    we camp/hike with both kids.

    Gisele was born in May- and we waited until she was right about to turn 1 before we camped with her. (taking a newborn camping just didn't seem like a fun idea)- so we waited until next season.

    Chase was born end of Sept- he went on his first trip when he was 8 months old. He did fine. We have about 5 or 6 camping trips planned this season-

    We have a Kelty backpack carrier- he loves it.

     

    sleeping- well the little guy sleeps in the PNP- G sleeps in a sleeping bag.

    gear that was really useful- a waterproofed blanket/one side to place outside for the kids to chill on.

    Lilypie Fifth Birthday tickers Lilypie Third Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"