Son's First Backpacking Trip!

[GvilleDave]

I went on a short backpacking trip w/ my son Davis this weekend. Davis is 10 and we went w/ a few other father/son pairs. We only did a couple miles each day to see how the boys held up and they did great. It was also Davis's first night camping in a hammock and I think he really enjoyed the experience. He slept in a HH Scout and I set his up next to my Blackbird under my SWT. The set-up was easy and there was plenty of room for both hammocks under the Speer Winter Tarp.

It was also the first time I've taken my dog Annie and she did great too. She hung out at camp the whole time and did not wander off at all. She slept under my hammock on a blanket and didn't stir until 7:30 am.

We hiked in just to the south of Big Ben falls on the Chattooga River and the weather and conditions were fantastic. Highs both days were mid 70's w/ lows that night in the mid 40's. Davis & I both used CCF & Speer SPE's for our insulation and that worked really well.

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[DougTheElder]

Lucky you and lucky Davis! Nothing much better for a boy than to go with his Dad. And nothing much better for a Dad than to go with his boy AND his dog.

[swampfox]

Sounds like it was a great weekend Dave. You camped in one of my favorite parts of the world, along the Chatooga. I hope to do a long weekend out there in May.

[bonsaihiker]

That's awesome. I've done that with my kids, too. There's nothing like it, is there? Backpacking with your child is just some of the best time I think you can spend. Your first photo reminds me of my avatar.

Not to hijack, just thought you'd like to see someone else's experience, too. Check this thread, which I posted (ironically) today: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=8091