I enjoy backpacking. My daughter is four and I would like her to join me. What can I expect her to be able to handle?

Bob Edwards
Stockton, CA

Alice's Answer:

I think four is a great age to introduce your daughter to backpacking — that's when we took our son on his first trip.

There are two big questions to answer when planning any backpacking trip: where and how far will you go, and how much everyone carry.

You probably already have a very good idea of how much hiking your daughter is capable of from day trips you've taken. Every child is different so you're the best judge of your daughter's stamina. Take that into consideration when planning your route. Also try to choose a destination that offers something she'll enjoy — a swimming hole or waterfall, for instance.

You may also want to consider inviting one of your daughter's friends and the friend's parent or parents along. Often kids concentrate on each other, instead of aching feet, so with a friend along your daughter might travel a bit further each day.

As for how much your daughter can carry, don't expect much at all at this age. Put her clothes in her pack, some snacks, and possibly her sleeping bag. But if the sleeping bag is too heavy or bulky, it may be too much for her little shoulders.

Err on the side of too little weight rather than too much for your child. The most important thing is that your daughter have fun. You want to make sure she wants to go backpacking again! May this trip be the first of many!

The girls can sleep between you and your husband in the tent. Let them sleep on top of an unfolded adult rectangular sleeping bag. This will act as an insulated sleeping pad for your girls.

Also be sure to have a mattress pad underneath your sleeping bags and your girls' sleeping space. The pads add not only comfort, but an insulating layer of warmth.

For maximum warmth on cool or cold nights, layer your girls with a onesie underneath a warm, footed sleeper or a fleece coverall, or both. We had great one-piece, zippered fleece coveralls from L. L. Bean, which someone gave the girls when they were born. They got an extraordinary amount of use out of them from October through May. The wrist and ankle cuffs can be folded over so that no feet or fingers are exposed. This was one of the most useful baby gifts we received.

Also, while these coveralls fit snugly they allow clear breathing when the girls were asleep. If you need to bundle up your girls during your camping trip, make sure their air passages are clear.

Have a doubly good time!

Another huge help would be a double jogging stroller. Your youngest too are old enough to do some walking, but not too much, especially if you want to actually cover a bit of territory.

You'll all enjoy a jogging stroller. Your younger two can ride whenever they're tired and you'll therefore be able to travel much farther.

These strollers can navigate some fairly rough terrain and you'll also get a workout pushing it. In fact, my six-year-old sometimes manages to hop aboard on the little foot platform, which really makes the pushing a big effort. These contraptions are pricey - - several hundred dollars - - but they're indestructible, which means you can buy them used at a second-hand kids store or at yard sales.

Simple hikes and picnics are probably your best bet for outings right now. Don't expect to travel too fast or too far, but just being in the woods with your children can be a refreshing change of pace. Sometimes a change of scenery can do wonders for everyone.

Go cultivate as many adult helpers as you can, Linde, then hit your local trails. Remember to take plenty of snacks, water, and sunscreen to help keep your gang healthy and happy.

Let us know how your outings work out, and best of luck.

Sounds great to me, Tab. Of course, accommodations and children's programs like this are hardly cheap.

You can get more details at www.gorptravel.gorp.com. You can even book your trip by calling 1-800-444 DUDE, or emailing info@gorptravel.com.

Have a super vacation, and let us know where you end up.

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