Category Archives: Backpacking with Kids

Looking toward the river

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Ozark Hiker

Bringing Momma along with me and Bear Bait poses a unique set of concerns.  She’s a self-described city girl and has certain minimal expectations on any outdoor excursion.  Tent camping, early in the marriage when I was much more well-trained than … Continue reading →

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Trading hiking boots for aquasocks.

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Ozark Hiker

I got no problem with snakes.  No phobias, no irrational fears, just a healthy respect.  There are so many other reasons not to want to backpack in an Arkansas summer.  You’ve got the heat and humidity, of course.   The trails … Continue reading →

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Anyone hear any cicadas yet?

Posted on May 6, 2011 by Ozark Hiker

I’m not quite to the point where I have my pack packed and sitting by the door, but I’m close.  Bear Bait has been asking me to take him fishing, so I think this weekend we’re going to try and … Continue reading →

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Planning for the next hike

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Ozark Hiker

Okay, so when am I ever not planning for the next hike? But there’s one on the horizon, after Easter for sure.  Maybe early May.  Mostly I am waiting for the cicada hatch.  Bear Bait has been messing around in … Continue reading →

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13-year hike

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Ozark Hiker

We’re  a couple of weeks away from a big cicada hatch, something that won’t happen again until 2024.  I have to take Bear Bait out for an overnight while they’re out and singing.  First the supermoon and now this . … Continue reading →

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Compton Trailhead to Hemmed-In Hollow (part 3)

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Ozark Hiker

Day 2 – adrenaline, aches, altitude, & arches 3/20/2011 Bear Bait is a true outdoorsman.  Not only did that boy sleep so deeply that I had to check his pulse a few times, but he stayed cozied up in his … Continue reading →

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Compton Trailhead to Hemmed-In Hollow (part 2)

Posted on March 20, 2011 by Ozark Hiker

Day 1 – cowboys, climbing, canoers, and camp sandwichis 3/19/2011 Got a new term that has worked its way into our hiking lexicon:  Backwoods Dentistry.   Walgreens landed me a few Q-tips, some superglue, and an overpriced thimble of paste guaranteed … Continue reading →

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Compton Trailhead to Hemmed-In Hollow (part 1)

Posted on March 20, 2011 by Ozark Hiker

Part 1 – pre-hike madness and why you should just use the multitool (ya lazy bum) 3-18-2011 Arrived at Kat’s house just before dark on Friday.  Plan was to set up all three hammocks and sleep outside.  That’ll give us … Continue reading →

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Bear Bait’s (revised) list

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Ozark Hiker

We talked about his list and brainstormed a few other essentials.  While we were eating dinner with his grandparents this afternoon, I sketched out a little graphic organizer for him to fill out.  Here is his revised list: I think … Continue reading →

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Bear Bait’s food list

Posted on March 13, 2011 by Ozark Hiker

As I posted here, part of backpacking with kids is to give them a little responsibility for the hike.  My #1 son will be with me and yesterday I gave him the job of writing down a list of food.  … Continue reading →

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