I started backpacking with my dad when I was 8, I'm 42 now. We had aluminum external framed packs with nylon bags, army surplus down sleeping bags, no pads, and we slept under the stars or under a cheap tarp. We cooked over a fire and my dad always packed a small cast iron skillet. We ate bacon, eggs, pancakes, canned chili, baked potatoes, and the fish we caught. I didn't realize until I was older, just how tough my dad was, packing all that heavy crap. We didn't have much money, but that didn't stop my dad from giving my brother and I life long memories and lessons.
That's what this post is all about! I went on my first backpacking trip in elementary school with friends of the family and their two kids. Now that I know what's involved, I shudder to think what the two parents had to do to get all of the junk we needed up there!
It's great to hear the stories and about the gear.
