Saturday, August 17, 2013

How do you assemble a backpack and sleeping bag for camping?

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Marnie


New at camping and hiking. My 12 year old is in Boy Scouts. He has packed light, but the backpack is still so bulky. We can't use a framed backpack because he will have to crawl through some low areas and push his stuff through the opening. I know there must be an easy way to put it all together. The load has to be light enough for a 12 year old child to carry on a caving expedition. Any suggestions is greatly appreciated!


Answer
I'm 14 and started when I was 12. I live in Alaska, so this may not be what you're looking for, but I'll do my best. First, I always try to bring the smallest and lightest bag that I have that works for the coldest it should get. You can always layer up if you get cold. Also, internal frames are good, except for that you'll need to put most items on the inside from what I've experienced. Go through your pack when you're done packing to make sure that there's nothing that you don't need or is worth its weight. One extra tip- Use some clothes as a pillow, as it keeps them warm when it's cold and doesn't take extra space.

Where is the best place to camp in the Grand Canyon with young children?




Tara O


Where are planning a trip to camp at the Grand Canyon this summer. I have a 3 and 5 year old. I also would appricate details of what kind of things we can do with small children while at the Canyon. Thank you so much!


Answer
First off, you need to decide which rim you want to visit: the North Rim or the South Rim.

Most people go to the South Rim because it is easier to reach and is more developed with more overlooks, lodges, cafes and several good-sized towns (Flagstaff and Williams) nearby. The North Rim is harder to get to, only has one lodge and no large towns nearby. Because it is a thousand feet higher in elevation, it is cooler than the south rim and closed during the winter (mid-October to mid-May). During summer, I prefer the North Rim because it is cooler and less crowded, but young kids might find more things to see and do at the South Rim.

At either rim, you only have one real camping option for kids that young and that is the drive-in campgrounds (one at each rim). They are both very similar and pretty nice with a picnic table at each site and central bathroom facilities. They are also both a ways back from the rim, which make them a bit more peaceful, but also means you either have to drive to reach the rim and overlooks or go for a fairly long walk. You can reserve campsites online and should make reservations well in advance (see links below).

Beyond the car campgrounds mentioned above, there are also primitive backpacking campsites in the canyon itself (not recommmended for kids that young) as well as camping 'at large' in areas of the National Forest surrounding the park (the better locations being on the north rim to the west of the park - but these can be tough to reach).

As far as things to do for kids at the South Rim... kids at that age are probably not going to be entranced with scenic natural views for long or up for long hikes. There is a nice free shuttle that runs along the rim from the lodges out to Hermit Rest with stops along the way and the driver telling stories about the canyon - most kids and adults would probably enjoy it. They would probably like watching the burros and their attending cowboys at the corral near Bright Angel lodge. The large patio area along the rim behind Bright Angel lodge is also a good place to see squirrels, ravens and sometimes condors (not to mention ice cream from the nearby snackbar).

There are usually a number of ranger talks each day, many of them at the Shrine of Ages auditorium near Yavapai Lodge. The park also has a junior ranger program where children go to various exhibits and talks to get stamps and win a junior ranger award. The 3 year old would probably be a bit young even for that, but the 5 year might enjoy it.

There are fewer attractions for kids at the North Rim, but it has the benefit of having more open space and less roads and traffic. There are lots of places there for kids to run around in the trees and play with pinecones and sticks (my main memories of going there as a small kid). Along the road to the Cape Royale overlook there is a nice little hike called Cliff Springs trail that would be suitable for kids that age. It goes a mile into a small side canyon to a pretty little seep spring - it is fairly level and despite the name, you are not walking along any cliffs.




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