This is too funny and authentic. My kids are 8 (girl) and 5 (boy). They behave the same way yours did. I started mine off with backyard camping to ease this in. I think the funny part is my wife does not want any part of this also. She is pretty clear she does not want to camp and sleep on the ground. She'll do state park, cabin camping. Backyard camping went over well, especially with the family fire pit and other close by conveniences. I enjoy watching your channel. I learn a lot and avoid mistakes like gear buying regret. Keep up the good work.
I love this! Good memories for them. On Mother’s Day my daughter went on a 2 mile hike with me that turned into a 4-miler and she only complained once. It was the best gift ever 🥰 Getting them out there regularly (even managing the complaining when they’re little) is one of the best things you can do as a parent in my Nature Nerd opinion!
Hello Dan, thank you for sharing this family video. Decades from now your children will remember the great times that they shared with Dad in the outdoors. Take care and have fun. 🤗
Thanks for sharing the video. Never been backpacking but video reminds me of when I was their age hiking with my own father. Brings back a lot of good memories.
Your kids are troopers! When I've taken groups of kids that age on (father-son) "backpacking" trips, we've had everyone carry their personal gear (sleeping bag, toiletries, clothes) in their packs, and we've had a support van that brought all the group gear (food, cooking equipment, tents).
Your sweet girl trying to sound so grown up! I bet she becomes a serious backpacker. And your little boy is so hilarious. Such an awesome video. "Please help us!" So funny!
Kids are great I love hiking with them and all there story’s and imaginations! I just ordered my seven-year-old Osprey pack can’t wait for to come in. She is excited to carry more gear
Oh my, what have I gotten myself into? Over the weekend I committed to my grandson and great grandson (8) to go on an overnight backpacking hike. As I was speaking with my grandson I began thinking of all of the Vloggers I follow and maybe not so surprising you came out on top. I always appreciate the content and the tutorials you provide. Luckily I have some gear to get us thru but I was concerned about a pack for my great grandson and I think you answered the question even though we probably won't go with an Osprey. Thanks again Dan for all you do for the backpacking and hiking community.
please do more kid trip videos....I hope to do the same...I was going tomorrow to camp with my kids and some other parnets, but forecast turned to 100% thunderstorms :(
Grew up in Fond du Lac (Green Bay currently) and my parents would take us to Kettle Moraine. It's been so long since I've been there that the only thing I remember clearly about it is the old fire tower (Parnell Tower?). But I do remember having a blast hiking the trails with the family. Thanks for sharing and bringing back memories, I just might have to plan a backpacking trip there in the near future.
Thanks for watching!! My oldest was supposed to come out as well (he’s 11) but got sick right before the trip!! Getting my kids out there on shorter trips when they are young has really helped them get started.
This is great. I am getting ready to take my 5 year old to a backpack camp site, but we will stay for two nights and won't be doing any additional packing up/unpacking. I am nervous for how he'll react, but he watched this video with me and seems just as excited as I am!
Bro. So glad I found this. Your other videos have got me really interested in backpacking, but the adventure videos I saw seemed more like daddy getaways. This really makes me hopeful I can do it with my 7 year old outside of Scouts.
i can't wait for my kids to get a bit older so they might be interested in backpacking ... 5 year old and 3 year old .. they get to easily distracted right now lol great video!
My kids have been camping since they were in diapers! However, they didn’t start backpacking it until they were about five or six years old. I would just take them on quick overnighters in the tent to a regular campground to get them used to the idea. Or out back in the backyard! The trick is to let them bring something that they enjoy and want to bring (like a toy or something of comfort to them) even though it has nothing to do with hiking! Keeps them occupied!
Don't wait! I have been hiking with the kids since 2y.o as soon as they can walk and we increased the walking distance according to their age . They are 8 and 10 and now they do adults no limits hikes!
I'm so excited to get my kids on the trail this coming spring. They'll be 9 (girl) and 6 (boy) so similar ages to your kids back when you shot this. Going to watch this tonight with them!
Please, please, please! Do a pack/gear review for the kids stuff. I’m a single Grammy looking to take my two (4 and 2.5 year olds) camping. I want to start getting them backpacks and gear where they can learn you only have what you can carry. Plus I’m too old and out of shape to lug everything (lol). Love your kids they are so funny
Great kid vid! Complements your vids introducing kids to backpacking and ha ing them "own" some responsibility on the trip! I wish all kids had this opportunity! Thanks for sharing! :-)
I would love to see the gear for your kids up close! Looking at buying some good quality gear for my husband and I but trying to figure out what we can do for our three kiddos to get them off and running too without breaking the bank.
@@DanBecker Hah, your boy acts just like mine and my son was watching, who is 8 and we both looked at each other and he said, "just like me" when your son was doing that thing in the beginning. It was comforting to know it wasn't just my son who acts like that.
I love this!! I ask my kids on camera if they are having fun and always get a big no!! I love the never again at the end! Ha! But they later tell me they had a great time. Hahaha! I notice they walk behind you, i usually have mine walk ahead. I may try this tactict.
I like the way that your kids are running, excited to get to camp, but slow to get back to the car all tuckered out. That's great you are exposing them early to the back country. Side note, how many times do folks comment that you look like Jim (John Krasinski) from the Office?
LOL! No joke… I literally hear that at least once a week! Two weeks ago I was at a store and the cashier thought I was him! Yep getting kids into it early removes the fear of the back country! Thanks so much for commenting in watching!
Hi Dan I really like your videos. Would it be possible to make a gear load out with the stuff your took on this trip and why you took it? We are planning to do a section of the West Highland Way with the kids when it is possible again. A big thanks for all your videos from Germany.
Awesome! I'll have to find that trail. Been here in Wisconsin for 3 years and still getting the lay of the land. Our former stomping grounds was Michigan. I miss the free parking and dispersed camping. Very hard to find here. I like the Black River trail area so far.
dude...my kids are ages 6 and 8...its starting to get more fun backpacking....I do 2-3 overnight trips into the backcountry with them so far...your kids are sassy just like mine....I see you did them in a tent...ive solo packed in 2 tarps and 3 hammocks this year a couple times...my son (8) can now carry most his gear in a fox 30...6 year old daughter is not there yet, she carried like a couple snacks and her quilt set....I think when they a bit older, I may see if they will do the UL tent and me in my hammock...when my wife comes she does the 2 person tent with my daughter and we do hammocks, she does not mind groud sleep, but prefers a hammock ideally...but she sleeps like a log on the ground all the same...a great video man...as a dad and budding backpacker, I really identify here! Im "Ellery" btw from "the facebook" aka "facebook"
I figured that’s who you were! I have one more as well. He is 11 but could not come on the trip because he was sick. My wife is a ground dweller as well.
I’ve been binge watching your videos! Such great content. Can you do an updated video about tips for backpacking with kids? We currently car camp/dispersed camp together but I’m looking forward to transitioning to backpacking together.
Kinda just found your channel binging right now you got great videos. Wondering if you go winter camping if so have you ever taken your kids? How do you prep differently with kids if you do at all?
Wow! Thank you! I just started this TH-cam thing in October. I appreciate the encouragement! I do winter camp. I’m actually heading out for an overnighter on the 18th in south east Wisconsin and I’ll definitely film it. I’ve not yet gotten the kids out for a winter camp. I’m still trying to break them into the whole backpacking thing! As for a 3 season hike with my kids, I carry as much gear for them as I can. I always let them take a toy or teddy bear or something that they want to bring so they have a more comfortable time as kids. Netflix on my phone is a lifesaver when they get bored 🤣 I usually hike very low miles and usually only one night. Thanks so much for watching!!!
Question is that Osprey Ace 38 to big for your younger child? I was wondering if I could get it for my 5 and a half year old?? The website says 5 - 11? Thoughts on it?
From a family of long time campers, but very new hikers, I appreciate all the help you've given on your channel. I watched this video myself first for ideas, and then watched it with my kids. Seeing kids their own ages hiking really got them excited to get out hiking again. I'm a hammock camper, and so is my 11yo, but my younger two are more comfortable on the ground. We borrowed a lightweight tent for them on our first family hike last year, but I'd like to get our own. How does the MSR Mesh House 3 work for you all? I've seen a few TH-cam reviews for the MSR Mesh House 2 and the much cheaper and nearly identical Paria Breeze Mesh Tent ($65 vs $135), but Paria doesn't make a 3 person version. I think my younger two would do better with a bit of space in between them, and then there would also be room for me if they got spooked in a storm and wanted a grown-up closer. I was thinking the openness of the mesh tent inside a tarp would help them feel more connected to me in my hammock, and the ventilation might help open up summer camping for us a little bit here in Texas. I'd appreciate any feedback, since you have the experience. Thanks!
Hi Jenny! That is so cool you’re taking your kids! The reason I chose the MSR mesh house 3 is because it was the best price/weight ratio I could find for a ultralight three person option. It only weighs 2 pounds for a three person tent. That’s pretty good. I literally have the same thoughts as you about my kids and backpacking. I take my hammock and want to be able to have enough room for me to sleep in the tent if necessary. I would say the downsides to the MSR are that it is wide open on the front so it definitely can have a breeze come through. Also, it can be a bit difficult to set up. Takes some practice. But once you figure it out it’s OK. It also takes 10 stakes I think. Four for the mesh house, four for the tarp, and two for the trekking polls. It is also fairly expensive for what it is in my opinion. I bought mine on eBay from someone who only used it once. I got a really good deal on it. Would I buy it again? Probably, yes because it is so lightweight for a three person option in its price range. If you’re interested, a couple weeks ago I did another video on how to backpack with the kids. This might give you some good thoughts as well! Let me know how it goes for you guys I would love to hear it! Here’s the video: th-cam.com/video/cDlZLMTc2ns/w-d-xo.html
Dan Becker Hey thanks! That really helps. After seeing the cheaper Paria 2 person, it was hard to justify the price of the MSR 3 person when we could buy two of the Paria 2 for less than the MSR 3. I think the MSR 3 would serve us better (for grown-up + 2 kids scenarios), and checking eBay would be a great option since we're not in a rush - waiting on the weather to warm up a bit. That helps simplify the decision a lot. Thanks again!
Hi Allison! They use an Outdoorsman Lab sleep pad. Cheap and comfortable. About $40 on Amazon. Weighs about 15 oz. Good for warmer weather only though.
sounds like the boy really doesnt like the hike. It might help to sit down periodically to point out plants, insects, and animals that the kids might not have noticed and say something about them and the beauty of nature. Show enjoyment and interest in the variety of life around you and the privledge you have to be able to take time to understand it and to actually be part of it.
This is too funny and authentic. My kids are 8 (girl) and 5 (boy). They behave the same way yours did. I started mine off with backyard camping to ease this in. I think the funny part is my wife does not want any part of this also. She is pretty clear she does not want to camp and sleep on the ground. She'll do state park, cabin camping. Backyard camping went over well, especially with the family fire pit and other close by conveniences. I enjoy watching your channel. I learn a lot and avoid mistakes like gear buying regret. Keep up the good work.
I love this! Good memories for them.
On Mother’s Day my daughter went on a 2 mile hike with me that turned into a 4-miler and she only complained once. It was the best gift ever 🥰 Getting them out there regularly (even managing the complaining when they’re little) is one of the best things you can do as a parent in my Nature Nerd opinion!
Hello Dan, thank you for sharing this family video. Decades from now your children will remember the great times that they shared with Dad in the outdoors. Take care and have fun. 🤗
Thanks, Ron! I appreciate the encouragement! Trying to get them started early. I didn't camp until I was in my early 20's!!
So good to watch this, you are a good dad, brother, I liked it so much that you take your kids for backpacking.
Thanks for sharing the video. Never been backpacking but video reminds me of when I was their age hiking with my own father. Brings back a lot of good memories.
I loved how you brought Christmas lights! I bet that helps a lot especially for kiddos afraid in the dark. Great idea!
Christmas lighting is a very good idea😀 Bring it on our hiking trips as well and a head lamp 👍
Outstanding!
Your kids are troopers! When I've taken groups of kids that age on (father-son) "backpacking" trips, we've had everyone carry their personal gear (sleeping bag, toiletries, clothes) in their packs, and we've had a support van that brought all the group gear (food, cooking equipment, tents).
Your sweet girl trying to sound so grown up! I bet she becomes a serious backpacker. And your little boy is so hilarious. Such an awesome video. "Please help us!" So funny!
Me , my 14 and 6 year old son just went on our 1st backpack camping trip several miles in the mountains, I can't believe how good they did !
Really enjoy the kid videos, we have 5 kids. The oldest is 11 youngest is 1. Shelters/sleep is our big challenge.
“Never again!” That killed me.
Love the honesty “are you having fun?” “no”
Kids are great I love hiking with them and all there story’s and imaginations! I just ordered my seven-year-old Osprey pack can’t wait for to come in. She is excited to carry more gear
"show em dad" I love it lol. I'm taking my boys , 7&9, on their first overnight in a week. Great video Dan!
Oh my, what have I gotten myself into? Over the weekend I committed to my grandson and great grandson (8) to go on an overnight backpacking hike. As I was speaking with my grandson I began thinking of all of the Vloggers I follow and maybe not so surprising you came out on top. I always appreciate the content and the tutorials you provide. Luckily I have some gear to get us thru but I was concerned about a pack for my great grandson and I think you answered the question even though we probably won't go with an Osprey. Thanks again Dan for all you do for the backpacking and hiking community.
please do more kid trip videos....I hope to do the same...I was going tomorrow to camp with my kids and some other parnets, but forecast turned to 100% thunderstorms :(
I plan on it!
Hiking with kids is so fun. They make you see the nature another way 🤩
Yes please! Especially gear choices when backpacking with toddlers and kids. I'm dying to get out there but I need to convince my husband
Grew up in Fond du Lac (Green Bay currently) and my parents would take us to Kettle Moraine. It's been so long since I've been there that the only thing I remember clearly about it is the old fire tower (Parnell Tower?). But I do remember having a blast hiking the trails with the family. Thanks for sharing and bringing back memories, I just might have to plan a backpacking trip there in the near future.
That’s awesome! I hike there all the time because it’s so close to where I’m at. I’m in Kenosha! If you’re ever out that way again let me know!
Will do! If you happen to get out somewhere and don't mind someone tagging along let me know.
Your brave!!! I think its enough to take my one kid but I do really enjoy taking trips with him. Maybe I just need more practice. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!! My oldest was supposed to come out as well (he’s 11) but got sick right before the trip!! Getting my kids out there on shorter trips when they are young has really helped them get started.
This is great. I am getting ready to take my 5 year old to a backpack camp site, but we will stay for two nights and won't be doing any additional packing up/unpacking. I am nervous for how he'll react, but he watched this video with me and seems just as excited as I am!
Awesome! Have a blast!
Omg that made me smile. They both crack me up.
Bro. So glad I found this. Your other videos have got me really interested in backpacking, but the adventure videos I saw seemed more like daddy getaways. This really makes me hopeful I can do it with my 7 year old outside of Scouts.
i can't wait for my kids to get a bit older so they might be interested in backpacking ... 5 year old and 3 year old .. they get to easily distracted right now lol great video!
My kids have been camping since they were in diapers! However, they didn’t start backpacking it until they were about five or six years old. I would just take them on quick overnighters in the tent to a regular campground to get them used to the idea. Or out back in the backyard! The trick is to let them bring something that they enjoy and want to bring (like a toy or something of comfort to them) even though it has nothing to do with hiking! Keeps them occupied!
Gets better every year 🏕 My kids are 1 and 3 and we go on microadventure with our tent.
Don't wait! I have been hiking with the kids since 2y.o as soon as they can walk and we increased the walking distance according to their age . They are 8 and 10 and now they do adults no limits hikes!
"I'm like a little kid!" .... LOL!
I'm so excited to get my kids on the trail this coming spring. They'll be 9 (girl) and 6 (boy) so similar ages to your kids back when you shot this. Going to watch this tonight with them!
I bring my little people on almost a of my adventures! Love it man!
Please, please, please! Do a pack/gear review for the kids stuff. I’m a single Grammy looking to take my two (4 and 2.5 year olds) camping. I want to start getting them backpacks and gear where they can learn you only have what you can carry. Plus I’m too old and out of shape to lug everything (lol). Love your kids they are so funny
Gorgeous trail! Your kids are so animated I love it!
Great kid vid! Complements your vids introducing kids to backpacking and ha ing them "own" some responsibility on the trip! I wish all kids had this opportunity! Thanks for sharing! :-)
Thanks so much Terri!!!
Hahaha your kids are so cute and funny! This video is great!
🤣🤣 they are a handful FOR SURE!!! Thanks, Kierra!!!!!!!!!!
I would love to see the gear for your kids up close! Looking at buying some good quality gear for my husband and I but trying to figure out what we can do for our three kiddos to get them off and running too without breaking the bank.
How fun for you!
Your kids are weird, Just like mine It's Awesome. Thanks for a great vid Dan.
They are nuts!
All kids are weird, I’m finding. Mine is especially weird, but fairly sure it’s genetic.
@@DanBecker Hah, your boy acts just like mine and my son was watching, who is 8 and we both looked at each other and he said, "just like me" when your son was doing that thing in the beginning. It was comforting to know it wasn't just my son who acts like that.
And the best dad award goes to you... also worst joke ever too 😂 cool vlog👍🏼
🤣🤣🤣
I love this!! I ask my kids on camera if they are having fun and always get a big no!! I love the never again at the end! Ha! But they later tell me they had a great time. Hahaha! I notice they walk behind you, i usually have mine walk ahead. I may try this tactict.
Lol! They loved the trip! He was just being a rascal at the end LOL
What do you suggest for twins who are runners? They will be 2 Nov 2022
Hi - can you recommend any sleeping bags for toddlers?
I like the way that your kids are running, excited to get to camp, but slow to get back to the car all tuckered out. That's great you are exposing them early to the back country. Side note, how many times do folks comment that you look like Jim (John Krasinski) from the Office?
LOL! No joke… I literally hear that at least once a week! Two weeks ago I was at a store and the cashier thought I was him! Yep getting kids into it early removes the fear of the back country! Thanks so much for commenting in watching!
Hi Dan I really like your videos. Would it be possible to make a gear load out with the stuff your took on this trip and why you took it?
We are planning to do a section of the West Highland Way with the kids when it is possible again.
A big thanks for all your videos from Germany.
Awesome! I'll have to find that trail. Been here in Wisconsin for 3 years and still getting the lay of the land. Our former stomping grounds was Michigan. I miss the free parking and dispersed camping. Very hard to find here. I like the Black River trail area so far.
Kettle Moraine Southern Unit and also the Northern Unit are great places to hike!
@@DanBecker I'll check it out. Maybe see ya on the trails. Thanks.
No problem! Anytime!!!
We did this trail last year and the bugs were terrible when we went lol we plan on backpacking this year with our kiddos
dude...my kids are ages 6 and 8...its starting to get more fun backpacking....I do 2-3 overnight trips into the backcountry with them so far...your kids are sassy just like mine....I see you did them in a tent...ive solo packed in 2 tarps and 3 hammocks this year a couple times...my son (8) can now carry most his gear in a fox 30...6 year old daughter is not there yet, she carried like a couple snacks and her quilt set....I think when they a bit older, I may see if they will do the UL tent and me in my hammock...when my wife comes she does the 2 person tent with my daughter and we do hammocks, she does not mind groud sleep, but prefers a hammock ideally...but she sleeps like a log on the ground all the same...a great video man...as a dad and budding backpacker, I really identify here! Im "Ellery" btw from "the facebook" aka "facebook"
I figured that’s who you were! I have one more as well. He is 11 but could not come on the trip because he was sick. My wife is a ground dweller as well.
I’ve been binge watching your videos! Such great content. Can you do an updated video about tips for backpacking with kids? We currently car camp/dispersed camp together but I’m looking forward to transitioning to backpacking together.
"Why would you do that!?" The number of times my son has asked me that over the years...
Kinda just found your channel binging right now you got great videos. Wondering if you go winter camping if so have you ever taken your kids? How do you prep differently with kids if you do at all?
Wow! Thank you! I just started this TH-cam thing in October. I appreciate the encouragement! I do winter camp. I’m actually heading out for an overnighter on the 18th in south east Wisconsin and I’ll definitely film it. I’ve not yet gotten the kids out for a winter camp. I’m still trying to break them into the whole backpacking thing! As for a 3 season hike with my kids, I carry as much gear for them as I can. I always let them take a toy or teddy bear or something that they want to bring so they have a more comfortable time as kids. Netflix on my phone is a lifesaver when they get bored 🤣 I usually hike very low miles and usually only one night. Thanks so much for watching!!!
Question is that Osprey Ace 38 to big for your younger child? I was wondering if I could get it for my 5 and a half year old?? The website says 5 - 11? Thoughts on it?
Awesome, this was great!
What kind of backpack do your child have looking for recommendation
From a family of long time campers, but very new hikers, I appreciate all the help you've given on your channel. I watched this video myself first for ideas, and then watched it with my kids. Seeing kids their own ages hiking really got them excited to get out hiking again. I'm a hammock camper, and so is my 11yo, but my younger two are more comfortable on the ground. We borrowed a lightweight tent for them on our first family hike last year, but I'd like to get our own. How does the MSR Mesh House 3 work for you all? I've seen a few TH-cam reviews for the MSR Mesh House 2 and the much cheaper and nearly identical Paria Breeze Mesh Tent ($65 vs $135), but Paria doesn't make a 3 person version. I think my younger two would do better with a bit of space in between them, and then there would also be room for me if they got spooked in a storm and wanted a grown-up closer. I was thinking the openness of the mesh tent inside a tarp would help them feel more connected to me in my hammock, and the ventilation might help open up summer camping for us a little bit here in Texas. I'd appreciate any feedback, since you have the experience. Thanks!
Hi Jenny! That is so cool you’re taking your kids! The reason I chose the MSR mesh house 3 is because it was the best price/weight ratio I could find for a ultralight three person option.
It only weighs 2 pounds for a three person tent. That’s pretty good. I literally have the same thoughts as you about my kids and backpacking. I take my hammock and want to be able to have enough room for me to sleep in the tent if necessary. I would say the downsides to the MSR are that it is wide open on the front so it definitely can have a breeze come through. Also, it can be a bit difficult to set up. Takes some practice. But once you figure it out it’s OK. It also takes 10 stakes I think. Four for the mesh house, four for the tarp, and two for the trekking polls. It is also fairly expensive for what it is in my opinion. I bought mine on eBay from someone who only used it once. I got a really good deal on it. Would I buy it again? Probably, yes because it is so lightweight for a three person option in its price range. If you’re interested, a couple weeks ago I did another video on how to backpack with the kids. This might give you some good thoughts as well! Let me know how it goes for you guys I would love to hear it! Here’s the video: th-cam.com/video/cDlZLMTc2ns/w-d-xo.html
Dan Becker Hey thanks! That really helps. After seeing the cheaper Paria 2 person, it was hard to justify the price of the MSR 3 person when we could buy two of the Paria 2 for less than the MSR 3. I think the MSR 3 would serve us better (for grown-up + 2 kids scenarios), and checking eBay would be a great option since we're not in a rush - waiting on the weather to warm up a bit. That helps simplify the decision a lot. Thanks again!
Anytime, Jenny!
What backpack is your son wearing??!! I’ve been looking for a smaller pack with a waste belt. His pack looks perfect!
Here’s the backpacks!
Coleman Kids Backpack amzn.to/2t4dkIv
Osprey Ace 38 amzn.to/2BiNOnI
Osprey Ace 50 amzn.to/2BlGffY
What kind of sleeping pads did your kids use?
Hi Allison! They use an Outdoorsman Lab sleep pad. Cheap and comfortable. About $40 on Amazon. Weighs about 15 oz. Good for warmer weather only though.
Thanks for the speedy and useful info! Enjoyed the video!
Absolutely!! Thank YOU for watching!!!!
sounds like the boy really doesnt like the hike. It might help to sit down periodically to point out plants, insects, and animals that the kids might not have noticed and say something about them and the beauty of nature. Show enjoyment and interest in the variety of life around you and the privledge you have to be able to take time to understand it and to actually be part of it.
What where the realities of hiking with your children?