Upside Over

Tips for Successful Camping with Kids

2007-08-28T09:22:00.001-04:00

3 Essential Tips for Successful Camping with Kids (Kids Sleeping Bags)
by: Debora Geary

Camping with happy kids is wonderful – camping with miserable kids could convince you to pick a new family hobby. There’s lots of ways to ensure a happy camping experience, but here are my picks for the three most important.

1. Keep the sleeping bag dry. Let’s face it, sleeping comfortably is pretty important to all of us, but a wet sleeping bag can make a kid totally miserable. This is especially true if your child’s sleeping bag is one of the big box store $20 variety. You know, the ones that weigh 15 pounds (dry!) and are made of cotton. Get one of those wet, and your camping trip is over, it will take until next year to dry. Even a good kids sleeping bag can get wet, however, and it’s not easy to convince a kid to climb into a soggy bag to sleep.

The key to keeping a sleeping bag dry is to keep its surroundings dry. If you’re going to be in wet conditions (rainy season, or paddling on a lake), prepare your gear. Put kids sleeping bags, and any other gear you treasure into dry bags, garbage bags, or some other water barrier. Put a tent cloth under your tent (properly!) so you keep water out of the tent. Teach your kids good tent etiquette so they don’t crawl all over the tent in their wet boots, or dump a mug of hot chocolate over their sleeping bag.

2. Avoid constipation. Think I’m kidding? I used to take city kids on month long canoe trips, and several of them showed insane talent for “poop in the woods” avoidance. Some made it as long as a week before they gave in and took Mr. Trowel off to dig a hole. Kids like routine and predictability, some kids a lot more than others. When that routine is turned upside down, even by fun activities like camping, it can cause system backup. That can lead to stomach troubles, cramps, and really stinky farts (amongst the 2-12 year old set, this is serious business, and might be for you too, if you’re sharing a tent).

Fortunately, there’s a really easy fix for camping constipation. Eat beans. I used to serve chili the first night out on trail. Vegetarian chili with 5 kinds of beans. Sometimes it took a day or two, but no kid could hold out a week against my 5 bean chili. Other forms of fiber help too – oatmeal for breakfast, dried fruit in your gorp. Also have your kids drink lots of water, especially if fiber isn’t a really common part of their diet.

3. Don’t take over. We spend most of our lives “organizing” our kids, making sure they get up, dressed, off to school, to weekly activities and play dates. It’s an easy trap to try to organize their camping experience too. This is especially easy to do when it looks like their first choices of activities involve sleeping in the tent all day or throwing rocks at one another across the firepit.

However, one of the most fundamental lessons camping can teach is that you are responsible for your own experience. Mother Nature is a great provider of natural consequences. Don’t put up your tent right, you’ll get wet. Don’t collect firewood, you won’t eat hot food. Do collect firewood, and discover the mesmerizing dance of a night campfire. Get up the energy to paddle to the middle of the lake in the middle of the night, and see stars like they were meant to be seen. Step back, and let your kids learn from their own experiences. You might just pick up a little something too.

About The Author
Debora Geary is owner of an online store carrying a wide selection of quality outdoor kids sleeping bags.

kid-sleeping-bag.com

Choosing Family Camping Tents

2007-07-25T09:19:00.000-04:00

Choosing Family Camping Tents
by: Paula Radmall

Many adults will say one of the most memorable parts of their childhood was the family’s camping trips. Camping is near and dear to a lot of peoples’ hearts whether the sleep out took place in the backyard or involved a more in depth planning and execution process. It makes sense that as those children grew up and had families of their own that they would want to continue the family tradition and take their children on camping trips as well. To make this dream a reality, the most important piece of equipment is the family camping tents.

These tents have evolved over the years into virtual paradises of home like comfort. You can find family camping tents in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors. Almost any version can be found to accommodate the family’s size and needs. Family camping tents are better made than ever with the advancement of technology, and are constructed of the most durable and weatherproof materials. While it may not be the optimal experience to camp in inclement weather, with these tents it doesn’t have to be the worst thing ever either.

While deciding on the perfect tent for your family there is a certain criteria to keep in mind. Before style even becomes a consideration, it is important to find a well made family camping tent. When you find a tent that you really like, check online message boards for honest reactions to the products performance. There are several websites available that are designed to provide consumer opinions. Then visit the local sporting goods store to take a look at the tent up close and personal. You will want to pay careful attention to the zippers, fastenings, and how easy or difficult the tent is to put up. Be sure to also look into the type of material used and the quality of the poles and attachments. A good family camping tent should be made to last a long time and hold up to the rigors of the great outdoors.

Once you have found several family camping tents you like, then you can narrow down your selection according to your personal preferences. Some family camping tents are a large one room design, while others have a tunnel between two “rooms” that children find a lot of fun. Also consider the size and space available in the vehicle that will be used for camping trips. Many models are made to be compact and space saving for smaller vans and cars. Family camping trips are worthwhile. Be sure to be properly prepared with one of the high quality family camping tents available for a more enjoyable vacation.

About The Author
Paula Radmall is an outdoor enthusiast as well as an author and editor for http://www.greatcampinghome.com/ . Paula enjoys camping and hiking.

Activity Gear Guides - What do we need?

2007-03-07T09:11:00.000-05:00

Upside Over Families have compiled lists of what to bring when participating in the sports above as a family. We have some gear lists for you as a guide. We also have some fun pictures of our totally outfitted Upside Over Kids!

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the products we carry or other products we may suggest.
service@upsideover.com

Snowshoeing Gear

Properly sized snowshoes in a style needed for your terrain and level of difficulty
Baselayer made of wicking polyester knit or fleece
Midlayer, such as fleece, microfleece or wool
Outerlayer that is waterproof/breathable coated nylon for pants and a jacket
Waterproof boots, either non-insulated hiking boots or insulated winter boots
Warm hat and gloves
Gaiters to keep snow out of footwear
Daypack with first aid, water, snacks, extra clothes, maps, guides, compass, whistle, headlamp etc.
Trekking poles or ski poles for balance in deep snow or while climbing
A reasonable goal in terms of distance and terrain
Sunglasses to protect eyes from glare

Paddling Gear for Kayaking or Canoeing

A properly sized boat and paddle
A properly sized PFD (personal flotation device)
Hat with visor and sunglasses to protect eyes from glare
Safety whistle, bilge pump or sponge in case of capsizing, safety rope
Dry sack for valuables (not a waterproof stuff sack)
Insul Seat for a child in a canoe or kayak
Synthetic quick drying clothing
Bug repellant, sunscreen
Sandals that will stay on and have good traction when wet
Lots of fresh water and snacks
Maps, guides, compass and a reasonable goal

Rock Climbing- Indoor or Outdoor

Properly sized harness, either full body or a sit harness
Tight fitting rock climbing shoes
Chalk bag with a carabiner to hook it to the harness and some chalk
Comfy pants or knickers and wicking clothing
Enough warm clothing to stay warm after climbing
Approach shoes to change into when leaving the cliffs
Top roping or trad climbing gear (as suggested by a professional
Food, snacks and water

Dayhiking

Daypack or lumbar pack
Boots or trail shoes with support
Two pairs of midweight merino wool socks
Quick drying and abrasion resistant nylon pants or zipoffs
Wicking polyester baselayer in a tee and long sleeve
Midlayer of fleece or a wool sweater
Rain gear which also provides wind protection
Brimmed hat or visor and sunglasses
Water in a bladder system or bottles, about 1 liter per 4 miles
Zip lock baggies to keep things dry
Maps, guides, compass, GPS, bug repellent, sunscreen, first aid kit, pocket knife, lighter, candles, headlamp, emergency blanket, bug net
High energy and easy to eat foods such as cheese, chocolate, granola bars, fruit, nuts and gorp
Reasonable goals in terms of distance and terrain

Cycling

Properly sized bike
Tight fitting helmet
Cycling shoes
Padded shorts or tights
Baselayer and jersey with back pockets
Lightweight rain gear for wind and rain
Water in a bottle cage or a hydration backpack
Sunglasses
Knowledge of local road surfaces, shoulders and routes

Camping - See Day hiking

Add to that a larger pack, usually 3,000-5,000 cubic inches
Lightweight backpacking tent or tarp for the number of people involved
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad and or air mattress to insulate and cushion you from the ground
Stove and cookset
Water filter or treatment tablets
More water capacity
Preplanned and easy to prepare foods for each meal you will have
Headlamps
Shovel, toilet paper, and toiletries
Warm sleeping clothing
Bearbag with rope or appropriate Bear Cannister where regulated
Camp shoes such as sandals

Winter Adventure Opportunities for Every Child

2007-01-04T10:22:00.000-05:00

Here at Upside Over, we realize that not every child has the opportunity to be an award winning triathlete. Some children are fighting for their lives and would only long for normalcy and a pain-free childhood. It seems like the right time for us to share our knowledge of a very special program here in upstate New York that we are proud to support and encourage others to support as well. The topic of today's entry is the Adaptive Winter Sports Program at the Double "H" Hole in the Woods Ranch in Lake Luzerne, NY. It is a 320 acre camp one hour north of Albany, NY. It is just one of many of Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camps around the country for special needs children suffering with chronic or terminal illness.

The Double H Ranch is a non-profit that provides year-round Outdoor Adirondack Adventures for children living with a chronic or life-threatening illness. It has an amazing residential summer camp. Each child, ages 6-18, is encouraged to reach their full potential here, despite any setback they may face. The Adaptive Winter Sports Program began in 1998 when the Ranch decided it needed to provide children with the unique opportunity to experience the thrill of outdoor winter activities. About 350 children and their families now benefit from this program each winter. The beauty of it is that it is COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE. Children can participate in Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, family sleepover weekends, off-site challenges/races, and a closing ceremony. Families that have typically applied for this program have had a child with a chronic or life-threatening illness such as a neuromuscular impairment, cancer, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, HIV/AIDS, blood disorders, visual impairments, congenital heart disease, neurological disorders, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, anthrogryposis or many other serious illnesses. All applications are reviewed by the Medical Director before being approved.

A typical day at Double H includes families arriving at the Ranch in the morning for a day of winter sports. Each child is assigned a volunteer instructor and equipment is provided. The mountain has a chairlift and two ski trails in addition to miles of cross country trails. Families may sit in the lodge and monitor their child's progress! Not only do children relish the chance to glide through the snow, but they relish the opportunity to be with peers who have also endured hardships and pain and have spent too much time indoors in hospitals.

We want to commend the staff and volunteers of Double H for providing kids with such an amazing experience and want to remind everyone to be thankful of their health and well-being in the New Year. Thank you for reminding us to live each day fully. Thank you for putting smiles on children's faces.

If you would like to know more about Double H, you can go to www.doublehranch.org.

Indoor Rock Climbing with Kids

2006-12-27T13:58:00.000-05:00

If you are living in the New England area like we are here at Upside Over, you are begging for snow and looking for some indoor passtimes to keep your children active. Well, rock climbing at an indoor gym is a great way to build your children's confidence, balance and strength in the winter. Indoor is a good place to start. There will be a brief period of time where you and your child will need professional instruction and almost every gym can offer that. Plus, your children will be training amongst experienced climbers trying to stay in shape for the winter. There are often interscholastic leagues or perhaps your child would like to get involved in competitive rock climbing doing American Bouldering Series competitions or sport climbing. Perhaps you can plan on a themed birthday party for your child's first introduction to the gym. It can be a scary and intimidating place if it is not made to seem at first fun. Most gyms have a pretty reasonable rate for renting gear, but eventually it may be more expensive to rent! Today's entry will talk about what your kids will need to get started in rock climbing, indoor or outdoor.

Rock Climbing Shoes are probably the most important piece of equipment your child will need for rock climbing. No other type of shoe can compare in performance. When they are starting out, they will want a rock climbing shoe that's fairly stiff. It should be a half size smaller than the shoe they normally wear. When they try on a rock climbing shoe, it should feel tight, but comfortable. It shouldn't feel loose, but it shouldn't be cutting off their circulation either. Remember, you do want them to enjoy themselves! They shouldn't wear socks and lace the rock climbing shoes up tight. Try to slip them off without untying or unstrapping them. If they come off easily, they are not tight enough. The rubber on a rock climbing shoe is extremely sticky and grippy, so beware, they may begin to climb your doorframes......

Harnesses for Rock Climbing It can be a long way down to the ground when you're rock climbing, which is why climbers almost always wear a harness. The harness is attached to a rope to protect you from falling. Consult a professional at your local gym for the right harness for your child. You should make sure it fits comfortably but tightly around your child's waist and thighs. Look for a harness that is going to be small enough to fit tightly on your child's body. Small children may need a full body harness. Sometimes harnesses at gyms for rental are TOO adjustable. They are meant to be accommodating of people of all sizes and shapes and tend to be one size fits all. Children deserve comfort as well as safety, so consider buying your own harness for your child, even if they rent other gear. The padded or cushioned models out there are far more comfy than the styles with just nylon webbing.

Rock Climbing Carbiners and Belay Devices There are many gadgets that you will become familiarized with when you climb and these are life saving devices, not toys. Make sure your children understand that they are to be treated like fragile china and help them to understand exactly how they work. Carabiners are used to hook things onto your harness, like a belaying device which is used to control a climber while they are climbing and while they're rappelling, or a chalk bag. For safety, you should get a locking carbiner. Most indoor rock gyms use a device called a grigri which is a locking belay device that will lock up in the event of a fall without too much user intervention. You may not need to purchase a belay device until your child is ready to climb outdoors. Always consult a professional before attempting to use belay or rappelling equipment.

Rock Climbing Chalk Rock climbers put chalk on their hands to give themselves a better grip on the rock. You can buy chalk and a zippered chalk bag to prevent your child from spilling while in transit. The chalk is held in a bag which clips onto your child's rock climbing harness. They can dip their fingers into it while bouldering or climbing.

Climbing Helmets Your child should always wear a helmet when rock climbing to protect their head from falls or in case they swing and hit the sides of a wall or a rock falls down from above. Most kids won't mind as long as you can provide them with some stickers.....

To check out our full line of kids' climbing gear, click here: http://www.upsideover.com/Climbing-s/7.htm

If you think your child would be interested in climbing competitively, click here: http://usaclimbing.net/home.cfm
We are lucky to live right near the Queensbury gym Rock Sport where 15 year old Marah Bragdon trains. She is currently ranked 5th in the nation in ABS points! Go Marah!

A Snowshoeing Family Explorers Winter

2006-11-21T11:11:00.000-05:00

Snowshoeing for the Whole Family!

The season is just beginning for those of us who have come to enjoy snowshoeing with our families. Many people may remember the old clunky wooden snowshoes that would throw you off balance and make walking difficult. Good thing technology has caught up in this sport! We have some great snowshoes made by Crescent Moon in Boulder, CO and Tubbs, an old Vermont favorite now manufactured in Seattle. We have snowshoes for children up to 50 pounds all the way up to a snowshoe that will accommodate a 280 pound adult! Families just starting off may want to try a recreational snowshoe, but we can also outfit families that might want to climb a local peak and know that they can dig in and be confident with every step. The 2006 line of snowshoes we carry here at Upside Over are strong, lightweight, made of really innovative materials and have really easy to use bindings.

Check them out.
http://www.upsideover.com/Snowshoes_s/21.htm

A few things you might consider in order to get the most enjoyment possible during your family snowshoe outing is how important it is to dress properly, take lots of water and snacks, and to try them out in the backyard or on a carpet BEFORE you get out into the woods to make sure your little one is snug and secure in the binding and that they are coordinated enough to walk in them. For most children, age three to four is about the time they can handle their first snowshoe adventure. Don’t forget that before your child is ready, you can also head out and enjoy snowshoeing with your child in a child carrier. Just make sure they are BUNDLED UP!

Appropriate clothing for snowshoeing would be:
* a base layer or long underwear top and bottom made of a wicking polyester material
* a medium layer on top such as 200 weight fleece or microfleece or a wool sweater
* a waterproof shell material for pants and jacket
* a hat, waterproof mittens and warm wool socks should adorn their extremities
* a pair of winter boots or waterproof hiking boots (gaiters optional)
* no cotton, I repeat, no cotton

Remember, a small child will need a chance to learn how to feel comfortable with their new gear! Start out slowly and with lots of encouragement. A small child may be able to travel about a mile total at first, before they are comfortable. Snowshoeing in fresh powder can be VERY good exercise and you will have to make sure that no one is feeling left behind or getting overheated! If your child seems to be having balance issues, you can fix that quickly by teaching them to use trekking poles or little cross country ski poles. If you do have a small child, you may consider bringing along your child carrier on the trip in case they get tired on the way back to the car or to the house. Wherever you go, be sure to know the way and be familiar with the area because if not, you will be following your tracks back the way you came! Have fun and don’t be afraid of the snow! The woods are so lovely and quiet in the winter; let your child in on the peacefulness of the forest full of animal tracks and icicles. Then share some cocoa!!!!!

by: Aaren Hatalsky
Gear Consultant
Upside Over
ahatalsky@upsideover.com

2006-10-07T01:00:00.000-04:00

Hiking with Children ( by Penny Schwyn )

IMPORTANT
This article is not meant to be a substitute for common sense, or a treatise on child care. The purpose is to provide guidelines and suggestions as what has worked successfully for other parents who have ventured into the woods with their kids, before you. Many people have contributed to this, either with direct assistance in editing, or through posts to rec.backcountry.

INDEX

Babies/Toddlers
Kids
Diapers
Bottles vs/ breastfeeding
Sleeping
altitude
Equipment for babies and toddlers
Toddler safety
Hiking with kids
Kid's gear
Boots? Packs? Sleeping bags?
Predators?]dangers/ risks/personal safety
Older kids./Teens
Fun
First aid
The payoff

Final notes Intro and General Considerations:
You have kids, and now your hiking and backpacking life is over, correct? Wrong. While some people decide that taking kids out into the backcountry is going to be too much work, there are many of us that have had wonderful family times with a little altering of how we did it "BC". (before children)
The main thing to consider when hiking with babies and kids, is that you will have to modify your goals is whether it is in choice of destination, mileage, environment When you go hiking with a baby or a toddler, you will have lots of extra gear, plus be carrying the kid. That's when you pick a location that's easy to get to, kid friendly, and not too far in. There are certain trips you will want to do with your buddies or childless friends, to maintain your sense of what you want for "you", which will free you up to do more family oriented trips.
Kids will force you to alter your sense of accomplishment and to be flexible. For many children, it's the journey that's important, not how long the journey is. They are slower and closer to the ground, and by taking the time to look at the world from their perspective, with their sense of time, wonder and their short attention span, we learn lessons for ourselves and build real foundations of a love for the outdoors with our children. For all of us who have taken young children into the woods, it is the sense of wonder and altered time that seems to be recalled most fondly. Children don't seem to care about mileage, or destination. "Have fun. look at world through their eyes and it becomes new again" is how one dad put it so well. Get down to their level. spider webs, dew drops, a crawling bug, tossing pebbles. There is a real joy in re-discovering nature, on a kid's level. Older kids are going to enjoy the hike, the mileage and the view from the top more, but that is something that most families work up to.

One dad put it this way:
"Just change your goals. You won't be able to go as far/fast/high. If you want everything to be the same reconsider your plan. You won't be able to go as far/high/ because you'll have a heavier pack and maybe a pair of less strong legs walking (when they are old enough to walk). You also may have to limit your winter trips-At least I didn't want to take my kids out in -20 weather until they were around 10 years old. You'll need a lot of patience.
Plan flexible trips. Be prepared to shorten a trip. Things like bad weather, heavy mosquitoes/black flies have more serious consequences."
Most of the these concepts can be applied to backpacking, car camping, and canoe camping.

BABIES & toddlers:
Many people take their babies. While it requires preparation and thought, remember, our ancestors were packing infants around with them for thousands of years, why not you?
Babies, while requiring special care and attention, are not fragile. With you, the parent, paying attention, There's no reason not to go.
First, be prepared to take extra gear. A large capacity pack is a must. One of you will be carrying the baby, and just some of the gear, the other of you will be carrying every thing else. This will be the pattern for the first five years or so. Other ideas for hauling the gear include having a dog who will carry items that if they get lost/damaged/wet aren't a critical loss, and recruiting a friend "Sherpa" who is willing to be a part of your family trips. More on sherpas later.

Safety note for little ones:
New parents can be unintentionally thoughtless, based only on inexperience. Precautions to keep in mind are watching for sunburn, rashes and hypothermia. Babies have no real way to communicate with you until it's too late for some things like sunburn or wind burn. They lose body heat quickly, especially through extremities, because they are not generating heat through activity. Be extra diligent, and educate your self to be aware of all the possibilities. One dad said: "I remember taking my 1st born camping when she was about 6 weeks old, through our thoughtlessness, she got a bad sun/wind burn and cried all night."

Carrying a kid:
There are lots of excellent kid carriers available. Look for one that has a good suspension, with padded waist belt, padded shoulder straps and adjustment points. Do not attempt to use a basic pack with only shoulder straps, older ("Gerry" type from yard sales) these are not designed with serious hiking in mind. Some carriers have places to strap thing on, and extra pockets. There are a lot of extra accessories too: sun and rain guards, stirrups, and so on. A smaller infant can be carried in a Snugli type front pack, which will balance out a backpack, and keep the infant close for warmth. On one trip, Dad carried out 11 month old on top on his pack, sitting on his shoulders, with the top pocket as a back rest and the baby pack was strapped to my pack for later use.

Diapers:
Diapers are one of the biggest issues when backpacking. Let, "pack it in,pack it out" be your guide, whether you use cloth or disposables. Under no circumstances bury or burn diapers. You MUST pack them out. Scrape the poop into a cat hole. What we did, is scrape the diapers clean, and then dry them in a rock in the sun. This is where a dog pack can be handy: what better item for your dog to pack out than dirty diapers in plastic bags. In terms of weight, cloth diapers will dry more efficiently than disposables. Good sanitation for the parents is a must. lots of hand washing, and antibacterial hand wipes might be a useful item to carry. Consider too that an infant in a pack will be sitting on his diapers all day long. be sure and maintain diligence for not getting too soaked, or diaper rash.

Feeding:
The consensus is that backpacking babies are breastfed babies. No bottles to wash, no formula to pack. Breast milk is the perfect food for backpacking. When they get to the solid stage, just do like you would do at home. If you are the type that just feeds mushy versions of what the adults are having, that will be much simpler than carrying jars of prepared food. Many pack will "stand" making a great high chair substitute.

Sleeping with babies:
On this, let your personal style guide you. Many people do a double sleeping bag with the infant in between them. The problem with a baby in it's own bag is that they tend to wiggle out. If you are going to put baby it it's own bag, make sure they are dressed warmly enough to be comfortable in the night when they do wiggle out. Synthetic bags are washable.

Toddlers & crawlers:
Oh boy, this is the most exciting stage, and one of the most difficult to deal with. They are little children that are mobile with no sense. Everything is interesting to them. to look, touch, feel and even put in mouth. For most families, it works best to have one adult completely committed to the task of watching the kid, while the other one does camp chores. Good communication is a must, so that all parties know who is watching the kid.

Dirt:
Give up. Outside dirt is clean dirt A dirty face is usually a happy face. Seriously, one can waste a whole lot of time and energy trying to keep them clean. Clothing? Forget it, just change it when it's truly soiled, and not just dirty. One caution about eating dirt: one of my sons ended up with a really nasty fungal diaper rash, presumably from something that was in the dirt.

Younger Children:
Now, they are big enough for walks, hikes and sleeping in their own bag. This is such a special time. slow down to their pace and enjoy it. A hike may consist of a ½ mile that takes an hour or two, in the beginning. Let them set the pace; this is crucial - and be prepared to carry them when they get tired. Give them their own pack, and give a minimum of things to carry.
There are no real rules about hiking with kids. there are too many variables. As a parent, our job is to be sensitive and aware of their energy and attitude, and be ready to make alternate plans at a moments notice. Make hiking goals reasonable. Keep them fed and hydrated. Some kids love to travel on foot, some will dawdle. Some will set a faster pace than their older siblings, in order to not let them get ahead. Some families have done multi-day loop hikes, and other content themselves with hikes that only go one or two miles into the woods.
I used to think camelbaks were another gizmo. but they have become a valuable part of our hiking gear. Specifically, kids seem to love to drink form them. I always had trouble getting my kids to drink enough water while hiking until we bought them each their own water bag type pack.

Safety:
http://www.tbt.com/hugatree/program.htm is an excellent program, with lots of good ideas on how to "woodsproof" your small kids: what to do if they get lost and so on. This is the time to give them a safety whistle, and the beginnings of the essentials in their pack: a snack, some water and a spare layer. Some things that may have been taken for granted now need to be reconsidered: The campsite by the lake, a fire, or the camp spot on the ledge with the great view may now be a safety issue. In areas where mountain lions and other stalking predators are a concern, simple rules are good. For example, "no running, have a whistle at the ready and always keep in sight of me" might be a good place to start. Other areas to consider are altitude, sunburns, bee stings. just be aware and prepared. Especially for new parents: the built-in awareness that the baby in your backpack is getting sunburned/cold/ bit by bugs may take time to develop, so you need to be extra aware and diligent.

Sleeping arrangements:
Tents:
At this stage of the game, you may end up with three of you in a two man tent. Or you may buy a larger three man tent. If you have more than one kid, you might use two two-man tents, with an adult and a kid in each one. I would not expect a small child to sleep in a tent alone. For many years, we did the one adult in each tent thing. It was great trip when they graduated into their own tent!! Again, synthetic bags are best because they are washable, and if they are a wiggler, make sure they are dressed warm enough.
Sleeping bags: ( under gear)

FUN (for ALL AGES)

In case you need ideas for how to have fun.(in no particular order)
Fishing
Looking at nature (insects, flowers, trees, rocks and minerals, birds.)
S'mores or marshmallows, hot chocolate
Stories around a campfire ( Native American takes, folk tales, Jack London etc)
Amateur astronomy
Bouldering & rock scrambling
Skipping stones
Swimming
Puddles
Build a swing Minimum Impact:
Even the smallest child can help with keeping a clean camp, and be taught minimum impact camping skills.
Teach trash pickup, and minimizing damage to your surroundings. Kids are naturals at taking care of things.

Kid's Gear:
Ah, gear. You can never have enough. Adding kids to your program will push your gear acquisition skills. Most of us become very good at sale shopping, hand me downs, and multiple use items. REI, Campmor, and MEC ( in Canada) all stock kid's basics at fairly reasonable prices. You can also find things at K-mart like stores, garage sales, and from family and friends, internet sale boards, clubs. While the kids may not need state of the art gear, do consider their comfort and safety. For example, if it's damp out, you might dress them in fleece, instead of cotton. Consider their comfort, don't make the mistake of assuming that because they are kids they can tough it out. Many of us use handing things down to the kids as an excuse to replace our old well used gear. This is fine, just be sure the things you are giving your kids aren't so old and worn as to be unusable.

Tents: see discussion in "younger children"

Feet: The challenge of foot wear is one of the greatest. Feet are always growing, and there is a balance between perceived need, true need and budget. Some folks feel that sneakers are just fine; some kids will not wear boots, and sometimes you buy a great pair of boots only to find out they outgrew them since the last trip. Does a pair of cheap hikers differ greatly from a $60 pair of hikers? Only you can decide that.

Packs: Any day pack will do for a small child just carrying a few items. Once they start carrying gear, there are a number of options for packs.Small youth frame packs are made, quite suitable for 5-6-7 year olds. There are adjustable frame packs too. We've had good success with small ( for adults) capacity internal frame pack for an old child, 9-12. For the adult, this may be a good time to dig out that old 7000 cubic inch capacity ( I can hear the ultralighters groan...) pack that you haven't used in ages. Somewhere around 3 or 4 (or earlier) they will want their own backpack. A small day pack may do the trick at first, stuff it with sweater, snack and a few waterproof/light toys. Be prepared to hoist it yourself. When the kids are older, religiously watch what goes into their packs to keep the weight down and the fun up. My understanding is that young bones may be damaged by carrying too heavy a load 25% max.
Sleeping bags: There are many kid sized options available. Adult bags work fine, but may be heavier. Synthetics are best because they are washable. ( pee, barf, etc) For colder weather remember that if a sleeping bag is too big extra heat is required to heat all the unused space. Fold under a big bag or get one that fits. Some cool ones have a zipper or other arrangement to shorten bag. Your old bags may not be warm enough, be sure to check out the old gear before giving it to the kids.
Other gear: This will be the time to get larger cooking pot; mini flashlights for the kids, talkabouts (???)
A few notes on canoe camping:
Where possible let kid paddle, with proper sized paddle. Shorter trips at first, or stop after an hour or so for a break. Lego keeps them amused for hours and is waterproof. Teach rescue techniques, have fun doing it. Everyone always wears a proper fitting approved PFD. I'm almost sure someone on rbp will be happy to help.
Sherpas:
Considering all the extra gear that goes along with kids, this may be time to enlist a "sherpa". This could be an aunt or uncle, or a family friend, who enjoys both the outdoors and the kids. Their job will be to help carry as much extra gear as possible, and to be part of the whole experience. There is incredible value in watching your kids develop relationships with other adults. You may owe them pizza and beer afterwards, though!!

First Aid:
Depending on the ages of the kids, some suggestions on what to add to a first aid kit:
Baby or junior Tylenol Teething ointment, , Diaper rash treatment, Benedryl Older Kids and

Teens:
As the kids get bigger, their strength and interests grow and change. For a reluctant kid, consider bringing a friend along, or hooking up with another family that has kids too. Let them help in the trip and menu planning. Involve them in the process, packing , setting up camp. you are teaching them skills. The moment when you can ask them to set up the tent while you "rest" is a real treat. Give them a chance to focus on something they want to do: climbing, fishing for example, even if it's not your choice. Many older kids love to learn and use real skills such as whittling, map and compass; rope work. My boys love cross country hiking.
Without getting into politics, Scouting can be an excellent way to keep your kids involved in the outdoors as their social needs move away from the family. The right outdoors focused troops can be an extension of fostering a love for the outdoors.

FINAL NOTE:
Every so often, dump the kids and go off on your own and rediscover each other. Make time for you and your partner as friends, lovers, and wilderness partners. You will be better parents and partners because of it. What follows is a great quote, original attribution lost, written with much joy and wisdom from a loving Dad.
"In my experience babies are wonderful companions camping. After all, they did it for the last million years plus. It's adults who have become maladapted to wilderness. First thing: take the mom! A breast-fed baby needs virtually no other equipment except diapers. Use a front-carrier. If you put a Snugli on first, it balances the backpack nicely and you can keep a close eye on the occupant. Watch out for overheating. That's the main danger when you keep an infant skin to skin. Otherwise, you basically wear the infant inside your clothes (this works fine around camp) and sleeping bag, keeping it so close that you automatically monitor its safety.
(Check out books on hunter-gatherers to study from the experts!) Watch out for babies near campfires, though! They don't have the instincts to brush sparks off, and they will roll right into a fire. Fire avoidance is not in the genetic repertoire, somehow. I began taking my daughter camping at age six weeks.The sandy bottoms of desert canyons in Spring were very successful, before the bugs hatch. When you are at the bottom there is nowhere to fall. I camped with other people who had infants, so our expectations were all adjusted to the experience. We could load all the babies in one tent with a single person watching while the rest went off on short hikes. In general, plan around the baby from the very start. A mile is about as far as we ever set up basecamp from the trailhead (there's lots of wilderness within a mile from trailheads, but you have to find it). And everything was camp centered after that. But that first year, when she was just seven pounds, was by far the easiest and most rewarding backpacking with my daughter, who's five and forty pounds now. And don't think the baby doesn't know where it is! All developmental psychology stresses how primed for later life children are by their very earliest experiences. My daughter is totally at ease out of doors now. Wilderness isn't some unnatural experience she'll have when she's ten. Personally as well as genetically it is where she started from. "

2006-06-16T11:05:00.000-04:00

Contribute to a great new Book! Your family adventure could be in print!

Jennifer Bové is a writer and an active outdoor parent who we met along the way. She is working on a new anthology called Wild with Child: Adventures of Families in the Field. Of course we had much in common with her as we are huge proponents of adventures with your family. We encourage you to submit a story to Jennifer for inclusion in this much awaited book. You can find out more information at http://www.bovesboots.blogspot.com/

2006-06-09T10:18:00.000-04:00

Gear Review: Deuter Kid Comfort II

Price: $179.99

Upside: This pack is very easy to adjust from Dad to Mom. The Vari Quick system allows you to change the torso length in a flash. Loading your child is by far the easiest in the Kid Comfort II because the side opens as apposed to most of the other carriers where you need to top load the child.

Downside: You must remember to push out the back of the frame before you put the pack down with the child. This is a mistake I made on the first stop. I was attentive to the carrier and my little one did not fall over but it was very tippy without the frame fully extended. This is not uncommon in many packs.

Over All Impression: I have to say, I was surprised how comfortable the pack was. I was also very pleased with the way it handled my 30 lb. 3 year old. She tends to reach for branches and leaves and this did not compromise my hiking at all. It was so comfortable it felt very similar to my regular backpack fully loaded. We took the Kid Comfort II on a pretty technical rocky trail with some twists and turns and it managed the load very well. Leave it to Deuter to engineer a superb pack.

Cool features: Hydration compatible; put in a bladder and you and your child have access to hydration during the hike. Mesh pockets on the sides that the child can reach while in the carrier for snacks or the cute little teddy bear that comes with the pack.

Parents Under The Stars

2006-06-01T15:20:00.000-04:00

Spend a romantic evening under the stars –
Just you and your partner…

AND the kids!

OK. When was the last time you and your honey spent some quality time together? If you’re like most families with children, time alone is rare.
Picture it. You’re in the mountains with your family. It’s getting dark and the kids are settling in for a deep sleep. Why not use this time to reconnect with your partner? Cozy up under the stars. Stare out into space and catch up. Every day stressors become more trivial when surrounded by the open sky, sounds of the night animals and wind in the trees. (oh yeah, and maybe the occasional “Mommy, I have to go poo poo,” or “Can you lay with me?” that we often hear just when we think we’re alone!)

Heat some water on your stove or campfire and toss in a packet of hot cocoa; Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate is indulgent. For those of you who enjoy grape juice, we’ve discovered a perfect wine for our packs. French Rabbit’s resistant and easy-to-carry 1 Liter boxes are lightweight and protect your wine from UV rays. The screw cap is easy to open and reseal. They carry Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Chardonnay and retail for about $10.
Finished? Pack it out and recycle it!

Salute to you and your families!

Spring is coming!

2006-03-23T09:16:00.000-05:00

Spring skiing...Hiking the trail...Warmer days...Get out and enjoy the world with your kids!

We are always excited for spring. Kids can tell it is on the way. As parents we always look forward to warmer days when kids can get out of the house and blow off steam. No matter how active you are in the winter, spring is always welcome in a family household.

We look forward to longer hikes, bikes, and outings. Layering for kids is important as some spring days start out warm and can get cold or wet fast. Waterproof and windproof outer shells with a lightweight fleece thermal layer are great choices depending on the temperature outside. Sometimes we get over zealous with the temp and go out unprepared. Just remember it is easier to carry it and not use it than be without if the temperature drops.

Have a fun safe time!

A new little hiker to the family!

2006-01-17T13:09:00.000-05:00

Kellen John was born on January 15th at 6:00 AM. He was 8 lbs. and 21 inches long. His big sister is very proud, and wants to show him everything! It snowed the night he was born about 5 inches and the temperature dropped to about 8 F. What an entrance.

His Papa knew something was up when the Sabres scored an amazing 10 goals in the game the night before, and sure enough, he was inspired to join the outside world!

Kellen is an Irish name that means "powerful". Well that is how we see him...a powerful and positive influence on all our lives.

January snow means family fun!

2006-01-10T13:55:00.000-05:00

Well, it is snowy and cold now that winter is here, but that has not stopped us from enjoying the outdoors. Everyday that we stay inside is one more day that we go crazy. The hardest thing to do is to take that first step in loading our kids up with all the clothing and gear.

It is all worth it! We love to head out on our little adventures and explore our neighborhood and local parks. They all have a new look and feel with the white stuff on the ground.

When the snow is on the ground, road, and sidewalks we found the sled the best means of transportation! It just works better than jog strollers. It also seems to delight the kids so much more to ride in the sled. Going "fast" is one of the favorite things to do. What a way to travel! It also is a good workout for Dad or Mom and helps clear your head.

What to do with kids when its cold?

2006-01-06T15:10:00.000-05:00

Well, winter is here and it is easier to stay in than venture out...Especially when you have kids. I have found life much easier if I 'gear' them up (you parents know what I mean) and take them on an adventure. The adventure can be backyard, park down the street, or something much bigger. The toughest thing to do is to take the first step out the door.

We have found that a warm child is a happy child.

Here are some considerations, often obvious but sometimes overlooked that we have learned:

1. When kids are riding (sled, backpack, jogger, etc.) they will be colder than you are.

2. Layer like you would in the same situation. If you avoid cotton and other outdoor no-no's, do not put it on your child. There are fleece and other synthetic wicking fabrics out there that work fine for them as well. Wet kids are not happy. We usually bring an extra fleece blanket and backup clothing.

3. When you act excited about the adventure, they are excited...even if it is a training run in the park. Mix it up and they can have some fun. Different places and different things are always fun.

4. "Little Snacks," as our daughter calls them, go a long way!

5. Sometimes things just will not work out and you have to call it a day. When you keep this in mind at the start, it eases the pain when things fall apart. It is always good to have a backup plan.

6. Be safe and use your head. Keep it simple and the whole family will enjoy it.

The more you go the more they want to go! Our little one loves our adventures. We get quality time in the outdoors doing what we love and sharing that experience as a family. Expect the unexpected. We have changed many a diaper in the woods. A few blowouts and you learn quickly to carry duplicates of everything.

Have a great time out with your kids!

2006-01-06T15:00:00.000-05:00

Tennessee Valley Beach Hike

2006-01-05T11:01:00.000-05:00

When Cynthia and I talked about starting a family, our biggest fear was the loss of our active outdoor lifestyle. We took our adventures to the mountains, deserts, canyons and beyond. Our adventurous travel took us to some amazing places with many incredible experiences. As we embarked on our new life as a family, my fear was the loss of some of this adventure.

We decided early on that we would still embark on amazing adventures and that the kids would be along for the ride. After the first year of my daughter's life, we found it hard to access good gear, and information on living an active lifestyle as a family. The only information and gear we could find was not really our speed. We have done our fair share of car camping and backyard adventures, but our quality expectation of the gear and the experience were set a little higher.

So enters this blog...This is our journal of our journey through parenthood and family life sharing the outdoors with our young and growing family. Mind you, we have had to realign our expectations on what we expect to accomplish in the outdoors. That has been a natural transition. The thing that makes it so worth the adjustment is the look on our daughter's face when she first strapped on snowshoes, or hiked up a mountain, or hiked without Papa carrying her on the trail. From the first snow to the first plane ride, everything is grander through the eyes of a child.

So, we hope that this blog helps give you ideas, tips, and great gear reviews to help your family get out and enjoy this world. We are not meant to live life hiding inside.

Life is adventure. Explore the world as a family.

About Us

2006-01-02T16:40:00.000-05:00

About Outdoor Gear for Kids - Upside Over (Upsideover.com)
Upsideover.com an outdoor kids store provides the best available collection of outdoor gear for kids and kids technical clothing, Our staff is always updating our collections to provide the best kids gear, and in many cases hard to find gear, for your outdoor kids activities and active family needs.

Our store includes a broad selection of gear ranging from kids climbing gear, kids cycling gear, kids snowsports, kids rain gear, kids camping gear, kids hiking gear, kids helmets, kids cycling jerseys, kids sunglasses, kids snowshoes, family snowshoe packages, kids trekking poles, child carriers, jog strollers, snow sports, climbing, camping, paddle sports, cycling, technical clothing, footwear, helmets and safety/first aid and more kids gear. Our professional outdoor consultants are here to help you find what you need. Contact them at anytime for sizing questions, finding the right item or simply providing gear advice. We look forward to serving you and wish you the best in your outdoor activities. Let use know how your trip or activity went, we love to hear your stories!