The Magazine of The Sierra Club
How Not to Backpack With Children
A freezing overnight trip with two young kids—what could go wrong?
After being cooped up all winter, my two oldest kids (Noah, 5, and Annabelle, 3) and I were eager for an overnight on the Appalachian Trail. On the hike in, Annabelle complained of "cold toes." That should have been a red flag, but it faded into the general hum of kid complaints and we kept going.
I was prepared for 30-degree weather, but the temperature was in the 20s—and getting windy. The kids were well layered with cotton clothes. Annabelle was wearing sneakers.
The kids usually love freeze-dried meals, but that evening they were both indifferent. When Annabelle refused dessert, I knew we were in trouble.
I realized my thoughts were getting sluggish, so we got into the hammock. That's when I noticed that Annabelle's socks were damp and her toes were stiff, cold, and waxy.
I spent the night awake and worried, Annabelle's toes pressed against my stomach. We made it home healthy and fully toed, but I have not yet told my wife the full details of that night.
This article appeared in the March/April 2018 edition with the headline "Cold Feet."
ASK THE EXPERT
Francy Rubin is a veteran leader for Sierra Club Outings.
"Hypothermia was a real threat here. Cotton should never be used as a base layer in the cold! Wool would have been a much better choice. Also, sneakers are never appropriate in freezing temperatures. Drew could have added heat with warm food and drinks and a water bottle filled with hot water. As it was, this family was lucky."
