How Not to Backpack With Children

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."

 

By Drew Krepp
Illustrations by Koren Shadmi
March 9, 2018

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.

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."

 

Drew Krepp
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