Beyond Our Boundaries: Episode 1

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The Tougas Family is embarking on an exciting journey; their ambitious plan is to backpack the Appalachian as a family. This episode introduces their plan, gear, and the individual skills brought to the production by each of the family members. The beauty about this project is that the family is learning how to do this sort of trip from scratch and the end product will be something that others families can use for similar endeavors.

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Viewing 17 posts - 1 through 17 (of 17 total)

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Feb 25, 2014 at 8:00 pm #1313764

Stephanie Jordan
Spectator

@maia
Locale: Rocky Mountains

Companion forum thread to:

Beyond Our Boundaries: Episode 1

Feb 25, 2014 at 8:36 pm #2077148

Ken Thompson
BPL Member

@here
Locale: Right there

What's the longest your family has gone out for at one time to date?

Feb 26, 2014 at 12:11 pm #2077385

Dale Wambaugh
BPL Member

@dwambaugh
Locale: Pacific Northwest

Bon voyage!

Gotta see some gear lists!

Feb 26, 2014 at 3:28 pm #2077460

Jason Elsworth
Spectator

@jephoto
Locale: New Zealand

Gear lists

http://toesalad.com/articles/family-thru-hike-gear-list/

Feb 26, 2014 at 3:37 pm #2077464

rOg w
BPL Member

@rog_w
Locale: rogwilmers.com

deleted

Feb 26, 2014 at 6:12 pm #2077504

Damien Tougas
BPL Member

@dtougas

Ken: Our family backpacking trips thus far have topped-out at five days.

Feb 26, 2014 at 6:17 pm #2077508

Damien Tougas
BPL Member

@dtougas

rOg: no, we won't be using a shotgun mic, we have a Roland R-05 digital audio recorder. Unfortunately – due to some technical issues – the audio from the recorder didn't make it into this episode, however this should be rectified for future ones. That's why we are doing theses pre-trail episodes, to get the bugs worked out in advance :-)

Feb 26, 2014 at 6:48 pm #2077526

John S.
BPL Member

@jshann

If only a family trip of 5 days, what are the odds this trip will be completed? Less than 10%?

Feb 26, 2014 at 7:23 pm #2077538

Nick Gatel
BPL Member

@ngatel
Locale: Southern California

"If only a family trip of 5 days, what are the odds this trip will be completed? Less than 10%?"

I don't think this is a fair statement. People have done long thru-hikes with little or no backpacking experience. There are a lot of other factors that are probably more important. However, with 5 people in the family the need to keep all 5 motivated could prove challenging — or maybe not. From the little I have read about the family, I have a feeling they have a very good chance to complete the trip. Time will tell. Keep positive thoughts!!

Feb 27, 2014 at 5:47 am #2077635

Paul Magnanti
BPL Member

@paulmags
Locale: Colorado Plateau

Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is essentially one long trip broken into a series of 3-5 days between resupplies.

While a longer hike with resupply is extremely helpful for dialing in gear and technique, it is not necessary for a successful completion of an AT thru-hike.

Prior backpacking experience of any type of trip, of course, is always helpful. A five day trip is pretty similar to what most people will see on the AT.

Feb 27, 2014 at 7:11 am #2077657

Luke Schmidt
BPL Member

@cameron
Locale: Alaska

Being out for five days should be plenty on the AT. Its not as remote as other trails. They have been living a pretty outdoor oriented life style so I think they will be mentally better prepared then most people who set out on the trail.
I think the biggest risk is that with 5 people there is a greater chance of a twisted ankle, illness or other emergency that will take them off the trail. Hopefully none of that happens.

Feb 27, 2014 at 10:48 am #2077724

Greg Mihalik
Spectator

@greg23
Locale: Colorado

"I think the biggest risk is that with 5 people there is a greater chance of a twisted ankle, illness or other emergency that will take them off the trail."

Kids are made out of rubber, and are also the reservoirs/vectors for most of the common crud.

Mom and Dad are the ones at risk.

Feb 27, 2014 at 3:28 pm #2077823

Glenn S
Member

@glenn64
Locale: Snowhere, MN

Using a 5 day outing as a benchmark for a success rate of an endeavor like this is completely the wrong approach IMO. I don't think the catch lies in the physical aspect of it at all. I would be more concerned with the idea of five people being stuck in such close proximity to each other for such a long period of time. No getting away from anyone for anything.

What I see as the biggest hitchpin of success for this group, is the homeschooling. The family is already operating as a "unit" (at least I hope that's the scenario) and hasn't suffered the family unity breakdown that comes from a more public sector. That unity, should provide a "power in numbers" effect and be the key factor in the success of this project.

Mar 2, 2014 at 6:35 am #2078584

Ivan Dominguez
BPL Member

@idtejera
Locale: Canary Islands

It's gorgeous. Good Luck family
Thanks

Mar 2, 2014 at 12:59 pm #2078690

todd
BPL Member

@funnymo
Locale: SE USA

I am so happy for all of you!

Great job, Mom & Dad!

Mar 7, 2014 at 10:46 am #2080569

marjolein Keuning
BPL Member

@laincha
Locale: netherlands

What are your plans for food? Sending packages, shopping on the way?
What are the weights and kind of things to eat that keep kids happy?

Mar 7, 2014 at 4:45 pm #2080698

John Myers
BPL Member

@dallas
Locale: North Texas

Cool family project!

Best wishes. Hope you make it the whole way, but even if that doesn't happen, the experience will be priceless.
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