Beyond Our Boundaries: Episode 1

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

Bon voyage!

Gotta see some gear lists!

Gear lists

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

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

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 :-)

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

"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!!

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.

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.

"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.

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.

It's gorgeous. Good Luck family
Thanks

I am so happy for all of you!

Great job, Mom & Dad!

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?

Cool family project!

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