Beyond Our Boundaries: The Story of a Family of Five Thru-Hiking the AT in 2014

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ARTICLE OUTLINE

Not many families do long distance hiking together. Why do you think that is?
How do you plan to overcome these challenges?
What do your kids think about your thru-hike plans?
People do long distance hikes for their own personal reasons, usually along the lines of "self-discovery, a deep nature experience, or to have a challenging outdoors experience". What are your family's reasons?
As an editor of Backpacking Light we know you value a lightweight philosophy. What are your thoughts on lightweight family backpacking?
How do you manage to just "pull out" of your life for six months and hit the trail?

# WORDS: 1170
# PHOTOS: 7

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Viewing 11 posts - 1 through 11 (of 11 total)

Author

Posts
Jan 7, 2014 at 11:27 pm #1311888

Ryan Jordan
Admin

@ryan
Locale: Central Rockies

Companion forum thread to:

Beyond Our Boundaries: The Story of a Family of Five Thru-Hiking the AT in 2014

Jan 8, 2014 at 9:04 am #2061538

Five Star
BPL Member

@mammoman
Locale: NE AL

That is just cool as you know what.

Also, I spy a BPL Absaroka pack.

Jan 8, 2014 at 9:25 am #2061541

Andy Stow
BPL Member

@andys
Locale: Midwest USA

Very awesome. I am jealous.

Jan 8, 2014 at 9:53 am #2061552

Ron Babington
BPL Member

@ohbejoyful
Locale: Greenville, SC

I'm really excited to follow along.

Damien, what will be your family's "philosophy of dropping," if you will? Meaning, what kinds of things would take you off the trail?

Edited to add: Nevermind, I just needed to finish reading through your Kickstarter page to find out (eg, "Risks and Challenges"). :)

Godspeed!

Jan 8, 2014 at 11:22 am #2061576

Damien Tougas
BPL Member

@dtougas

@John: Yes, that is a BPL Absaroka pack (on my youngest daughter), it has been her pack for a few years now. It's not the one she will be using for this hike though, she will be using a Golite Jam as she needs something with a little more volume.

@Ron: No problem, glad you found your answers :-) I would be happy to answer any additional questions you have either here or on the Kickstarter page. Thanks!

Jan 8, 2014 at 12:30 pm #2061601

Daniel Pittman
Spectator

@pitsy
Locale: Central Texas

Hell yes I will support this! I'm not sure how much I can spare, but I guarantee you're getting some of my money.

Jan 8, 2014 at 12:34 pm #2061603

Damien Tougas
BPL Member

@dtougas

@Daniel: Your enthusiasm is much appreciated, thanks for your support! BPL is a great community.

Jan 9, 2014 at 8:58 pm #2062070

Daniel Pittman
Spectator

@pitsy
Locale: Central Texas

I try to support a good idea whenever I can. I helped with the packrafting series, even though I don't plan on packrafting. I'm just really stoked on people getting out there and making stuff happen.

Jan 12, 2014 at 9:11 am #2062683

Ike Jutkowitz
BPL Member

@ike
Locale: Central Michigan

I have much respect for those who figure out how to parent creatively like this. An experience like the AT will have a much bigger impact on your kids development and confidence than school, camp, or the many sedentary ways kids spend their summers. I'm looking forward to following this, and hoping to glean some inspirations for outings with my daughters.

Feb 11, 2014 at 7:37 pm #2072445

Daniel Pittman
Spectator

@pitsy
Locale: Central Texas

Aw crap! I screwed around and missed the funding deadline. Stoked to see the project got funded even without my help! I added myself to the contact list on the website, so let me know when the video is ready for purchase. Good luck on your hike!

Mar 6, 2014 at 11:47 am #2080145

Stephen Owens
BPL Member

@walknhigh
Locale: White Mtns, AZ

In the Barefoot Sisters book they hiked the AT with a family.
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Beyond Our Boundaries: The Story of a Family of Five Thru-Hiking the AT in 2014

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Beyond Our Boundaries: The Story of a Family of Five Thru-Hiking the AT in 2014

By BPL Test

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By BPL Test

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Get ultralight backpacking skills, gear info, philosophy, news, and more.

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