Last Saturday, Sage and I hiked up Black Mountain in Benton, NH. For the first time, Sage wore a backpack loaded with everything she'd need for an overnight, minus a tent. Up until this point, I've carried most of the load for both girls during our adventures. Now, however, they're ready to shoulder their own stuff.
That being said, it's important they carry as little weight as possible on the Camino...lighter loads mean happier hikers and healthier backs and feet. Therefore, the girls and I will bring only the bare essentials. Though Sage's pack looks huge, it only weighs 6 pounds (not including water).
The hike went well, as you can see from the video below. Black Mountain via Chippewa Trail is about 5 miles roundtrip with 1600 feet of elevation gain.
Good times.
Regarding the backpack's weight: Sage felt comfortable during the hike, but I think I need to buy her a different backpack. The one she wore on Saturday is too big; the contents, when packed down, fill only half the space. We can probably find a children's backpack that's lighter and smaller, yet still holds all that Sage needs to carry.
