Fathers and Sons - sharing the trail, making memories

Imagine yourself spending a couple days, no distractions from technologies. Imagine the memories you could make. These are the things you cannot put price on. Unlike a toy or a meal, an experience is something that you have with you forever. I distinctly remember my first time going hiking or backpacking with my dad. I remember the first trout I caught with him. I remember all the time he invested in me and the lessons he taught.

I don’t know if you ever had opportunities like I shared above. I know many have not. Equipped Outdoors exists to help create shared experiences between a father and his son/s, men, families, etc. Shared experiences create memories that last a lifetime. These same experiences and lessons we learn on them will stay with us for most if not all of our life.

That is exactly what we did on our most recent Father/Son trek in October. This one was focused on younger boys - ages 7-14, although I did bring my son, age 5; but you can do that when you’re the lead guide.

We tailor these trek adventures to the age and skill of the participants which means that regardless of the skillset; these trips are a great opportunity to get out and create shared experiences with you boys. Since we had little legs, we did about 3-5miles a day and ensured we had LOTS OF FUN!

This trek took us to the Arkansas Buffalo National Wilderness. We hiked a portion of the Buffalo River trail and the Old River Trail. We saw old abandoned cabins, learned how to filter water and why. We climbed 250’ into a cave where a 25’ waterfall was (but it was dried up at the time). The father/son pairs learned how to locate tent location and setup their tent, prepare food, scavenge for wood, navigate wildlife, cross rivers and even go to swing on vine rope swings! This was a trip that I’m still hearing from the dads about how much fun it was and how much their boys are talking about wanting to do it again.

NOTE: While this trip was Fathers and Sons, plans are in the works to do a Father/Kids experience where dads can bring their daughters if they have interest and can invest in those same shared experiences!

Dads, we are all busy; but spending time with your kids is the greatest investment you can possibly make! It builds relationships, trust, confidence and community! Plus, BACKPACKING IS JUST FUN!