Im a Dad with two lads aged 15 and 13

[Stuart12345]

Hi Guys,

Just after some advice really. I fancy taking my boys on an outdoor adventure, camping, bushcraft, canoe, foraging, that sort of stuff. I am certainly no expert so fancied hiring a guide and doing it properly.

I am based in North West of England and just wondered what anyone's advice would be?

I've seen a few things online but I've read some of the posts on this forum and really would appreciate some thoughts from you guys

[FishyFolk]

I am going to assume that you have no experience at all :-)

First the kit. It ain't so important how fancy it is. What is important is that you have a an idea how it all works, and if it comes in parts, how it fits together etc. And when you are miles from the internet and youtube, it's kind of to late to find out.

Now getting a guide is a good idea. But a lot can be leraned by trial and error...from the safety of your own garden or living room, garage, or other nearby area where you can play with your stuff and thereby learn how to use it. I.e...how do you set up that tent or hang that hammock.

Is my sleeping bag really good for the advertised -18 celcius?
Can I light that fire using a fire steel?

Then go for a walk in the nieghbourhood or a nearby park with your kit on your back.
Will I be able to carry that load?
Do I need a better or larger Bergen?

Take an overnighter in a nearby woodland.
What kit did I use?
Can I leave something at home?
Was the sleeping bag warm enough?

You probably get the point by now. And I actually suggest you try these things out before hiring a guide. That way you will have some experience
which will make it easier for you to ask the right questions to your guide when the time comes.

[Silverback]

welcome to the forum. No shortage of folk in your immediate area to lend a helping hand...the northern soul group or north west bushcrafters for example have a look at the groups section of the forum, and maybe attend a meet

[BJ]

Hi & welcome

[MikeWilkinson]

Hi and welcome. There are quite a few of us up in the northwest and as Sapper suggests take a look at the Northern soul and North Wales Bushcrafters pages. You may find you don't need to hire a guide or that there are some low cost courses available in your area.

[AdrianRose]

Hi there Stuart

I got your message on my website. I'll drop you an email so we can sort something out.

Nice to have another Lancashire fella on board for the forum too.

Ade

[Ehecatl]

Hello and welcome,

M@

[David_JAFO]

hello,
:welcome: great advice from FishyFolk I'm sure your two boy's will be just as happy with the experience
out overnight with their dad under canvas until your confident enough to go further afield. Do enjoy the
experience :wink:
Regards
David

[Sar-ian]

Hi there and welcome, plenty folk from the northwest on this forum... Depending on where you are based more than happy to share what little knowledge and skills I have, cheers Ian......

[shepherd]

welcome to the forum. No shortage of folk in your immediate area to lend a helping hand...the northern soul group or north west bushcrafters for example have a look at the groups section of the forum, and maybe attend a meet

+1.. where abouts are you in the North West?

[biker-bri]

A warm :welcome: from North Wales, nice to hear about a dad and his lads planning to get out under the stars ATB Bri

[alvino78]

:welcome: