I agree. If you want your kids to backpack after this trip, then they are the main concern. I once took my father-in-law on an overnight with my then 4yr old and his adopted 5 yr old. The two boys had grown up together in very close proximity, and we had just moved out of state. It was their last real time together for a while. I planned on only a 2 mile hike because it was my sons first time and I wanted him to enjoy (and I also didn't want to carry his pack <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> ). My father-in-law had this idea that the faster we got to camp, the better. I wanted to stop when my son wanted a rest, and to walk slow and show him why it is so cool to walk in the woods. I learned a lot about hiking with kids on that trip. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

If your step dad wants to do the distant just cuz, I suggest a trip without kids. Otherwise, slow down, don't go so far, and enjoy the time with the kids at their pace and comfort.