Thanks for all the constructive feedback, everyone. My son and I are going out again this weekend to Pedernales Falls State Park, sort of in the Austin, TX area. So far, we've replaced our backpacks, the tent and my son's sleeping bag (with a "long" model for the 6' kid!) so we'll evaluate how much of a difference that makes. We're going to practice with carrying all the water (3 gallons each) we'll need for Big Bend over spring break although we won't actually need nearly so much for an overnight trip in a less dry place.

No doubt our choice of trail cuisine could be improved! However, the novelty of actually preparing something in a plastic bag made it taste all the more delicious, I think. We eat hardly any prepared / convenience food at home so shopping for the packaged food items added to the fun. Live and learn, right?

Lesley