This summer I plan to go start riding with my 11 year old son on the Natchez Trace Parkway, riding out one day and then one day back.

The plan is to pack a tent and food and anything else needed. I think that I will be carrying the bulk of what we take on my bike in panniers but I have also wondered about pulling a trailer instead.

I am looking for advice from experienced touring riders on equipment, packing or any other wisdom anyone is willing to share.

A couple years back when my son was 11-12, we did some local overnighters and then rode the GAP trail over 4 days. I happened to have a trailer, so it was easier to pull that with the gear then trying to fit the extra clothes & sleeping gear on my bike. For a quick overnighter, its easier to just bring the needed clothes since you know what the weather will be. I also found that my son's appitite increased and what he really required was more food stops. I tried to keep his load low, so that hopefully that would increase his enjoyment. He's now 16, so its payback time this year and I think he should carry my gear ;-)

I just posted something on trailers in the "Converting" thread. In short, trailers are a very viable tool for the job.