Follow the story of a family of five as they backpack over 2000 miles from Georgia to Maine.

Meet Damien and Renee Tougas, and their three kids - Celine, Laurent, and Brienne - you've found their Appalachian Trail thru-hike video series.

During the Spring and Summer of 2014, this family hiked the Appalachian Trail. Carrying all their gear on their backs, hiking 10 to 25 miles a day, setting up camp, and cooking and eating in the woods. Half of a year living in the outdoors.

Is this safe for families? How much weight can kids carry? Do kids even want to do this? Won't they miss video games, friends, and their personal space? What healthy foods can you eat when you're burning over 5,000 calories a day? What do you pack and wear? And what about bugs? How much does it cost a family to do something like this? What about schooling? Why would families even want to do this? Purchase access to the video series to find out!

As hiking season approaches, we have our video series on sale!

Rent or buy episodes here

The First six episodes are free to watch online! See all the episodes listed at the bottom of the page.

Beyond our Boundaries

Who is this video series for?

  • People wanting to live intentional and adventurous lives. Yes, this is a series about backpacking, but it's so much more than that. It's about thinking outside the box (together), pushing beyond the boundaries of how families are expected to live. Be ready to challenge your assumptions because we're leaving normal behind.
  • Families seeking outdoor inspiration. Everyone knows, or at least I hope they do, that spending lots of time outdoors and being physically active is a healthier way to live. This series will inspire you to pursue physical activity outdoors. And it will specifically help your family figure out the how-tos of hiking and backpacking.
  • Homeschoolers. This is family homeschool project, featuring real homeschool kids having an amazing adventure and working with their parents to produce a video series. Kids feature big in this project. And homeschooling is what allows us the freedom to explore and adventure together.
  • Lightweight backpacking believers, (or skeptics). We believe in lightweight living and backpacking. If you're a believer, or a skeptic, you'll want to watch as we use these principles to take our family of five on a long distance hike.
  • Simple living enthusiasts. We are living six months in woods, carrying everything we need on our backs, and sleeping in tents. Talk about the ultimate family downsizing. What do people - mothers, fathers, teens, children really need to live well and enjoy life? Follow the series to find out.
  • Minimalist shoe geeks. And we mean geeks in the good way. If you are passionate about lightly shod human powered adventure you'll want to see what we're wearing, and what we're not (hint: we don't have hiking boots).
  • People who like good stories. At the heart of this project is a story about a family going through challenges and incredible experiences together. Whether you are interested in hiking or not, you will want to be a part of this adventure.

This series is for YOU.

If you've landed here from a friend's recommendation, a search for a minimalist shoe, a link from a homeschool blog, or some other internet route, we believe you've landed here for a reason - to join our adventure.

Rent or buy episodes here

The First six episodes are free to watch online! See all the episodes listed at the bottom of the page.