As a mom, you’re always looking for new ways to get the kids outside. But as any experienced parent will tell you these days, it’s easier said than done.
That’s where this post can help. It looks at everything you should take with you as a mom if you’re planning a kids’ hiking trip. These adventures are often the only time in the year when they get to go out into nature and experience it in all its glory.
So, what should you be taking?
Water And Hydration Gear
Top of the list of priorities is water and hydration gear. This stuff is essential if you’re planning to walk a long way on small legs.
Reusable filter water bottles are the best option for each kid. They can fill up at streams along the way because of the effectiveness of modern filters. Or you can wait until you reach campsites that usually have a main supply.
It can also be fun to use hydration packs. These are for kids who want to wear a backpack bladder and sip their water on the go.
You could also freeze bottles the night before and then let kids drink them during the day if you’re going for 24 hours into the wilderness. This way, they always have a cool drink they can sip on during hotter summer days.
Backpack
You also want to bring customized backpacks with you, preferably kid-sized. These provide children with the space they need to carry all their essentials with them.
Make sure the backpack is padded and has straps for a good fit. Don’t get them anything too heavy or even impractical, as it may not stand up to abuse on the trail.
Snacks
You also want to ensure you have food and snacks with you. When hiking all day, kids will burn about double their usual number of calories, so it’s often okay for them to have a high-energy treat on the trail. You can feed them healthy food, but they might be sluggish, particularly toward the end of the trip.
Trail mix is one option. You can make this yourself by mixing nuts, dried fruit, and maybe some chocolate drops.
Granola and cereal bars are another good snack for the trail. These are small, neat, tidy, and won’t make much of a mess even if they spill them.
Fresh fruit is also okay. However, it won’t provide as many calories and processed foods, and it is heavier to carry around with you because of all the water content.
First Aid Kid
On top of all this, you’ll want to bring a first-aid kit with you. These are handy for the inevitable bumps and scrapes that occur while on the trail.
At a minimum, you’ll require bandages, antiseptic wipes, pins, band-aids, scissors, tape, and pain killers. You should also bring tweezers with you for ticks and bug bites to soothe itchy spots.
There’s also a high chance that your kids will develop blisters on the trail. Therefore, you’ll need to include tools for dealing with these as well.
Safety Essentials
Beyond a regular first aid kit, you should also bring plenty of safety essentials with you, just in case you find yourself in the middle of nowhere.
Start with a flashlight or headlamp to help you if it gets dark and you’re not yet at your destination. You also want to bring bright clothing and reflective gear, including an emergency blanket if possible. These can keep you warm if, by some chance, you wind up stuck out in the wilderness and with no way to call for help (which can sometimes happen).
Rest Items
Then, there are other items. These keep you comfortable on the trail and are particularly helpful when hiking with kids. For example, you could bring a simple picnic towel if you stop somewhere to eat, or you could bring a small pillow if you want to take a nap or plan to camp overnight.
Even toys and stuffed animals can keep kids happy, so bring them if you think it’s necessary.
Comfortable Clothing
Finally, you’ll want to ensure that every family member on the hike is wearing comfortable clothing. Children should have weather-suitable layers with breathable elements to keep them happy.
Layering is more critical during the cooler months of the year compared to the summer. Kids should have breathable shirts and pants for warm days and waterproof jackets with fleeces for cooler ones.
You also want to ensure they have extra socks (just in case they wear through) and a sun hat, even during the darker months.