Because going into nature is an adventure, especially with children, you will have to be prepared. To make your hike enjoyable and safe, having the proper equipment and supplies with you is essential. Packing these essentials, even on day hikes, will make your day more relaxing! Here I focus on easy to moderate day hikes with kids.
Key words :
Hike : gears for easy or moderate day hike
Kid : Hiking with Toddlers, Young Kids and Grade-Schoolers
The 4 essentials for your backpack :
1 – The items for the security.
- Whistle : it is used to call for help If you get lost or you are injured. Everyone should have one.
- Headlamp : in order to avoid being stuck in the dark if something unexpected happens and the hike ends up taking a lot longer than anticipated. Everyone should have one.
- Water Filter : allows you to safely drink water from rivers, lakes and even puddles… It can be very useful if you need more water than expected.
- First Aid Kit : Never leave without, trust me, it’s always the time you don’t have it, you will need it.
- Emergency Blanket : also known as a space blanket, survival blanket or first aid blanket. Wrap it around yourself to conserve and increase your own body heat. Gold on the outside: provides protection against cold. Silver on the outside: provides protection against heat.
- Knife : is useful for first aid, food preparation, making repairs, etc. It’s multipurpose.
2 – The Bathroom Kit !
If you can hold it, well most of the time kids cannot !!! Leave no trace explains : “Proper disposal of human waste is important to avoid pollution of water sources, avoid the negative implications of someone else finding it and minimize the possibility of spreading disease.”
Your bathroom kit should include:
-
- Little trowel for a cat hole : the site of the cat hole must be far from water sources (around 60 meters / 200 feet ). Dig the hole at least 15 cm deep (6-8 inches). When you have finished, fill it with the original dirt. Use only plain, white, non-perfumed toilet paper sparingly.
- Wag Bag: use it to pack out your solid waste If you can’t bury it.
- Toilet paper: use plain, white, non-perfumed toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
3- Items depending on the season :
Summer and warm day :
-
- Sun protection: sunglasses and sunscreen 50+
- Insect Repellent
- Sun Hat or bandana or cap
- Extra water
- Lightweight clothing, (preferably with some UV protection)
Winter and cold days :
-
- UV protection: sunglasses and sunscreen 50+. Yes even in winter ! Because snow is highly reflective of UV radiation. That means that you exposed your skin to the risk of sunburn and your eye to snow blindness.
- Cold protection, layering the cloth is key :
1- Base layer : goes right against your skin
2- Middle layer (insulating layer) : protect you from the cold and keep you warm. And If it’s really cold try the hand and foot warmers.
3- Outer layer : protect you from the wind, the rain, the cold. So rain jacket, warm socks, waterproof hiking shoes or snow boots, hats, waterproof gloves, and scarfs.
4- Drinks, snacks and picnic break
- Snacks : Let your kids bring their favourite snacks and pack it separately so everyone has its own. Try to keep it as healthy as possible.
- Picnic : first determine the type of picnic (more sandwich, salads like or warm meal) then take the appropriate gears. For example : lightweight cutlery and cups, cookpot (titanium is very durable and lightweight) with a camp stove etc…
- Bottle of water or Water bladder : At least 1,5 litres per person and that needs to be increased with the ambient temperature and the duration of the hike. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink water. It is recommended to drink regularly.
- Biodegradable wet wipes: they are environmentally friendly, but you should still bring it back with you.
- Compact and insulated seat pad for protection from the ground during breaks.
- Antibacterial gel.
- Trash Bags : Because you don’t want to leave your garbage on site !
The Essentials in the Kids backpack :
Read the article : 5 Tips to prepare your kid’s hiking backpack !
BONUS….. The Essentials in your car :
After a lot of emotions and adventures, the shoes are dirty, the clothes may be wet, and you can hear stomach rumbling. Well don’t panic and let’s see what we can leave in the car that can save the day!!
- Keep a spare change of clothes (according to the season), comfy shoes and a towel
- Extra water and snacks
- Some toys, books and favourite cuddly toy
That’s it you are ready to explore the world !!
Disclaimer : The contents of this website do not constitute advice and are provided for informational purposes only. See our full disclaimer
