Things You'll Need:
- Location Cloths Gear First Aide Planned activities
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Step 1
Locations:
When choosing a location to go backpacking, let your kids be apart of the planning. Give them brochures and magazines on dentations you are considering going. Create a Family Backpacking journal and have your kids write down what they in-vision for the trip. Not only will this help increase your kid’s anticipation for your family adventure, it will also give you a better idea on where to take them backpacking. When you have a location in mind, you can contact them directly or call an adventure travel agency company for more detailed information. If this is your first backpacking trip with your kids try choosing a location that is close to home. -
Step 2
Cloths:
When backpacking with your kids it is important for all of you to stay warm when you stop to rest and cool when you are hiking. The secret to this is layering. Pack lightweight cloths that are well insulated, this way you can add layers of cloths for warmth and remove layers of cloths to stay cool. When dressing for your backpacking trip remember this few tips:
Inner Layer - This is clothing that keeps you and your kids dry by drawing sweat away from the skin. Clothing that is made of cotton, polyester, or microfiber based are good choices to wear.
Mid Layer - These are insulated clothes that provide warmth for you and your kids. The mid layer clothing should be moor loose fitting than your inner layer clothing. Clothing that is made of wool, fleece, and down are great choices to wear.
Outer Layer – This is clothing that will protect you and your kids from the wind and water. The outer layer clothing should be waterproof and breathable. Plastic raincoats or materials made out of Gore-Tex are perfect for your outer layering. -
Step 3
Gear:
Having the right gear will keep you and your kids safe and comfortable. Don’t over pack your kids backpack, for their safety their packs should be no more than 10% - 15% of their body weight. Here’s a list of must haves for your family adventure:
Snacks
Map
Sunglasses
Plastic Whistles
Hiking Boots
Hiking Poles
Head Lamp Flashlights
Compass or a handheld GPS
Multi Tool Pocket Knife
2 sets of Batteries
Plastic Water Bottles
Matches or a Big Lighter
Sun Screen
Insect repellant
Gloves
Small Tent or Tarp
If you’re backpacking trip will be overnight or for a few days add these items to your gear list:
A lightweight stove & fuel
Portable Cooler
Food
A mess kit
Ziploc & trash bags
A bottle of water purification tablets
Tooth brush & tooth paste – Secured in a Ziploc bag
Comb & Brush - Secured in a Ziploc bag
Toilet paper – 2-3 rolls secured in a Ziploc bag
Washcloths – one for you and your kids, secured in a Ziploc bag
Deodorant - one for you and your kids, secured in a Ziploc bag
Antibacterial Hand Soap - one for you and your kids, secured in a Ziploc bag
Moist Toweletts – 12-24 towelettes secured in a Ziploc bag
Tents & poles – A family size tent (tent repair kit)
Sleeping bags - one for you and your kids
Rope – at least 50ft -
Step 4
First Aide:
Accidents can happen so be prepared. Here are a few suggestions for your family first aid kit:
Adhesive tape
Antibacterial first aid cream
Burn cream or Aloe Vera Gel
Alcohol wipes
Gauze pads
Assorted bandages (make sure you have 2-4 extra large bandges)
Aspirin
Tweezers
Latex gloves
Any prescription drugs you or your kids may need
If you have an infant you will need to have diaper rash cream, fever reducer, and if needed teething ointment. -
Step 5
Planned activities
Keep your kids interested and entertained by planning activities, make sure you get them evolved with the planning. Have them write in your Backpacking journal what type of activities they would like to do. Give them binoculars, paper and pen for recording all the wonderful sights they will encounter. Don’t forget the disposable cameras to capture their memories of your backpacking trip.
