5 Tips for Hiking with Kids

Adjust your pace and hike to an appropriate pace and terrain for little bodies.  Little legs can't walk as fast, kids get distracted and like to stop and investigate things along the way.  You must be journey oriented and not focused on destination--which is wonderful, it forces you to stay present.

Plan a short hike with little or no elevation gain.  Keep it easy and accessible, it it's too challenging it won't be as fun or safe for kids.  If possible, choose a trail with a body of water, a lake, river or waterfall will make the hike more exciting.  A local Ranger's station can recommend trails appropriate for your family, I love to check in with the rangers when I go to a park and find them very helpful and full of information.

Gear up together.  Enlist your kids' help with gathering the 10 essentials.  First Aid Kit?  Check.  Sunscreen?  Check.  And so on.  My son loves to fool around with our gear and feels empowered when I allow him to be in charge of some things.  Modify your first aid kit to be appropriate for children (children's ibuprofen, Bat Man band aids, etc).  

Play.  I-Spy or 20 Questions can help pick up the pace when kids show signs of fatigue or boredom.  A small magnifying glass can bring out the fascination factor of the beautiful patterns found in nature on tree stumps, leaves and insects. 

Eat.  In addition to lots of snacks, it's always fun and appreciated to stop for a little picnic.  If you dole out healthy treats (raisins, trail mix, etc) at different milestones it can keep things moving along.  Have plenty of hydration for everyone--kids can carry their own little hydration packs or water bottles and drink frequently.


Image Credit: Take a Hike Arizona

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Deuter Futura SL: Great Summer Pack

Planning on doing some day hiking with the kids this Summer?  I have the perfect pack for you, and just in time for the Season.  Check out this Futura 30L Pack from Deuter.  This pack is available in the women specific SL model, made to fit a women's body with a shorter carry system for shorter torsos, thinner straps and a contoured hip belt for a comfortable fit.  And for fun, it comes with a (removable) flower attached.  

This pack is loaded with details that make it function like a dream.  It has a fantastic Aircomfort ventilation system in the back to keep you cool, a lid compartment for those quick grab items like a first aid kit or sunscreen, and there's a toggle clip for your keys so those won't get lost floating around a big pack.  There's another zip pocket on the underside of that top compartment, perfect for your wallet and essentials like a headlamp.  There are side pockets with compression straps to reduce bulk, and an easy access front pocket for maps and energy bars.  I love the little pocket on the hip belt, perfect for my my phone.  The Futura has integrated trekking pole loops and an included rain cover located in a bottom compartment, I love this, seriously they thought of every last thing.

This pack is hydration compatible.  This never really mattered to me before, I thought I was fine with water bottles.  I've had Camelbaks before, I've used hydration packs.  But I have never used one that's integrated into a bigger pack.  I'm totally hooked now and can't believe there was ever a time I didn't do it this way.  It's just so much easier and more convenient.  Most packs have this capability these days, but there is something a little different about the Deuter hydration reservoir.  The hose detaches at the bladder, which means you don't have to take the whole thing out for refills, having to feed the tube through.  Much easier and faster this way.  It also simplifies filling it up at the sink, you don't have that hose in the way.  There's a velcro attachment on the inside of the pack to hold the reservoir in place. A  sliding clip as opposed to a screw top opening makes it very fast and easy to fill and to clean.  There's a little cover for the mouth piece that keeps it clean, and I've had no leaks at all.

There's plenty of room for the ten essentials, extra clothes for the kids, a picnic, and more.  I've taken this on two day hikes and it was super comfortable and exceeded my needs.  I really appreciated all the extra features and could easily be spoiled by Deuter.  Meticulous organization, a high tech cooling system, and plenty of water available, make the Futura an ideal Summer day pack and a great value.  Find it HERE. 

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3 Reasons to Go Hiking with Your Kids

Why get out in the woods with your kids?  Because it plants the seed of loving nature in them that hopefully will last their entire lives.  Reverence for nature enriches your life tremendously, I can't imagine not having that innate need to get outdoors.  It's something I totally take for granted until I hear someone say they're not into it.  What? How could that be?  To each his own, and not everyone has access to the outdoors so easily.  But even if you are a city dweller, it's worth it to make the effort to get out there, especially if you have kids.  Why?

1.  It's bonding.  Sharing time in the natural world creates loving bonds.  Some of the best memories are made outside.  You don't have all the distractions of home, like television, video games and the pressures and chores.  You're in the moment, present with your children.  It's an ideal family activity and a way to create traditions. 

2.  It teaches them at an early age to be comfortable outdoors.  They learn a sense of direction, of competence, it's great for their sense of well being and confidence.  They feel more connected to the world around them, and more protective of the environment.

3.  It's healthy!  Hiking is great exercise, but so fun you don't realize you're getting a great workout at the same time.  Breathing all that fresh air is far superior than what you might find in a gym and it's adventurous to boot. 

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