A Guide to Family Camping: Strategies for an Enjoyable, Fruitful, and Rewarding Journey with Your Children
Family Backpacking: Making Memorable Adventures with Young Children
Exploring the great outdoors with your little ones can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience. McKenzie Smith, a seasoned backpacker, and mother of six, shares her tips for planning successful family backpacking trips with young children.
Choosing the Right Trail
When it comes to selecting a trail for your family adventure, McKenzie emphasizes the importance of choosing trails that are suitable for children's abilities. Short, kid-friendly trails with gentle slopes, ideally under 3-4 kilometres one-way, are ideal for very young children, aligning with their endurance levels [1][3].
Look for trails with amenities such as firepits, easy access to water, and good campsites to boost comfort and morale [1]. Begin with familiar or well-known routes, sticking to established trails to prioritize safety [3][4]. Set realistic goals for daily hiking distance and plan frequent breaks since children have shorter endurance and require rest, hydration, and snack time [3][4]. Hiking with other families or groups adds both fun and extra safety supervision [3].
Selecting Appropriate Gear
Packing age-appropriate gear is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. For toddlers, this may include extra clothing, diapers, wipes, and comfort items like security blankets. School-age kids will require more snacks and first aid supplies [2][3].
Carry a well-stocked but lightweight first aid kit to treat minor injuries [3][4]. Bring physical or offline trail maps to stay oriented and maintain safety [4]. Allow children to participate early in gear selection and packing to boost their engagement and ownership [5]. Include items for fun and comfort, such as toys or books [2][5].
Preparation and Planning
Plan the trip and packing well in advance, involving kids in discussions about what to expect and what to bring [1][5]. Prepare a comprehensive family checklist tailored to each child’s needs to avoid forgetting essentials [2]. Keep packing as light as possible while ensuring comfort and safety.
After hikes, plan a relaxing cooldown with stretching, hydration, and a group sharing of fun moments to reinforce positive experiences [4].
Easing into the Outdoors
For those testing the waters with family backpacking, McKenzie advises borrowing gear from friends, checking out REI and university outdoor programs for rental options, or using Facebook Marketplace to keep costs down [6].
Easing into sleeping on the ground with little kids can be done by using hike-in cabins or fire lookouts with four walls and a roof [7].
Meal Planning
The Smiths primarily use freeze-dried meals, but they also enjoy cost-friendly meals like bulk freeze-dried refried beans and tortillas, instant pudding, bulk freeze-dried fruit, and ramen [8]. McKenzie recommends two large sit-down meals: one in the morning and one at night before bedding down [9].
Flavor packets, such as Propel or lemonade powder, help kids drink more and are recommended to mask the taste of creek water [10].
Building Character and Confidence
McKenzie sees backpacking as one of the most powerful ways to connect as a family and a confidence-builder for children [11]. She believes that kids are more capable than we give them credit for when it comes to hiking [12].
By following these guidelines, family backpacking trips with young children can be safe, enjoyable, and create lasting positive memories. Prioritize short distances, suitable terrain, essential and age-appropriate gear, and involve children from the start to foster enthusiasm and comfort in the outdoors [1][2][3][4][5].
- McKenzie Smith suggests selecting trails with gentle slopes and amenities like firepits and water access for younger children, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience.
- To boost confidence and ownership, allow children to participate in gear selection and packing for the family backpacking trip.
- Planning the trip and packing well in advance, involving kids in discussions about what to expect and what to bring, helps create a sense of preparation and excitement.
- For those new to family backpacking, McKenzie advises utilizing affordable options such as borrowing gear from friends, renting from REI, or using Facebook Marketplace.
- The Smith family enjoys using freeze-dried meals for their trips, but also incorporates cost-friendly meals like refried beans and tortillas, instant pudding, and bulk freeze-dried fruit to diversify their meals.
