Excursioning With Children: Strategies for an Enjoyable, Productive, and Profitable Journey
In the heart of nature, where the air is fresh and the scenery is breathtaking, lies a unique opportunity for family bonding – backpacking. McKenzie Smith, a seasoned trail parent who's logged hundreds of family miles, advocates for taking kids backpacking.
For McKenzie, backpacking is one of the most powerful ways to connect as a family. She remembers these trips more than anything else they do. To successfully embark on a family backpacking trip, start by choosing a kid-friendly trail. A first backpacking route in the 3-5 mile range is a sweet spot, according to McKenzie. Be thoughtful about the trail you pick, considering factors like elevation gain, natural hazards, water sources, and shade.
When it comes to packing gear, keep it minimalist but functional. Focus on lightweight, durable clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, and layered campwear for warmth. Use backpacks sized for adults, but let kids carry small essentials or light items to involve them without overburdening. Include a first-aid kit and waterproof meal packages labeled by day for easy meal management.
For food, prioritize calorie-dense, easy-to-pack, and kid-friendly options like nuts, peanut butter, cheese, and small treats. Hydration is critical—bring water filters or purifiers since kids love playing in creeks or lakes. McKenzie suggests using flavor packets to improve the taste of water for children, such as Propel or lemonade powder.
When selecting a campsite, prefer those with firepits for warmth and fun, and scope for family-friendly activities. Camp chores should involve everyone to build teamwork and engagement. Making hiking and camping fun—with plenty of breaks, games, exploration, and involving kids from planning through to chores—helps maintain their enthusiasm.
Start with short, simple trips to build confidence before venturing into longer adventures. If testing the waters with family backpacking, McKenzie suggests borrowing gear from friends, renting from REI or university outdoor programs, or using Facebook Marketplace to keep costs down. McKenzie recommends trail sneakers over full-on hiking boots for both children and adults.
For little ones, McKenzie suggests easing into sleeping on the ground with hike-in cabins or fire lookouts. When they're ready, consider backpacking quilts over traditional sleeping bags for children, as they are lighter and can be shared. McKenzie recommends gear that can be shared with children until they are around 7 or 8, such as a double sleeping pad like the Exped Duo. Purchase a hiking-specific pack for children when they are around 8 years old.
During the day, the Smiths snack on trail mix that the children make themselves before the trip. For meals, they primarily use freeze-dried meals but also enjoy cost-friendly options like bulk freeze-dried refried beans and tortillas for bean burritos and instant pudding and bulk freeze-dried fruit for dessert.
McKenzie believes that backpacking builds character and is a confidence-builder for children. She notes that it's not necessary to put outdoor adventures on hold while kids are babies. McKenzie's youngest went on his first trip at four months using the Osprey Poco Plus, a baby carrier with storage space.
Overall, McKenzie advises against using loops for a family's first backpacking trip, as it will limit your options. Instead, she suggests gaining some confidence in your own backpacking skills before bringing your kids along. With these tips, your family can embark on unforgettable backpacking adventures, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
- McKenzie Smith, a seasoned trail parent, believes that backpacking is one of the most powerful ways to connect as a family and build character.
- To successfully embark on a family backpacking trip, McKenzie suggests starting by choosing a kid-friendly trail, such as a first backpacking route in the 3-5 mile range.
- When it comes to packing gear, McKenzie recommends focusing on lightweight, durable clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, and layered campwear for warmth.
- When selecting a campsite, McKenzie suggests preferring those with firepits for warmth and fun, and scope for family-friendly activities.
- McKenzie believes that backpacking is a confidence-builder for children and notes that it's not necessary to put outdoor adventures on hold while kids are babies.
- To keep costs down while trying out family backpacking, McKenzie recommends borrowing gear from friends, renting from REI or university outdoor programs, or using Facebook Marketplace.
