Backpacking 101 for Families

Spending the night outdoors is a totally different experience for children than being outdoors during the day. The star filled skies, listening to the call of an owl in the dark and eating breakfast near an alpine lake are all possible moments to share with your child when you venture out on an overnight backpacking trip. The preparation and motivation can be a little daunting, but the rewards will last a lifetime. Here is some helpful information to help you and your family get out there this summer.

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Before you go backpacking

Hiking

Photographs are a great way to capture family adventures.

Before you set out on a backpacking adventure, get your children use to hiking. Day hikes are a great way to assess your child's stamina and interest. Build your confidence and comfort level as well as your child's by practicing with weighted packs as you prepare for your longer trip. Give kids a kid-size pack and let them carry a few lightweight items- snacks, water and warm layer; parents carry the rest.

• Tips for Hiking with Kids
  

Camping

Sleeping in a tent is a fun adventure at any age. Before you head into the backcountry, you may want to start in your backyard or go car camping. Make sure your tent is big enough for the family and you are familiar with setting up the tent. Children love to help and engaging them in setting up camp is a great way to keep them busy while teaching them how to care for camp equipment. 

• Car camping with kids
  

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 Babies

There are a couple things to think about before taking babies backpacking.

Child carriers are great for young children who may tucker out before reaching your destination.

Diapers

Always pack out dirty diapers. Do not burn or bury diapers, as this is very harmful to the environment. When packing for your trip be sure to pack more diapers than you think you will need and realize that they will be heavier (and bigger) when you pack them out than when you pack them. Dirty diapers wrapped tightly in plastic bags helps to keep the smell down. Cloth diapers can be laid out in the sun to dry before being wrapped.

Child Carriers 

Make sure the child carrier fits well before you head into the backcountry. Periodically check your child's hands and feet to make sure they are warm. Sun and rain protection is also important for little ones. Have a hat or some sort of cover easily accessible. Because your small person will undoubtedly leans and move as you travel along the trail, consider bringing trekking poles for stability.  

• Baby on Board article by Andrew Engleson
  

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Special Considerations

 Weight Limit & Distance

* These numbers can very greatly depending on your child's stamina and comfort level. 

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Lost Child

Teach your children these simple rules to follow in case they ever get lost:

• Always tell an adult where you are going.

• If you get lost with a pet or a friend, stay together.
  

• Carry a whistle and only use it in an emergency (blow three times).

• Stay near a tree once you know you are lost - do not wander.

• Know that people are looking for you so stay put.

• Keep warm - keep all of your clothes on and cover your head.
  

• If a noise scares you, yell. If it's an animal it will go away; if it's a searcher you'll be found.

• Help searchers find you by blowing your whistle three times and by answering their calls.

• Do not eat anything you are not sure of.
  

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• Backpacking with Babies & Small Children by Goldie Silverman