Backpacking with Children

Backpacking with children is easier than you may think. Young children idolize their parents therefore you can spark their interest at a young age by introducing them to the backcountry. Trip planning with kids will take a little more time and care when planning. Start by locating an area where you can access a campsite with in 1-3 miles of the trail head. Once you are at your campsite, set up camp and choose a day hike. Plan your hiking speed to average 1mph with children and gear. It will take you longer to reach your destination with multiple stops and shorter legs.

For kids 5 and up include them in the trip planning process, helping to pack food, clothing, gear and putting together a checklist. Show them on a map where they will be going and what the area will be like, also explain the activities you will do such as building a campfire, making smores, looking for wildlife/ animal tracks, swimming, fishing and so on.  Plan fun snack and water breaks.

Be sure to have an Emergency Plan and explain to your kids what to do if they get lost. Equip them with an emergency whistle, tell them to blow on it 3 times and to stay where they are. Practice at home so they remember and feel comfortable with the plan. Show them the 1st aid kit equipped with some fun band aids. Talk about viewing wildlife from a distance, not eating berries they find on the trail unless they have be identified as edible. Identify wildlife in pictures before you go out, they will enjoy looking for them in nature and know the animals behavior pattern.

How much weight should a child carry in their backpack? There is much controversy over a child's growing body and how much weight should be imposed on there body where backpacking. A rule of thumb is that they should not carry more than 20% of their body weight on their back. Fitting your child for the right size backpack will make the trip a more enjoyable experience for the child and is very important as they are constantly growing. There are many companies who make kids specific packs that shift the weight of the pack to be carried by the skeletal frame of the child lessening the impact on their body. At outdoor kids we have chosen the best kids backpacks. Give us a call with any questions you may have.

Happy Backpacking!