Excursioning With Children: Strategies for an Enjoyable, Productive, and Profitable Journey
Family Backpacking: A Fun and Bonding Experience for All
Are you looking for a unique way to connect with your family and explore the great outdoors? Family backpacking could be just what you need! McKenzie Smith, a seasoned backpacker, and her husband take their six children (ages 5 to 14) on half a dozen backpacking trips per year. Here's how they make it work.
Gearing Up
When it comes to gear, trail sneakers are recommended over full-on hiking boots for both children and adults. To keep costs down, McKenzie suggests borrowing gear from friends, checking out REI and university outdoor programs, or using Facebook Marketplace. For sleeping arrangements, backpacking quilts are lighter and can be shared, making them ideal for children.
Packing Smart
To pack effectively for a family backpacking trip with young children, prioritize lightweight, multi-use clothing, essential personal items, and shared gear to reduce load. McKenzie recommends packing quick-drying pants, shorts, shirts, underwear (+1 day extra for all), socks (+2 pairs), rain coats, swimwear if water is nearby, hiking shoes, and comfortable camp/sleepwear.
For backpacks, keep kids’ packs light—aim for under 10% of their body weight. Young children should carry lightweight day packs with simple items like snacks, water, or trash bags while adults carry heavier gear. A first aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, hats, hand sanitizer, and toiletries appropriate for outdoor conditions are essential.
Meal Time
The Smiths primarily use freeze-dried meals, but also enjoy cost-friendly meals such as bulk freeze-dried refried beans and tortillas, instant pudding, and bulk freeze-dried fruit. During the day, the Smiths snack on trail mix that their children make themselves before the trip. Flavor packets, such as Propel or lemonade powder, are recommended to encourage children to drink more water on the trail.
Choosing the Right Trail
A first backpacking route in the 3-5 mile range is suggested for families with children. Elevation gain is a bigger factor than mileage when choosing a trail for children. McKenzie suggests easing into sleeping on the ground with little kids by starting with hike-in cabins or fire lookouts.
When choosing a kid-friendly route, consider factors such as elevation gain, natural hazards, water sources, shade, and trail destination. McKenzie also advises parents to gain some confidence in their own backpacking skills before bringing their children along.
The Benefits
McKenzie sees backpacking as one of the most powerful ways to connect as a family and remembers family backpacking trips more than other activities. She believes that backpacking builds character and is a confidence-builder for children. The Smiths reward their children with their own hiking-specific pack and new pieces of gear when they prove they are committed to backpacking.
Start Your Adventure
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to planning a successful family backpacking trip. Don't forget to consider Tevas as footwear for children to wear around camp, as they are comfortable and can be used to cross streams or play in water. Happy trails!
- McKenzie believes that backpacking, with its focus on shared gear, lightweight clothing, and teamwork, builds strong family relationships and character.
- To make a family backpacking adventure more affordable, McKenzie suggests borrowing gear from friends, checking out second-hand options, or using equipment rentals from REI or university outdoor programs.
- When it comes to their lifestyle during family backpacking trips, the Smiths prioritize mealtime as an opportunity for bonding, utilizing both cost-efficient and convenient meal options like freeze-dried meals, bulk ingredients, and trail mix.
- For families with young children, McKenzie recommends starting with trails that have a manageable 3-5 mile range and less elevation gain, gradually introducing them to more challenging routes as their skills and confidence develop.
- To achieve a harmonious backyard living environment while integrating their love for family backpacking, the Smiths adhere to a 'home-and-garden' style that prioritizes functionality, durability, and practicality, ensuring that their home remains a base for their outdoor adventures.
- Recognizing the unique bonding experience that family backpacking offers, McKenzie rewards her children with individual hiking gear as a way to build their confidence and incentivize their commitment to the outdoor lifestyle.
