Journeying with Juveniles: Strategies for an Enjoyable, Thriving, and Fulfilling Expedition

Journeying with Juveniles: Strategies for an Enjoyable, Thriving, and Fulfilling Expedition

Family Backpacking Trips: A Guide for Hiking with Kids

For the Smith family, trail mix is more than just a snack—it's a fun activity the kids enjoy making before their family backpacking trips. But what makes a successful backpacking adventure with children? McKenzie Smith, a pro at backpacking with kids, shares her top tips.

Preparation is Key

Packing appropriate clothing is crucial. For warm, cold, and wet weather, consider quick-drying pants, shirts, rain jackets, warm fleeces, hats, and good mitts. Comfortable, supportive hiking shoes are also essential, offering grip to tackle varied trail conditions.

Choosing the Right Trail

Select trails around 3–5 miles with less than 2,000 feet elevation gain, avoiding hazardous terrain. Water sources are critical for hydration and a huge morale booster for children. Loop trails can make the trek feel more varied, but limiting options to only loop trails can limit the available trails. Natural hazards, such as scrambles, cliffs, and fast-moving rivers, should be avoided when choosing a trail for children.

Packing for the Journey

Bring plenty of snacks, more than needed, and a “special surprise” to maintain energy and morale during the hike. Shade makes a big difference in comfort for children during backpacking trips. Backpacking gear can be expensive and will quickly be outgrown by still-developing children, so consider cost-friendly alternatives like freeze-dried refried beans and tortillas for bean burritos, instant pudding, and bulk freeze-dried fruit for dessert.

Adapting to the Kids' Needs

Know when to call it and turn back if kids get too tired, slow, or cranky. This is important to avoid negative experiences and foster future enjoyment of hiking. If a child isn't old enough to carry their own gear, it means parents will have to shoulder more equipment, which increases the effort level for them.

Safety First

McKenzie always packs bear spray and a satellite phone for emergency situations. Sharing some gear with kids, such as sleeping pads, can reduce pack weight. The Osprey Poco Plus is a baby carrier with storage space for gear.

Enjoying the Experience

Backpacking builds character and is a confidence-builder for children. To make the twilight hours before bed enjoyable, McKenzie recommends packing activities like capture the flag, fishing poles, card games, charades, art kits, scavenger hunts, and pinecone collections.

With these tips in mind, families can embark on a positive, manageable, and rewarding backpacking experience for all members. McKenzie and her husband take their six children (ages 5 to 14) on half a dozen backpacking trips a year, with McKenzie even taking all six of her children backpacking by herself. So, don't put outdoor adventures on hold while children are babies—start exploring today!

1. The Smith family's trail mix-making activity is a cherished tradition before their family backpacking trips, signifying not just a snack but also fond family moments.
2. Successfully backpacking with children necessitates careful planning and appropriate packing, including clothing suitable for various weather conditions and supportive hiking shoes.
3. When selecting a trail, opt for trails around 3-5 miles with minimal elevation gain, avoiding hazardous terrain and ensuring accessible water sources for hydration and morale boost.
4. During packing, bring ample snacks, consider cost-effective alternatives for meals, and carry a "special surprise" to maintain energy and spirits throughout the hike.
5. Be adaptable to kids' needs, aware of their limitations, and ready to turn back if they become too tired, slow, or cranky to prevent negative experiences and foster future enjoyment.
6. Safety measures such as carrying bear spray, a satellite phone, and sharing gear with children are essential precautions for emergency situations.
7. Backpacking provides children with character development and confidence-building opportunities, enhancing family relationships through shared experiences, and stimulating family adventures in fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and travel.

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