Hiking with Kids : The Basics

Hiking is a great hobby. The benefits are numerous. And while I encourage everyone to do it, hiking with children is a whole other ball game, so to speak. So here are a few things that I recommend you have while hiking with kids in additions to some things that I think are good to know and keep in mind.

First up is our supply list. Somethings are optional, others not as much but still recommended.

1. Water, agua, H2O. Whatever you call it, it is a MUST for hiking, whether with kids or without. I don't have a formula or something to figure out how much water you should bring just simply one word : LOTS. As much as you can reasonably carry. You would much rather have more than you need, then not enough.
Now, how to carry that water?? The most convenient way to carry as much water as easily as possible, in my opinion, is a hydration pack. There are several brands and several different kinds of packs. I suggest you research to decide which is best for you. You can also just carry water in bottles. Just make sure you have it.  And if your kids are too small to carry their own (they make small hydration packs) then you will need to make sure you have enough for you and the child(ren).

2. Shoes. While I do not think that you should invest in a pair of $125 hiking shoes when you plan to hike once, I do think you should utilize proper footwear. Hiking on Oahu can be tricky and slippery, or dry and rough. In my experience heavy hiking shoes are not necessary. Trail running shoes are a great alternative. Trail running shoes are lightweight, but still have great traction, which is the key. You want shoes that can grip different surfaces. Look at the bottoms. If they are pretty smooth, you do not want to use them for hiking.

These are what I use (Terrible pic, I know)

The kiddos' shoes

3. Snacks/lunch: This is optional but if your kids are like mine, they will want a snack. This is especially helpful if the hike is longer. Food is fuel, right. Good snack foods include dried fruits, nuts, jerky, and granola or granola bars. These foods keep in the heat and are great for fuel. :) If you are packing a lunch to picnic during your hike just be aware of the extra weight and I advise against bringing things that can spoil (unless you are hauling a cooler full of ice).

4. First aid kit/supplies: A simple first aid kit can be very handy should the need arise: a scraped knee, bee sting, etc. You can find small kits in either plastic boxes or in waterproof bags that will fit easily in a pack without adding any noticeable weight. You could also put together your own. Bandages, gauze, alcohol wipes, anti-itch, antibiotic ointment, lip balm, sun screen. They are useful. You can also build a more extensive kit, if you like. There are many resources online with lists of supplies that can give you an idea of what to put in there.

5. Bug Spray/Sunscreen: I'm sure you can all see the importance of both of these. I coat us all, and then take the bottles with us to lather up again later. The bug spray has been a necessity for us. I have found that the deep woods varieties work best here, but you can use your best judgement/experience. Also, use sunscreen at your own discretion. A hat works great as well, especially for kids. I have noticed that we tend to coat our bodies and neglect our scalp, therefore we get burned. Not fun. There are also SPF clothes that are useful, but may be too hot for hiking.

6. Extras : This includes anything that you may need or want to have just in case.
       -A small towel
       -Change of clothes, diapers, wipes, underclothes, or even a change in the car for afterwards
       -Compass, Map, GPS, or even an app that tracks where you are going. I like to have an app running to          track the distance, pace and location, etc. You never know.
       -Camera or phone for taking pictures
       -We also usually have a pocket knife in our pack just in case
       -550 cord, survival strap, cordage. Again, because you never know
       -a pack of some kind. The kids have hydration packs but the adults carry packs that have both a hydration reservoir, but also pockets for carrying other things. Either way, you want your hands free, so some sort of pack is needed.
       -Carrier- Since most trails are NOT stroller friendly you may want to have something to carry a little one in. There are many options for this. If not you can always just carry them.



A few things to keep in mind:

1. Know your child(ren)'s limit. You don't want to get to the top of the mountain with three small kids only to have them beyond exhausted and not able to make it back down. And who wants to or can carry three kids down a mountain efficiently?! NOT ME! In addition, you should plan according to their schedule. For instance, a 0300 hike, before breakfast is not kid friendly. However, getting up early, having a decent breakfast and then heading out at 0700 or 0800 is more reasonable. Furthermore, an 8 hour hike probably isn't very doable, but a few hour hike, with a break or two, is!

2. Know your child(ren)'s skill level. And respect their ages. Our two year old is game for about the first mile. After that we know that someone is carrying her if we are going to continue. We plan for that. Our 5 and 6 year olds are game for any hike that we have taken them on, but there are spots that they need our help and they need a break every once in a while. An older kid, maybe 9-12 is a good age. While teenagers may get a little cocky and try to go on their owns. 3-4 year olds are probably the hardest age, in my opinion. They tend to not want to be carried, yet they do not have the stamina to hike nor do they want to pay attention or follow directions, which can cause safety issues.  All that being said, you should not fear taking your kids hiking, as long as you are conscious of their needs.

3. Bathroom stops. I cannot say how to handle this, just recommend that they go BEFORE you start.

As with anything, it's up to you to use your best judgement. All the things I have listed here are just suggestions. Take them or leave them. They are just what works best for us.

Comment if you have anything to add. And Happy Hiking! :)