Backpacking with Kids

Start preparing your kids weeks before the actual backpacking trip. Be sure to select a backpacking trip that is age appropriate for your children. Preparing your children in advance will help to ensure that their attitude and outlook are positive and that they have all the proper equipment needed. Preparing your children will ensure that there are not any unexpected trials or emotional break downs while out on the trail.

The age of your children is a key in determining their success in backpacking. Children under five will not have the stamina or physical strength to endure the backpacking experience without having emotional outbursts and experiencing undo fatigue and physical challenges. Children over five should be able to handle a backpacking adventure, as long as the group that they will be traveling with takes into consideration their age and is willing to take appropriate breaks.

Children's Books

Prepare your child as far in advance of the backpacking trip as possible. Begin preparing them by reading books to them from the local library or bookstore on backpacking, hiking and camping. Be sure to use books that are age appropriate.

Kids love to explore and another way to prepare for a backpacking trip is by purchasing your child small books that name and picture various types of birds, plants, insects and animals. Kids will love to know in advance what types of poisonous plants, flowers, insects and snakes they may encounter. Circle these pictures in there small hand held books so that they can easily locate the impressive pictures and dream about their grand adventure. These books will easily fit into their backpacks and will give them many hours of exploring delight while backpacking.

Proper Equipment

Prepare your kids for backpacking by purchasing them boots that can endure the rigorous terrain and can move with the flexibility that a child requires. Be sure to allow your child to break the boots in before the trip. Let them climb in them, run in them and even sleep in them. They will build the excitement and thrill of adventure as they wear and break in their new hiking boots.

You should also prepare your kids for a backpacking trip by allowing them to be a part of selecting their own backpack. The backpack choice should be selected based on weight and height. Do not purchase a backpack that is too tall or the child will have a tendency to have falls and will experience undo bumps and small injuries. Avoid heavy backpacks because the backpack will only get heavier when the child's supplies are packed in them.

A heavy back can be overwhelming for a child and the adults on the trip may have to help carry the child's backpack if a heavy backpack is accidentally purchased. Teach your child to pack their own backpack and allow them to carry it around on the backs in the weeks and days before the backpacking adventure. This will prepare them to carry the backpack without complaining or grumbling.

Purchase your child a proper canteen and allow him or her to select snacks that they enjoy for the trip. Avoid sugary treats such as candy and cookies and purchase items that will give the child the added boost of physical energy that will be needed. Nuts, berries, healthy juices, crackers, granola bars, dried fruit and tasty health bars are all excellent choices. Avoid pop tarts and foods that contain high fructose corn syrup because this will only create a rushing peak in energy levels which will be followed by a crash in energy levels. Select items that will create even energy levels that will not spike high and crash low.

Your child will love your excitement and will eagerly anticipate the joy of backpacking. Excitement is contagious so spread your anticipation around. The closer the trip gets the more your child will talk about the birds and creatures that he or she is anticipating seeing. Join in on these conversations and feed their excitement. Kids love pack packing and preparing them with the proper equipment and allowing them to break it is will make for a smooth trip.