Conquering the Trails: A Family's Outdoor Adventure

Embarking on outdoor adventures with children can be a daunting task, but one family has embraced the challenge, transforming it into a cherished tradition. From their first backpacking trip with toddlers to their current multi-day hikes with teenagers, this family has navigated the joys and challenges of hiking with kids, sharing their insights and tips to inspire others to explore the great outdoors.

Unlocking the Wonders of Nature, One Step at a Time

Starting Young: Building a Lifelong Love for the Outdoors

The family's outdoor journey began when their children were just toddlers, tackling a ¾-mile forested hike to a beach on the Olympic Peninsula. Despite the young ages of 3 and 5, the kids carried their own packs, learned essential skills like water filtration and campsite setup, and embraced the adventure. This early exposure laid the foundation for a lifelong appreciation for the great outdoors.As the years passed, the family's adventures grew in scope and distance. Now teenagers, the children continue to join their parents on daytrips and annual multi-day hikes, exploring mountainous trails in Washington state and remote areas of British Columbia. These experiences have been a mix of carefree moments and challenging situations, from traversing steep snowfields and raging rivers to encountering a black bear. Through it all, the family has learned valuable lessons about making a trip work, even when not everyone is 100% enthusiastic.

Packing Light: The Key to Comfortable Hiking

The family has discovered that lightweight gear is essential for happy hikers, regardless of age. They invest in or rent lightweight equipment for their children, ensuring that their packs don't slow them down or cause discomfort. The general rule they follow is that children should carry no more than 15-20% of their body weight, and the adults aim to carry no more than 25% of their own weight.To ensure proper pack weight, the family brings a luggage scale to weigh their gear at the trailhead, making adjustments as needed before setting out. This attention to pack weight has made a significant difference in the enjoyment and endurance of their hikes.

Fueling the Adventure: Keeping Hunger at Bay

Preventing "hanger" (hunger-induced anger) is a crucial aspect of the family's hiking strategy. They always have snacks within reach and make sure to stop regularly for refueling. While they try to maintain a healthy diet in daily life, they understand the importance of indulging in treats like Skittles and Oreos to provide the necessary energy boost during long hikes.The family also involves their children in the planning and preparation of meals, allowing them to choose their own camping meals or participate in the food preparation process. This engagement helps the kids feel invested in the experience and ensures they have access to their preferred snacks and meals.

Teamwork and Responsibility: Empowering Kids on the Trail

The family believes in involving their children in the planning and execution of their hiking trips. They encourage the kids to help with gear organization, packing, and decision-making along the way. As the children have grown older, the parents have given them more responsibility, such as hanging bear bags and cooking dinner, fostering a sense of ownership and independence.The family also values the benefits of hiking with friends, as it not only provides an extra set of eyes and hands in case of emergencies but also changes the dynamic, often reducing complaints from the children. The presence of other adults and peers can motivate the kids to rise to the occasion and embrace the adventure.

Navigating the Teenage Years: Adapting to Changing Perspectives

As their children have reached the teenage years, the family has had to navigate the shifting attitudes and interests that come with this stage of life. While their son still maintains a deep appreciation for hiking, their daughter has expressed a waning enthusiasm for the activity, preferring more urban or bohemian experiences.The family has learned to adapt their approach, recognizing that their children may value and remember different aspects of the hiking experience. They've also discovered that preaching about the life lessons learned on the trail is often less effective than simply allowing the teenagers to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings and discover their own insights.Ultimately, the family's commitment to outdoor adventures has created a legacy of shared experiences, cherished memories, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. By starting early, packing light, fueling the body, and empowering their children, this family has found a way to make hiking a lifelong pursuit, even as their kids grow and their interests evolve.