Backpacking is physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging as an adult, and adding kids to the mix only amplifies an already ambitious undertaking. Though, this shouldn’t deter anyone from hitting the trail with littles and introducing them to the vast world of backpacking.
Take it from Mandy Bland, a mom, thru-hiker, and founder of Purple Rain Adventure Skirts. Ten years after thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2012, “Purple Rain” set out to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, only this time with her five-year old son in tow. Purple Rain and “Bedtime” shared an impressive four months and 1,200 miles on the PCT together before Mandy finished the thru-hike on her own. If anyone can advise and advocate taking kids backpacking, it’s Mandy.
GGG: Is there a perfect age to start taking kids hiking and backpacking?
Mandy Bland: I think they’re ready immediately. The muscle memory begins early and their bodies will feel comfortable in nature if you start from infancy. As far as them walking on their own, that’s child dependent. My son loved our Osprey carrier and we used it exclusively for over a year before he was too heavy for me to carry. For me, my son was ready when I couldn’t carry him anymore! That’s when hikes slowed down, and we didn’t go as far. But his play and imagination soared during this time. He was two years old when we did our first overnight backpacking trip. We only went two miles, and it took all day, but it was totally worth it.
GGG: When is an appropriate age to get them in on the planning of the hike?
MB: Again, as soon as possible. It helps for them to have autonomy over the hike and gives them options.
GGG: How does cooking, grooming, and sleeping outdoors change with kids along on trail?
MB: It all changed! Food was our biggest challenge. How to carry enough to feed the three of us with a child who likes something one day and refuses to eat it the next. We were likely undernourished and carried as many calories as we could without having to cook (lots of cream cheese and precooked bacon in the Sierra!). We often cowboy camped just to make life easier and went swimming whenever possible.
GGG: Were there any challenges sleeping in a tent with a toddler?
MB: We used the Lunar Duo from Six Moon Designs. It's a 2+ person and pretty sizable, but it was quite cozy with the three of us. We slept on closed foam cell sleeping pads which took some getting used to. There's no way we could've used inflatable mattresses. Hiking with a kid is VERY hard on gear; even the foam pads got trashed! They were handy to have for breaks during the day too. Many mornings Dad and I would sit in the tent enjoying a cup of coffee while Bedtime continued to sleep between us. It was sweet and some of my fondest memories.
GGG: How do you pass the time when things might get a little boring?
MB: This is really really hard! Especially as a thru-hiker myself, there are times when I want to zone out and listen to a podcast, but you can’t always do that. We had audiobooks to listen to, but unfortunately this slowed him down.
GGG: What are some ways you’ve made hiking extra fun with kids?
MB: We had games we would play throughout the day. We created elaborate oral stories about different characters and friends. Each day was a continuation of what we built on the day before. Total stream of consciousness! We also played the “gummy hunt”; I would hike ahead and hide gummies along the trail for Dad and Bedtime to find. Slow hiking, but he loved it. I’m sure some hikers behind us reaped the benefits of us missing some gummies! He still requests this one on short day hikes! We also played the “bandana hunt” game. Someone would hike ahead and hide a bandana along the trail. Whoever found it was in charge of hiding it next time. We covered many miles with this one.
GGG: How did you handle the dirt, grime, and mess that naturally comes with backpacking and is only amplified with kids!?
MB: I had to just give up on this one. HE GOT SO DIRTY! He loved getting as dirty as possible. He also resisted showers when we got to town. The cleanest he ever got was after getting sanitized in a hotel’s chlorinated pool!
GGG: Regardless of age or ability, do you have any universal tips when hiking and backpacking with kids?
MB: Snacks. Lots and lots of snacks. Go slowly and meet them where they are. It’s their hike, not yours. Drop your expectations and let them explore. It’s not just hiking, it’s exploring nature and learning to be comfortable in it.
GGG: What’s on your “must pack” list when hiking with kids?
MB: Snacks! Did I mention snacks yet?
GGG: What are some of your family’s favorite treats and snacks on the trail?
MB: Anything really! It was all special on trail. Lots of friends sent treats like gummy tacos and Peeps. Bedtime loved Kinder Eggs on trail, mostly for the toy. He would carry those toys for miles and miles, playing with them on breaks until we ultimately lost them.
GGG: Are there any mistakes or pitfalls to avoid when backpacking with kids?
MB: Be careful not to push too hard. I still have guilt with this one that we went too far with him on the PCT. But we always reassessed with every resupply if we could keep going.
GGG: What are the benefits you’ve seen when getting your son on the trail?
MB: Nature is the best teacher we have. Hiking, especially long distances, created opportunities to overcome hardship without actually creating trauma. We had to strategize and work together to overcome the difficulties of the trail and he was right there with us.
GGG: Are there any misconceptions people have about backpacking with kids?
MB: Kids are much more capable than we give them credit for. I believe there’s a primal call for us to walk, especially over distances. Kid’s bodies know this, too. They move slower, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing either. We just have to give them the space to try.
GGG: If someone is on the fence about taking their child(ren) backpacking, what tips and words of encouragement do you have for them?
MB: Work on your own skill set so you feel comfortable in the outdoors. Kids pick up on your energy and anxiety. If you’re relaxed and confident in your skills, then they will be too. Start slow, work up to it, and just go for it!
Originally from Alaska, Maria currently resides in Montana with her husband, two young daughters and chocolate lab named Echo. When she’s not chasing her kids or that next running goal, you can find her weekend-warrioring in the mountains or thinking about her next cup of coffee.
