Whether you're just starting out adventuring as a family or are a seasoned hiker and camper, we hope that you can find this list useful. These are items that we have come to love over the past few years of adventuring with our little ones. They are perfect for gifts for the adventure family in your life or to add to your gear! They each have been helpful to us in one way or another, and we can't wait to share them with you. *Products below are clickable, and they will direct you to our favourite products, which means this blog contains affiliate links. We have made sure to add links to both US and Canadian retailers, if applicable. We make a small commission when you purchase a product using our affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. These funds help Kids Who Explore continue to put out educational content just like this and keep our community running* 10 Items Every Adventure Family Needs 1. Foam Z-Seat The perfect summit seat, diaper change pad, knee protector... however you see fit! We bring this on all of our adventures, especially as the littles ones start to want to come out of the carrier and enjoy the views with you. We picked up our Therm-A-Rest Z-Seat from MEC, and it hasn't left the backpack since that day. Shop MEC (CAD) Shop Therm-A-Rest (USD) 2. Trail Magik Carrier Use 'kidswhoexplore' at checkout for 10% off The ultimate carrier as your kiddos start to grow, you want to tandem carry or give backpacking a go! We have been a huge fan of the Trail Magik Kids Carrier, and it has allowed us to go further than we ever thought before. During transit, it's folded to the size of a small water bottle & weighs just ounces. They even have a step-by-step manual to help you along the way so both you and the kiddo are comfortable as you put on kilometers (or miles) together! Shop Trail Magik Kid Carrier 3. Budget-Friendly Sleeping Pads from REI or MEC Heading into the backcountry with your family, but stumped on what to get? Click here to read our Backcountry Gear Guide for Families. Getting backcountry sleeping pads for the whole family that you know are comfortable but still budget-friendly is a must in our eyes! Since we are in Canada, we shop at MEC for the majority of our stuff, but we will also attach the sleeping pads suggested to us by community members. NEMO Roamer Double Sleeping Pad Shop REI Shop MEC Exped DeepSleep Mat 7.5 Duo Shop REI TurnWay Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad Shop Amazon (USA) Shop Amazon (Canada) MEC Reactor 10 Double Sleeping Pad - Kids' Shop MEC REI Kindercamp Sleeping Pad - Kids' Shop REI 4. Morrison Outdoors Sleeping Bag Use 'kidswhoexplore' at checkout for 10% off Keeping babe warm while camping is *THE* most important consideration to remember, which is why we've chosen Morrison Outdoors Sleeping Bag for the whole family and why we want to provide you with a discount code so you can get your hands on one too! Morrison sleeping bags have many features you won't find in other sleeping bags, such as the enclosed foot-box and hand covers and being machine washable. You can choose between down or synthetic materials, and they are good for babies as young as 6 months, so you can get back to doing what you love as a family sooner when you're living in cooler climates. Shop Morrison Outdoors Sleeping Bags 5. Satellite Messenger If you're considering backcountry camping, solo adventures, or adventure where service is sparse, we consider looking into a satellite messenger. Safety is so important, and this is why we believe this is something that every adventure family needs. Some of the new iPhones have an 'SOS' function, but we wouldn't suggest relying on that. We are huge fans of Garmin satellite communicators. Below, we've shared our 2 favourite styles - the inReach Mini 2 and inReach Messenger. There aren't many differences between the two of them besides the following information, listed below: inReach Mini 2 ($539.99CAD) Ability to mark waypoints & locations Point-to-point navigation On-screen compass Compatible with Garmin Explore + Garmin Pilot App Shop MECShop REI inReach Messenger (399.99CAD) Ability to send and receive group messages Uses Garmin Messenger App to send messages BeiDou Satellite Navigation System Shop MECShop REI By clicking & visiting Garmin's website here, you can compare the satellite messengers and decide which one is best for your family's adventures 6. Family First-Aid Kit We've talked about safety a few times so far, and it doesn't stop here. Making sure you're prepared for any emergency or mishap is super important when you're adventuring with your family and this means making sure you have a fully-equipped first-aid kit. There are so many options out there, like Adventure Medical Kits, that come with a variety of sized first-aid kits with all of the equipment you might need if something were to happen, from band-aids to gauze, and some even contain a wilderness medical care guidebook. There are a few things you want to make sure that you add to your kit in addition to its belongings: Children's Tylenol/Advil Any extra prescribed/needed medicine (this includes epi-pens) Gravol Tick removers Extra wipes and diaper cream Instant ice packs Shop MEC First Aid KitShop REI First Aid Kit 7. Adventure Blanket Rumpl Blankets are perfect for your next adventure. They are weather-resistant, super light, and easily packable. When we found out that the blankets are made from recycled materials, we loved them even more—it's so nice to know we can do a small part for the earth when we purchase a blanket. These bags are super durable and machine-washable for those dirtier adventures. This is the only adventure blanket you'll need. Shop MECShop REI 8. A Good(Quick) Water Filter There are a few things to take into consideration when choosing a water filtration system for backcountry camping, like the weight, size, and filtration time. The more people in your party, the larger/faster you'll want your water filter to be. Nothing is worse than having to wait a long time for your water to filter, especially if you have some hungry hikers and depend on water for your food source. Here are some water filters that have been suggested by the Kids Who Explore community: Platypus GravityWorks Filter 4L Shop REI Shop MEC Platypus QuickDraw Straw + 1L Reservoir Shop REI Shop MEC HydroBlu Go Flow Gravity Filter Shop HydroBlu MSR AutoFlow XL Gravity Filter – 10L Shop REI Shop MEC We suggest also keeping some sort of emergency purification tabs in your toiletry bag or first-aid kit incase there is a moment where you can't find super clean water, and the filter just isn't cutting it. Keep in mind that purification tabs usually take about 4hrs to fully clean the water. 9. Bear Spray Belt Use code 'kwe' to get 15% off your Scat Belt Are you hiking in Bear Country? Being based in the Canadian Rockies, we are exposed to the threat of bears on every hike we go on, so once again—SAFETY FIRST! Every adventure family needs to carry bear spray if they are hiking in areas where bears may be a threat. The chance of you running into a bear is so slim that it should never scare you from going outdoors. Just know that you are entering their home, not the other way around!In addition to teaching our children bear safety at a young age, we set an example by always carrying bear spray in an easily accessible spot—* insert Scat Belt!* We love our Scat Belts, which make us feel confident when hiking in bear country.Shop Scat Belt 10. Camping Coffee Press Camping while enjoying coffee with a view can't get much better. The AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press is an award-winning and best-selling coffee press. It packs up so small that you can even bring it on day hikes if you want. Just bring water and ground coffee, and you're good to go! Shop MECShop REI Keep Exploring! Thank you for taking the time to read our blog on 10 Items Every Adventure Family Needs. We hope you have the best time adventuring with your family, and can't wait to see where nature takes you. Don't forget to tag us on Instagram @kidswhoexplore so we can see where you explore next.

All affiliate revenue goes towards Kids Who Explore in an effort to get more kids outside. Thank you in advance for your support. I have hiked hundreds of kilometers with both of my babies and my Osprey hydraulics reservior . I have multiple hydraulics and even one for my toddler too. I have them in 1.5 L, 2L and 3L. I find 2 L the perfect size for us during a day hike. The one things I get annoyed about though is always having to clean and sanitize it thoroughly with the cleaning kit . However the below six reasons are why I always choose to hike with my hydration pack. Benefits of hiking with a hydration pack: 1. Stay Hydrated on the trail: Drinking lots of water while hiking is super important for health. Hauling a baby on your back can be even more exhausting so I find you really have to drink extra water when hitting the trail. I have been hydrated before with my baby and I got quite sick when I finally made it back to the car after not having as much water as I should've. 2. Convenience: You will drink more if it is easy to drink along your hike. It is already hard enough to take your baby on and off your back and get all the snack items and things along the hike. So having the hydraulics right there is super helpful. However, downside is that is not as easy to clean. 3. Hands-free: You are managing a baby, a phone for photos, and maybe even some hiking poles so its nice to be able to drink hands free when needed. I find it super helpful to be able to video and still have some sips along the way. Plus I love to hold my babies hand when I hike too. 4. Helps with weight distribution: It might seem minor but it really isn't over a longer hike. Having the weight balance evenly helps with minimizing back pain. The hydration pack keeps water even. 5. More capacity: I go through a lot of water, litres in fact so this is the best way to carry that much water along. If I am going on a shorter hike then I just don't fill my hydration pack as full. As mentioned above, I hike with anything between 1.5 L to 3 L. 6. Baby Loves it: I do share with my toddler and baby and they love being able to have access to manage their own water intake on the trail too. However, I have to warn you, keep an eye because toddlers love to chew the end. Not only a choking hazard but you don't want water to leak everywhere is the end is off. Staying hydrated on the trail will help you have a more enjoyable hike. You don't have to have a hydration pack to have a good hike as water bottles are great too. I just wanted to share what we do to make hiking with a baby easier.

Camping with a baby is doable and a very rewarding experience. The time you spend with your baby together in the wilderness is magical. A huge factor in making tent camping with a baby successful is with a few key pieces of gear. * all affiliate revenue from the links below go directly to Kids Who Explore (My Social Enterprise) where it helps get more kids outdoors. You do not need every single item on this list to have a successful camping trip but I really wanted to compile my favourites for front country camping in one spot to help you have a wonderful camping trip with your baby too. My backpacking blogs will be coming in June. Camping with a Baby checklist: First thing is first, I always use this free to download packing list from Kids Who Explore or else I will never remember all of the items that I need to bring. Sleeping Gear: I love our baby sleeping bag by Morrison Outdoors because it is super warm and cozy and great for safe sleep. I have the 6 month to 12 month size for my 10 month old baby and it fits super well. Use 'kidswhoexplore' for 10% off on your next order. I love the kids sleeping mattress from MEC and the Therma-rest underneath incase it is really cold. Closed cell mattresses with R Value of 3 or more is best for baby. Please also do your own safe sleep research before camping with a baby too. Tent: We have a four person car camping dog house tent by Big Agnes that is spacious but the zippers do get caught a lot when doing up the tent doors. I love having a spacious tent to be able to fit the play pen into the tent too. I sometimes use my family backpacking tent for 4 as well by MSR and we love it a lot even for car camping. Diapers & wipes: Always great to bring more than you think you need and wipes help a lot to keep baby's face clean and if you have a toddler too, it is great for how messy they can get at the campsite. I use them for a quick spot wash sometimes too. Feeding Supplies: I sanitize my bottles and pump before leaving home and store them in a bin in the car with the formula. I boil water to sanitize at the campsite as well. Plus any other teething toys or soothers too. Clothing and Protection: I love to use merino wool base layers for my kids when camping and I do use bamboo sleepers a lot during the summer too. My two favourite shops for merino wool are from either Wee Woollies (Vancouver Island Family-Owned) or Iksplor (A Lovely Sister Duo based in Jackson WY) and you can use "KIDSWHOEXPLORE" to get 15% off you order with them too. I love this set for my baby. Merino wool is great in the summer because of the breathability, UV protection, moisture wicking, quick dry ability, and temperature regulation. A big brim hat to keep the sun out of babies face helps a lot too. During the evenings, I dress my baby in a fleece onesie if it cools down before bed. Baby Hygiene: Pack all the baby wipes with you. I skip bath routine when tent camping because there is never a great place to do it. I also have my toddler too so it becomes chaotic to keep everyone safe in the site and focus on bathing a baby. I do keep on top of all diaper changes and teeth brushing. I often bring my Osprey hiking carrier and fill it with the washroom supplies for baby to keep everything convenient Entertainment items : I overpack often and sometimes I don't use all of the gear but it really is helpful if you do need to take a rest and you want baby in a safe space. A camp story style book, a baby camp high chair , a baby tent , a play yard , an outdoor exercise centre , teething toys, a wrap or soft-shell carrier , and a hammock to snuggle in. These are all items that I have loved bringing along on a car camping trip where I have the luxury of pack extra items into my 4 Runner . I always fully supervise my baby in all of these items too, never leaving them unattended. Safety items: I pack along sunscreen and bug spray for my toddler and my baby will be at the age this summer where he can use it too. I love Think Baby the most and 3 Moms Organics to help prevent bugs and ticks from getting at us. I always bring a family first-aid kit These are the items that I love and have brought on my camping trips. Everyone's camping trips do look a little different depening on things like duration and climate. Most of my camping is in British Columbia or Alberta, Canada. I put safety first at all times and I do bring a lot of comfort items when I can drive into the site. Enjoy every second of your camping trip with your baby because it is magical. Time slows and you can just watch your baby absorb nature. It is a perfect setting. Happy Camping! Thank you for being here!

Hi! I am Adrianna and welcome to my blog. This is a dedicated space to help you get outside with your baby and onto the trail. I am an avid hiker in the Canadian Rockies and have hiked hundreds of trails with my babies. It is where I found healing postpartum and built a strong connection with each of my boys. I do have to pack a lot of items along with us so that I feel prepared for being in the backcountry of Alberta. We often get wild weather and storms can come out of nowhere. I always pack as if I were to get stranded somewhere. Some basic survival items are very important to me. My hikes can be a little longer and take up a whole day sometimes. Beyond the baby essentials my list above acts as helpful reference when in a rush an packing up your baby for a hike. Always try and pack the night before if you can. Please note, I use affiliate links here and all the proceeds go to my Social Enterprise, Kids Who Explore. I am on a mission to get more moms and babies on the trail and more kids outside connected to nature. Your support means so much to me. Thank you in advance for supporting my dreams. Here is what is my hiking carrier during the summer months: Ten essentials Baby Carrier: Osprey Poco or Osprey Poco Plus or my Ergo Baby First Aid Kit First Aid Dry Sack Garmin In Reach Mini Hydration Pack Merino wool base layer use "KIDSWHOEXPLORE" to get 15% off or bamboo sleeper Formula ready to feed SOS Emergency kit Bear Spray Belt use "KWE" for 15% off Head Lamp Hiking Poles Baby food pouches and baby snacks and mama snacks Bottles & soothers Z Seat All Trails Map I want you to experience hiking with your baby and have compiled my list to help you feel confident on the trail. Please always feel free to ask me anything. I host weekly hikes in the Calgary area and have helped moms get back on the trail after birth. I have shared hundreds of videos on social media in hopes that it reaches moms that need to find themselves on the trail again. Please feel free to download my list here and put it in your hiking pack so that you never have to worry about knowing what to bring along again. You don't need to purchase everything on this list. You can borrow from a friend or hike with other moms that are willing to share items too. I do a lot of solo hiking with the kids and have been collecting my gear since I found out I was pregnant with my first. I hope this hiking list helps you and that you take it on many hikes with you! I would love to hear from you if it has helped you out. Thank you for being here!

Planet Cleanup 2023 is a WRAP! Thank you to everyone who attended. Thank you to our Planet Cleanup 3.0 Event Sponsors: Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre Baby Gourmet Made With Local Planet Cleanup 2023 Recap Kids Who Explore celebrated Earth Month with our third annual Planet Cleanup event, and we couldn't have been happier with the turnout! Keep reading to see our Planet Cleanup 2023 Recap to see how the event went - and how you can still participate! Our Cleanup Crew started at Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre and made their way down Spring Creek Boardwalk, picking up trash along the way. We put on our Planet Cleanup event because we know we need to give back to the outdoors, which gives us so much. We are beyond grateful for all the adventures we go on and need to be persistent in keeping our spaces clean for generations to come. This year, our Planet Cleanup Crew cleaned up over 50 bags of garbage! After our clean-up, we made our way to the gorgeous patio at Table Food & Drink in Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre to enjoy a delicious s'mores spread provided by Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre. We brought along our photographer, Through Carries Lens Photography, to capture all the special moments that took place at our third annual Planet Cleanup, and here is what she shared with us: And it didn't stop there... We had Planet Cleanup events happening across the globe with the help of our Explorer Families and community. We sent out Planet Cleanup Bingo Cards for the community to help find ideas on what to find. Some items on our Planet Cleanup Bingo Card: Apple Core Styrofoam Banana Peel Plastic Bag Plastic Cutlery One reminder we wanted to share was that we must always dispose of food waste properly, like apple cores and banana peels. Just because they are decomposable doesn't mean we should leave them on the ground! Do you want to participate in Planet Cleanup all year round? Click here to download our Planet Cleanup Bingo Card.

Disclaimer: Make sure to consult with your healthcare provider for specific recommendations based on your baby's age, health, and local weather conditions. They can provide further guidance on how to keep your baby safe and comfortable during hot weather. It's a good idea to also discuss sunscreen to ensure you are taking the appropriate measures to protect your baby's delicate skin from the sun. All affiliate link revenue goes to Kids Who Explore to help get more kids outside. Thank you in advance for your support. Several factors can come into play when it comes to weather that is too hot for a baby. Humidity can be a huge factor, plus it depends on the age of your baby and if your baby is being worn on your front or in a hiking carrier. As a general guideline, it is recommended to avoid taking a baby outdoors when the temperature reaches or exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). I have been in climates where it has been outrageously warm (up to 37 degrees Celsius in Hawaii and the Okanagan) and I took my baby to the shade and cool valleys along the river. If I had to say a new rule thumb now, I would go with the no hotter than 32 degrees Celsius rule for us. Hiking in the heat can be miserable between the direct sun, bug bites, and hauling the weight of your carrier and baby. Hiking in the summer heat with a baby requires careful planning and preparation to ensure their safety and comfort. Here's everything you need to know about hiking in the summer heat with a baby: How to dress baby: Use light-coloured, lightweight, breathable clothing that covers their skin to protect them from the sun. I love using bamboo sleepers or merino wool from either Wee Woollies (Vancouver Island Family-Owned) or Iksplor (A Lovely Sister Duo based in Jackson WY) and you can use "KIDSWHOEXPLORE" to get 15% off you order with them too. I love this set for my baby. Merino wool is great in the summer because of the breathability, UV protection, moisture wicking, quick dry ability, and temperature regulation. Choose a wide brim hat that provides shade for their face, neck, and ears. I would highly recommend a sunshade for your hiking carrier incase your baby loves to remove their hat! Check for weather warnings: Double check for extreme changes in the weather and if there are any advisories in your area that could be dangerous for you and baby. Time it Right: Hit the trail in the early morning while it is cooler and avoid warmer parts of the day. I find it boiling between Noon and 4pm in Alberta. I even do sunset hikes with my baby in the summer and just pack along my headlamp. We don't have a strict bed routine in our house in the summer months. Sun protection: When choosing a sunscreen for your baby, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. It should be specifically formulated for infants and free of fragrances, dyes, and other potential irritants. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is generally safe to start using sunscreen on infants who are six months or older. I have had to use a tiny amount of sun screen on my babies hands under the age of six months because the weather changed to super sunny and I didn't have anything to cover his hands. It is ideal to follow the AAP recommendations though. Just a reminder too that cloudy summer days can also create sunburns. I love using ThinkBaby sunscreen for my kids. Breathable carrier: If you can choose a mesh option then that would be ideal for airflow and ventilation. The next thing that is a must is getting a carrier with a built in sunshade or a carrier that you can buy the sunshade accessory. Breathable fabrics help a lot in the summer heat. I love my Ergo Baby Omni Breeze in pearl grey and mesh material. Hydration station: Keep your baby well-hydrated during the hike. Offer them milk or water frequently. Offer more often than you usually would on a hike. I pack along things like watermelon (now that my baby is eating solids) zucchini, cucumber, and oranges. Do not forget to hydrate yourself along the way! I pack a hydration pack with me always. I always feel dehydrated when nursing too. Lots of breaks: Stop often and do baby checks along the way and try to only stop in the shaded areas when you do stop. Watch for signs: Overheating and dehydration can be all too common when hiking in the heat. Things to watch for with your baby is if they're sweating, lethargic, irritable, or red. If there is any signs at all that baby is uncomfortable, opting out of the hike is the way to go. The first priority is to stop entirely in the shade, offer fluids, and create an exit plan. Shaded trails: Or trails that are along water, into canyons, or with super tall and shady trees. Sun exposed trails are dangerous and should be avoided with baby in the heat of summer unless going early in the morning. You will also be at risk of heatstroke if you are hiking in exposed sun with elevation. Be prepared for emergencies: Familiarize yourself with the signs of heat-related illnesses and know what steps to take in case of an emergency. I would also pack a mini fan if you can or a spray bottle for additional precautions. In Wilderness First-Aid, I learned that the first few steps are to remove from heat right away, lo0sen tight clothing, poor water over torso (or use spray bottle) and fan skin, or immerse person in cold water in severe cases. BUT! Please read up further on your own First-Aid research. You can also sign up for a Wilderness First- Aid Course in your area too. Trust your gut: Don't go if you don't think it's a good idea. Just plan a sunset adventure or find a local creek to play in instead. Even if you get to a trailhead or you get on the trail, you can still end the hike at anytime that you're feeling uncomfortable or you baby. Safety first, always. If you're like me, you want to develop a connection with your baby while hiking on the trail. A huge part of that is listening to their cues and honouring their feelings too. Acknowledge them every step of the way and focus on their needs in the same way that you would at home too. A fun and safe hike should always be the goal. Just know that there will be other days to enjoy the trail together if the one you planned is ruined from a super hot day. Have the best time hiking this summer with your baby.

All affiliate links support my Social Enterprise to get more kids outside connected to nature at Kids Who Explore. Thank you in advance for your support. Bugs can really put a damper on the hike when you're constantly worrying about baby in the carrier. I want to share 8 ways to help you combat the bugs on the trail with your baby this bug season. Bugs can be really bad near the wild flower meadows (but I looove going to wild flower meadows a lot in the summer). Things like bees and horseflys really scare me on the trail with my baby. My toddler got a few horsefly bites on our wild flower hikes last season and it ended our adventures. When we stop for a snack or food pouch, the bugs come in like wild and I just really want to avoid my ten month old from getting bites. I ordered this bug net off of amazon and its a great little emergency hack if you encounter a lot of bugs on the trail. Hiking with bugs can be a challenge, especially when you have a baby with you. Here are some tips to help you navigate hiking with bugs while keeping your baby protected: Be vigilant: Keep an eye on your baby for any signs of discomfort or bites. If you notice any unusual reactions or symptoms, consult a healthcare professional. I pack baby Benadryl and soon to be carrying a baby & toddler EpiPen. Dress baby appropriately: Minimize skin exposure by putting baby in a sleeper then put baby shoes over top of sleeper or put pants into the socks. Preventing bugs from getting up pants legs is very important. Avoid bright colours and floral prints, as they can attract all kinds of insects. Bug Spray: I do spray my baby's shoes and the hiking carrier with our natural bug spray. Currently, my favorite natural brand doesn't ship to Canada but hoping they will very soon. Just make sure to follow instructions and avoid getting it near baby's eyes, mouth , or hands. Spray yourself, your hair, clothes, and shoes. Hike Timing: Plan your hike during times when bugs are less active, such as early morning or late afternoon. Avoid pond water and dense forest: Mosquito homes thrive in these areas and will swarm you. Bug Net: Consider using a bug net specifically designed for strollers or baby carriers. You can see my bug net hack here. I ordered my bug net off of Amazon. Watch on Social . Stay on Trail: Dense foliage or tall grass attract ticks and all kinds of other bugs so ensure you stick to trails ALWAYS check for ticks: After your hike, thoroughly check your baby for ticks, as they can carry diseases. Pay close attention to areas like the arm pits, sweaty regions, scalp, behind the ears, and around the waistline/crotch region. Keeping bugs away from baby is important. Keep an eye on baby at all times, ensure they're dressed for bug season, use natural bug spray where possible, time your hikes, avoid stagnant bodies of water, bring an emergency bug net, keep on the trail, and always check for ticks. Best of luck combaring bugs during this hiking season!

Backcountry Camping with Kids - Gear list Kids Who Explore has put together a gear list with all you need to know about packing for backcountry camping with kids. From campsite essentials, to clothing and footwear, kitchenware and meal planning, we have put together the ultimate backcountry gear list to make sure your camping trips go smoothly from start to finish. Scroll below to download our Backcountry Camping with Kids Gear List. Here are a few quick links from some of our favourite products and why, that are featured in Kids Who Explore Backcountry Camping with Kids Gear List. *Products below are clickable, and they will direct you to our favourite products, which means this blog contains affiliate links. We have made sure to add links to both US and Canadian retailers, if applicable. We make a small commission when you purchase a product using our affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. These funds help Kids Who Explore continue to put out educational content just like this and keep our community running* The 10 Essentials “What are the 10 essentials?” The 10 essentials are 10 items you should never leave your house without when you’re heading out on an adventure – with or without kids. These are items you can use incase of an emergency and can increase your survival rate. Although this is never something you want to think would happen, when we are adventuring, we must make sure we are prepared for any situation that may occur. These are the 10 essential items: Navigation/Satellite Communicator (map, compass, altimeter, gps device etc) Headlamp Sun Protection First Aid Kit Knife & Bear Spray Fire Starter Shelter Extra Food Extra Water (or emergency purification tabs) Extra Layers & Diapers Backcountry Backpack Finding the perfect backpack can be a game of trial and error, and there are many things you must take into consideration. Especially when backcountry camping with kids, you have to take things into consideration like the extra gear you'll be carrying, if you'll be needing to carry your children in a carrier, etc. MEC has put together a comprehensive guide, which you can read by clicking here, on how to pick the perfect pack and fit. Here is a YouTube video they've shared, as well. Non-Carrier Suggestions Women's Osprey Ariel 65 Shop Osprey (USA) Shop MEC (Canada) Women's Osprey Renn 50 or 65 Shop Osprey (USA) Shop MEC (Canada) Women's Gregory Jade 63 Shop REI (USA) Shop MEC (Canada) Men's Gregory Katmai 65 Shop REI (USA) Shop MEC (Canada Kids REI Tarn 12 or 18 Shop REI (USA) MEC Mountain Fountain JR Hydration Pack Shop MEC (Canada) Carrier Suggestions Osprey Poco Plus -- Click here to read our Osprey Poco Plus Review Shop Osprey (USA) Shop MEC Deuter Kid Comfort Carrier Shop REI Shop MEC Thule Sapling Child Carrier -- Click here to read our review on the Thule Sapling Carrier Shop REI TrailMagik Kid Carrier -- Use code 'KIDSWHOEXPLORE' to recieve 10% off your TrailMagik purchase Shop TrailMagik Camp Items Lightweight Tent Finding a lightweight tent for backcountry camping trips with kids is incredibly important, as this is where a lot of your weight will come from, besides food! Some tents that were suggested by families within the Kids Who Explore community were: MSR Elixir 4 Tent with Footprint Shop REI Shop MEC Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Shop REI Shop MEC Sea to Summit Telos TR3 Shop REI Shop MEC MEC Volt 3-Person Tent Shop MEC REI Co-op Trail Hut 4 Tent Shop REI Sleeping Bags, Pads & Pillows There are 2 different types of materials you can choose from when deciding what sleeping bag or pillow to get. You can choose between Down Material or Synthetic Material. Down is typically lighter, but is meant to keep you warmer. Synthetic is heavier, but can withstand getting wet. Always keep in mind about not getting Down materials wet as they take a lot longer to dry than Synthetic, which can consume lots of body heat. Morrison Outdoors Sleeping Bags – Use Code ‘kidswhoexplore’ to receive 10% off your sleeping bags for the whole family at morrisonoutdoors.com Shop Morrison Outdoors Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed 20 Duo Shop Sierra Designs Zenbivy Double Light Bed 25 Shop Zenbivy Marmot Women’s Trestles Eco 20 Sleeping Bag Shop REI (USA) Shop MEC (Canada) Marmot Mens Ollan 20 Sleeping Bag Shop REI (USA) Shop MEC (Canada) Depending on what age you're taking your children into the backcountry, you might want to invest in a closed-cell sleeping pad over an air-filled sleeping pad. Closed-cell pads are firmer pad and is a great safe sleep practice at younger ages. Here are a few different suggestions for both closed-call and air-filled sleeping pads: Klymit Double V Sleeping Pad Shop Klymit NEMO Roamer Double Sleeping Pad Shop REI Shop MEC Exped DeepSleep Mat 7.5 Duo Shop REI TurnWay Self Inflating Sleeping Pad Shop Amazon (USA) Shop Amazon (Canada) MEC Reactor 10 Double Sleeping Pad Shop MEC Another thing you'll also come across is R-value. R-value measures the pads ability to resist heat loss through the ground. The higher the R-value, the warmer your sleep system will be. Pillow suggestions: Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow Shop REI Shop MEC REI Co-op Trailmade Mummy Bag Pillow Shop REI Camp Kitchen Getting boiled water, fast, is one of our main priorities when hiking in the backcountry. Between MSR, Jetboil, Primus and other brands, there are so many amazing options for camp cooking. We've tested the Jetboil MightyMo and the MSR Pocket Rocket stove, and have to say that we are huge fans of Jetboil. We find their fuel canisters last a long time, and we always have boiling water in 2 minutes or less, even on chilly nights! Tip to preserve fuel: Don't turn your stove on fuel blast, and always have your pot on the flame. Turn the fuel level up gradually after igniting your stove, and always boil your water prior to adding your food. Cooking Gear MSR Pocket Rocket Stove Shop REI Shop MEC Jetboil MightyMo Backpacking Stove Shop REI Shop MEC Jetboil Flash Cooking System Shop REI Shop MEC Jetboil Sumo Group Cooking System Shop REI Shop MEC What pot set you need all depends on what you're bringing for meals, and how you plan to eat them. Because you're going as a family, you'll want to bring something that allows you to split meals evenly - so something that includes bowls/plates etc. Here are a few backcountry pot sets that we have either tried ourselves, or have been suggested by the Kids Who Explore community: MSR Flex 4 Cookware System MSR Trail Lite Duo System GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Campers Cookset GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist II Cookset Water Filter There are a few things to take into consideration when choosing a water filtration system for backcountry camping, like the weight, size, and filtration time. The more people in your party, the larger/faster you'll want your water filter to be. Nothing is worse than having to wait a long time for your water to filter, especially if you have some hungry hikers and depend on water for your food source. Here are some water filters that have been suggested by the Kids Who Explore community: Platypus GravityWorks Filter 4L Shop REI Shop MEC Platypus QuickDraw Straw + 1L Reservoir Shop REI Shop MEC HydroBlu Go Flow Gravity Filter Shop HydroBlu MSR AutoFlow XL Gravity Filter - 10L Shop REI Shop MEC We suggest also keeping some sort of emergency purification tabs in your toiletry bag or first-aid kit incase there is a moment where you can't find super clean water, and the filter just isn't cutting it. Keep in mind that purification tabs usually take about 4hrs to fully clean the water. Eco-friendly items you should pack We are beyond grateful for every adventure we go on, and want to continue to give back to our earth while doing said adventures. Using products that are biodegradable are incredibly important for the ecosystem your adventuring in, and the animals that call it home. We do our best to use eco-friendly, sustainable products when in the outdoors, and encourage you to do the same. Here are the products that we use to ensure we are doing our part in the outdoors to preserve it for generations to come: Biodegradable Toilet Paper Shop REI Shop MEC Biodegradable Dish Soap Shop REI Shop MEC Biodegradable Shampoo Shop REI Shop MEC Biodegradable Toothpaste Shop REI Shop MEC Additional backpacking items Here are other items that we make sure to always pack, or have been suggested by our community members to never leave behind: ENO DoubleNest Hammock Hiking Poles Camp Shoes Foam Z-Seat Hydro Flask Water Bottle BioLite Power Bank Thank you for taking the time to read our blog on Backcountry Camping Gear for families. We hope you have the best time backcountry camping and can't wait to see your adventures. Don't forget to tag us on Instagram @kidswhoexplore so we can see where you explore next.

This week's blog post was written by Kids Who Explore CEO Adrianna Skori. Will you be hiking in Hawaii with your family anytime soon? Or looking for possible travel inspiration with kids? Here are 7 Big Island Family Hikes in Hawaii, USA. 7 Big Island Family Hikes I hiked almost every day on the Big Island with my baby and toddler, and I hope you can find the same family memories along these trails that we did. If you're anything like me, deep healing and nature connection will also be a part of your travels. We chose trails that my toddler could do some hiking on his own and hike in the pack too. Some parts are steep so be prepared to pack you kids for portions. These 7 trails were very memorable for us. 1. Polulu Valley Hike down the majestic and steep trail to the black sand beach and be in awe of the views of the Hamakua Coastline. It's best to go at sunrise but amazing at all times! 2. Akaka Falls It is even more amazing after a rainstorm. You can soak in the sounds of the jungle and the gorgeous falls. 3. Mauna Kea (Sunset Hill) We suggest for you to go at sunset and hike above the clouds to see the most incredible views of the Volcano. 4. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park We hiked here almost every day to see the sea turtles. The trail network has a few starting points so you can start closer to the harbour where the boats dock. Remember to stay 20 feet from the peaceful, sunbathing turtles and enjoy the tranquility. 5. Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim (Counter Clockwise) You must not forget the Thurston Lava Tube. Visit the Park Ranger station first to get an idea of the viewpoints that you'd like to cover too. 6. Ala Khaki National Historic Park: Spencer Beach to Mau'umae Beach Be prepared for steam vents, rain, humidity, and some intensity. Get a sun break and explore many tree species along the ocean. You might even find a sea turtle or two. 7. Puuhonua o Honaunau This is a place of refuge. No picnics or play can happen in this sacred space, but it is an awesome toddler-paced hike with some incredible palm trees. You will find a lot of healing energy on this hike. Remember to leave no trace, respect all trail signs and sacred lands, and always stay on the trail. Please share with me in the comments if you plan on hiking or have hiked to any of these places! Share with a friend that loves to hike. Get more of a feel for these hikes on my reel too! Aloha! Wishing you trail loads of fun with your family. Thank-you for reading this week's blog post about 7 Family-Friendly Hikes on Big Island, Hawaii. Don't forget to pack your 10 essentials , and tag us in all of your adventures using #KidsWhoExplore and #KWE on Instagram.

Here are the 10 hiking essentials that you need while exploring with kids! "What are the 10 essentials?" The 10 essentials are 10 items you should never leave your house without when you're heading out on an adventure—with or without kids. These items can be used in case of an emergency and can increase your survival rate. Although this is never something you want to think would happen, when we are adventuring, we must ensure we are prepared for any situation. These are the 10 hiking essential items for exploring with kids: *Products below are clickable, and they will direct you to our favourite products. These contain affiliate links. We make commision when you purchase a product using our affiliate links, at no cost to you. These funds help Kids Who Explore continue to put out education content and keep our community running* Navigation/Satellite Communicator (map, compass, altimeter, gps device etc) Headlamp Sun Protection First Aid Kit Knife & Bear Spray Fire Starter Shelter Extra Food Extra Water (or emergency purification tabs) Extra Layers & Diapers

Packing along these essentials is very important when venturing out on a day hike. It can sometimes feel like you're packing up the whole house for a hike. Preparing these items and packing them along will allow you to feel much more comfortable in the outdoors. Let's get prepared for the trail together. I am sharing my version of the 10 essentials below. Please pin, save, or share my checklist with another hiking mom. 10 ESSENTIALS Pack along the 10 essentials on your next hike I always seem to forget items so I will be referring back to my essentials list when packing the kids up for a hike too! Have a great hike.

There is magic in the winter months whether you’re embracing the weather and hiking or getting cozy indoors. *Disclaimer: use your own discretion and comfort-zone when hiking in the winter with your baby. The answers that I share below come from my experience of my motherhood journey in the mountains. If you are here reading this, I am sure we share the same love for nature and hiking and I hope to see you out on the trail. Either physically or virtually. PS- there are a couple affiliate links added on the gear photos to provide Adrianna Adventures with a small kickback at no additional cost for you. Thank you for your support in advance. 1. Always pack ice cleats with you Ice cleats are so important for grip on the trail. I never leave the house in the winter without my ice cleats . The grip and traction on the trail makes me feel comfortable and safe when carrying my baby. 2. Layer your baby up! Warm layers keep the chill away. I layer my baby using the three-layer rule: First, merino wool base layer and socks. Second, fleece bunting. Third, down-filled puffy bunting . Accessories include toque, gloves, hand warmers, neck warmer, and booties. If I could get away with wearing an adult bunting, I would! I wear similar layers to my baby and mostly live in my merino wool base layers during the winter months. Don't forget to temperature check! I check my baby's temperature by using two fingers behind the neck to ensure he isn't too cold or too warm. I do feel for warmth in his feet and hands too. 3. Opt to stay inside if it's too cold In Alberta, we do experience some extremely cold winter days, but we do seize the opportunity on the mild days to hit the trail. For us, -15 degrees Celsius and warmer is within our comfort-zone. Wind-chill is an important factor for us, we always pay very close attention to what the temperature feels like with the wind. In short, we do not hike on super windy days. Most babies hate the wind, and my baby falls into that category. Yes, we have been those people with screams coming from the carrier just moments beyond the parking lot. We opt for indoor activities if the temperature is any cooler than our -15 degrees Celsius marker. On those cold days, we stay inside and stay cozy, and we are happy with that choice. 4. Plan your route for motivation We choose family-friendly hikes as far away from avalanche zones as possible. We choose more urban hikes and read many trail reviews before heading out on the trail. I love using the All Trails app to map out the trail and get directions to the trailhead. I often google others reviews or ask fellow hiking families in my area to share their winter trail recommendations. We still venture into the mountains but typically stick to trails that have lots of traffic and are close to indoor facilities. 5. Keep hikes short and manageable I prefer to hike 2 hours or less in the winter because the cold air makes my baby's cheeks red and his nose a little runny. A one-hour hike is perfect for us. Staying within your comfort-zone during the winter will make the hike more enjoyable for you and baby. 6. Keep baby dry and fed I always change my baby at the trail head before and after the hike in the truck. Yes, my vehicle is an 'adventure wagon' or a 'nursery on wheels' but it makes us feel like we can adapt to each adventure. I pack all the basic supplies with plenty of extras and sometimes in piles throughout the car. Go easy on yourself! No need to have everything perfectly always organized. Sometimes it really is about just being in the moment surrounded by the chaos. Being a "HOT MESS" is just how you feel when layering up and layering down in the winter. In fact, sweating prior to the hike is just how it goes! Feeding on demand is how we always fly. My baby was breastfed, and bottle fed so I experienced the convenience of both on the chilly days. Managing bottle sanitizing and formula got messy. I breastfed on the side of the trail and would sometimes use my summit z-seat to sit on during feeding times. 7. Bye bye expectations! Say good-bye to the expectations! Or just focus on being in the present moment no matter what is thrown your way. There is no way to control the weather, traffic, wildlife, trail conditions, or many other things that could possibly go wrong on your adventure. Seriously though, the law of attraction concept is so real on hike days! If you have a rough start to the morning, like a blow out, getting covered in oatmeal, or poop when you're already late to meet your hiking friends at the trail, things can really spiral out of control without an attitude reset. I always find a way to laugh at the chaos, allow a time range for our ETA, and focus on what is going well. Reward yourself with a hot coffee in a to-go mug as you leave your home. Nature will take care of the rest! Be quick to turn back and trust those gut feels. We are all hard on ourselves and there is nothing to prove when hiking with your baby. Winter roads can be awful, snowfall warnings can be sudden, and the temperatures can drop rapidly. To end, Hiking with a baby in any season is no easy feat. Just getting layered can feel like the hike. I promise that it is all completely worth it! When that first snowflake lands on your baby, magic happens. They are in awe of this world, and it is so amazing to experience winter in all of its glory with your curious little one learning about the world.