Getting Ready for a Family Hiking Trip

Image by LaterJay Photography from Pixabay

It’s time for vacations, and probably every family is wondering and thinking about the best way to spend this time together. Hiking has always been a great answer; however, now, in 2021, it is the perfect one! It is not only an amazing way to improve your health by spending time outdoors but also an effective way to save some money since it can be pretty affordable. But how to prepare for this kind of trip? Which aspects to take into consideration?

Hiking Gear

Hiking equipment is one of the most important things to be considered before planning a trip. Take care of your comfort. You need specialized clothing. Meaning, thermal underwear, trekking sneakers or boots, outerwear, etc. All of the equipment might be a little pricey, so you can consider renting it. While planning on continuous hiking, it is actually not a problem to find special clothes and hiking boots under 100 dollars. 

Personal hygiene and household items, a tent, a sleeping bag, a travel mat, a raincoat, a towel, an LED flashlight, a first aid kit, personal utensils — you should have all this as well. If you are not going with an instructor, you’d better take an ax or saw too.

The main space in backpacks is usually occupied by food: cereals, sugar, salt, tea, crackers, vegetables and fruits, dried fruits, nuts, bread, cookies, etc. If you go on a trip during summer, it is better to avoid foods such as meat, bacon, stew, etc.

Choosing the Place 

To decide where to go, it’s best to assess your family’s interests and proceed from that. You may want to go cycling, explore the nearby towns, their attractions, and beauty. At the same time, that’s a great way to keep yourself in a good physical shape. If you decide on hiking, it can be a forest or a beach, mountains or rocks.

Try to take into account the fitness level of all the members of the family, their endurance in particular. Hiking for several days is not within the power of everyone. So if you’re a beginner, take a look at the simplest options as well as if you are planning on taking small kids with you.

Physical Preparation

As stated above, one of the most important factors for a successful hike is the sufficient physical fitness of all its participants. You’ll enjoy the trip a lot more if it won’t take too much effort. You should consider running medium to long distances since it’s the best way to build endurance before your hike. And doing some general exercises beforehand will make carrying the heavy backpack a lot easier.

Route

It’s better to come up with a travel route in advance. Since you are traveling with children, it is best to choose a location that is familiar enough. Then you can take into account all the subtleties when choosing the necessary equipment, food, and medicines. 

You should plan the whole route and mark the places of halts and overnight stays on a map. Also, do not forget about the sights that you may encounter on the way and include them in your itinerary.

When planning your route, make sure you know the area and take into account all the details so that you can safely return home with your family at the end of the trip.

Enjoy Your Trip

Organizing a hiking trip has never been easy, and it’s especially challenging when it includes the whole family with kids. You have to make sure everyone is physically and mentally ready for the trip. Also, you should think about the equipment and all the necessities you’ll need, consider the place and the time, and how to make it interesting for every member of the family. But it is as fun as challenging. Hiking trips are useful for both the physical and mental development of your kids, and spending time with the family is definitely worth the time you’ll spend organizing it.