Home / Family Backpacking Trips 2013

Family Backpacking Trips 2013

We’re no strangers to backpacking. About 5 years ago we took our 1 year old daughter backpacking with us on a 3 day back country trip. We had a blast and so did she! Well, after a successful trip father daughter trip last year we have decided to do it again, but this time with the whole family. That means a lot more care and a lot lighter gear as we’ll have a 7 year old, 5 year old, 3 year old and <1 year old to pack along.

We’ll be taking lots of photos and making videos of the trip so that none of the details are forgotten.

Yes, this presents challenges, but we’re up for it and we think that with the right gear it shouldn’t be a problem. We’ll need to take the lightest of the lightest to ensure we have space and energy to  pack gear for 6 between 2 adults!

Here’s what we plan on bringing. If you’d like to help us out, you can contribute to our gear, or maybe just help out with gas and parks fees! Even if you’re not interested in supporting us, check back for the memories, gear lists and fun times. Maybe you’ll be inspired to get out with your own kids!

The kids are already excited and want to help carrying some basic things like their jackets and sleeping bags but most of this will be on the shoulders of the adults!

What we plan on bringing:

Shelter, camp and sleeping:

  • Ultralight Tent – 4-6 person – The kids could squeeze into a 4 to 5 tent if it’s double walled, but we’d want to have them in our tent.
  • Ultralight shelter
  • Sleeping bags
    • 2 person bag for myself, wife and baby #4
    • 3 x lightweight child sleeping bags for 32 degrees
  • Sleeping Pad(s)
    • 1 x double or 2 full length singles
    • 3 x 1/2 to 3/4 length pads
  • Camping stools? x2

Backpacks and storage

  • 2 x Lightweight Adult pack 40-60 litres
  • 2 x Ultralight baby front carriers (for 9 to 10 months old and 3 year old)
  • 2 x kids backpacks 15-30 litre (5 year old and 7 year old)
  • 6-10 stuff sacks (waterproof)

Navigation and hiking aids

  • Maps
  • Compass
  • GPS system / software
  • Trekking poles x4 pairs

Food and Cooking:

  • Bear canister
  • Stove x2
  • Cook pot x2 – 2-3 litres
  • Fuel for 3 days
  • Food for 3 days
    • Hot Breakfast and Dinner
    • Cold Lunches
    • Snacks
    • Baby food in squeeze pouches
  • Hot and cold beverages and mixes
  • Hydration bottles or bags
    • For adults and for kids
  • Water Purification
  • Bowls x 6
  • Mugs x 6
  • Utensils
  • Cooking ladel
  • Portable sink
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Antibacterial sponge
  • Tinfoil
  • Lighters x2

Clothing:

  • Base Layers (wicking)
  • Insulating Layers
  • Socks
  • Waterproof layers
  • Hats x 6 – Sun and rain 
  • Bug Nets
  • Swimwear
  • Hiking shoes

Health and Hygiene:

  • Biodegradable soap and deodorant
  • Child safe insect repellent
  • Child safe sun block
  • Toilet Paper and/or wipes
  • Towels x2
  • First Aid Kit * with tick remover
  • Toothbrushes
  • Diapers x10 and baggies
  • Solar Shower?

Gadgets

  • Solar Charger
    • with battery pack
    • USB charging kit
  • Camcorder x 1
    • Waterproof case
    • Extra battery
    • Memory cards
  • POV cameras x 2
    • Mounts
    • Waterproof Case
    • Extra batteries
    • Memory cards
  • GPS unit (see above)
    • Extra Batteries
  • GPS Tracker
    • Extra Batteries
  • DSLR
    • Zoom lens
    • Waterproof storage case
    • Extra batteries
    • Memory Cards
  • Headlamps x2 with extra batteries, perhaps small flashlights for kids x3

Survival:

  • Knife
  • Multi-tool
  • Survival Kit
  • Cordage
  • Bear Spray x 2

Fishing:

  • Tenkara Fly rod
  • Basic Fly kit
  • 2 x kids fishing rods
  • Basic fishing kit

If you feel like contacting us about this trip, please send us an email: PR@theoutdooradventure.net