3 Must Follow Tips While Hiking With Your Kids
3 Must Follow Tips While Hiking With Your Kids All the wonders you seek are within yourself. SportsPeopleObjectivesMoreFormats
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Old saying: stuff expands to fill the space available… quickly increasing the load you're going to carry.
For a 4 hour hike, a bag with 10-15L capacity is more than sufficient (or 20L in winter so you can carry extra layers). For a day-long hike, a bag with 20-25L capacity will work well. Any bigger than this and you'll be tempted to take unnecessary items.
Don't skimp when it comes to your child's backpack;check that the back length is suitable and opt for a bag with a chest strap. If he is to enjoy the day, it's essential he feels comfortable.
For a child's backpack, you're advised not to exceed 10%-15% of his weight. Any more than this and the weight could damage his spine or cause pain.
If you load up your child like a mule, don't expect him to enjoy the experience or want to come back!
"Think "group": consider how many hikers there are (adults and children), so you can distribute the load better ; be aware that an adult can carry approximately 25% of his weight.
In terms of weight, normally water supplies and your packed lunch make up the bulk of your load; and don't overlook these two points. Make sure you give priority to "dried foods" with a high calorie content (dried fruit and cereal bars, for example) rather than "wet" foods. Remove as much unnecessary packaging as possible so you'll have a lighter load and less rubbish to bring back.
Distributing the load properly is not just a question of weight; you also need to balance your bag, so that it's comfortable to carry. You're advised to put the heaviest items against your back (usually: the water bladder, packed lunch etc.), that is to say, nearest your centre of gravity. You also need to check that all contents are securely positioned to prevent items moving when you walk.
Remember to store appetite suppressant type snacks somewhere accessible and distribute them evenly (belt pocket or bag flap are perfect for this). If you don't have a water bladder, try to ensure that the water bottle is easily accessible. Finally, leave the windproof jacket or waterproof at the very top, ready to get out at the 1st cold snap!
CHECK OUR RANGE OF JUNIOR BACKPACKS Related tagsRelated tags :Mountain SportsHikingKids and Sports Family Sports
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All you need advice and stories for your sport, delivered straight to your inbox (every month).Nothing more.Nothing less.Thank you! Your submission has been received!Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. P.S: You will enjoy this.Mar 2, 20215MIN READ3 Must Follow Tips While Hiking With Your Kids
Packing a backpack can quickly turn into a headache, but if you overlook this stage, you risk paying the price for it the next day. However, before this happens, the choice of backpack for your child is crucial.READ MOREDecathlon
1 Choose an Appropriate Bag for Each Trip and One that is Designed to Suit the Size and Shape of Each Hiker
2 Ensure Your Distribute the Load Properly
You can't use a bag designed for a light, 4 hour hike for an 8 hour trek. Checking the route and the length of the hikeis, therefore, an essential preliminary stage before you embark about filling the backpack.Old saying: stuff expands to fill the space available… quickly increasing the load you're going to carry.
For a 4 hour hike, a bag with 10-15L capacity is more than sufficient (or 20L in winter so you can carry extra layers). For a day-long hike, a bag with 20-25L capacity will work well. Any bigger than this and you'll be tempted to take unnecessary items.
Don't skimp when it comes to your child's backpack;check that the back length is suitable and opt for a bag with a chest strap. If he is to enjoy the day, it's essential he feels comfortable.
For a child's backpack, you're advised not to exceed 10%-15% of his weight. Any more than this and the weight could damage his spine or cause pain.
If you load up your child like a mule, don't expect him to enjoy the experience or want to come back!
"Think "group": consider how many hikers there are (adults and children), so you can distribute the load better ; be aware that an adult can carry approximately 25% of his weight.
In terms of weight, normally water supplies and your packed lunch make up the bulk of your load; and don't overlook these two points. Make sure you give priority to "dried foods" with a high calorie content (dried fruit and cereal bars, for example) rather than "wet" foods. Remove as much unnecessary packaging as possible so you'll have a lighter load and less rubbish to bring back.
Distributing the load properly is not just a question of weight; you also need to balance your bag, so that it's comfortable to carry. You're advised to put the heaviest items against your back (usually: the water bladder, packed lunch etc.), that is to say, nearest your centre of gravity. You also need to check that all contents are securely positioned to prevent items moving when you walk.
Remember to store appetite suppressant type snacks somewhere accessible and distribute them evenly (belt pocket or bag flap are perfect for this). If you don't have a water bladder, try to ensure that the water bottle is easily accessible. Finally, leave the windproof jacket or waterproof at the very top, ready to get out at the 1st cold snap!
3 Ok But What Shall I Take
10-20L backpack (depending on size, length of walk and weather)Snacks + several appetite suppressants (cereal bars, biscuits, dried fruit etc.)Water bladder plus water bottle: this fun item will encourage them to drink without having to stopTissues/toilet paperBonus: A small knife if your child is big enoughLightweight, durable trousers - tip: you can get trousers that convert into shortsBreathable, comfortable T-shirtWide brim hap or cap with neck flapGrade 3 or 4 glasses (check that they fit properly)Lightweight fleece jacket (no one is safe from sudden changes in weather)Lightweight, waterproof jacket or 3-in-1 so you can swap from a warm to a lightweight jacket with just two tugs of a zip (weather in the mountain can change quickly)Good shoes: soles with good stud grips, ideally with good ankle support and preferably with laces rather than rip-tabs for preciser fastening. (where necessary, remember to take a spare pair of laces). A small tip: watch our instructional video on how to lace your boots so the knot at ankle level doesn't bother you.Headlamp: in case of the unexpectedSurvival blanketMini first aid kit (bandages, in case of blisters, at the very least)Factor 50+ sun creamMap + compassCHECK OUR RANGE OF JUNIOR BACKPACKS Related tagsRelated tags :Mountain SportsHikingKids and Sports Family Sports