We all know the quote “Where there’s a will there’s a way.” Well, my name ain’t Will and I sure don’t know who Way is, but I do know that if you have the desire to take your kids camping then you can make it happen.
We started when our son Kylan was only 6 months old. I wanted to take Jentri and Kylan backpacking to a location I was introduced to the year before.
Why bother with the hassle of camping with little ones? Our culture is headed down a path that is making parents insecure about getting outdoors. Children are becoming obsessed with technology. I beg you, please, take your kids outside into the real world away from virtual reality. Doing so will strengthen your relationship with your children and spouse.
Also, be flexible. Initially we weren’t. Case and point: last winter Jentri and I set out to go cross-country skiing. We bundled Ky up and drove out to the trailhead. While gearing up, Ky began to throw a fit. Being determined on our goal, we put Ky in the trailer and took off down the trail with a screaming baby. Don’t make the same mistake we did. Sometimes when you plan a trip you will get to the trailhead or base of the climb just in time for your kid to be done and have to turn around and go home. Don’t let these rare events persuade you to quit. Usually, things will go the way you planned, and on these occasions the reward of sharing it with your kids is priceless.
So how do you pull off a successful expedition? Start with the right gear:
- Get a quality kid carrier, we suggest Deuter’s Kid Comfort III.
- Bring a sleeping bag for the little one. We like Deuter’s Little Star EXP is a great little sleeping bag.
- Leave the pack’n’play at home but bring a crib-like thing for the kiddo. (Phil&Teds makes a lightweight/compact playpen called the Traveller)
Then make a very unambitious plan. Pack lots of extra food and drinks. And make sure to have a lot of warm clothes. Finally, be prepared for baby to be in and out of your sleeping bag. You’re not going to get a lot of sleep at first, but you are going to be setting a great example for your kid. And the more you get out there, the easier it is.
Happy trails!
Pick up a great kid carrier & sleeping bag for your next family adventure
Check out one of these online dealers
- Learn all about the Kid Comfort III and the Little Star EXP at Deuter.com
- Backcountry.com: Little Star EXP | Kid Comfort III
- MooseJaw: Little Star EXP | Kid Comfort III
- REI: Little Star EXP | Kid Comfort III