Hiking has turned into the most popular outdoor activity in the country in recent years, and it isn’t difficult to see why. Going on a hike can provide you with exercise, allow you to get plenty of fresh air, and help you create a meaningful connection with Mother Nature.
Hiking is also a great activity for families to enjoy together. Consider planning a weekend hike with your family soon.
Before heading out, just be sure you have the right hiking essentials handy. Check them out below.
Backpack
The idea of bringing a backpack on a hike might not sound enticing at first. But trust us: You shouldn’t leave home without it.
Don’t just bring any old backpack, either. Instead, opt for a heavy-duty tactical backpack that keeps your trail essentials close without causing discomfort.
A good hiking backpack should have a capacity of 20 to 50 liters. Shop for one that is large enough to accommodate all your family’s hiking must-haves.
Read: Top Tactical Backpacks for Outdoor Travel and Day Hikes
Clothing
You won’t exactly be out in the middle of nowhere when your family hits the hiking trails. However, you will likely be out in the woods where the weather and temperature could shift at a moment’s notice. It could leave you feeling cold or soaking wet if the weather suddenly takes a turn for the worse.
With this in mind, you should pack extra clothing, including rain gear and additional base layers, to keep yourself comfortable in almost any situation while out in the wilderness.
Sun Protection
If the trails that you plan to hike on will leave you and your family exposed to the sun, make sure it doesn’t take too much of a toll. Pack sunscreen, SPF lip balm, sunglasses, and hats to keep the sun from shining directly on your skin.
You should invest in a hiking umbrella if your family will be hiking on an especially sunny trail. The last thing you want is for your family members to spend a weekend hiking and come home with sunburn.
First-Aid Kit
Thousands of Americans are injured while hiking in national parks each year. Thousands of others also sustain injuries while hiking in other places across the country.
For this reason, a first-aid kit is an absolute necessity for families heading out on weekend hikes. It should include the following items:
- Bandages
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Gauze
- Medical tape
- Blister care products
- Tweezers
- Splints
- Space blankets
Flashlight
Ideally, you and your family should plan to head home after a hiking trip on the weekend, well before the sun sets. Things might not always go according to plan, though, and this could leave your family stuck out on a hike as the sun sets. You might even fail to return to your starting point until after it’s already dark.
Sticking a flashlight into your backpack could be the difference between you making it back to where you started and getting lost on a trail. Search for a super bright, yet compact, flashlight that will light up the way without forcing you to sacrifice too much storage space in your bag.
Multitool
In a perfect world, you won’t ever have to pull out a multitool and put it to good use during a hike with your family. However, it doesn’t hurt to have one around, since it could be the key to navigating tricky situations.
For example, a multitool could help you build a fire if you get lost on a hike and need to keep warm. It could also play a key role in helping you set up a shelter for you and your family in this instance.
You can buy a decent multitool for under $20 in most cases. It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that it can provide.
Compass
Some people are simply born with a poor sense of direction and lack the necessary skills to wander around on hiking trails without getting lost. Others struggle to find their way when hiking through wooded areas with few recognizable landmarks.
If you fall into either of these categories, and, quite frankly, even if you don’t, you should have a compass on hand for your family’s weekend hiking adventures. Be sure you understand how to use one, too.
Food and Water
If your family is only planning to hike for an hour or two, you might not think it’s necessary to bring food and water. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
You should always pack nutritious foods (dried fruits, energy bars, and, of course, trail mix), along with 1 to 3 liters of water per person, depending on how long you expect your hike to last. You’re better off bringing these items and not needing them than leaving them at home and wishing you had packed them.
Stock Up on These Essentials Before Your Family Hits the Hiking Trails
Make your family’s next weekend hike a success by packing everything on this list. Consider investing in additional items, such as fire starters and other accessories for EDC, as well. Read through the rest of our blogs to find more tips on living your best life with your family.
