Educational

family backpack basics (What’s in My Backpack)

What you should know before you take your family in the outdoors.

BY AMANDA EDMONDS

WITH QUARANTINE AND SOCIAL DISTANCING, WE ARE SEEING MORE AND MORE FAMILIES IN THE OUTDOORS. Which is great! The not so great news is that the outdoors can be pretty unforgiving for those who are unexperienced and underprepared. Knowing outdoor ethics and learning about the areas you intend to adventure not only keeps you and your family safe, but helps you learn to be a steward of the land and protecting our outdoor spaces.

DO NOT GO INTO THE OUTDOORS UNPREPARED. Do your research on the areas where you intend to recreate. This includes your knowledge of the area in addition to appropriate gear for your destination. Check in with the land managers, i.e. State Parks, BLM, Forest Service for any restrictions and current conditions. Check the weather several times as weather conditions can change rapidly. Download trail maps to your phone or GPS, or carry physical maps.

WHAT TO PACK. Here are some recommendations on what to ALWAYS pack in your bag. Not packing enough water and food while in the outdoors is extremely serious. It’s important to hydrate smart. Before you leave home, drink one to two cups of water prior to getting on the trail. Start out hydrated. Once on the trail don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water, that means you’re already dehydrated. The human body can only absorb so much water at a time. It’s important to not over drink your water and end up peeing it out. Your body at MOST, can absorb about one liter (approximately 34 fluid ounces) of water per hour, but only in the most extreme heat and humidity. Drinking approximately .25 liter or 8 ounces every 15 minutes during physical activities will help your body meet your hydration needs. In the desert you may need to drink more depending upon the temperature and the intensity of the hike. MUST PACKS: • Water • Snacks: Choose snacks high in protein for energy • Clothing layers: be prepared for a change in temperature, sun protection • Sun Protection: sunscreen, hat, lip balm, sunglasses • First aid kit • Knife or multitool • Whistle • Emergency blanket • Map, compass, or GPS • Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Satellite Messenger • Flashlight or headlamp • Matches or lighter

WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR CHILDREN’S PACK. I highly recommend starting kids off with a lightweight pack from an early age, even carrying a near empty pack in the beginning. Doing this helps them build up their endurance from a young age. Teaching your children to carry their own packs and water is important. Proper hydration and preparedness in the outdoors is essential. Carrying a pack and adequate water for each person in your family is critical. As a mom of a 7 and 13-year-old I get it, they might complain about it. Make sure to start small and be realistic in your hiking or adventure expectations. I also carry a carabiner so that on more strenuous adventures I can attach my little one’s pack to mine. Keep in mind your child’s age. Older children can carry all their supplies, a young child may only be able to carry water and an emergency whistle. • Size appropriate water bottle or bladder, keeping in mind the weight • Light snack • Emergency blanket: explain how and when to use it • Whistle: review what to do if they should become separated from you. Ensure that they know to stay put and blow their whistle in three sharp bursts.

WHAT’S IN MY KIDS’ PACK? My 13-year-old has been hiking, climbing, and adventuring from a young age. We built him up slowly and now he carries just as much as I do. He enjoys having his own pack and water.

My 7-year-old only carries water, a light snack, and an emergency blanket. Her pack has a built-in emergency whistle. I also let her choose a small lightweight toy to carry. Anything she packs, she is in charge of carrying. That being said, I do check her pack prior to hitting the trails. In the past I have found 10 pounds of rocks in her pack, avocados, feather boas, wonder woman costumes, and a million My Little Ponies.

BATHROOM AVAILABILITY VS WAG BAGS. Needing a restroom is a reality… but when you are in the outdoors bathrooms can be scarce. If you are simply going for a day hike make sure to use the restroom before leaving. Do some research and verify if there is a nearby and open porta potty, keeping in mind even if there is one open it may not be desirable to use. When using porta potties, treat it as you would any private restroom. Remember someone cleans this and doesn’t need a million people overflowing and throwing garbage all over causing the bathroom to be unusable for others.

A great alternative is packing a wag bag. Human waste takes about a year to biodegrade, and can potentially contaminate water sources in the wild. Pooping outside can be especially harmful not to mention gross and unsightly in fragile deserts and alpine environments. This is why packing it out is best. A wag bag is how you

do this. A wag bag is a puncture resistant bag with a solidifying agent to contain smells within the bag and contains a small amount of toilet paper.

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES? Common first aid injuries for families on the trail include the usual scrapes, cuts, bruises, sprained ankles, and bug bites.

You should carry a first aid kit every time you head out and know how to use it. There are several premade kits available for purchase.

MY BARE MINIMUM RECOMMENDATIONS TO ALWAYS PACK ARE: • Band-Aids • Neosporin • Saline and a syringe (to clean out wounds) • Gauze • Ace bandage • Bandana

For more comprehensive first aid information, check out the recent blog post on my website: AdventuringFamilies.com

Amanda Edmonds is an adventure mama, climber, and desert lover. Between inspiring women to get outside and crush goals, raising rad little humans, and taking photos she is constantly finding new ways to get outdoors and sharing those adventures with others. Adventuringfamilies.com @adventuringwithkids