The Day Trip Pack List is meant to be used for day trips; however, we carry most of these items most of the time since short outings can turn into long outings. Plus, it’s good backpacker training! May the list serve you well.
1. Sustenance
- Water – We like Nalgene water bottles because they do not leak. The NALGENE Tritan Grip-N-Gulp BPA-Free Water Bottle,Spring Green works well for a short outing (1-2 hrs). Bring 1-2 L per person for longer trips. Hydration packs like Platypus and Camelbak are great too. *In winter, bring thermoses filled with warm beverages.
- Food – Bring more than usual; the kids will work up an appetite running around outside!
2. Clothes
Pack in a waterproof stuff sack so they stay dry.
- hat / toque
- rain jacket or soft shell – should be water-resistant and windproof
- down vest, sweater, or jacket (If you are in the mountains, you should pack a down sweater or vest year-round)
- extra pants and underwear – if children still prone to accidents
- extra socks – change them if your child’s feet get very sweaty/wet to prevent blisters
- For cold weather, pack extra gloves or mittens.
Β 3. First Aid Kit*Β
Β Store all items in a freezer grade Ziploc bag so they don’t get wet.
- After Bite Kids
- Band-Aids – various sizes
- Disinfectant – We like Polysporin Poly to Go Antiseptic / Pain Relieving Spray. Another option is Polysporin Kids Speed Healing Cream.
- Medications your family may need, e.g. Epi-pen, Benadryl, asthma inhaler
- Mole skin and/or blister pads
- Nail clippers – for broken nails, but feel free to give yourself a manicure. : )
- Point tweezers – for slivers
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| Tip: Put your essentials in a large Ziploc bag so they are easy to find in your pack. |
*There are some great mini first aid kits available for purchase if you don’t want to make your own. I like the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight & Watertight Series Ultralight / Watertight .7 (available at Amazon.ca or Mountain Equipment Co-op).
4. Necessities
- Baby wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
- Insect Repellant – We like OFF! FamilyCare mosquito repellant.
- Picnic Blanket- We like theΒ Tuffo Water-Resistant Outdoor Blanket with Carrying Case. It’s bigger than most and grass
clippings and pine needles don’t stick to the cover. - Plastic bags – for garbage, dirty clothes, keeping your feet dry (layer over socks)
- Sunscreen – minimum SPF 30, get waterproof if you will be playing in water. Goddess Garden Organic Sunscreen – Kids Natural SPF 30 Lotion – 6 oz is a nice one that has a good rating from the Environmental Working Group.
5. Safety/Survival Gear
Carry the 10 essentials and brush up on first aid and navigation skills frequently.Β
- Map of area
- Bear spray
- Whistles (1 per person)
- Rain ponchos or space blankets (1 per person); or tarp / bivy sack
- Headlamps (1 per person)
- Mirror
- Compass
- Folding knife or Swiss Army Knife
- Waterproof matches / lighter /flint & steel and firestarters in a Ziploc bag
- Extra food
Wilderness Survival Gear You Must Carry (The 10 Essential Systems).
6. ToysΒ
We store these in a bin near the front door so we can grab & go.
Bring one or two depending on your destination.
- ball
- binoculars
- books for bird/plant/wildlife/animal track/rock identification
- bubbles- Make your own bubble solution with this recipe.
- Frisbee
- Handheld GPS – for route finding or geocaching. (You can also geocache on your phone; learn more here).
- kite
- magnifying glass – get at the dollar store
- sand toys
- sidewalk chalk
- Walkie talkies
I hope this is helpful! Is there anything else you like to bring hiking with kids?
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3 comments
Thanks for a really great and complete list. It will be used for my future trips.
You're welcome! π
Bear spray is good to bring on mountain hikes!
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