Hiking with Children

Kyoto: Hiking from Kibune to Kurama

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Unless one partner is capable of carrying most of the gear (or in the case of a walking child, the parents can split most of the gear) you will have to put off any major backpacking trips until your child is old enough to take care of himself.

A single parent will have to limit his or her backpacking trips to dayhikes unless they intend to camp extra light (which is not really wise if you're hiking with children) by not carrying a tent, cookstove, etc.

You should be aware of your own limitations. If you can't regularly carry a 60-pound pack, don't think that you can do it if you have a child. If you normally carry a 40-pound pack and your child weighs 20 pounds, carry no more than 20 pounds of gear, for a total weight of 40 pounds of child and equipment. Remember, you have a life on your back now. Don't endanger it.

Introducing your child to the outdoors early does not necessarily mean they'll become avid backpackers later on, so don't be disappointed if they eventually lose interest.

If you want your children to grow to love hiking and the outdoors as you do, don't push too hard. If you try to do too much, they will only have unpleasant memories to fall back on. Be content just to get out on the trail, instead of setting big mileage goals.

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