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Packing along these essentials is very important when venturing out on a day hike. It can sometimes feel like you're packing up the whole house for a hike. Preparing these items and packing them along will allow you to feel much more comfortable in the outdoors. Let's get prepared for the trail together. I am sharing my version of the 10 essentials below. Please pin, save, or share my checklist with another hiking mom. 10 ESSENTIALS Pack along the 10 essentials on your next hike I always seem to forget items so I will be referring back to my essentials list when packing the kids up for a hike too! Have a great hike.

There is magic in the winter months whether you’re embracing the weather and hiking or getting cozy indoors. *Disclaimer: use your own discretion and comfort-zone when hiking in the winter with your baby. The answers that I share below come from my experience of my motherhood journey in the mountains. If you are here reading this, I am sure we share the same love for nature and hiking and I hope to see you out on the trail. Either physically or virtually. PS- there are a couple affiliate links added on the gear photos to provide Adrianna Adventures with a small kickback at no additional cost for you. Thank you for your support in advance. 1. Always pack ice cleats with you Ice cleats are so important for grip on the trail. I never leave the house in the winter without my ice cleats . The grip and traction on the trail makes me feel comfortable and safe when carrying my baby. 2. Layer your baby up! Warm layers keep the chill away. I layer my baby using the three-layer rule: First, merino wool base layer and socks. Second, fleece bunting. Third, down-filled puffy bunting . Accessories include toque, gloves, hand warmers, neck warmer, and booties. If I could get away with wearing an adult bunting, I would! I wear similar layers to my baby and mostly live in my merino wool base layers during the winter months. Don't forget to temperature check! I check my baby's temperature by using two fingers behind the neck to ensure he isn't too cold or too warm. I do feel for warmth in his feet and hands too. 3. Opt to stay inside if it's too cold In Alberta, we do experience some extremely cold winter days, but we do seize the opportunity on the mild days to hit the trail. For us, -15 degrees Celsius and warmer is within our comfort-zone. Wind-chill is an important factor for us, we always pay very close attention to what the temperature feels like with the wind. In short, we do not hike on super windy days. Most babies hate the wind, and my baby falls into that category. Yes, we have been those people with screams coming from the carrier just moments beyond the parking lot. We opt for indoor activities if the temperature is any cooler than our -15 degrees Celsius marker. On those cold days, we stay inside and stay cozy, and we are happy with that choice. 4. Plan your route for motivation We choose family-friendly hikes as far away from avalanche zones as possible. We choose more urban hikes and read many trail reviews before heading out on the trail. I love using the All Trails app to map out the trail and get directions to the trailhead. I often google others reviews or ask fellow hiking families in my area to share their winter trail recommendations. We still venture into the mountains but typically stick to trails that have lots of traffic and are close to indoor facilities. 5. Keep hikes short and manageable I prefer to hike 2 hours or less in the winter because the cold air makes my baby's cheeks red and his nose a little runny. A one-hour hike is perfect for us. Staying within your comfort-zone during the winter will make the hike more enjoyable for you and baby. 6. Keep baby dry and fed I always change my baby at the trail head before and after the hike in the truck. Yes, my vehicle is an 'adventure wagon' or a 'nursery on wheels' but it makes us feel like we can adapt to each adventure. I pack all the basic supplies with plenty of extras and sometimes in piles throughout the car. Go easy on yourself! No need to have everything perfectly always organized. Sometimes it really is about just being in the moment surrounded by the chaos. Being a "HOT MESS" is just how you feel when layering up and layering down in the winter. In fact, sweating prior to the hike is just how it goes! Feeding on demand is how we always fly. My baby was breastfed, and bottle fed so I experienced the convenience of both on the chilly days. Managing bottle sanitizing and formula got messy. I breastfed on the side of the trail and would sometimes use my summit z-seat to sit on during feeding times. 7. Bye bye expectations! Say good-bye to the expectations! Or just focus on being in the present moment no matter what is thrown your way. There is no way to control the weather, traffic, wildlife, trail conditions, or many other things that could possibly go wrong on your adventure. Seriously though, the law of attraction concept is so real on hike days! If you have a rough start to the morning, like a blow out, getting covered in oatmeal, or poop when you're already late to meet your hiking friends at the trail, things can really spiral out of control without an attitude reset. I always find a way to laugh at the chaos, allow a time range for our ETA, and focus on what is going well. Reward yourself with a hot coffee in a to-go mug as you leave your home. Nature will take care of the rest! Be quick to turn back and trust those gut feels. We are all hard on ourselves and there is nothing to prove when hiking with your baby. Winter roads can be awful, snowfall warnings can be sudden, and the temperatures can drop rapidly. To end, Hiking with a baby in any season is no easy feat. Just getting layered can feel like the hike. I promise that it is all completely worth it! When that first snowflake lands on your baby, magic happens. They are in awe of this world, and it is so amazing to experience winter in all of its glory with your curious little one learning about the world.

Affiliate link earnings are donated to Kids Who Explore, to get more kids outside around the globe. There is no additional cost to you. Thanks in advance for helping grow my outdoor community. I have been exploring the Canadian Rockies and beyond for over two years (and forever ago before that) with my baby and now toddler riding in the Poco plus. I am a huge Osprey fan to begin with because of the quality of their hiking gear. Well before kids, I would hike with my Osprey packs to the summit of many mountains. I am excited to share my take on the Poco plus. I have put on many miles with the Poco plus and I am going to share all the things that I love about my hiking carrier and a couple things that I think could be improved with it. The Osprey Poco Plus I opted for the black colour as I love how classic it looks and it matches our brand at Kids Who Explore. This carrier will grow with your baby from six months up until they're around 3 years old and even a little older in some cases. Price: $500 CAD Weight: 7lbs. 14 oz. Capacity: 26L What I like: Storage space, built in sunshade, and ease of adjusting to parent and growing child. What I dislike: Tricky hydration space, cockpit holes are small, and no cellphone storage on hip belt. Click here to visit Osprey's site to see more details on the carrier. My "testing" period has been well over 100 hikes with my baby. The poco plus has helped me create lifelong memories with my baby and is now going to be used for my second baby. It has been there with us since our first hike. I actually have both the Poco plus and the regular Poco as well. I take the plus on longer adventures because it has more storage. We've climbed mountains, walked around lakes, shopped in the city, travelled through airports, and explored new places with our Poco plus. The Poco plus will help you carry all the necessary baby items, ten essentials, and more! Pros and Cons Let's start with the Cons! With love as you will see my 5 stars below. Three things that frustrate me about the Osprey Poco Plus are first, the spot for the hydration pack. I can never fill my hydration 3L pack full and fit in behind the back. The space is very small and tricky. Second, the foot holes for my toddler are so small and every time I have to load him in or out of the carrier, I have to take off his hiking or winter boots. It does really annoy me now that I have two on the trail as it's just one more thing that I always have to juggle. My toddler also wants out of his pack many times on our hikes. Third, I do wish there were bigger front pockets on the hip belt to hold my cell phone. I love to capture trail memories with my kids and it's hard to always have the cell in my coat or pant pockets. To add. Pricey, yes, as most quality gear often is. You can find this pack listed on fb marketplace, just set your search so when one comes up then you can snag it right away. My hiking friends rave about the Thule and the Deuter child carrier, so it is worth comparing and looking those ones up as well. Okay, now the pros! So the pros absolutely win my heart for this pack contrary to my blunt honesty in the cons above. Three things that I love about my Poco Plus are to start, the storage space! I can pack all the things we need to hike. Click here to see my baby hiking pack list. I really have to pack a lot being in the Rockies, weather can change in an instant and I feel so much better being able to bring extra layers etc. The additional pockets and even those hip belt pockets are actually great for keys and snack space. Next, the built-in sunshade! This shade is used all year round for us and the rain cover (you need to buy separately) fits perfectly. I use it on the blizzard days and in the rain too. The sunshade keeps my baby tucked in and away from the bright Alberta skies and it does help to reduce the wind. Lastly, I love how easy it is to adjust the carrier between my husband and I. Whether you need to adjust the height, hip belt, or should straps, it's super quick on the trail. Okay, a few other great things! Other positives are that, my baby is super comfortable in the saddle part that can adjust as he grows. I love that the bar can pull in at the back and extend for more space. The side of the pack has netted storage for my sons snacks. It has padding around the waist belt. 5 stars. I am an avid hiker and take my baby out on all kinds of trails in the Canadian Rockies. Overall, the Osprey pack is a great pack choice and although I have some frustration, I do have to give my Osprey hiking carrier a 5 star rating. Without it, I would never have been able to get my baby up mountains and to the many epic places that we made it to. It has been a staple in my maternity wardrobe and my babies main accessory. Please let me know below in the comments if you share the same view! Perhaps you love another carrier, would love to hear what you love about your carrier.

There are so many child carrier options available when it comes to finding your next hiking pack. We've partnered with Thule to share our  Thule Sapling Child Carrier Review . You'll find the technical stats, pros & cons, and community reviews on this Thule Child Carrier. Thule Sapling Child Carrier Review I have been exploring the Canadian Rockies and beyond for over two years (and forever ago before that) with my baby and now toddler. I am brand new to the Thule Sapling and have been very eager to give this pack a try. I am a huge fan of the of the Chariot Sport 2 by Thule and know that they bring quality into their products. I have hiked many trails with my kids and appreciate high-quality gear. This pack was generously gifted to the Kids Who Explore community so that other parents can give this pack a try at meet-ups and community events too. I feel so honoured to be able to review this pack. Many families and friends in the Kids Who Explore community hike with the Thule carrier, and it has a few unique features that make it stand out. Nash and I were at the top of Tunnel Mountain in Banff for a solo hike. The Thule Sapling Stats I opted for the agave colour as I love how it blends in with nature and is light for the hot summer days and sticky baby fingers. This carrier will grow with your baby from six months up until they're around 3 years old. Price: $529.95 Weight:  7lbs Capacity:  48.5lbs (40lb max child weight)/22L Storage What I like: Ease of getting baby/toddler in and out, belt pocket holding cellphone, easy access to the pack, cockpit and drool pad can be removed for washing, mesh siding, adult padding for comfort, ergo seat for babies comfort, child lock safety harness to keep baby safe in the seat. What I dislike: Back bar pinches hand if closed wrong, high value accessories, not enough storage without accessories, and no water bottle holder on the pack for my babies bottle. Click here to visit Thule's site to see more details on the carrier. I tested this child carrier in the Canadian Rockies in the winter... The Thule is built with quality in mind, so if you buy one, you can expect to pass it down in the family or be able to resell it once your babies have outgrown it (very sad, I know). Although, I am brand new to the Thule Sapling, I do love the Thule products a lot. I went on a solo hike with my baby in Banff, and he slept almost the entire hike in the pack! We did a lot of local parks with it, a few toddler-paced trails, and we packed it along on some of our trips, too. We experienced this pack in the snowy mountains, around the rural parts of Alberta, in the city, and shopping in mountain towns. The Thule Sapling will help you build magical memories with your baby and carry the baby essentials on your adventures. You can use this carrier beyond hiking. Today, I am sharing this review to help you decide which baby hiking carrier is best for you. As with all reviews, I want to share what I loved and didn't love as much. Find out below if there were any deal-breakers for us. Pros & Cons of the Thule Sapling Child Carrier Let's start with the Cons! With love, though, as you will see my 5 stars below. Three things frustrate me about the Thule Sapling: first, the bar pinches my hand when closing it incorrectly (once you learn how to close it, this will not happen). Second, there isn't a water bottle pocket, as I need it for my baby's bottle. However, it did creatively fit in the front pocket because the pocket is a great size! Third, the accessories are something that I absolutely need when hiking. I hike in all weather, so I need the rain cover, and my day trips need ample storage. It can carry 22L, but that isn't enough for me. You can buy additional storage to go on the back of the pack. So it's great that you can add these items, but when they aren't included, it does drive up the cost factor for the pack. To add, it's pricey, yes, as most quality gear is. You can find this pack listed on Facebook Marketplace. Just set your search, so that when one comes up, you can snag it right away. Okay, now the pros! So the pros are amazing! Three things that I love about my Thule Sapling are to start, the ease of getting my kids in and out of the pack. So I can unclip the sides of the pack and let my toddler get in without having to remove his boots to get in. The seat is ergo-fitting (the only pack on the market with this kind of seat) and super comfortable for babies and toddlers. The cockpit seat also can be removed and washed along with the drool pad. This is a huge win because outdoor adventures can get very messy with kids. The buckling system is great on this pack as it has a three way safety harness so that toddlers cannot get out themselves. The mesh siding also allows for breathability and keeps the baby cool for warmer weather. The side panels are also awesome for those trail naps. The seat is very quick to adjust between toddler and baby riders. Next, the oversized belt pockets that actually fit my cell phone! I love having quick access to my phone to capture the memories on the trail. Lastly, I love the ability to reach into the pack and grab the items you need without ever having to remove the pack from your back. This is super handy and makes my hikes a lot easier because I find it hard to load and unload frequently. The pack is super comfy on the adult as well. The padded belt makes a difference on my hips and the pack is wider for my husband to also fit too. It is very easy to adjust the carrier between users. Whether you need to adjust the height, hip belt, or straps, it's super quick on the trail. Spoiler alert! There were no deal breakers. 5 Star Review I am an avid hiker and take my baby out on all kinds of trails in the Canadian Rockies. Overall, the Thule Sapling carrier is going to allow you to hike and adventure off the beaten path with your kids. I do give it 4.8 which rounds up to 5 stars at Kids Who Explore because of the quality and safety of this pack. If I had the additional accessories, my rating would have shown that. I use the rain cover to protect from wind, too, and we get a lot of wind here in the Rockies. Plus, extra storage for me would've set this pack over the top. The Thule Sapling is a great pack choice, and although I have some frustration, I do have to give this hiking carrier a 5-star rating. The Thule Sapling has been gifted to Kids Who Explore for moms to try out at our community events. Thank you, Thule, for helping get more moms and babies in the outdoors safely. Thule Sapling Child Carrier Reviews from our Community "We have the older version of the Sapling but we absolutely LOVE it !! Very adjustable for child but also easily adjustable for mom and dad. It has lots of storage. Very comfortable. And I love that it has the stirrups for the child to put their feet in. 5/5" "We have a Thule Sapling, and have been using it for about 6 months. It was an upgrade for hiking from our Ergo. All I can say is: why didn't we buy it earlier! It's so adjustable and easy. Halfway through a hike, my partner and I can switch who's carrying our daughter in a few minutes. The compartment holds all our snacks, a diaper or two, water, extra mitts, all the things. It's nice to not also need a backpack for hikes. We also love the kickstand feature - it's easy to release while wearing the carrier which I love. The two hip pouches are great too - phones, dog treats or emergency snacks all fit! We'd give it a 5/5!" "10/10 would recommend. It's amazing and we loved everything about it. Super adjustable, lots of pockets for all-of-the-things and both my husband and I could wear it." "We also have the older version of the Sapling elite and love it! As mentioned above it’s easily adjustable for different people to use, large compartment, and has the attachable backpack. I was able to fit everything I needed to go solo backpacking with my toddler in it. And I believe it has one of the largest hip belt pockets when compared to other packs. Easy access to phone, keys, snacks ect! 5/5" Thank you for taking the time to read our collaborative post with Thule on our Thule Sapling Child Carrier Review. What pack do you want to see us review next?

Camping season is upon us, and whether you're going out for the first time with kids this year, or you're heading out for another season, we've compiled our top 10 tips for camping with kids. Camping with kids can be intimidating, but we want to ensure our top 10 tips help you find easier and simpler ways to get out camping with kids. Here are our Top 10 Tips for Camping with Kids. This blog post is sponsored by Morrison Outdoors. 10 Tips for Camping with Kids From comfortable sleeping bags to fun camping activities, keep reading to discover our top tips for camping with kids! Pack a Warm & Comfortable Sleeping Bag for Everyone One of the most important things for a successful camping trip is ensuring everyone has a good night's sleep, from Baby to Mom and dad. Good-quality sleeping bags can be incredibly difficult to find, but we have been introduced to Morrison Outdoors and will never be going back! Morrison is making waves in the world of Sleeping Bags with bags that fit children as young as 6 months. Some of our favourite features include: Inverted Zipper - Zips open from the bottom for easy diaper changes. Draft Tube - Keeps warm air from escaping behind the zipper. Enclosed Footbox - Fully-enclosed footbox that keeps the little toes nice and cozy. Machine Washable- The best feature of all! Wash at home for a quick, easy clean-up after a weekend in the dirt. When deciding on your sleeping bag, you can choose between down or synthetic material. They even have added Adult Sleeping Bags to their line-up! Whether you're heading into the backcountry or staying in the front country, Morrison Outdoors is a great option for staying warm at night on adventures. Click here to view Morrison Outdoors Sleeping Bags Practice at Home Before the season starts, set up all of your gear at home and do a practice run. This is a great way to ensure you know how to use all your gear, avoid frustration when it's the real deal, and ensure there are no repairs that need to be done to your gear. When you do your practice run, this is where you can identify tasks that your little ones can help with once you arrive at the campground. Some simple tasks you may practice are setting up their own sleeping area, setting up camp chairs, or helping set up the tent. Michelle, our social media lead, has a pop-up tent that all you need to do is push the poles - so this is an excellent option for a piece of gear that they can help set up. Arrive While it is Still Light Outside The last thing you want to do when camping with kids is set up camp in the dark. Be sure to plan your arrival so it is not dark. Don't forget to pack snacks for your journey to the campground! Bring *Good* Food Just because you are camping, doesn't mean you have to change what you are eating or feeding your children! You can still make so many different delicious meals. It can be difficult to get kids to eat when there is so much going on, so make sure you pack things that you know they enjoy and will pique their interest when being served. Click here to read our blog post "Camping Meal Ideas with Kids" Always Bring the '10 Essentials' According to Mountaineers, the concept of the "Ten Essentials" was formalized in 1974. However, the idea dates back to the 1930s, when it was included in climbing and mountaineering courses! Adventurers from around the world acknowledge that when heading outdoors, at least ten items are deemed necessary for survival. Here are the 10 Essential Items we pack along: Navigation and/or Satellite Communication Illumination - this could be a headlamp First-aid kit - make sure you have enough materials for the number of days you are gone Fire Knife Shelter Sun Protection Extra food Extra water Extra clothes Plan Fun Activities Hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming – there are a lot of fun family camping activities to enjoy. A campground's web page will give you specific ideas for playing time together. They will also provide a calendar of family events, like Junior Ranger programs, if available. Some campgrounds even offer bike trails, a swimming pool, nature trails, or mini golf. Be sure to do your research on available amenities at your campground. Pack Games & Gear in Case of Rain Sometimes, when we go camping, we predict that the weather will be beautiful, but Mother Nature has other plans. Make sure you pack enough entertainment and rain gear in case this happens! Board games, cards, a small table, and chairs can be all you need to enjoy the rain. If the rain isn't coming down too hard, you can even try puddle-jumping. Do a Safety Sweep & Chat When You Arrive There can be many hazards around your campground, and you should be aware of them all. Once you are aware of all the hazards, have a sit-down chat with your children so they are aware of what they are as well. Hazards that should be talked about are Fire Safety - the fire itself, as well as the axe if it is being left near the tent or your propane fuel source. Point out any roots or trip hazards in your campground and offer routes around them. If you are camping near a lake, set firm boundaries about swimming rules. If you are near a road, set firm boundaries about when they are allowed to leave your campground vicinity. Safety is incredibly important when you are out camping. Know that Not Everything Will Go as Planned Not everything will go as planned—and that is OK! Hiccups happen, and we just take them as they come. No matter how much gear you pack or how much planning you do, something always has the possibility of going wrong, but that is OK. If you go in with the expectation that not everything will be perfect, it can lead to a lot less disappointment if mishaps happen. As you get further into camping season, you can learn from the mishaps and change certain areas of camping where you see fit. Camping with kids can be easy, it can be fun, and it is worth it. Have a Positive Attitude From start to finish! Be enthusiastic about camping from the moment you begin planning at home and practicing with your gear. If your little ones see you excited about something, it is likely going to rub off on them. Create excitement about going camping, being outdoors, and embracing dirt. The more positive we are from the start, the smoother the entire camping process of camping with kids will be. Enjoy Camping with Your Kids! Do you feel prepared to go camping with kids, now? These are our top 10 tips for camping with kids, and we are so grateful you took the time to read today's blog post. Camping Season is so close, so feel free to bookmark this blog post to refer back to it as you begin planning your camping season with kids. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram at @kidswhoexplore and use #KidsWhoExplore and #KWE for your chance to be featured on our social channels. Happy Adventuring, friends!

Affiliate link earnings are donated to Kids Who Explore, to get more kids outside around the globe. There is no additional cost to you. Thanks in advance for helping grow my outdoor community. I have been exploring the Canadian Rockies and beyond for over two years (and forever ago before that) with my baby and now toddler. I am brand new to the Thule Sapling and have been very eager to give this pack a try. I am a huge fan of the of the Chariot Sport 2 by Thule and know that they bring quality into their products. I have hiked many trails with my kids and appreciate high-quality gear. This pack was generously gifted to the Kids Who Explore community so that other parents can give this pack a try at meet ups and community events too. I feel so honoured to be able to review this pack. Many families and friends in the Kids Who Explore community hike with the Thule carrier and it has a few unique features that make it standout. Nash and I were at the top of Tunnel Mountain in Banff for a solo hike. The Thule Sapling I opted for the agave colour as I love how it blends in with nature and is light for the hot summer days and sticky baby fingers. This carrier will grow with your baby from six months up until they're around 3 years old. Price: $529.95 CAD Weight: 7lbs Capacity: 22L What I like: Ease of getting baby/toddler in and out, belt pocket holding cellphone, easy access to the pack, cockpit and drool pad can be removed for washing, mesh siding, adult padding for comfort, ergo seat for babies comfort, child lock safety harness to keep baby safe in the seat. What I dislike: Back bar pinches hand if closed wrong, high value accessories, not enough storage without accessories, and no water bottle holder on the pack for my babies bottle. Click here to visit Thule's site to see more details on the carrier. I tested this child carrier in the Canadian Rockies in the winter. The Thule is built with quality in mind so if you buy one, you can expect to be passing it down in the family or being able to resell it once your babies have outgrown it (very sad I know). Although I am brand new to the Thule Sapling, I do love the Thule products a lot. I went on a solo hike with my baby in Banff and he slept almost the entire hike in the pack! We did a lot of local parks with it, a few toddler paced trails, and we packed it along on some of our trips too. We experienced this pack in the snowy mountains, around the rural parts of Alberta, in the city, and shopping in mountain towns. The Thule Sapling will help you build magical memories with your baby and carry the baby essentials on your adventures. You can use this carrier beyond hiking. Today, I am sharing this review to help with deciding which baby hiking carrier is best for you. With all reviews, I want to share what I love and didn't love as much. Find out below if there was any deal breakers for us. Pros and Cons Let's start with the Cons! With love as you will see my 5 stars below. Three things that frustrate me about the Thule Sapling are first, the bar pinching my hand when closing it incorrectly (once you learn how to close it then this will not happen). Second, there isn't a water bottle pocket as I need it for my babies bottle. It did however, creatively fit in the front pocket because the pocket is a great size! Third, the accessories are something that I absolutely need when hiking as I hike in all weather so I need the rain cover and my day trips need ample storage. It can carry 22L but that isn't enough for me. You can buy additional storage to go on the back of the pack. So it's great that you can add these items but when they aren't included, it does drive up that cost factor for the pack. To add. Pricey, yes, as most quality gear often is. You can find this pack listed on fb marketplace, just set your search so when one comes up then you can snag it right away. Okay, now the pros! So the pros are amazing! Three things that I love about my Thule Sapling are to start, the ease of getting my kids in and out of the pack. So I can unclip the sides of the pack and let me toddler get in without having to remove his boots to get in. The seat is ergo fitting (the only pack on the market with this kind of seat) and super comortable for babies and toddlers. The cockpit seat also can be removed and washed along with the drool pad. This is a huge win because outdoor adventures can get very messy with kids. The buckling system is great on this pack as it has a three way safety harness so that toddlers cannot get out themselves. The mesh siding also allows for breathabitlity and keeping baby cool for warmer weather. The side panels are also awesome for those trail naps. The seat is very quick to adjust between toddler and baby riders. Next, the oversized belt pockets that actually fit my cell phone! I love having quick access to my phone to capture the memories on the trail. Lastly, I love the ability to reach into the pack and grab the items you need without ever having to remove the pack from your back. This is super handy and makes my hikes a lot easier because I find it hard to load and unload frequently. The pack is super comfy on the adult as well. The padded belt makes a difference on my hips and the pack is wider for my husband to also fit too. It is very easy to adjust the carrier between user. Whether you need to adjust the height, hip belt, or straps, it's super quick on the trail. Spoiler alert! There were no deal breakers. 5 stars. I am an avid hiker and take my baby out on all kinds of trails in the Canadian Rockies. Overall, the Thule Sapling carrier is going to allow you to hike and adventure off the beaten path with your kids. I do give it 4.8 which rounds up to 5 stars at Kids Who Explore because of the quality and safety of this pack. If I had the additional accessories, my rating would have shown that. I use the rain cover to protect from wind too and we get a lot of wind here in the Rockies. Plus, extra storage for me would've set this pack over the top. The Thule Sapling is a great pack choice and although I have some frustration, I do have to give this hiking carrier a 5 star rating. Please let me know below in the comments which points that you agree on. Perhaps you love another carrier, would love to hear what you love about your carrier. The Thule Sapling has been gifted to Kids Who Explore for moms to come and try out at our community events. Thank you, Thule for helping get more moms and babies in the outdoors safely.

You can hike through some amazing places on the Big Island. Sunrise and sunset time adds so much magic too. Just a reminder to be prepared for showers and colder temperatures when you travel. Let the rain fall and the rainbows follow! I hiked almost every day on the Big Island with my baby and toddler and I hope you can find the same family memories along these trails that we did. Deep healing and nature connection will also be apart of your travels. We chose trails that my toddler could do some hiking on his own and hike in the pack too. Some parts are steep so be prepared to pack you kids for portions. These 7 trails were very memorable for us: 1. Pololu Valley - hike down the majestic and steep trail to the black sand beach and be in awe of the views of the Hamakua Coastline. Best at sunrise but amazing all times. 2. Akaka Falls - even more amazing after a rainstorm. You can soak in the sounds of the jungle and the gorgeous falls. 3. Mauna Kea (Sunset Hill) - Go at sunset and hike above the clouds to see the most incredible views of the Volcano. 4. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park - we hiked here almost every day to see the sea turtles. The trail network has a few starting points so you can start closer to the harbour where the boats dock. Stay 20 feet from the peaceful sunbathing turtles and enjoy the tranquility. 5. Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim (Counter Clockwise) plus Thurston Lava Tube - Visit the Park Ranger station first to get an idea of the view points that you'd like to cover too. Be prepared for steam vents, rain, humidity, and some intensity. 6. Ala Khaki National Historic Park: Spencer Beach to Mau'umae Beach . Get a sun break and explore many tree species along the ocean. You might even find a sea turtle or two. 7. Puuhonua o Honaunau , Place of Refuge. No picnics or play in this sacred space but an awesome toddler-paced hike with some incredible palm trees. You will find a lot of healing energy on this hike. Remember to leave no trace, respect all trail signs and sacred lands, and always stay on the trail. Please share with my in the comments if you plan on hiking or have hiked to any of these places! Share with a friend that loves to hike. Get more of a feel for these hikes on my reel too! Aloha! Wishing you trail loads of fun with your family.

From Slumber Sacks to Diaper Duffels and Merino Wool Layers, we are so excited to introduce you to Mounts Store. Mounts Store is a new company trying to solve all the little issues for parents to get back to their outdoor-selves. They are working at reducing the burden to get outside so you don't have to worry and can get some of your old life back. Here's a little bit about Mounts Store and its products. From the Founder of Mounts "The birth of Mounts started after the founder took his wife and 16-month daughter camping for their first post-pregnancy ‘expedition.’ The site was a tester for some multi-day sites they were due to visit later that month. They bought a family-sized tent and assumed the copious gear the founder had amassed over the years would take care of anything else. When we arrived, a farmer took one look at us and the pile of gear, immediately throwing us into his tractor for a ride to the site. In hindsight it was unlikely the transport of our copious amounts of gear was going to be an achievable effort on foot. A 4cm mattress, fleece PJs, and 3 Tog sleep sacks later, we learned this was not suitable for our daughter's comfort and safety. She was freezing and let us know it! As first-time parents, we have always followed advice on SIDS and safe sleeping. After this experience, we felt we had let our guard down. All the understanding, experience, and gear the founder had did not transfer to keeping his young daughter safe and warm. As soon as we returned home, like any other upcoming expedition, I began researching the suitable tools for an enjoyable and safe family experience, but to my dismay, there were few suitable choices available. I have always been able to optimize my experiences through organization and gear. The outdoor industry caters to the extreme expedition but misses the optimized outdoorsmen looking to take their children on their first experiences in a safe hassle free way. Mounts was created to step in to help bridge this void. Every mountain starts as a mount. Get back on the trail! Bring your family together through experience and create safe memorable moments forever!" - Mounts Store, 'About Us' page On the Mounts Store Blog Mounts Store has an extensive list of educational blog posts. Here are a few you may be interested in reading about: SIDS and Camping Mounts Top 10 Tips for Camping with a Toddler Layering Guidance Tent Guidance Mounts Gear We Love The Diaper Duffle is made for adventure. We bring ours on road trips and cross-country ski trips. It is durable and keeps the diapers dry. I have tried the diaper duffle in the rain, snow, and mud, and it has held up on our adventures. It comes with a durable changing pad that is great for changing babies on the trail. I also love the any-angle grab handles when chasing after kids in the outdoors. There is extra storage room for spare changes of clothes, too. The Papa Pack is ideal for exploring with your littles and is geared toward parents, too. It has a spot to pack your lunch with a little re-freezable ice pack to keep things cool. You can store bottles and lots of snacks there too. It has a rain cover for when the weather gets wild. The main cabin of the pack is divided to have parent clothes separate from the baby's wardrobe. Diaper and wipes zip in the side for easy access and this pack comes with a diaper change pad too. This pack can be taken anywhere from hiking to shopping. Slumber sacks come in two fun colours for camping. I love how the arms can unzip and the bottom too, giving more mobility for my kids. Plus, this is going to be a great way to adjust to changing weather too. The length of the slumber sack is extendable to grow with your child too. I think the extended use with kids is so important for the family camping budget. The zippers are multidirectional, making it easy to get my kids in and out, and you can even check for the baby’s diaper without bringing them out of the slumber sack. I love how you can tell that this is parent-designed and created. Safe sleep is my top priority, and this design fits my comfort zone. We will be camping starting May 2023, and you’ll see us in our slumber sacks. Mounts Merino Pants—We have brought our merino base layers on snowboard weekends and hikes. They are lightweight and comfortable, wash and dry easily, and I love the mountains added to the waist belt, too. Thermal Pants—These are super soft, comfortable, and fitted snugly to my toddler. They have a very similar design to the merino pants and the same mountain waistbelt. He has been wearing his one layer mostly indoors so far. We will be bringing our Mountain layers on many mountain getaways this year. SHOP MOUNTS STORE Thank you for taking the time to read today about our latest collaboration with Mounts Store - and the gear we love! Click here to SHOP THE MOUNTS STORE.

Adventure like never before with your family by renting an adventure van from Wandervans . I picked up our van within minutes of the Salt Lake City Airport, buckled my toddler and baby in the car seats and we were off on the coolest adventure. We rented the large unit (seats five) as Grandma and Grandpa came along for the adventure too. I was at Outdoor Retailer in downtown Salt Lake City as a first stop. We felt so legit as Kids Who Explore wheeled up to the Salt Palace doors with an adventure van! We really got to adventuring nature once we headed south for Zion and eventually over to Bryce Canyon, then back up to Salt Lake City. I fell in love with van life during our trip. Getting to explore in a van has been a dream of mine. Wandervans rentals made that dream come true. You can rent a van easily and take your family on an epic road trip too. Below I share my top five reasons to rent a van for your next family getaway. Adventure vans create some incredible family memories. There are so many benefits to renting a van: freedom, food, equipment, visibility on the road, and a space for the kids to relax. Here are 5 things I loved about van life on family vacation: 1. The Nature Picnic Stops Being able to pull over at a trailhead, natural space, park, mall, or even just to fuel up. You can hop in the back of the van with the kids and have a snack. You have a little space just for your family that is tucked away from the world. We loved pulling over when the kids weren't napping and having rest stop picnics. The van comes very well equipped and even had a table to unfold. 2: Home base on Wheels Getting outside with kids can be challenging but van life makes getting ready a lot easier. The diaper changes, snack time, navigating, and breaks are a lot more relaxing. Being able to pull over and have a nap with the kids was the best. You never have to worry about forgetting something in the room because you just bring the room with you wherever you go. Wandervans does an excellent job of equipping you for your adventure and all the sleeping gear is included. You can also rent additional items that you might require. 3: Ability to Camp You get to soak in nature when you camp and there isn't anything better than having a hot coffee and campfire close to a National Park. Camping allows you to meet other families that have the same interests so it is always nice to connect with others on your journey. 4: Cost Efficient Way to Travel Overall, being able to stay the night in your adventure van will save funds to do other fun activities on trip. The cost of hotels and stays has gone up a lot so it is nice to have a van that is like your own mini hotel. You also have a fridge, cookstove, and all the dishes onboard where you can make your own meals. Having wild meals is more fun than restaurant dining anyway. 5: Getting to see so much more Stop the van! Literally pull over anywhere and capture the sunrise, sunset, or those epic Utah mountain views. You can see so much along the way. We opted for the roads less travelled and detoured from the main highways. While the kids slept, we got to take in some amazing scenery from the van seats. Thank you Wandervans! Until next adventure. Renting a van during the winter in Utah with Grandma and Grandpa was an incredible family memory for my sons and I. I hope you feel inspired to rent a van on your next family vacation. You can book today right here .

Are you looking to fill your 2023 bucket list with amazing adventures for your kids? We asked our Explorer Families what their wishlist of adventures included for 2023, and we have compiled all their answers together into one super exciting blog post. Hopefully, some of their answers will inspire you to build your 2023 adventure bucket list. Here are Bucket List Adventure Ideas with Kids. 2023 Bucket List Adventures for Families Bucket List Adventure Idea #1: Treetop Adventure & Glamping "Treetop adventure at Ijams Nature Center and to finally go glamping are two of our bucket list for 2023!" - @bbwilliams21 Bucket List Adventure Idea #2: Camp at a fire lookout "We’re camping in a fire lookout tower next fall, it’s been on my bucket list for a long time!" - @elizabethstarexplores Bucket List Adventure Idea #3: Explore California "We want to get to most of the national parks in California!" Bucket List Adventure Idea #4: Become a Kiwi Guardian "Here in Aotearoa New Zealand we have something called Kiwi Guardians by the Department of Conservation in lots of beautiful nature spots, and you earn a little wooden medal for finding each Guardian Post. We'd love to do all the ones in the South Island in 2023!" - @livinglifewilder Bucket List Adventure Idea #5: Visit Fury Water Adventures in Key West "So, for a fun filled adventure day- Fury Water Adventures in Key West. It is definitely a fun day out on the beautiful water, parasailing, jet skis, banana boat, floating gymnasium and to end it with snorkeling the reef!For a beautiful low key less explored adventure - Cascade National Park in Washington...y'all..the most beautiful water I have ever seen in my life. The hiking is out of this world and if you have a SUP bring it. That would be an adventure in itself." Bucket List Adventure Idea #6: Travel to Patagonia "Patagonia! We are working out the details for a trip fall 2023. Might take some extra time and snowboard the Andes too!" - @loralbird Bucket List Adventure Idea #7: Explore Tokyo, Japan "My wife grew up in Tokyo, Japan. Now that we have kids we’d like to retrace her footsteps and introduce them to the world in which she grew up!" - @fromtenttotakeoff Bucket List Adventure Idea #8: Snowshoe in Banff "Winter hiking/snowshoeing in Banff. Backcountry camping in Kananaskis in the summer. Would love to make it to Europe in the fall." - @jes.at.her.best Bucket List Adventure Idea #9: Travel to Belize "We have a trip planned to Belize in the summer! Can't wait for my kids to see the ocean for the first time." - @madelynnek Bucket List Adventure Idea #10: Oregon Coast Road Trip "We are hoping to do a road trip down Route 101 to camp along the Oregon coast. I’m hoping it works out and I can get places booked. We are also planning a trip to the UK and I want to do outdoor adventures in wales and Scotland with the children." - @tgmiscellany Bucket List Adventure Idea #11: Start a long hike "We are completing second long hike South Downs Way and we are starting South West Coast Path which is 640 miles (we will be doing it over two years)" - @janielnie Bucket List Adventure Idea #12: Try a multi-day backpacking trip "More multi day backpacking and hunting trips in Yoho, Kananaskis etc. We'd also like to visit a few countries in Africa while kiddos plane seat (aka my lap) is still free I want to take a few days to explore the iceline etc trail in Yoho, bag a few peaks around lake Louise and in Banff, get into the backcountry for wild camping, foraging trips, and some hunting trips all together. I'm looking forward to foraging with kiddo, it's such a great way to connect and learn with nature! We haven't made a specific list yet but we will be doing that soon!" - @syl.dekker Bucket List Adventure Idea #13: Drive the Road to Hana in Hawaii "Both of Hawaii’s National Parks & the Road to Hana!" - @the_little_hollow Bucket List Adventure Idea #14: Explore around Scotland "We are taking our twins to Scotland for their first birthday to tour the highlands! We’re also going to Yosemite in the spring, a national park none of us have hit yet." - @amandax220 Bucket List Adventure Idea #15: Hike to Kilimanjaro basecamp "We are hoping to climb Kilimanjaro with our twins. Hoping to be able to get them even just up to basecamp then hubby and I will alternate summit days." -  @restlesscrusade Bucket List Adventure Idea #16: Drive the Washington to Cali Coast "Camp/surf/beach trip down the coast from Washington to California" - @schoollessinseattle Bucket List Adventure Idea #17: Explore all National Parks local to you, and maybe get your Junior Ranger Badge "In 2023 our current bucket list is to hit all of the national parks where the kids can get there JR Ranger Badges within a days drive from us…Cumberland Island in GAThe Gulf Islands in FLEverglades National Park in FLChickamauga Battlefield in Chattanooga TNKayak with the Manatees in Crystal River" - @growing.grahams Bucket List Adventure Idea #18: Book your first international trip "We are currently in the process of choosing locations for our first local backpacking trip, as well as our first international trip as a family of four. We’ll be exploring with a 2year old and 8 month old." - @stephanie.vdneut Bucket List Adventure Idea #19: Go on a overnight float trip "I’m hoping to take my three kids (5, 5, and 2) on our first overnight float trip." - @everydayoutdoorfamily Bucket List Adventure Idea #20: Give Skiing a go as a family "Skiing and more overnight hikes!" - @hike.lyss Bucket List Adventure Idea #21: Set a goal, instead of a destination or activity "Our goal is to hike 365 miles!" - @melissainthewild Bucket List Adventure Idea #22: Ski the Powder Highway "A ‘Powder Highway’ ski trip in our tiny trailer. We have purchased a mini wood stove to be able to use our trailer year round with no hook up." -@gingesonajourney Thank-you for taking the time to read our first blog post of 2023. Will any of these Bucket List Adventure Ideas end up on your adventure list for this year? Don't forget to tag us @KidsWhoExplore #KWE so we can see your adventures, and a chance to be featured on our social channels! Please be sure to follow us on Instagram at @kidswhoexplore and use #KidsWhoExplore and #KWE for your chance to be featured on our social channels. Happy adventuring, friends!

Are you thinking of planning a mountain escape for the family this winter? Look no further than the serine Spray Lake Valley where Mount Engadine Lodge resides. You will be swept away by the peace and tranquility of the lodge and you will be blown away by the glamping tent itself too. You can hike, snowshoe, ski, skate, ice fish, rest, relax, rejuvenate, and so much more. This was a trip for just my baby and I to connect and bond with each other. Originally, the whole family was supposed to join but seasonal bugs wiped out our toddler so he stayed home with his dad. 1. Luxurious Glamping Tents We stayed overnight is -18 degrees celsius and we were so warm and cozy we didn't even need the comfy duvet. The tents were equipped with a bathroom, heat, a king-sized bed, and a natural retreat feel. The propane fireplace really captured the mountain getaway vibes. 2. Breathtaking location Our glamping tent rested under a blanket of stars that lit up the clear night sky. Between the nature and somewhere in the middle of the heart of Kananaskis is a place of great calmness. It also had the most inviting views of the Valley from our own porch lookout. 3. Gourmet Meals Included Upon checking-in to our stay and entering the cozy lodge, backcountry high tea was served on a charcuterie board. Ingredients are locally sourced and the mix of flavours and textures always bring you back to Engadine for more. Dessert followed with a taste of poppyseed cake that was lightly dusted with icing sugar. I sipped my cream of earl grey tea, and was in awe of the backcountry service. We explored around the lodge, took a nap, and returned to the lodge in the evening for a three-course gourmet meal. The menu is always different but caters towards any dietary restrictions and the portions are very generous. Breakfast is served between 8am-9am with orange juice and a fresh cup of coffee. You can either choose sweet or savoury and we opted for the berry strudel with an extra side of bacon. At breakfast you get to select your lunch to-go and choose all your toppings for your sandwich to take when you depart for your adventure. Meals are included in your booking price. You get to glamp and not worry at all about food prep. I give the food five stars! 4. Abundance of Nature Being able to explore right around the lodge with my baby was so awesome because I like to stick close to the indoors on the chilly winter days. There are endless options to explore snowshoe trails, cross country tracks, nature walks, hikes, and ice fishing spots too, just a short drive away. 5. The Kind Staff The staff are incredibly kind, inclusive, friendly, and they share the best stories! They are very welcoming and they helped make my stay a magical one. We will be making this an annual family experience. So if you feel that adventure is calling you to the heart of Kananaskis too, click below to book.

This Halloween, we went to beautiful Kananaskis in the Canadian Rockies for a family-friendly meet-up, and we had the best time! Below are a few photos, our event sponsors, and a recap of the event. Thank you to everyone who helped out! A huge shoutout to our amazing photographer @throughcarrieslensphotography for coming along and capturing some magical photos for us to look back on and remember this amazing event. Keep reading to see how our KWE Halloween Hike went this year! Thank You to Our Fantastic Event Sponsors RecSafe with Wildlife Baby Gourmet The Great Outdoors YYC: Junior Outfitters ScatBelt - Use code 'KWE' to recieve 15% off Kananaskis Golf Course Kids Who Explore KWE Halloween Hike at Wedge Pond On the crisp morning of Oct 29th, the Kids Who Explore team and 10+ other families made their way to Wedge Pond in Kananaskis for a family-friendly hike. Everyone arrived dressed in their costumes and ready to show them off to their friends, old and new! We made our way down the trail and took advantage of every photo opportunity. As we took in the view and made our way around the lake back to our initial starting point, we were all starting to get ready for the excitement to come! When we arrived back at our picnic table, hot chocolate donated by the Kananaskis Country Golf Course and snacks donated by Baby Gourmet were all ready for the kids to participate in a fun trick-or-treat event. We laid the items about, and parents + their kiddos were able to grab what they wanted! We also had lunch kits donated by The Great Outdoors YYC: Junior Outfitters, delicious organic juice boxes, and we even created Kids Who Explore Swag Bags for this event, which will be available for purchase at most of our YYC events from now on. Bear Safety Talk We want to give a huge thank-you to Sarah from RecSafe with Wildlife for coming out and giving an amazing presentation on Bear Safety in the Canadian Rockies. Here are some tips she shared on how to avoid a bear encounter: Make noise! Let bears know you're there. Call out, clap, sing, or talk loudly, especially near streams, dense vegetation, and berry patches, on windy days, and in areas of low visibility. Bear bells are not enough. Watch for fresh bear signs. Tracks, droppings, diggings, torn-up logs, and turned-over rocks are all signs that a bear has been in the area. Leave the area if the signs are fresh. Keep your dog on a leash at all times or leave it at home. Dogs can provoke defensive behaviour in bears. Larger-size groups are less likely to have a serious bear encounter. We recommend hiking in a tight group of four or more. Never let children wander. Use officially marked paths and trails and travel during daylight hours. If you come across a large dead animal, leave the area immediately and report it to park staff. Dispose of fish offal in fast-moving streams or the deep part of a lake, never along stream sides or lake shores. We also want to give a huge thank-you to our other bear safety sponsor - ScatBelt. ScatBelt is one of our favourite companies because they allow you to carry your bear spray in any easy, accessible place, and we are so excited to be offering a 15% off discount. Use code 'KWE' to receive 15% off your ScatBelt purchase. Here is a bit of information released from bear-hunting.com about a study regarding Bear Spray vs Firearms: "Statistically, bear spray is more effective at deterring a charging bear. In a study done in 2008 (Smith et al. 2008), researchers analyzed 83 bear spray incidents (61 brown bears, 20 black bears, and two polar bears). Red Pepper spray proved over 90% successful on stopping the bear’s “undesirable” activity. 98% of people involved in these incidents were unharmed by the bear. However, fourteen percent of the incidents resulted in negative side effects on the human (they were affected by the spray), and three percent left the user incapacitated. In a similar study on firearms (Smith et al. 2012), they were effective 84% with handguns and 76% with rifles to stop bears from undesirable behavior. The study analyzed 269 bear-human conflicts in Alaska from 1883-2009. The study said, “firearm bearers suffered the same injury rates in close encounters with bears whether they used firearms or not.” Basically, firearms didn’t statistically keep people from getting injured by bears. This means that people shot bears that still attacked them. They concluded by saying, “Our findings suggest that only those proficient in firearms use should rely on them for protection in bear country.” (Copyright The Wildlife Society). I think we would all like to think we are “proficient” but the truth is, even as hunters, we all aren’t. Firearm accuracy in the heat of a fast, stressful, and real-life situation isn’t easily tested. The arguments against bear spray typically revolve around the wind blowing the spray back into your face and not hitting the bear. This is a legitimate concern, but it would be rare that this would happen. It’s like stacking two highly unlikely scenarios on top of each, yes it could happen, but it probably won’t. However, it is possible for bear spray to not affect a bear, such as happened with Montana resident Todd Orr. He sprayed a sow that attacked him, but it didn’t stop her. He sustained some serious but not life-threatening injuries. In his words, “Bear spray doesn’t always work, but it’s better than nothing.”