Favorite Hiking Gear

Our family has some favorite hiking gear that we enjoy using.  Although we would not be considered by most to be hardcore hikers, we do get out to enjoy quite a few day-hikes within the year.  Having good gear keeps everyone comfortable.

Hiking Project App We use a free app called Hiking Project to plan and track our hikes. It allows us to make sure we are on the trail and to backtrack if we get lost.  We enjoy planning hikes on the app and recording our hikes.
Carrier Backpack Before our son could walk, we utilized a carrier backpack.  Choose a backpack that is comfortable to wear and provides necessary support foy both you and the child.  The child should be able to see over your shoulder when you wear the carrier to avoid the child getting bored on the hike.
10L Backpack for kids For our son, we utilize a 10L backpack for him to take hiking.  We started out simply with an empty backpack and started to place his snacks and water in the backpack.
40L daypack backpack For many of our day hikes, we utilize a 40L hiking backpack as our daypack.  It allows us to takes snacks and water with us.  
Brazos Walking Stick Using a walking stick can provide added stability, balance, and support while hiking, especially on uneven terrain or steep climbs.  We utilize Brazos sticks as they are made from American wood and are sturdy.
Hiking Boots A good pair of hiking boots are must for hikes.  Choose comfortable boots with ample ankle support that are not too heavy.

We have purchased each of these products and are not paid in any way to sponsor or promote any of these products.

  • Hiking

    Hiking Etiquette

     

    In order to make hikes more enjoyable to those around us, each of us must hold fast to a customary code of polite behavior.  While these may vary slightly from region to region, the general guidelines apply.

    Read more: Hiking Etiquette

  • Hiking with Kids

    Hiking with Kids

     

    We have always enjoyed hiking.  When we had our son, we had to reinvent how we hiked.  When he was too small to hike, we purchased a backpack carrier where we placed him in the carrier.  We were camping when our son learned to walk.  Our son enjoys hiking as much as we do.  Getting him to enjoy hiking required us to get a bit creative at times.  At first it was not very fast and we had to temper our expectations.  As he grows older, we are able to go on longer hikes, cherish the moments together and be out in nature more.  We have included a few tips to make your hiking more enjoyable.

    Read more: Hiking with Kids