Family Hikes: A How-To, How-Not-To, and Why

by Janelle Baarspul

Some of my fondest childhood memories involve getting slapped in the face with wet leaves, blistered feet, and the inevitable realization that the trail was always roughly 3 times as long as my Dad had said it would be.

We hiked often, and explored the wild nooks and crannies of many state parks and wilderness areas. Now that I am grown and still nature-crazy, I continue to enjoy taking friends, family, strangers, and my dogs out on some of the same trails to see first-hand how beautiful we have it out here in the Pacific Northwest. I don’t claim to be an expert survivalist or orienteering genius (I like trails that are marked, personally, and food that is neither hunted nor gathered from a place other than the market), but my years of trekking through the northwest mud have brought me to realize that hiking is crucial for our mental well-being and something that all should experience on some level.

Yes, some say “Isn’t that just, you know, walking?” “Why do you need all that fleece?” “How come just changing the title from ‘walking’ to ‘hiking’ necessitates buying $300 in random gear?” “What’s up with the ski poles?” “Why do you need a $10 water bottle in the woods?” “Do all hiking trips have to start at 6am?”

To them I say… good points. Very good points. Particularly the 6am one (what IS up with that?!).

Here is all you really need to go hiking (walking) in the woods (or wherever you find yourself):

For a trip 3 miles or under

* Comfortable shoes (waterproof is good if you live anywhere around the NW)

* Layered clothing for weather variations

* Rain jacket

* Small backpack

* Water, probably about 64 oz. (the container is up to you!)

* Small snack

* Hat, sunglasses and/or sunblock (for sun protection)

* Bug spray

* Map of your trail and general location

* Compass if the trail is an unfamiliar one

* Whistle for emergency signaling

* Small first-aid kit

* Lightweight emergency blanket

* Toilet paper and Ziploc bags

* Waterproof matches and/or lighter

* Camera (always!)

For a trip of 3-8 miles

bring all of the above, plus:

* Hiking boots instead of shoes, preferably already broken-in (sorry, they’re just designed to support your foot better for long trips!)

* Thick socks, preferably wool with a propylene liner

* Larger backpack (most daypacks would probably suffice)

* More water, as much as you can safely carry OR bring a water filter if you know there will be streams, lakes, or other water sources.

* Lunch and dinner! Bring easily-carried food that is lightweight, nutritious, and yummy.

* Moleskin or duct tape for blisters

* Headlamp or flashlight (multiples if you can!)

* Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman, or similar multi-tool

* Trash bag (large Ziploc or something sealable)

For a trip of 8+ miles

bring all of the above, plus:

* REALLY GOOD hiking boots that have been extensively broken-in!

* Extra pairs of socks in case of boot leakage, plus the good ones on your feet

* Big backpack that is fitted to your size/shape and that you are familiar with carrying

* Water filter is almost mandatory here

* Lots of good food and snacks

* Gear for sleeping if you should get caught out in the wild

* Bear-resistant bag or container for food storage

Optional gear would be things like binoculars, trekking poles (some love them, some see no point), 2-way radios if your group is over 2-3 people, lanterns, gaiters for very wet weather, swimsuits, towels, bandanas, and gloves.

This all may seem like overkill, but it’s really quite necessary! Or could be. More stories coming next week as I continue with the “How-NOT-To” portion of my post.