steph hampton

  • HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARENTING

    Winter Hiking with a Newborn

    Embracing the crisp air, the crunch of snow underfoot, and the snug warmth of your baby bundled close creates unforgettable moments that bond you even closer when you’re hiking with your baby. Today, St. Louis mom of four, Steph Hampton, is here to share her tips, advice, and recommendations for winter hiking with a newborn. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a newbie to the trails, Steph offers encouragement, support, and a dash of inspiration to embark on this magical adventure with confidence. Taking your newborn out for their first time hiking in the winter can be a memorable and magical experience for both of you. So, get ready, and let’s hit the snowy trails together!

    winter hiking with a newborn

    Winter hiking with a newborn

    What’s better than winter hiking? Winter hiking with a newborn, of course!! Okay, maybe not the most ideal conditions with a baby, but it can be done!! And it can be safe and peaceful, too. 

    My first three daughters were all born in the late spring/summer, so it seemed like a whole new ball game when our fourth daughter, Maria, arrived this winter. With a winter baby, I couldn’t take Maria on a walk as seamlessly as I could my other newborns because of the cold conditions. We live in St. Louis, Missouri, which means the weather could be warm one day, and then the next, an ice storm hits, and the whole city is shut down for the day! 

    However, I believe in the importance of still exploring outdoors in all weather, so getting outside with our newest edition (even on cold days) was a must. I wanted to make sure there were steps to ensure Maria’s safety, though. Below are a few tips and tricks that worked well for us to help us get outside with a newborn baby and explore together as a family in winter.

    Why hike in the winter with a newborn

    Hiking during the winter with a newborn offers so many benefits for both moms and their little ones. First, it’s a great way for moms to escape the confines of indoor spaces (I think we probably all get a bit stir crazy in the winter) and immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world. Winter landscapes, with their glistening snow-covered trails and frost-kissed trees, offer gorgeous scenery for bonding with your baby. The crisp, fresh air and sunshine (when it’s out) can be really rejuvenating. 

    Winter hiking with newborns promotes physical activity and outdoor exploration from an early age, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy habits and appreciation for nature. For moms, the moderate exercise of hiking can help improve cardiovascular health, boost mood and energy levels, and facilitate postpartum recovery. 

    For babies, the gentle rocking motion of hiking can soothe infants and lull them to sleep, creating a peaceful and intimate environment for bonding between mom and baby. Additionally, the sensory stimulation provided by the sights, sounds, and textures of the natural environment can stimulate cognitive development and sensory awareness in newborns, fostering curiosity and engagement with the world around them.

    Overall, winter hiking with newborn babies offers a unique and rewarding experience that promotes both mom and baby’s physical, emotional, and developmental well-being.

    Tip 1: Always check the weather and trail conditions

    Check your local weather app before hiking a winter trail. I always check for the ice/snow possibilities for safety when driving to and hiking on the trail. Checking the weather conditions and trail conditions before heading out for a winter hike with a baby is not just a precautionary measure; it’s a necessity to ensure the safety and comfort of both you and your little one.

    I also always check the All Trails app (a free resource where people rate hikes for the latest trail conditions). Hikers post their reviews on the trail conditions. I find this very helpful, in addition to sometimes calling the nature center or visitor’s center associated with the park to ask about trail conditions. Understanding the trail conditions, including terrain, elevation, and potential hazards like ice or snowdrifts, allows you to choose a route that is suitable for your fitness level and your baby’s needs, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable hiking experience.

    When we arrive at the trail, we go with our gut if something appears unsafe. Nothing is more important than your family’s and your health and safety!

    Winter weather can be notoriously unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature, wind, and precipitation. By staying informed about the forecast, you can be prepared by making sure you’re dressed in appropriate layers, have extra supplies, and can adjust your route if necessary.

    Tip 2: Dress appropriately (layers)

    Have you heard the phrase, “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing?” That phrase speaks well for getting outside in winter conditions. Choosing the right gear and dressing appropriately in layers are paramount when it comes to winter hiking, especially when you’re bringing along your little one. 

    When winter hiking with a newborn, you’ll want to be sure to dress yourself and your baby in layers to regulate body temperature. Layers really do make all the difference here. Depending on what the kids and I are wearing, our clothing can sometimes predict how long we can explore safely outside. Finding comfortable hats, gloves, boots, snow gear, etc. is crucial.

    We wear three layers: base layer (wool), mid layer (fleece), and outer layer (snowsuit/jacket). There is peace of mind knowing that we can safely be outside in all types of weather.

    Dressing a baby for winter hiking

    For both mom and baby, investing in high-quality clothing made from materials like merino wool can make all the difference. Merino wool offers exceptional warmth, moisture-wicking properties, and breathability, ensuring comfort throughout the hike. Our favorite brand, Nui Organics, exemplifies these qualities with their range of merino wool garments tailored for both adults and children. From cozy base layers to insulating mid-layers and outerwear, Nui Organics provides durable and sustainable options that keep the whole family warm and dry on the trail.

    For additional info on merino wool (and whether it’s worth the investment), check out our full post on the best merino wool brands for kids. 

    When we arrive at a trailhead, the first thing I do is change Maria’s diaper and nurse her in the warm car in the parking lot. She is usually already wearing her base layer with long sleeves, so next, I put on her mid and outer layers. For Maria’s base layer, I adore Nui Organics merino wool onesie. It is hard to locate merino wool base layers for newborns and I’m extremely happy with their soft and great quality!

    Next, I dress her in fleece pajamas for her mid-layer. (I have some from Carter’s, but any fleece PJs will do!) Then, I put on Maria’s moccasins (lambskin booties from Nui Organics), which keep her feet and toes nice, warm, and protected. 

    If the weather is below freezing, I also like to put on her snowsuit as an outer layer. I complete the trail fashion look by wrapping her up in my Wanderling babywearing jacket! Ensuring your baby is bundled up in warm layers sets the stage for a successful hike, even on the coldest of days.

    How to dress little kids for winter hiking

    When dressing my older girls, again, layering is key to regulating body temperature and adapting to changing weather conditions during winter hikes. The older girls are moving around a lot more than a newborn, so being able to add/remove layers is key. You can always add an extra layer if they get cold, or take something off if they get warm. Also, having waterproof and windproof layers are important, because they’re less protected than the baby, next to me, under my jacket. 

    Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from the skin, followed by an insulating mid-layer such as a merino wool sweater or fleece jacket. Finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer to shield against the elements. I dress my older girls (ages 2, 4, and 6) in Reima gear. They are a Finnish company that is fantastic quality! The wool base layer set is Taitoa. Their mid-layer is a fleece Laskien sweater. Their outer layer is the waterproof Reimatec Stavanger snowsuit.

    I also rub Aquaphor on their cheeks to prevent chapped skin and bring hand warmers along on the hike too.

    For more information on winter gear, check out our full posts on the best winter gloves/mittens for kids and the best snow boots for kids. 

    Dressing mom for winter hiking

    Don’t forget about mom! You’re the leader of the pack, so make sure that your gear and clothing choices are just as good as your kids. Oftentimes, it can be easy to overlook ourselves when dressing the kids, but the more comfortable you are outside, the longer you’ll be able to stay out there and keep up with them! 

    When hiking with a newborn, there are a couple extra considerations to take into account. Nursing my baby on the trail is one of my favorite things, so I have to make sure that I have layers and clothing that help me stay warm while nursing her and providing easy access for feedings.

    For my base layer, I love Kojo’s nursing-friendly merino wool base layer! I wear my Wildelore fleece as my mid layer, which is also nursing-friendly! This fleece is very warm and I wear it as a jacket most days too. Last, I wear my Wanderling babywearing coat (which is so covers both of us). I like that this jacket has the option to wear Maria with a front carrier, a back carrier or wear without any baby attached. The attachable zipper panel is genius! 

    I also wear wool socks to keep my feet warm, waterproof hiking boots, and a wool hat. 

    Best baby carrier for winter hikes with a newborn

    A baby carrier is a must-have accessory for winter hiking, keeping your little one snug and secure while you traverse snowy trails. I recommend a wrap or soft carrier for babies in the winter. Body heat is essential for keeping both mom and baby warm during winter hikes, so snuggling up close in the carrier is a cozy way to share warmth.

    The Beluga baby wrap is my favorite when hiking with a newborn. Maria is so snug on me, and it helps keep her close to my body to warm her if it is very cold. I wrap her up high enough so that when I bend my head, I can kiss the top of her head. Throughout a hike, I like to feel her neck and head to ensure she stays warm enough. 

    For more info on the best baby carriers for newborns, older babies, and toddlers, be sure to check out this post on the best hiking baby carriers. 

    Tip 3: Start slow and easy

    When you’re just getting back out into the world with a newborn, it’s best to start with short and easy hikes. Opting for shorter, more manageable trails is a great option for introducing your newborn to the joys of winter hiking without overwhelming them. These introductory outings provide an opportunity to acclimate both yourself and your little one to the challenges and delights of hiking in colder temperatures.

    Your baby is new and your body is still recovering, so start with easy and short hikes that get you out of the house, but don’t overdo it. Pay close attention to your baby’s cues and comfort levels, especially in the early days of hiking with them.

    Try to choose flat trails, that don’t require big steps or scrambling over rocks. This is easier on your body and allows you to gauge your baby’s comfort level, observe their reactions to the outdoor environment, and gradually build up both your confidence and stamina as a hiking duo. Shorter hikes minimize the risk of exhaustion or discomfort for both you and your little one. 

    Plus, choosing easy hikes ensures that you can focus more on bonding with your baby and soaking in the natural beauty around you, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the physical demands of a more strenuous trail. Because, at this phase, that’s what it’s all about! Save the longer hikes for when baby is older, when hiking with big kids, or when you’re hiking solo. 

    Tip 4: Time it right

    Timing your hikes right when you have a newborn is important for an enjoyable experience. There’s nothing worse than spending all that time getting to your destination, only to have the timing be off. Luckily, newborns are pretty “go with the flow” and can nap and eat easily on the go.

    The best times to go hiking with a newborn often coincide with their natural rhythms, including nap and feeding schedules. Opting for a hike during the warmest part of the day can help ensure your baby stays comfortable in chilly winter temperatures.

    Many parents find that late morning or early afternoon hikes work well, as babies are often well-rested after their morning nap and have been fed, making them more content and less likely to become fussy during the hike. Consider your baby’s needs and preferences when scheduling your hikes. Some babies may be more alert and engaged in the outdoors in the morning, while others may enjoy the calming effects of nature in the late afternoon or early evening.

    Whenever you go, be prepared for diaper changes and feedings along the way by packing what you need food and diaper-wise (bottles, formula, a portable changing mat, plenty of diapers and wipes, etc.) in your hiking backpack. Other important items to pack include first aid kit, rain cover, extra layers, extra water, trash bag (or plastic bag for dirty diapers/waste), smartphone, extra clothes (keep them in the car), and mittens/gloves. 

    Tip 5: Stay hydrated and fueled

    Anytime you’re out adventuring with kids, you’re going to need snacks and water. But, staying hydrated and nourished is crucial when hiking during the winter months, especially when you have a newborn and kids in tow.

    Cold weather can actually increase the body’s need for hydration (even though you may not feel as thirsty), as dry air and physical activity can lead to increased fluid loss through respiration and sweat. Plus, if you’re nursing, you’ll need extra fluids to stay well hydrated.

    Make sure you bring plenty of water for both you and your children on your hikes and encourage regular hydration breaks throughout the hike. Pack a water bottle for yourself and one for each of your little ones so you can monitor how much everyone is drinking during your winter hike. Additionally, packing hydrating snacks such as fruits, nuts, and granola bars can help replenish energy levels and maintain optimal hydration throughout the day.

    For breastfeeding moms, staying hydrated is particularly important, as dehydration can affect milk production and quality. By prioritizing hydration and nourishment, you can ensure that both you and your children have the energy and stamina needed to enjoy your winter hiking adventures to the fullest.

    Winter hiking for the win

    Winter is a beautiful time to explore outside as a family! While it can be chilly, getting fresh air and having a peaceful time together outside is worth it. Embarking on your baby’s first hike is a milestone worth celebrating, marking the beginning of many outdoor adventures to come.

    One of our favorite winter activities is meeting friends at a trail for a hot chocolate hike! It is still possible to get outside with a baby and explore, even in the winter.

    How do you get outside with a newborn during the winter months?

    About the author

    Steph lives in St. Louis with her husband, Mark, their four daughters (ages 6, 4, 2 & newborn), and their funny pup. Steph taught elementary school for five years and became a stay-at-home mom when her first child was born. When the pandemic hit and the playgrounds were closed, she started taking her kids hiking on a different trail each day. Steph is also a NICU mama (her 2nd daughter was born 3 months early). The outdoors has been so healing for her and her family, not to mention fun!

    Since the pandemic started, their family has visited over 175 parks and hiked over 200 trails around St. Louis and Missouri. They also love to tent camp, canoe, and bike. Steph has a passion for exploring the outdoors, helping start a free weekly nature playgroup, and sharing adventure tips with others. When she is not hiking, she loves baking, reading, and dreaming of being a Survivor contestant. 

    You can find more from Steph in the following locations:
    Instagram: @explorestlparks
    RWMC posts: Steph Hampton

  • BIKE, CAMP, FAMILY TRAVEL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    New Adventures: Our First Bikepacking Trip with Kids

    Bikepacking with kids is an opportunity to bond, explore, camp, and create lifelong memories. If you’ve ever dreamt of embarking on a two-wheeled adventure with your little ones in tow, you’re in for a treat. Today, St. Louis mom of three, Steph Hampton, is here to introduce you to the wonderful world of bikepacking with kids and share her family’s first bikepacking experience. She’s included practical tips to ensure a successful and enjoyable journey, advice on how to make the experience as smooth as possible, and what you need to be well-prepared for any adventure. So, fasten your helmets, pump up those tires, and explore the world of bikepacking with kids, one pedal stroke at a time.

    The idea to try something new

    My husband and I have been married for 7 years now, and he knows that I love to come up with unique adventures for our family. Very rarely does he ever say no to a new adventure, no matter how outlandish some of my ideas are. So, when I asked him one day, “Are you up for something crazy?” He responded, “Sure, why not?!” 

    My idea was to try bikepacking, which would involve biking our camping gear (and our 3 young children) to a campsite for a weekend. After looking for a route and campground near us, we decided we could totally make this happen! Here’s our story, a bit of information about bikepacking, and some tips that helped us along the way. 

    What is bikepacking

    Bikepacking combines elements of backpacking and traditional biking. It involves using a bicycle as a means of transportation to carry your camping and outdoor gear to your campsite. It’s similar to backpacking (in that you’re carrying all your camping gear with you), but you have the benefit of being on your bike, which can get you farther, and faster. 

    Benefits of bikepacking

    Bikepacking is all about immersing yourself in nature and exploring remote areas that may not be accessible by traditional vehicles. Bikepacking allows you to cover more ground than traditional hiking, allowing you to explore larger areas within a given time frame. You can also travel between different campsites or explore multiple destinations in a single trip.

    Cycling is an efficient (and eco-friendly!) mode of transportation, allowing you to carry more gear and cover longer distances without the fatigue associated with backpacking. However, bikepacking can still be physically demanding, as you may encounter steep climbs, rugged trails, and various weather conditions. It offers a satisfying physical challenge for those who love both cycling and the outdoors.

    All packed up and ready to start our bikepacking adventure!
    All packed up and ready to start our bikepacking adventure!

    What you need to go bikepacking with kids

    If you’re interested in a bikepacking adventure, the type and quantity of gear you need will depend on the specifics of your trip and your family. You’ll want to consider things like the duration of your trip, the terrain you’ll be biking on, how long you’ll be camping and the weather. Here’s a general list of essential gear you should consider for bikepacking:

    • Bikes — Each person on your trip will need a reliable, well-maintained bike suitable for the terrain you’ll be riding on. If you don’t have a bike trailer or one that carries kids, they’ll each need their own bike, too. Mountain bikes are commonly used for bikepacking, and e-bikes are growing in popularity (this is what we used…more on our bikes below).
    • Bikepacking bags — There are various types of bags that fit on bikes. They can attach to the frame, the handlebars, the seat, etc. You could also pack your camping gear in a haul-behind trailer (we love this Burley). 
    • Camping gear — You’ll need to pack all your camping gear in the bags to bring with you. This includes your tent and sleep systems, clothing, food/water, cooking and eating equipment, flashlights, first aid, etc. 
    • Tools and repair equipment — You’ll want to pack tools for bike repairs and adjustments. Items include a multi-tool, tire repair kit, spare tube, tire pump, chain and links, etc. If you have an ebike, bring along an extra battery or a way to charge your battery at your campsite. Also, it’s good to know how to repair your bike and fix tire issues before heading out so that you’re prepared. 
    Just a reminder that no trip is perfect! :-) We came upon a part of the greenway that was closed and found a different way on our GPS.
    Just a reminder that no trip is perfect! 🙂 We came upon a part of the closed greenway and had to find a different route on our GPS.

    Assessing our bike setup

    Our bike situation is a bit unique, in that we have two e-bikes, both designed to haul kids and gear. This means that we were at a huge advantage in the amount of gear we could bring with us, and how we traveled with the kids. Our children are young enough that they couldn’t bike this distance on their own, so having the ability to haul them on the bike was fantastic. Here’s a bit more about our two family-friendly e-bikes. 

    Bunch Bike

    I rode our Bunch Bike Original 3.0 cargo ebike. 

    This bike is a game-changer in the world of family-friendly cargo bikes. It’s built to accommodate families, making it perfect for transporting kids (and everything that goes with kids). The Bunch Bike has a bucket-style cargo area in the front, with enough space to carry up to four children, groceries, or anything else you need to transport. 

    It has an electric-assist motor, which offers pedal assistance to make riding effortless, even with a full load. This makes it easy to tackle hills and longer distances without breaking a sweat. The bike is designed for the rider’s comfort and ease of use, with a step-through frame for easy access, ergonomic handlebars, and high-quality components.

    I felt very sturdy in this bike because it has three wheels instead of two, which brought me peace of mind while biking while pregnant with our 4th baby. We carried all our camping gear, the girls’ Woom Bikes, and our 4-year-old on this bike (she has a seat on the back)! I told you, it hauls a LOT! 

    Radio Flyer ebike

    My husband rode on the Radio Flyer L885 cargo bike. While this bike doesn’t have much cargo space for hauling gear, the battery power covers 30-50 miles and 2 kids can comfortably ride in the back. We carried our 2yo & 6yo on the back rear platform of this bike, and they loved it!

    The Radio Flyer L885 also has pedal-assist and full-throttle capabilities, making hills and distances easy! It is a little more wobbly with two wheels, but a great eBike all the same!! My husband biked this one, while I rode the Bunch Bike. 

    We did this trip while I was 18 weeks pregnant. I felt very comfortable riding our Bunch Bike with 3 wheels instead of 2 wheels.
    We did this trip while I was 18 weeks pregnant. I felt very comfortable riding our Bunch Bike with 3 wheels instead of 2 wheels.

    Practical tips for bikepacking with kids

    1. Find a comfortable route & decide on a distance

    If you and your kids are just getting started with bikepacking, I recommend starting with a short trip and staying close to home. This way you can test your gear, gauge your child’s comfort and endurance, and make necessary adjustments without being too far from help or home (just in case you need to bail).

    Try to choose a kid-friendly route that’s suitable for your kids’ ages, interests, and biking experience. Also, look for bike trails with manageable terrain and minimal traffic. Unless you have e-bikes, try to avoid routes with steep hills or challenging technical features. 

    I highly recommend taking advantage of a greenway system near you. We biked 10 miles on backroads/a few short rides on busier roads, and then another 10 miles on greenways to arrive at our campground! Our favorite was the Monarch-Levee trail, if you are in the St. Louis area.

    Since we both had ebikes (and were comfortable with the distance and battery power/life), we chose 20 miles as a distance we could handle. 

    2. Practice carrying gear beforehand

    Both our ebikes are cargo bikes, so they are meant to carry a significant amount of gear for distances. The ebikes handled the majority of the work, so we didn’t need to do much practice or training carrying all the gear, but we did need to figure out how we were going to pack everyone on the bike safely and what our bikes could handle. 

    We did a few test runs around our neighborhood beforehand so that we could shift gear around if we needed a better center of gravity. We needed to make sure that the heaviest items were low and centered for stability.

    It was also our first time carrying all three of our girls’ bikes on the Bunch Bike, so we wanted to test this out before a larger trip. 

    We biked on the greenway system for half of our route (10 miles), which was great peace of mind.
    We biked on the greenway system for half of our route (10 miles), which was great peace of mind.

    3. Choose a kid-friendly campground

    If possible, try to choose a kid-friendly campground. These campgrounds are usually designed to cater to the needs and safety of children, with facilities such as playgrounds, family-oriented activities, and child-appropriate amenities. Sometimes these family-friendly campgrounds offer quiet hours and even foster a sense of community, allowing the kids to make new friends and play with other kids.

    We camped at a local state park, which has great trails and a fun nature center. When we needed a break from the heat, we went into the nature center for a storytime! We looked ahead of time at the list of activities, but we were pleasantly surprised with a great nature center. Our girls had fun playing “I Spy” and drawing animals. 

    4. Consider ebikes

    I really can’t say enough good things about our experience with ebikes. If you’re been considering purchasing an ebike for your family, consider this the push you need. They really have made all the difference for us! Having two ebikes so we could carry the kids and the gear up some big hills was crucial for this trip and all our biking experiences lately (especially because I’m pregnant). 

    Although, you do need to consider batteries and charging when bikepacking with ebikes. While we were at our campground, the hosts helped us with charging up our bike batteries, so that we were ready for the ride back home (since we had a primitive campsite). We were so thankful! We have two batteries for my Bunch Bike, which was perfect for the weight we carried. 

    If purchasing an ebike isn’t in your budget, you could consider renting one for your bikepacking trip. 

    5. Invest in ultralight backpacking gear

    Having gear that’s compact and lightweight can make a huge difference. We used our backpacking gear (tent, sleeping pads & bags) all from Klymit (ultralight backpacking gear). Our largest weight was our cooler with our meals & ice. 

    Even with light gear, we had to minimize the number of items we were carrying. Kids may be able to help by carrying their own clothing, sleeping bag, or a small portion of the gear if they can wear a backpack on the bike. 

    Encouraging our kids to help us set up the tent really helps them to give responsibility in the campsite.
    Encouraging our kids to help us set up the tent really helps them to give responsibility in the campsite.

    6. Be flexible!

    Just like anything with kids, it’s so important to lower your expectations and to remain flexible! No trip will be perfect, and that is okay. We worked together as a team and had a blast. 

    Ironically, we found a huge hill leading up to the campsite.  

    There was a large hill going up to the campground, which was too large for the Bunch Bike to make it up with all the weight we were carrying. My husband, bless his heart, walked the Bunch Bike up the hill! Thankfully, the bike has a walk-assist, which helped tremendously, but it was still a feat! This bike handles a ton of weight, but even some hills are too large…and this one was huge! 

    About to leave our camp site! Mark rode the RadioFlyer eBike, while I rode our Bunch Bike cargo eBike.
    About to leave our camp site! Mark rode the RadioFlyer eBike, while I rode our Bunch Bike cargo eBike.

    7. Get the kids involved

    Encourage kids to help with tasks like setting up the tent or preparing meals. Let them help pick the route or pack the bags. Have them be on the lookout for trailmarkers, or be in charge of singing songs along the way. Getting them involved instills a sense of responsibility and adventure. And give them lots of positive reinforcement and praise for their effort and cooperation. 

    8. Have fun!

    Camping with kids, no matter how you’re doing it, is always an adventure! Be prepared!

    Our 2-year-old crawled over us all night, a raccoon stole our bagels, we removed some ticks, and the weather was hot, but we still had a blast. (Losing the bagels was the toughest one of these for our girls…ha!) Luckily, we had backup food for breakfast, and all was fine! To make it up to them, we made some homemade sourdough bagels when we arrived home, and that hit the spot!

    No matter what happens, try to remember that the experience is worth it. Have fun and keep a positive attitude! That’ll go a long way! 

    Bringing our kids' Woom Bikes along was worth it. After seeing their parents bike, they wanted their turn too!
    Bringing our kids’ Woom Bikes along was worth it. After seeing their parents bike, they wanted their turn too!

    Definitely worth the effort!

    Being out in nature is our favorite way to connect and have fun as a family, and this was no different. Our trip didn’t go as we expected, but we had an amazing time, created some really special memories and learned a lot! 

    Would we bikepack again? Yes!

    This was such a fun and unique way to travel, camp, and be together. We had a great time unplugging from a busy week and enjoying the fresh air, sunshine, and adventure! 

    You know it is a good trip when our 2-year-old fell asleep on our way home.
    You know it’s a good trip when the 2-year-old falls asleep on the way home.

    Have you ever considered bikepacking? 

    About the author

    Steph lives in St. Louis with her husband, Mark, their three daughters (ages 5, 3 & 1), and their funny pup. Steph taught elementary school for five years and became a stay-at-home mom when her first child was born. When the pandemic hit and the playgrounds were closed, she started taking her kids hiking on a different trail each day. Steph is also a NICU mama (her 2nd daughter was born 3 months early). The outdoors has been so healing for her and her family, not to mention fun!

    Since the pandemic started, their family has visited over 175 parks and hiked over 200 trails around St. Louis and Missouri. Their family also loves to tent camp, canoe, and bike. Steph has a passion for exploring the outdoors, helping start a free, weekly nature playgroup, and sharing adventure tips with others. When she is not hiking, she loves baking, reading, and dreaming of being a Survivor contestant. 

    You can find more from Steph in the following locations:
    Instagram: @explorestlparks
    RWMC posts: Steph Hampton

  • CAMP, FAVORITE GEAR, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    What I Learned From My First Backpacking Trip with Kids

    If you love camping, hiking, and a challenge, backpacking is the next step! Backpacking with kids can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging if you’re not adequately prepared. But, where do you even begin? Today, St. Louis mom of three, Steph Hampton is here to share her family’s recent backpacking experience. As a first-time backpacker with kids, Steph learned that planning and preparation are essential to ensure a successful trip, and she’s sharing some of the tips and tricks she learned from her first time backpacking with kids with you today. 

    tips and advice for parents for backpacking with kids for the first time

    Our first backpacking with kids experience

    Here’s an idea…why don’t we take our three young kids camping deep in the woods, with just the stuff we can carry on our backs?

    Well, why not?!!

    My husband and I love nature, love camping, and we love a good challenge. We have always wanted to take our kids backpacking, but until recently, it seemed too daunting. Particularly with three kids (ages 5, 3 & 1).  What if we forgot something important? What if there was an emergency? What if…what if…what if.

    But…what if we did it?! 

    We prepped and researched as much as we could to get us to a point where we felt very comfortable taking this leap. Leveling up our outdoor adventures isn’t new to us. We started cabin camping before progressing to car camping, then primitive camping. Backpacking felt like the next logical (albeit much more challenging) step, and we couldn’t wait to give it a try! 

    We checked our schedules and found we had an open weekend in March and decided to go for it! This would not only be the first backpacking trip for my daughters but for me, as well! We can do hard things together. 

    first time backpacking with kids - tips and advice
    Hiking to our campsite at Cuivre River State Park

    Choosing a backpacking campsite

    One of the first things we did when we were ready to go backpacking was start researching backpacking campsites near us. When you’re choosing a backpacking site for a family, there are several factors to consider, including safety, accessibility, and amenities. Here are some tips from our experience. 

    Start close to home

    We searched our state park website for sites that offered backcountry camping within an hour of us. We chose to stick a little closer to home for our first time because those are the trails and areas we’re most familiar with. Plus, if we needed to bail for any reason, we’d be relatively close to home. For those familiar with the St. Louis area, we chose Cuivre River State Park (one hour NW from St. Louis). We chose this location because we were familiar with the park, knew there was cell service if we had an emergency come up, and we were close to a city. 

    Consider making reservations

    Some backcountry campsites are first-come-first-served and some allow you to make reservations to reserve your location. If you’re a serious planner or backpacking during peak season, I’d recommend starting with a campsite that you can reserve so that you’re guaranteed your space. If you’re up for being spontaneous or camping in places where they’re not much of a crowd, you can be more flexible when selecting a site. The campsite we chose did not take reservations in advance, but was available when we arrived (it’s not peak camping season here yet). We were thankful the site was open! We learned to search for future backpacking sites that we are able to reserve ahead of time.

    Choose a location within a doable distance

    Because you have to hike (with all your gear!) to your campsite, we chose a site down a trail that was just 1.5 miles from the trailhead. It was a great distance for all of us with what we were carrying and doable for even our youngest child. We carried everything we needed, but also had extra supplies (food & water) in the van (only 1.5 miles away), just in case. 

    Could we have hiked a longer trail? Totally! But, our goal was to test out our gear and the backpacking experience. We were glad we went with a shorter trail because we didn’t feel rushed at all. We could enjoy our time in the woods with the girls.

    This also was a more rustic trail (limited trail markers), so it was helpful that it was shorter to locate the correct backpacking site. Before we planned our trip, we kept in mind what distance our kids could confidently hike based on prior experiences. Our family hikes normally vary between 0.5 miles to 5 miles, so we were happy to find a backcountry trail this distance that all three of our daughters could hike independently. 

    Enjoying a granola breakfast around the campfire. Our girls are wearing Merrell hiking shoes from Laurie’s Shoes, which we loved for traction on the trail!

    How to get your kids involved in backpacking

    Getting your kids involved in backpacking can be a fun and exciting for them. Kids are natural helpers and love getting to be involved in the process. Here are some tips to help you get your kids interested in (and excited about) backpacking:

    Let them make choices

    Our kids helped us choose our backpacking site and how we got there. They had fun looking at the park map to find out what route we should take to get to our campsite. Once we arrived, we let them help pick the spot for our tent and where we’d set things up. Giving them choices throughout the process made them more excited about the adventure and invested in it. 

    Meal plan

    Our kids also helped choose our weekend meals They each brought their own hiking backpack that carried a family meal, their spork, and their water bottle. This added to their excitement, as they had more responsibility and helped our family. We usually bring a large cooler for our previous camping experiences but were not able to when backpacking, so this was a different experience. We all felt empowered by carrying everything on our backs, including our food and water. 

    Packing help

    We prepped our kids that we are bringing only the bare necessities, and then got them involved in the packing process. When we car camp, our kids are used to bringing toys, many baby dolls, doll clothes, picture books, etc. But for backpacking, we all agreed ahead of time that they would each be able to bring one lovey. They had fun choosing that one special item and were excited to take it on our adventures. The girls did surprisingly great throughout the trip with limited toys. It was so neat to see their imagination blossom when playing in the woods. A huge fallen tree became the Polar Express train, and a pile of leaves and sticks became a chef’s kitchen to feed their loveys. 

    Starting our 1.5 mile trail to the site, sporting our Deuter backpacking packs

    Hiking to the campsite

    The hike to our campsite was only 1.5 miles, but it can still be challenging to keep kids entertained and moving down the trail. Here are a few tips and tricks we implement when hiking with kids to keep their spirits high and their little feet moving!  

    Search

    Our daughters were in charge of finding the trail markers, which is always a fun “I Spy” game. The trail markers were limited on the trail to our campsite, so it was really helpful to have a few more eyes searching! From the “I Spy” of trail markers, we also transitioned to search for animals, flowers, trees, and animal tracks.

    Sing songs

    Dancing and singing always seem more fun in the woods. My husband and I brought back ALLLLLLL the scout songs when we entered parenthood. Princess Pat, Boom Chicka Boom, or Alice the Camel, anyone? We also like to make up songs from what we see on a hike (nature, animals, weather, etc). Singing and dancing definitely keep us moving!

    Carry ultra-light backpacking gear

    I highly recommend ultra-light gear when you’re backpacking. 1.5 miles might not sound like a long distance, but heavy gear can make any distance feel grueling. As this was our first family backpacking trip, we did have to make some purchases of ultra-light items, and I was thankful for the light weight of our gear. My husband carried 45 pounds in his pack, while I carried 35 pounds in my pack. (Normally, I carry my 30lb daughter in a hiking backpack on hikes, so this wasn’t too different for me!) If you’re not used to a hiking with a heavy pack, the shorter distance and ultra-light gear can make a huge difference. 

    Involving our kids in setting up our tent

    Tent setup

    Include your kids in the setup process

    We let our girls help figure out where the best spot to set up the tent would be and got them involved in each step of the process. Do you want the tent on a slope or flat? Why do we need a tarp under the tent? All of these questions helped the girls be more invested in our tent setup. Their favorite part was snapping the tent poles together!

    Organize the inside of your tent

    Inside our tent, our girls were thrilled to play “Tetris” to figure out where everyone should sleep. They helped blow up our insulated sleeping pads and roll out our sleeping bags (my husband and I had sleeping bags, while our daughters wore Morrison Outdoors wearable sleeping bags). We were camping in the spring and the temperature got down to 40 degrees at night. I was a little cold at one point, but everyone else was warm enough. While we had a 4-person tent with 5 people, we were all on one side of the tent by the morning, snuggling. 

    Vestibule

    Our tent has a vestibule (an outer room) we could use to set things up before entering the tent. Our girls thought this was the coolest thing to have a “tent porch” and were excited to lay out our hiking shoes there. This helped to keep our gear dry, as it rained a bit throughout the night. 

    Cuddling as the sun rises

    Our first-time backpacking tips and takeaways

    Lower your expectations

    As with anything with kids, be flexible and lower your expectations! Did you lower them? Now lower them again! Don’t set yourself up for failure thinking that this will be an easy, peaceful, restful experience. Backpacking (and all camping) is work, and anytime you get kids out of their comfort zone, there will be hiccups.

    My husband and I went into the trip knowing that we would probably not get much sleep, and that helped (because we didn’t). Our two older daughters slept through the night, but our youngest was very excited and had a pretty hard time sleeping. This meant she was climbing over us and all through the tent all night long. At one point she went over to her older sisters, tapped their heads, and said, “Sisters, awake?” In our previous tent camping experiences, we brought a pack n’ play for her to keep her contained and provide some familiarity. With all the space (and us!) I don’t know she knew what to do with herself! For us, lowering our expectations helped because the experience was so worth the limited sleep! 

    Next time, we’ll make reservations

    As I mentioned above, some backcountry campsites allow you to make reservations, and we already reserved our next campsite for our next adventure! This one will have a little longer trail (at Hawn State Park for Missourians) and a water source available, so we can filter our own water and not have to pack in so much (you go through more water than you realize). 

    Keep it simple

    Our biggest takeaway was just how much fun it was to unplug, live simply, and have fun. One of the most unexpected benefits of backpacking is how you realize just how simply you can live and that you really don’t need that much stuff. We could only bring the most absolute essentials on our backs, so we didn’t have the option to overpack. And it was wonderful!

    Although, I will admit that I splurged and brought s’mores fixings (because it’s not really camping without s’mores, right?). I put the graham crackers in a Tupperware container so they didn’t crumble. This luxury item was totally worth the little extra weight!

    Peace in the woods at night!

    Making the leap to backpacking

    Camping as a family is my favorite outdoor activity because it allows us to unplug and spend real quality time together, just the five of us. No technology (except the occasional phone photo), no laundry, no home projects…just special time together bonding, playing, and adventuring. 

    There is something for everyone in the outdoors, whether it is a family walk in the neighborhood, hiking in the woods, or camping. If camping is something you also enjoy, but you’re unsure about taking the leap to backpacking, I highly encourage you to go for it! Start small and give it a try! The family memories are well worth it!

    Have you ever gone backpacking?
    Where will your family adventure together next?

    About the author

    Steph lives in St. Louis with her husband, Mark, their three daughters (ages 5, 3 & 1), and their funny pup. Steph taught elementary school for five years and became a stay-at-home mom when her first child was born. When the pandemic hit and the playgrounds were closed, she started taking her kids hiking on a different trail each day. Steph is also a NICU mama (her 2nd daughter was born 3 months early). The outdoors has been so healing for her and her family, not to mention fun!

    Since the pandemic started, their family has visited over 175 parks and hiked over 200 trails around St. Louis and Missouri. Their family also loves to tent camp, canoe, and bike. Steph has a passion for exploring the outdoors, helping start a free, weekly nature playgroup, and sharing adventure tips with others. When she is not hiking, she loves baking, reading, and dreaming of being a Survivor contestant. 

    You can find more from Steph in the following locations:
    Instagram: @explorestlparks
    RWMC posts: Steph Hampton