In honor of National Take a Hike Day on November 17, 2018… I thought it would be fitting for our first blog post to be about one of our favorite summer actives, hiking! Unfortunately for those of us in the North East, snow is in our forecast, so no hiking for us!

I never pictured myself as the type to go on a hike, but I’ve climbed to the top of many mountains that I was terrified of falling off of, and even cried my way to the top of another because I was exhausted, but determined to finish. We’ve found and climbed fire towers, explored amazing waterfalls and a few caves. My toddler was elated to discover there was Oreo cookies and Dove Chocolates at the top of one of our hikes! (Look Out Mt. Catskill, NY) It’s a great family activity that gets us outside and moving, and really bonds us at the end where we can say wow, we did that!

If you think hiking is not something you could get into, think again! If you’re willing to give it go, it’s important to stay within your comfort level, and get to know the area you will be exploring. Utilize maps, books, and check to see if there is a local group you could go exploring with. The library is a great place to start to find hiking books.

What We Bring
We are very bare bones, compared to serious hikers, when we go hiking. Since we hike with our kids and dog, we try to keep the hikes within two hours tops round trip. They sometimes can take longer, but please always take what you feel is comfortable, and always bring enough water to stay hydrated!

• Snacks – If you have kids, you know why this is number one. It’s nice to bring a light lunch and have a little picnic at the top of your destination. Also bring snacks to keep energy up. We’ve stopped and had lunch next to a waterfall, and on top of a mountain.
• Drinks – Try to find water bottles that everyone can carry on their own, because when you’re carrying most of the stuff (I carry the backpack, my husband usually wears the toddler) it gets heavy! We usually bring a bottle of Gatorade as a back up in case we drink all of our water.
• Light Jacket – We do the majority of our hikes in the summer, but when the nights start getting cool it’s nice to have a little bit of warmth on your way out. Especially if you aren’t getting out as fast as you planned.
• Protection –  Depending on where you are hiking, you probably won’t – but be prepared – to encounter wild life. We thankfully never have, but it’s important to be aware. Whether your protection is a walking stick, or if you can legally carry, do what you feel is best.
• Bug Spray – We have a problem with ticks here in NY, so make sure you take precautions before heading out, and always check yourself and the kiddos after your hike.
• Flashlight & Personal Alarm – You never plan on staying in the woods after dark, but there are some tiny LED flashlights that fit perfectly in your pocket. We also bring a personal alarm with us (lucky for you, we sell them! Get yours here) just in case we do get lost, or if our tween decides to wander off, he can set off a shrieking alarm to get someone’s attention.
• Baby Wipes – These are self explanatory, as they can be used for a bunch of different things. If you have ever taken a newly potty trained toddler into the woods, you don’t want to be without these.
• Collapsible Bowl & Poo Bags – If you are bringing your dog along, make sure they have a way to get a drink! Poo bags because… it’s not easy flinging poop off a trail with a toddler screaming “ew, that’s poop”. Or, so I’ve heard…

Tips

• Patience: Number one tip when you are going hiking, or trying something new with your kids is to be patient. I’ve been pretty lucky and have had little problems with the toddler (probably helps that he gets to ride on his dad’s back) . However, my preteen likes to literally drag his feet, arms crossed and everything. It’s super fun when you pass people who have the after hike glow and you have that behind you. I think I rather have a bear tailing me. 
• Timing: Never assume you will be quick in and out. Make sure you are leaving yourself enough time to enjoy yourself, but also get back out while there is daylight. If your kids take naps, try to plan way before (yay, nap on the ride home!) Or after, so they can burn off energy for later.
• Bring snacks: Maybe it’s just my kids who seem to only live for food, but if they are hungry they are impossible and miserable.
• Plan on taking breaks: While it may seem like they have energy for days, hiking is a lot of work. I know I’m exhausted by the end. Imagine their little legs climbing and conquering!
• Have Fun: Enjoy it! Take pictures, enjoy your kids excitement when they find a cool rock, or scare you have to death when they are too close to the edge with your husband…

I hope if you already enjoy hiking you found something to relate to, or that I’ve given you the inspiration to take your family out and experience something new. Check back soon for more of our adventures! Be sure to follow us on Instagram @redlineoutfitters and like us on Facebook @shopredlineoutfitters

~ K