We often get asked how hiking with a kid might impact how far you can hike, or trip objectives, compared to hiking before kids. I have taken some rough numbers to illustrate our experience.
Category: Family Hiking
Locus Gear Khafra DCF-B: Trekking pole configuration
For our PCT LASH, we are planning to use a 4 person mid to shelter the four of us. A key to our shelter configuration is using our trekking poles as tent poles, and arranging them so we can maximize our floor space in the tent. The first attempt When I first test pitched the … Continue reading Locus Gear Khafra DCF-B: Trekking pole configuration
PCT Gear Highlight: Locus Gear Khafra 4P
This is a story about how I bought another tent.
MYOG toddler carrier
Toothless, the author's child, requires less frequent carrying on hikes over time. They initially relied on bulky soft carriers but sought a lighter, efficient solution. The author designed a custom carrier using available materials, emphasizing safety, comfort, and ease of packing. Testing confirmed its effectiveness and suitability for their hiking needs.
PCT 2025 with two kids under 5
Hey remember this? Trip Planning: Pandemic Options with a Baby In August 2024, we welcomed a new baby girl to our family. I call her Lil' Flier since she just flew into this world without a pause. We've been looking for an opportunity to spend some time on the PCT for years. We did some short … Continue reading PCT 2025 with two kids under 5
Brazeau Loop with a Toddler: Day 3
Mileage: 11.9 km The storm that is due starts overnight with an impressive show of thunder and lightning. It is still raining by the time we get up, so we get everyone bundled up in rain gear and then pack up and hike off into the rain. By the time we reached Brazeau Lake, it … Continue reading Brazeau Loop with a Toddler: Day 3
Brazeau Loop with a Toddler: Day 2
Mileage: 18.6 km After tucking into bed last night, I was happy to discover we had pitched the tent in a way that did not result in anyone sliding around during the night. The tent sites in Jasper tend to be lumpy and slanted, so it is always a "fun" puzzle trying to figure out … Continue reading Brazeau Loop with a Toddler: Day 2
Brazeau Loop with a Toddler: Day 1
Gear List Mileage: 10.7 km At the Icefields Campground, we pack up the Jeep and then drive the 10 minutes to the trailhead. The parking lot is pretty full, so I wiggle the Jeep between a pair of vehicles on the side. Kyle and I go through our mental checklist to ensure we have everything, … Continue reading Brazeau Loop with a Toddler: Day 1
Trip Report: Overnight to Kinney Lake
We needed a bit of a shakedown prior to doing the Brazeau Loop, so we opted to do the portion of the Berg Lake trail that had been reopened. According to signage at the visitor centre, the full trail will not be open until 2025. Gear Gear List Key changes to our gear for this … Continue reading Trip Report: Overnight to Kinney Lake
They call me the human toilet seat…
Our trip to Stein Valley was the first trip that Toothless could be hiking without a diaper and without easy (constant) access to a pit toilet. When car camping pit toilets are accessible and the food keeps your tummy on the same schedule but backpacking is different. While he has "standing pee" figured out already, … Continue reading They call me the human toilet seat…