Kid Adventure Essentials
Lately I find that with me working from home and the kids being here they are coiled for the moment I end work and they ask “Can we go adventure?”. Sometimes the packing and prepping of gear is what takes the longest. To make that a little easier, the adventure kids have their own ‘go bags’ which are basically their hiking / biking bags. We put the basic gear in there so no matter where we go, they have some gear. Here’s what’s always in their pack:
Knife - a great present from a good friend where they each got a Benchmade Reptillian knife with their name inscribed. They love pulling it out and cutting stinging nettles or blackberries. I love that I never have to settle arguments over whose knife it is.
Mini first aid kit - it helps them build good habits and I always know we’ll have a bandaid or ibuprofen on hand. I love these REI mini hiker kits. I carry a bigger one for more serious situations.
Energy bar - while I pack snacks for any excursion they have an energy bar like a Clif Bar in their pack. It never hurts to have an extra bar if I forget to pack for the day or we’re out longer than we think. Hungry kids are not happy kids.
Headlamp - just in case we get too far away we have headlamps. These headlamps were affordable, solid quality and the right size so they don’t fall off all the time. Since I also always pack their ‘go-bags’ when camping I know they all have a light source of some sort. Mostly this one makes them feel important and that is a big part of winning them over in adventuring!
Water - this doesn’t sit in their backpack all the time but I’ve trained them to always grab water. For longer excursions I fill their bladders.
Whistle - a lot of bags now have a whistle in the chest clasp but I added whistles to the kids’ packs so they have a big giant red reminder to blow the whistle if they get separated.
Matches - while I don’t expect them to start fires on their own any time soon, this just gives them a higher sense of importance. Obviously I’ve trained them in fire safety because kids and matches can be a dangerous combination!
