There is something soothing about the color of nature in all seasons. The lack of human noise, birds singing, and discovering new terrains are all inviting. Andrew and I both love to hike. We discovered an app called “AllTrails” that makes hiking and getting back to nature easy. We can find local trails anywhere in the world, either by listing or on a map. The filters are helpful as you can decide the difficulty, the length, and the elevation gain. There is a free version or you can become a premium member when you need to download maps or take advantage of the other benefits. Andrew’s favorite is to mark the trails that we have accomplished.
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Getting Back to Nature
To cut down on preparation time, I keep a backpack organized and ready to go so that all we have to do is find our hiking boots and we’re off. I discovered this tatical slingpack. It is compact and measures 9.4 x 7.1 x 3.5 inches inches and it holds a lot! The less carried the better, so this small shoulder pack is perfect and it keeps my hands free.
Dress for the Weather and Terrain
An uncomfortable kid makes unhappy memories. I do not skimp on foot support and feel that sturdy hiking shoes are a necessity. Keens are my go to shoe. It doesn’t matter whether we’re hiking in the river, or on a trail, these shoes can do it all. I have worn my Keens about four years and yet they still look great.
We don’t care what the weather is like and will head outdoors in most kinds of weather. Humidity is an exception. Because of Prader-Willi syndrome, Andrew’s body has a difficult time regulating temperatures. He can always add more layers in the cold but one can only remove so much in the heat. We like this chemical-free cooling towel. When the temperatures hit the high 80s and 90s, we navigate to the local pool.
Rain and snow make hiking interesting. Rain pants and coats are the other items that I make sure are in good condition. The hardest part is making sure I have clothes that always fit a fast growing kid. Our decision to go to Iceland, was last minute, and I discovered that Andrew’s rain pants no longer fit. We left without them and I ended up buying a pair there which was 20 times more expensive, but they are an item we cannot live without. I always have a difficult time finding waterproof lightweight pants. I buy those first and then purchase a jacket. Andrew does not care if anything matches but for travel purposes, I do!
Layering under a rain suit keeps us warm and dry so extra room helps. There were several days in Iceland where we wore 5-6 layers. As the weather changed throughout the day we would shed clothing. The hardest part is making sure I have clothes that always fit a fast growing kid.
Backpack Contents for Day Hike
I keep the following contents packed in the shoulder pack.
- Backpack or Slingpack
- Compass and map
- Fully Charged Phone and external battery with the All Trails App
- LifeStraw Water bottles
- Kiseer Soap Sheets (We have found splitting one sheet is plenty.)
- Coin size towelettes
- Plenty of food and high protein snacks (nuts, orange, almond butter sandwich, tuna sensation packets with pita wedges)
- Gatorade Packets
- First Aid Kit (including a pain reliever)
- Extra socks
- Rain gear – dependent on weather
- Sun protection/Sun glasses
If we are doing a longer hike or difficult terrain where I feel like it might take us longer than normal, I will also take:
- Handheld GPS Unit
- Lifestraw around the neck (Instead of water bottles)
Snacks
I learned my lesson after the Great Meltdown on the Great Wall and now pack more snacks and meals than we would typically eat at home. Heavy exercise requires extra nutrition and energy boosts. I keep an index card of go-to-snacks so that the hassle of thinking and planning is minimal. I take nuts, peeled and ready-to-eat oranges, peanut butter sandwiches and tuna sensation packets with pita wedges. Personally, I like a square of dark chocolate 3-4 hours into our excursion. If the hike is going to require several meals then I will make more substantial sandwiches besides peanut butter. For the most part, we only carry water but I will offer Gatorade during humid, hot treks or when the terrain has been difficult.
The Trails
The most exciting part about hiking and getting back to nature is the types of terrains we will find on trails. I like creeks and rivers that have a full array of rocks. Andrew likes boulders and waterfalls. We have discovered caves, tunnels, small winding paths, and eagles nests. The unknown is exciting.
Homeschooling on the Trail
I try to incorporate learning or life skills when we are out on the trail. Science is everywhere! On this particular gray, foggy day we were hiking a local park trail and spend 40 minutes watching an orb spider weave it’s web. The rain gear came in handy!
Cardio Advantages of Hiking
Hiking and getting back to nature is is relaxing and mood altering. I can take Andrew out on a bad mood day and ultimately within the first 10 minutes he turns into a happy kid. Even on days that we don’t feel like getting out we are always glad that we did. Hiking burns calories, belly fat and tones the entire body. It’s important to start slowly on easy terrains and gradually work up otherwise it could be a nightmare of an experience. Andrew and I have not done a multiple day hike yet but we do have one in mind. One day, we’ll make the announcement!
Try the All Trails app! Let us know what you think and some of your trail adventures!
