Spring in Alaska can be so unpredictable. One minute it’s warm and sunny and the next it’s snowing. This makes dressing and preparing kids for outdoor adventures quite the challenge! I typically carry a larger pack during these wishy-washy weather times so the kids are ready for whatever Mother Nature has up her sleeve! Below is a list of things we bring for day hiking with kids in spring:
Winter Gear
Normally, we start out dressed in our winter gear, which includes a hat, snow mittens, snow pants, and coat since we usually begin our adventures in late morning before it has warmed up outside. Plus, it’s much easier to shed layers than to warm kids back up if they get cold. But of course base what you wear vs pack on the weather that day. Even on warmer days I recommend still bringing along some warm clothes even if you don’t start out wearing it.
Rain Gear
Spring brings along with it puddles, wet snow, mud, and rain. This is why we always carry along some sort of water and mess resistant gear. Unless rain is in the forecast, in which case you would want truly waterproof gear such as Reima‘s rain outfit, I recommend a lightweight coverall such as the Tuffo Suit.
Because of it’s oversized fit, the Tuffo Suit is perfect to quickly throw on over clothes or winter gear when you come across wet or dirty conditions. It is also extremely lightweight making it easy to pack in your bag. The only downside of this suit is it will eventually saturate if it’s in the water long enough. It does take awhile for this to happen though so the packability of it is well worth the trade off.
We also make sure to always pack waterproof mittens which are great to throw over other mittens on chilly days or use alone to keep tiny fingers from getting pruney or covered in mud.
Extra Clothes and Hygiene Items
Nothing can wreak a good day quite like wet clothes so it is helpful to have extras of the hardest hit items. This includes a second pair of mittens, pants, and socks as they are the most likely things to get wet. I’ve found shirts don’t get wet as easy since the coat does a good deal of protecting. Pants however, even when covered with snow pants, can quickly get damp if pressure is put on the snow pants, such as when the child is kneeling or sitting on soggy ground or snow.
If your child still wears diapers, don’t forget to bring along a few of those along with some wipes. For older children, bringing a small amount of toilet paper is helpful.
Plastic Bags
Bringing along a couple plastic bags to put wet or dirty gear in when the kids are ready to change will save the rest of the items in your pack from the same messy fate!
Toys/Extras
If you have room, throwing in a couple fun items is a great surprise while day hiking with kids in spring. These could include:
- Shovels – while slightly heavier, metal shovels work best because your kids won’t be digging in loose sandbox sand and plastic could easily break in the rocks and hard dirt. I picked up metal garden trowels at Goodwill for cheap so I don’t have to worry if something happens to them.
- Buckets – Of course most any container works but hard sided buckets and containers take up precious pack space so I snagged these collapsible buckets from Amazon and they work perfect!
- Magnifying glass
- Watercolor paints – great to use with snow and puddles
- Small construction trucks
- Serrated lettuce knife – kids love to saw sticks, cut ice chunks, and chop up snowballs, leaves, or whatever else is around. Use discretion of course based on your child’s age.
- Guide books such as animal tracks and plants or animals found in the area
Snacks and Water
Perhaps some of the most important things to bring are of course a variety of snacks and water. Snacks are not only necessary to fuel the adventure but can also be used as motivation to keep going or convince them to stop doing something really fun when it’s time to go.
A few of our favorite trail snacks include cheese sticks, easy peel oranges (cuties), apple slices, granola bars (we love Larabars), trail mix, carrot sticks, fruit leather, and always some sort of special treat, like chocolate, to help with coaxing them along if needed.
Staying hydrated is also top priority so bringing along plenty of water is a must. Make sure to put it in a leak-proof water bottle to prevent wet items in your pack. You can find our favorite leak-proof water bottles for kids here.
First Aid and Emergency Kits
Being prepared for potential injuries whenever heading into the wilderness is always a good idea, especially while day hiking with kids in spring with all the slippery mud and ice. Bandages, pain reliever, gauze, adhesive tape, tweezers, scissors, allergy meds, quik clot, and a splint are all great things to have.
During longer outings or to more remote locations, a map of the area, headlamp, compass, fire starting supplies, knife, rope, and whistle can be helpful in the event of emergency.
Bear Protection
Warmer temperatures mean bears could be emerging from hibernation at any time. We always keep bear spray or an appropriate firearm within reach in the chance we come across a grumpy bear. However, in my ten years adventuring in Alaska, I have never gotten into a situation with a bear where I needed such protection, but better safe than sorry in my books!
Sled
Depending on the age of your kids and your destination, pulling along a sled (if there is still snow) could be helpful for a few reasons. For longer hikes, it can be a place for little legs to rest, eat a snack on the go, or take a nap. It can also be very helpful in the (hopefully) rare case your child gets their boots sopping wet. They can take them off and ride back in the sled, avoiding the misery of having to walk with cold, wet feet.
We use a utility ice fishing sled which is great for it’s durability and high walls so things don’t fall out and the kids have a backrest. We also like to put a Therm-a-Rest pad down inside for comfort and warmth as well as a sleeping bag they can use to snuggle up in if they get cold.
My husband also hooked a sled pulling harness up so pulling the sled is a breeze. No twisting your arm awkwardly behind you, plus, you can use your leg and body strengths vs straining your arms.
Means of Communication
Anytime you are venturing out, you should always carry a way to communicate with others in case of emergency. Unless I am going somewhere I am absolutely certain I have cell service, I bring along a Garmin inReach. I’ll also carry it with if I am going somewhere less heavily travelled because there is always the possibility of your phone battery dying or your phone being damaged in a fall or with water.
Tarp or Foam Pads
A tarp or foam pad on the ground can go a long way in keeping everyone dry and happy while day hiking with kids in spring. Perfect for when it’s time to have a snack or while they are kneeling down to play or dig.
Amazon sells folding foam seat pads which work great, or you can cut up an old foam sleeping pad you no longer use.
Sunglasses
Sun reflecting on the snow can make it difficult to see so throwing in some sunglasses, even on overcast days makes everything more enjoyable.
We swear by Polarized Minishades which are made of a bendy, rubber-like material making them almost unbreakable. They also come with a loss and damage warranty so if anything does happen to them you can get a free replacement (just pay for shipping)!
Rain, Shine, or Snow, Just Go!
Spring can be a daunting time to take small children out into nature for extended periods of time. I know I personally can get irritated by ALLL the extra things we have to pack. However, being prepared for whatever challenges spring weather throws your way really does make the difference. Some of my kids’ favorite outdoor memories have been made in these less than favorable conditions, such as mud pits, slushy puddles, and ice, so bringing along the extra weight is well worth the effort!
I hope this packing list helps you prepare for and enjoy many springtime adventures with your kids!
Have you gone day hiking with kids in spring? If so, what other items do you recommend bringing along?
