I’m a mom of two children who love to be outdoors. As a Charlotte Mason homeschool family, we spend a lot of time outside during all seasons. Since I didn’t grow up as an “outdoorsy” person, it’s something I’ve had to learn over the past few years. I’ve had to research (through trial and error) what to bring with me on outdoor play dates or hikes and what to leave at home. Today, I want to share with my my hiking essentials for mom for moms.
Hiking Essentials for Mom
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1 // Down Jacket (or down alternative)
Staying warm when the weather is chilly is essential. If I’m not warm and comfortable, I’ll rush my kids’ time outside; and I don’t want to do that! Therefore, I need a super cozy and warm jacket. Down seems to be the warmest option I’ve found, however if you’re vegan and not comfortable with down in your coats there are several great alternatives from popular outerwear companies like Patagonia!
I love this long coat because it covers not just my mid-section, but my legs, partially, and it is super warm!
2 // Comfortable Pants or Leggings
Comfortable pants are a must. Every time we go hiking or outside to play I think I’ll wear jeans, and always end up reaching for my leggings. My favorite pair are these because they’re extremely durable. I’ve worn them in all seasons and terrains. I will say, if you live in harsher cold climate, they may not be warm enough. I’d go with a thermal legging if you live in a super cold place!
3 // Mud-friendly Footwear
Rain boots are my typical go-to. I have a tall pair of Hunter’s and a short pair of rain boots (they’re amazing). But the two other shoes I use most are my Vivo Barefoot ‘Tracker’ hiking boots and my Blundstones! You can shop my Vivo shoes here and my Blundstones here. Click here to my favorite rain boots of all time. They’re under $60 and my most worn boot in all seasons for the past three years! In the spring and summer months I wear my Teva’s or Birkenstocks. Both are wonderful, but only for light mud and rainy weather. If it’s super muddy or wet, I wear boots year round!
4 // Cozy socks
I love Smart Wool socks for the cold weather or Goldtoe. Both are extremely warm and keep my feet nice and dry during the wet months.
5 // Beanie Hat
A warm hat is essential for cold weather! You want it to be cute but functional. I love beanie hats that have the pom on top or the fold at the base as far as style. I have a pretty big collection now!
6 // Functional Backpack
This one is probably the most important as far as function. The mom backpack holds everything from the nature journals to the lunch boxes and band-aids. It’s something that has to be comfortable for you to wear for a really long time. Something you’re okay with getting dirty and possibly a back pack that allows you to babywear on your back. It has to be the perfect bag. To be quite honest – I haven’t found the perfect hiking back pack yet. Right now I go between a basic leather backpack I’ve had forever and my Nena & Co. bag. Mostly because they’re big and hold everything but I’d love to invest in a good hiking bag someday!
7 // Reusable Water Bottle
A reusable water bottle is a must! I love the new, bigger hydro flask lids that come with a handle for longer hikes, but this smaller 16 ounce bottle is great for fitting into a back pack!
8 // Waterproof Field Guide
This is wonderful for children who are always asking “what type of mushroom is this?” or “What bird was that again?” The waterproof field guides are small, and easy to throw in your bag before a hike!
9 // A Baby Carrier
My daughters love collecting things they find outside. Having a designated “nature collecting basket” allows me to keep my pockets and hands uncluttered, but they get to bring their treasures home!
10 // Binoculars
Binoculars are great if you and your children love to look at nature. We are avid birders, so it’s essential to have a way to see things far away! You can get an inexpensive pair like the one I linked above, or Nikon and Canon have more expensive binoculars if you have older children.
11 // Snacks + Snack Storage
Having good snacks for a hike or any time spent outside is essential. My children will eat a giant meal but as soon as we hit the trail or get out of the house, they’re starting again. For this reason I always pack fresh veggies, like carrot sticks, apples, chopped peppers and dried fruit. (But, make sure that your children are old enough for raw veggies!) I carry our snacks in Stasher bags. They’re reusable (i.e. eco-friendly) and they’re durable. I couldn’t live without them.
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If you can think of anything else that’s absolutely necessary but if I’m missing anything, please let me know in the comments and I’ll add it in!
See my Hiking Essentials for Kid post here.
I hope this post about hiking essentials for mom was helpful to you! Thank you so much for reading!
