Spring break is right around the corner. All that’s standing in your way now is packing for your trip, which can pose a challenge when packing for young children. If you’re planning on hitting the trails while traveling this year, check out our tips for how to pack for hiking when on vacation to ensure you have a stress-free, memorable trip!
Clothing
Make sure to pack clothing that can dry quickly and easily, especially if you won’t have access to a washer and dryer while away. Clothes that can easily be washed in the sink and air dried means you can pack fewer outfits for your vacation. Depending on the weather, consider packing one jacket or sweater that can work for any activity from hiking to dinner out since they tend to take up more luggage space.
Shoes
When packing for multiple people on a trip, shoes can take up lots of suitcase space. Consider packing one shoe that can do double duty on the trails and as an everyday shoe such as the Merrell Range. Or, if you’re headed somewhere warm, instead of packing hiking shoes and sandals, try a hybrid shoe like the Merrell Hydro Choprock. Breathable open mesh, durable leather upper, quick-dry lining, and easy on/off make this shoe perfect for children and adults. Whether you go with the Range or Choprock, you can be both functional and fashionable going from the trail to museums during spring break this year.
Merrell also offers a variety of women’s and men’s shoes and sandals that transition from the trail to town easily. With less packing space spent on doubling up on shoes, your family now has more space to bring back some souvenirs from your trip.
Sun Gear
If you’re traveling from a snowy, cold climate to a warmer-weather destination, you may not think of packing sun protection. Packing sunscreen and sun hats will help keep your family safe and comfortable during your trip. Pick a hat that can easily fold into your suitcase or clip onto a carry on or backpack.
Clever Carry-Ons
If you’re flying to your destination, pack your child a carry-on that can double as a hiking backpack. The bag can hold books and toys for the journey to your vacation spot, and then you can repack it before hitting the trail with water, snacks, notebooks and other items needed for exploration.
Hiking Resources
You won’t have to pack an extra trail guide if you “pack” Hike It Baby’s Family Trail Guide. It provides you with trail information and resources suggested and approved by Hike It Baby families from around the country, and it’s easily accessible online. An added benefit to the Family Trail Guide, compared to a traditional hiking guidebook, is that the trails are sourced by Hike It Baby families who provide tips and feedback for hiking with young children. Exploring tried and true trails will help make sure you make the most of your time away from home.
Packing for a vacation can be overwhelming, so if you have any amazing tips you can share with us, please leave your tips in the comments below.
Read more:
- Ways to pack snacks and food on road trips
- 6 Free travel apps to help plan your next family road trip
- 6 Helpful websites to make outdoor adventure planning easy
