We love exploring outdoors together as a family. Bring these 6 essential items for a smooth adventure. I keep items 2-5 in my hiking pack so when it’s time to go, we only grab the other two items. It makes getting ready to go a breeze.
1. Water
If you bring nothing else, bring water. The last thing you want is for someone to get dehydrated on your adventure. You never know when you may run into a little bump in your trip. Spencer was once on a hike with his scout troop at 11 years old, and they made a wrong turn. Let’s just say they ran out of water and hiked until 2am in AZ. He didn’t want to go on a hike again until he was an adult 🙂
For Christmas, our kids received little Camelbaks. They love carrying their own water and essentials, and I love it too since I used to be the one that carried everyone’s water. (Spencer carried our youngest, in case you’re wondering . . .) And a little bonus about the Camelbaks is there is a whistle built in the strap in case anyone gets lost. I’m all about safety and appreciate this thoughtful feature.
2. Sunscreen
We all wear hats when hiking to keep the sun off our faces, but I like to have sunscreen on hand for longer adventures or especially sunny days. Look for a non-toxic sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection. Don’t forget to reapply as needed!
3. Bug spray
When I get a mosquito bite, they swell to huge, itchy lumps. There aren’t a lot of things I have in life, but I hate mosquito bites. You also want to prevent ticks from finding you or your kids as well. Terrashield is a non-toxic, natural bug repellant made with essential oils. It’s safe for the whole family and can be applied directly to your skin and clothes. It is an effective natural barrier and works wonderfully at keeping bugs away.
Ingredients: Ylang Ylang Flower, Nootka Wood, Cedarwood Wood, Catnip, Lemon Eucalyptus, Litsea Fruit, Arborvitae Wood essential oils and Vanilla Bean Absolute in a base of Fractionated Coconut Oil and Tamanu Seed Oil.
4. Hand sanitizer
Adventuring can be messy. This 2-ingredient DIY hand sanitizer is the perfect solution. It’s non-toxic and made with aloe vera and On Guard essential oil. We use a little squirt before snack time and at the end of our day.
5. First aid
With over-excited kids running down a rocky trail, you may end up with a scrape or two. I keep Correct X on hand. It’s a multi-purpose, all natural ointment that helps clean and soothe skin with Frankincense, Helichrysum, Melaleuca, Cedarwood, and Lavender essential oils. These oils are known to help assist in soothing skin irritations. It’s also petroleum-free, which you want because petroleum products are toxic.
Always stash a few bandaids in your pack to keep any wounds protected or for pesky blisters that may start to form.
6. Snacks
Last, but certainly not least, bring snacks! No matter when the kids have last eaten, they will want snacks as soon as you start your adventure. I pack a variety of fruit, granola bars, crackers, applesauce pouches, trail mix, etc. to keep their energy up and the hangry level down.
Do you have a must-bring adventure essential? Share it below!
