Consider bringing binoculars on hike w/ kids

Binoculars are not just nice for getting a closer look at distant animals or geological features, but they also can be used as a navigation tool by helping you get a closer look at where a trail leads. An adult will want a pair that magnifies by the seven or eight power to be of any real benefit. Larger lenses will give you a clearer and more detailed view.

If bringing binoculars, consider also getting small, lightweight versions (with lanyards) for your children. Most will love carrying them around their neck. They won’t be able to see as far as you can in yours, but they’ll still think seeing a grazing deer or a snow-covered mountain peak “close up” is cool. If children do wear binoculars around their necks, make sure their shirt has a collar so that the lanyard can be tucked behind the fabric. It then won’t cut into the skin.

Related articles:
g Carry wet wipes during day hike with children
g Select right sunglasses for hiking children
g Pack waterproof bags on day hike with children
g Carry safety whistle when hiking with children
g Selecting the right camera for a day hike with children

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

Hiking children should carry whistle, ID card

Even those parents who keep a close eye on their children sometimes get distracted enough that their child wanders off and gets lost.

To ensure children can let parents know where they are upon becoming lost, have them wear a safety whistle, attached to a lanyard, around their neck. Tell the child in advance that should they become lost to simply blow on the whistle. The sound of a whistle will travel farther than a shout.

Consider including an ID card on the lanyard, especially if the child is a preschooler or of very young elementary school age. In case the lost child is injured but then found by others, the ID card can be useful in providing important medical information.

The ID card should include the child’s name and date of birth, the parents’ names and their contact information (especially a telephone number), blood type, and any allergies.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

Always carry a compass, even on day hike

Like a paper map, a compass is indispensable even if you use GPS. Should your GPS no longer function, the compass then can be used to tell you which direction you’re heading.

A protractor compass is best for hiking. Beneath the compass needle is a transparent base with lines to help your orient yourself. The compass often serves as a magnifying glass to help you make out map details. Most protractor compasses also come with a lanyard for easy carrying.

The compass and a map can be used in a number of ways, but the most basic skill (and you’ll find the most useful on a day hike) is orienting the map properly. This will help you better understand which features are around you and give you a better idea of where the trail is heading. To do this, simply place your map on a flat surface. Next, place the compass on the map. Shift the map around until its line pointing “north” matches the north on your needle. The map is now oriented to the terrain.

A compass does have a one major issue: declination. Compass needles point at magnetic north, but maps use grid north. The difference in degrees between the two (usually listed on topo maps) is known as declination. You will have to rotate your compass dial to find grid north. If you don’t, the discrepancy will cause you to walk several miles in the wrong direction. This usually is not significant on a day hike trail with kids, but if the declination is large, you could become confused when taking a compass reading and comparing it to a map’s grid north.

Another problem with compasses is field interference. Metal on your equipment can cause the needle to point the wrong direction. Always use a compass away from metal.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

Select right sunglasses for hiking children

Sunglasses are an absolute must at high altitudes if walking through open areas exposed to the sun and during winter when children can suffer from snow blindness. Look for 100% UV-protective shades, which provide the best screen.

The variety of sunglasses available out there are enormous, but when children are involved, always opt for something sturdy. You can buy sunglasses with no hinges, which means toddlers have one less avenue for breaking them. You even can buy symmetrical sunglasses that can be worn either right-side-up or upside down (for some reason, toddlers like to wear sunglasses upside down). These latter options also cost more money than an inexpensive pair you can buy for kids at any discount store.

Also, be prepared for children to lose their sunglasses. The younger the child, the more likely that the sunglasses will come off sometime during the hike. A lanyard can help prevent this but isn't foolproof unless you clip it the child's clothing.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.