Consider bringing along specific gear for desert hikes with children

Mojave Desert, Calfornia

As a dry, severe environment, deserts offer both incredible scenic wonders and grave dangers. Because of the former, they make for great hiking terrain…because of the latter, specific hiking gear and equipment is essential for a day hike there.

Whenever on a desert hike, be sure to have the following equipment or items:
g Boots – You’ll want footgear with ankle support, that breathes, and that has a soft, flexible sole to ensure traction. To that end, wear lightweight, breathable hiking boots. Sandals will expose your skin to sunburn, thorns and sharp rocks while running shoes lack the ankle support needed for crossing rocky terrain.
g Sun hat – A brim provides the extra protection needed to shade your face, not just to avoid sunburn but to prevent being blinded by the sun. Consider getting a sun hat that includes a flap to keep the sunlight off your neck.
g Lighter colored clothing – White and other light colors will better reflect the sunlight than black and dark clothing, which absorb it, resulting in more heat upon the body.
g Sunscreen – An SPF 50 is essential as the sand reflects sunlight back onto the body, resulting in a burn. Sweat will wash away sunscreen, so you likely will need to reapply it during rest breaks.
g Lip balm – The lips also can be burned or chapped by sunlight as well a wind. An SPF 30 balm will protect them. Reapply the balm after drinking water.
g Extra water – Any arid environment requires that you take in more water than usual. Consider carrying it in collapsible canteens to lessen the weight or in a hydration pack, which kids are more likely to regularly use as they can more easily sip water as walking.
g Insect repellent – Usually dry areas are low on bug count, but don’t be surprised to run into sand flies and midges or when near a wet area into mosquitoes.

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

How to avoid bugs when day hiking with children

To avoid bugs such as pesky mosquitoes, change the time and location
of your hike.

Mosquitoes, gnats, black flies…such little creatures can prove to be a great annoyance when day hiking, especially with children. Sometimes even insect repellent doesn’t help, mainly because after a mile or two of sweating, it runs off.

Hiking at the right time and the right places, however, almost always can ensure that bugs won’t bother you.

Opt to hike during these times:
g Early spring August through October – Bug populations peak in May and June.
g After lunch – This can help you avoid a couple of the more annoying insects as black flies like to be out during the morning while mosquitoes prefer dusk.
g Breezy days – Most bugs have difficulty flying when winds exceed 5 mph, so they won’t be out to bother you.
g Cooler days – Insects will be less active when the temperature is below 60 F, though you may need a sweatshirt.

Opt to hike in these locations:
g Dry areas – Bugs often lay their eggs in wet areas, so they’ll be more abundant near waterways, pools and wetlands.
g Sunny areas – Insects generally like shade, so a trail open to the sun means fewer of them. Don’t forget your sunscreen, though.

One last tip to avoid bugs: Don’t wear fragrances. The sweet, flowery scents attract bugs. Instead, use unscented deodorant or hair products before heading out onto a trail.

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

How to avoid mosquitoes when day hiking with children

Just because mosquitoes are out doesn’t mean you have to spray your body with all kinds of nasty chemicals. There are ways to avoid being mosquitoes - and kids are certain to find a hike unpleasant if bitten repeatedly – without using DEET or bug repellent. Start by not attracting the pests to you in the first place:
g Hike when the sun is high – Mosquitoes tend to come out at dawn and dusk.
g Dump the fragrances - Perfumes, shampoos and sunscreens that carry flowery or fruity scents are a natural draw for the critters.
g Wear light clothing – Mosquitoes can better spot dark clothing, so they’re drawn to those wearing black and navy blue.
g Don’t eat salty foods – Mosquitoes are attracted to lactic acid, which you’ll have more of after eating foods like potato chips. Ditto with high-potassium foods like beans and potatoes.
g Stay out of wet areas – During spring and summer, don’t walk through wetlands or areas with bodies of standing water, where mosquitoes breed.

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

Avoid, treat mosquito bites when on the trail

Photo courtesy of
Wisconsin DNR.

The burning bites of mosquitoes are more of a nuisance than anything, but they can carry deadly diseases, such as West Nile virus.

To avoid mosquito bites, stay away from water at dusk and early evening when the bugs tend to come out. You also can wear hats with flaps and tie a loose bandana around the neck to keep the pesky little critters away. Don’t hike in areas heavily infested with mosquitoes, such as near old tire dumps that can hold sitting water and thus are the bug’s breeding grounds. Finally, if you see a swarm of mosquitoes, expect there to be more swarms and move away.

Treat a mosquito bite as you would a typical bug bite: wash with soap and water, apply an anti-itch cream, hydrocortisone or Neosporin with Lydocain, and don’t itch.

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