Essential items to bring on a day hike

Taking the right items on a hike at the very least can be the difference between comfort and misery. In extreme cases, it can be the difference between life and death.

Start by dressing properly. This usually means layering your clothes to protect against wind and cold but also dressing lightly if out on a hot day. If the trail lacks shade, don a brimmed hat and sunglasses.

A good pair of hiking boots is necessary, though trail runners will work fine on flat terrain without rocks. Sandals or going barefoot are bad ideas. Wool socks work better than cotton ones.

Water is essential. Adults need at least a quart for every two hours hiking. Children need to drink about a quart every two hours of walking and more if the weather is hot or dry. Don’t drink from streams, rivers, ponds and lakes.

Map and compass also are required. Topographical maps work best. GPS is fine, but don’t expect to always have a signal when in remote areas or battery power on a long walk.

A small first-aid kit is extremely beneficial in case of an accident. Make sure it at least has bandages, scissors, medical tape, tweezers, and an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide, iodine or Betadine.

A quality trekking pole or walking stick is an excellent idea if your trail gains elevation, is uneven, or is wet. A pole reduces stress on your knees and lower back.

Lastly, insect repellent often is a must. Remember that you can sweat off repellent, so bring it with you rather than rely on one slathering when leaving your vehicle.

Other items you might consider bringing is trail mix for long hikes, sunscreen and lip balm if in sunny or windy areas, and your cell phone (and sans that a watch) to keep track of time and for emergency calls.

5 Great Tips for Dressing Your Hiking Kids

• Select pants and shorts to maximize comfort when hiking
• Take time to select hiking footwear for kids
• What should you look for in kid's hiking hat?
• Layer clothing when hiking in cold climates
• Bring extra kids clothes for after the hike
• BONUS: When should hiking children carry their own stuff and how much?

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

7 Great Tips on Dressing Kids for Hikes

• Dress children for weather when hiking
• Keep child comfortable by layering clothes
• Wear proper headgear when hiking with kids
• Which is best for kids: shorts vs. jeans
• Sunglasses for children
• Selecting rain gear for hiking children
• Dress kids properly for cold-weather hikes
• BONUS: Great hiking quotes for day hiking with kids

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Know how to avoid, treat foot-related injury

One of the quickest ways to turn a family member, friend or yourself off to hiking is to injure a foot while on the trail. Something as simple as a tiny blister can make a hike unbearable. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to prevent foot-related injuries – and should one occur, you can treat it to so the walk can be completed with a minimum of discomfort.

To keep your feet healthy on a hike, you should:
• Prepare your feet in advance of the hike. This includes trimming your toenails and tying your boot laces properly.
• Keep your feet dry and warm on a hike. Always wear the proper socks and understand when to change them.
• Follow common sense to avoid sore feet, legs and back during the hike. Whenever hiking, maintain good posture and stay hydrated.
• Carry a first-aid kit for your feet. Should you suffer an injury, a couple of lightweight items can go a long way in dealing with a blister or sprained ankle.
• Know how to treat common foot injuries. Blisters, a twisted ankle, and frostbite all can be treated when on the trail to minimize the pain.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Hiking boots: Don’t just grab your shoe size

Perhaps the quickest way to ruin your hike is to buy hiking boots simply because they come in your shoe size. While there’s an off chance that they might work well, you’ll find a better fitting boot if you take your time and follow a few guidelines to ensure they’re best for you. Among the considerations are the boot’s weight, size and waterproofing.

In addition, if buying hiking boots for kids, the shape of their developing feet requires special considerations. And last but not least, you’ll want to follow some simple rules when picking up socks to go with your new boots.

The following articles can help you make the best decision when purchasing footwear for a hike:
• Guidelines for purchasing hiking boots
• Buying hiking boots for children
• Hiking boot weight
• Hiking boot sizes
• Signs that hiking boots don’t fit
• Ways hiking boots come waterproofed
• Guidelines for purchasing hiking socks

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Keep your hiking gear zippers in good shape

Sometimes the littlest things make all the difference on a hike. A broken zipper is a prime example. When a zipper breaks on clothing, cold air and moisture from rain or snow can make its way into your underlayers, making for an uncomfortable walk. When a zipper breaks on a backpack, the contents inside can get wet or fall out. Unfortunately, zippers are common fail points on hiking gear.

Fortunately there are steps you can take to prolong the life of your zipper.

Packing/dressing
Never overstuff your backpack or clothing so that a zipper bulges. This only puts additional pressure on the zipper. Instead, repack or redress to avoid the bulge, usually by removing some items or a layer.

Don’t use the zipper to force a bag or clothing shut, even if there is no bulge. Instead, pull the material at the opening together with your hands. This also reduces stress on a zipper.

Use the metal tab rather than loops or ropes to zip up. This lessens the amount of force exerted on the zipper.

Snags
When zippers hit a snag, don’t force the slide (the part of the zipper that links and unlinks the teeth) through it. This typically will bend the teeth so that the zipper won’t work. Instead, back the zipper out of the snag then try it again.

When fabric is caught in a slider, gently pull the material from the metal to free the zipper.

During the hike
If a zipper breaks during a hike, you’ll want to have some items in your backpack to get you by. Two useful items are small thin elastic ropes and safety pins.

Either can be used as a temporary pull tab should that break. Simply tie a slip knot or attach the safety pin to the open hole to where the pull tab attached to the slider.

When the entire zipper breaks, safety pins can be used to close up your clothing or backpack pocket. The pin won’t be a perfect solution but will reduce the amount of cold and moisture hitting your body or prevent materials from falling out of your pack.

After the hike
Using a wet, soapy washcloth, gently remove any dirt or debris from your zipper. This will keep grit from getting caught in the teeth and the slider. Such grit can obstruct the zipper and result in snags. Do the same if you hike near the ocean, as the salt in the air can settle on and corrode the zipper’s metal.

Once the zipper is dry, lubricate it. A variety of both liquid and solid lubricants are available on the market for zippers. For a natural lubricant, use paraffin (candle) wax, powdered graphite, heat-softened beeswax.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Five tips for post-hike apparel maintenance

Always take the time to maintain clothing after a hike.

After a hike – even a short one of a couple of hours – your clothing will be a little dirty and a bit beat up. Taking care of your apparel when you return home can increase its longevity, ensure you’re warm and dry on the next hike, and keep the clothes from smelling.

Once home, inspect the clothes for damage. Sometimes snags tears can happen without you even realizing it, such as when you brush up against a tree or shrub. You may then need to sew, patch or even replace some items.

Next, hang and air dry any wet jackets, snowpants, raingear, and boots. Don't dry them near a heater, as that can cause leather and other fabrics to turn brittle and crack. You can have a simple fan blowing on them, though, to help them dry faster.

Brush any dirt, mud, leaves and other debris off your clothing, especially the boots. Prolonged exposure to the moisture in the debris can damage apparel. In addition, eventually the debris will dry and falloff, creating a mess.

Wash and dry clothing, even if worn for only part of the trip. Follow instructions on the clothing tags so that you don't accidentally shrink or damage through overheating. Remember that synthetics often require different care than cotton when washing and drying.

Finally, replace any clothing articles – those lost on the trail, items that no longer fit, and those that are damaged beyond repair – so that you don’t go without on your next hike.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

What to look for when purchasing handwear

Keeping your hands warm and dry is just as important as doing so with your feet. In addition to being a source of great discomfort, cold, wet hands can lead to hypothermia and in winter even to frostbite.

As an extremity, your hands can quickly get cold. And as we need use hands to access items in our backpacks, open a trail mix package, or to adjust clothing, we are quick to take off any gloves, meaning the exposed fingers and palms easily can get wet and chilled.

Given this, knowing what to look for when purchasing handwear is vital. Buying the wrong gloves and mittens can be almost as bad as not wearing any at all.

Gloves are an excellent choice for teens and adults, as they make manipulation of items with the fingers easy, but always opt for mittens with children, especially preschoolers. Kids’ fingers stay warmer in mittens, and with more slender digits, they are at a greater risk for cold hands than are adults.

Make sure the gloves and mittens, whether for adults or children, come with the following components:
• Cuffs – This is an area that can be cinched at the wrist, usually via a Velcro strap or a drawstring. A tightened cuff helps to keep snow and rain from getting inside the handwear.
• Waterproof shell – This layering allows you to touch snow without getting your hands wet and hence cold. A grippy palm adds an extra layer of waterproofing at the spots (palm and fingers) where you are most likely to touch snow or a wet object.
• Insulation – You’ll need to determine what is best for you as an individual. If you have sweaty hands, you often can get by with lighter insulation. In addition, the colder the weather, generally the thicker the insulation should be.

Finally, the glove and mitten needs to fit well on your hand. Don’t go for a size too large or air pockets that can turn cold will form. Too small of a size will cut off blood circulation, making them uncomfortable and thus increasing the chances of your hands getting cold. With a well-fitting glove or mitten, you should be able to curl your fingers inside of them to form a fist.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Five tips to keep kids warm on fall hikes

Layered clothing can help keep children warm
during autumn.

Children’s clothing needs change for day hikes taken during autumn. As the weather cools, summer’s T-shirt and shorts rarely are sufficient except during the rare heat wave.

Fortunately, ensuring kids stay warm and comfortable during an autumn day hike is easy to do. Just follow these simple guidelines:
• Layer clothing – Dressing children in a T-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, and windbreaker actually will keep them warmer and dryer than having them wear a single bulky piece of clothing. Layering offers the added benefit of being to take off and put back on layers of clothing as the weather warms or cools through the day.
• Avoid cotton and denim – Though comfortable to wear, these materials take a long time to dry and so are bad news when children get wet. Opt for synthetics, especially for outer layers of clothing.
• Don wool socks – Rain boots are great for keeping feet dry, but the rubber does little to keep one’s feet warm. The solution is to wear wool socks, which are superior to cotton socks in retaining body heat.
• Wear a hat – Brimmed hats are great for keeping the sun and rain drops out of one’s eyes. In colder weather, a stocking cap will help keep the body warm by preventing heat loss through the head.
• Choose mittens over gloves – The former will keep children’s small fingers warmer than the latter. If gloves are a necessity (They do make manipulating objects easier!), be sure to get fleece-lined ones.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

How to waterproof your day hiking boots

Waterproofing a used hiking boot can increase its longevity.
Photo courtesy of  Owens/Photoree.

Hikers rarely need to waterproof newly purchased boots. Most boots have a durable water repellent (DWR) applied at the factory. Still, there are exceptions, and sometimes you need to waterproof a pair of boots you’ve owned for a while. Over time, dirt, sunlight and abrasion will wear the DWR off a boot.

If water is soaking through your boots to your socks, this may indicate a hole, but more than likely waterproofing is needed. You can keep your boots from reaching that sorry state by watching to see what raindrops or puddle splashes do when hitting your boot uppers. If the water no longer beeds and rolls off, you need to waterproof your boots.

Waterproofing your boot involves five simple steps.

Purchase a waterproofing spray
Often sold as a “frabric and leather proof,” several brands exist. Be aware that a few are made for the specific type of leather that makes up your boot, such as full-grain leather, nubuck or synthetic leather. Go with one that is water-based; other formulas tend to destroy materials in modern boots. Most proofing products have a shelf life of about four years from the time they are purchased.

Clean your boots thoroughly
Waterproofing won’t be effective when sprayed over dust or grit rather than directly onto the upper. Use a toothbrush or a vegetable brush to remove sand, gunk and other particles.

Dampen the boots
The moisture will help pull the waterproofing into the leather. This is best done not by wiping the boots with a wet cloth but by wrapping them in wet towels in which they sit for an hour or so. Wet towels work well because leather needs a long time to absorb moisture. Be advised that not all waterproofing sprays advise this; you’ll want to check the instructions on the specific proofing you purchase.

Apply waterproofing
Follow the instructions on the proofing you purchased. Sometimes you may need to apply a second waterproofing treatment, but only do so if the proofing spray instructions require it.

Dry the boot
Let the boot air dry at room temperature. Don’t set the boot near a fireplace, radiator, heater or in the sunlight to speed dry it.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Keep boots in shape with proper cleaning

Clean your boots so they won't end up
looking like this. Photo courtesy of
resole_america/Photoree.

After a hike, tossing your boots into the back of the closet or leaving them to lay haphazardly in the garage is a quick ticket to needing a new pair. Instead, you should practice a little boot care. Three basic principles are all you need to follow.

How to clean the boot
A cleaning need not be done immediately upon your return from the trail, but it ought to occur within a day of the hike to minimize boot damage.

For the upper boot, begin by removing the laces. Then dip a toothbrush or vegetable brush into running water, saddle soap, or mild dishwashing detergent (Avoid using bar soap or laundry detergent, which can leave residues that actually attract water; also, footwear products such as cleaner generally are unnecessary.) and gently comb off dirt, dust and sand. Don’t underestimate the power of tiny particles of sand, grit and dirt; every time you take a step, they grind against the boot’s leather like sandpaper, reducing your boot’s longevity. In addition, mud as it dries actually will suck moisture out of the leather, causing the boot to lose its pliability.

For the soles, wash them off to remove stones, debris and mud that has caked into the grooves. If mud is virtually glued to the rubber, soak the outsole is a shallow pan of water to loosen it then spray off.

Remove any inserts and insoles
Taking out inserts, insoles and removable sock liners between hikes ensures the inside of your boot will fully dry. Those items can air dry alongside the boot. If the sock liners or insoles are machine washable, be sure to take advantage of that feature.

Dry at room temperature
Drying your boots by placing them next to a fireplace, radiator, heater or directly in the sunlight only will damage the leather. That occurs because the leather will overdry so that it either turns brittle or shrinks. In addition, excessive heat can weaken the adhesives used to hold the boot’s parts together.

If you need to speed dry a boot, place it in front of a room fan. Another option, if a little more time is available, is to stuff a sheet of newspaper inside the boot, as the pulp will pull out and absorb the leather’s moisture. You’ll want to replace the newspaper about every hour. A third option is to let gravity do the work for you – boots will dry faster if placed upside down.

After cleaning, store your boots in a ventilated space at room temperature. Attics, vehicles and usually garages are poor places to keep your boots because heat can build up in those spaces.

One final note: Boots typically come with care advice from the manufacturer. As each boot brand is unique, be sure to review, keep and follow those instructions.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Six tips for selecting day hiking apparel

When hiking, opt for clothes that are durable and offer versatility.

Dressing properly for a hike is only half the battle; to be comfortable, you also want to make the best selections in apparel quality.

First, when purchasing hiking apparel, be aware that name brands don’t much matter. Many sporting goods stores carry expensive shirts, shorts, rain gear and jackets that look great but beyond that offer little advantage over less expensive apparel found at discount stores.

The one benefit that name brands do provide is that they made specifically for hikers, skiers and others who love the outdoors, so they are designed to meet their wishes, determined in part by marketing research. For example, a name brand likely will have a pull loop to make zipping easier whereas non-name brands won’t.

If buying hiking apparel from a discount store, a good hint that you have quality material are the seams. Look for flat felled seams, which are seams sewn over one another and that are, well, flat. Such clothing tends to be durable and sturdy.

Also focus on fit. Everybody’s body is different, so you’ll want to try on apparel rather than assume it will just fit. If sitting, the fit may not be a big deal, but when your body is in motion, the apparel should give you room to move rather than chafe against a swinging limb or a muscle as it turns or pivots. Loose, comfortable cuts usually are best.

Don’t forget breathability either. While staying dry from the rain, you don’t want to get soaked from your own sweat. Choose apparel made from synthetic pile or fleece. Besides keeping you warm, those fabrics wick moisture from your skin and allow the water vapor to pass into the open air.

Your apparel also should offer protection from Mother Earth. When hiking, you’ll likely brush against branches, prickly plants, and rocks. Your apparel should be durable enough so sharp points don’t cut through the fabric and cut your skin and rugged enough that it’ll shed dirt.

Finally, opt for versatility. A sweater with a zipper on a neck that can be turned up or down as needed allows you to stay warm in windy and cold conditions yet also stay cool when the wind is calm and warming. In addition, always go with a variety of clothes that can be layered rather than one item which purports to work in multiple weather conditions.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Tips to stay comfortable when caught in rain

If rain should strike during your day hike, head back to
your vehicle to avoid muddy trails and various dangers.
Photo courtesy of pfly/Photoree.

Even if you check the weather report before heading out on a day hike, sometimes Mother Nature still will show who’s boss by dumping a little rain on you. It might be a surprise shower or could be something as light as a mist. This is especially true in the mountains where microclimates exist.

To stay dry on a day hike, plan ahead to have the appropriate clothing. Wear water repellent shirts, shorts/pants, and socks, avoiding cotton and denim that tend to sponge up moisture. In addition, keep a raincoat or poncho in your backpack. Wear a hat with a bill to keep rain out of your eyes and, should you wear glasses, off them. Make sure your hiking boots are waterproofed before hitting the trail.

Quickly put on your rain gear as soon as you feel the first sprinkles. If you wait until more rain falls, the layers of your clothing beneath the raincoat or poncho will become wet, increasing the chance of hypothermia and certainly leaving you uncomfortable.

Turn around for your vehicle as well. This is especially so if you hear thunder or see lightning, which you now are in risk of being hit by. Streams also can become swollen and flash floods sweep through the area, cutting you off from your vehicle. Even if no disaster occurs, should the rain falls more heavily, the trail will be muddier, increasing the chances of a fall injury, and paper maps will get wet when you check them.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Select pants and shorts to maximize comfort when hiking

Selecting a pair of pants or shorts for a day hike isn't always as simple as
throwing on any old pair. Photo courtesy of zayzayem / Photoree.

Often for a day hike, any old comfortable pair of shorts or pants will do. But if planning to spend more than an hour on the trail and if lugging a backpack or child carrier, you can maximize your comfort by looking for certain qualities in your selection.

When selecting shorts or pants for a day hike, follow these guidelines:
g Avoid denim and cotton – Both materials retain water, so whether rain falls or you sweat a lot, the clothing will stick to your skin. Fairly durable synthetic fabrics are a good option, as they breathe better and wick moisture away from the skin.
g Keep it rugged – Some synthetic fabrics aren’t good options for a hike, however, as they tear easily if you accidentally rub against hard rock, branches or bramble. If you can feel the seam give when you pull the fabric between your hands, the fabric probably isn’t rugged enough.
g Find a good fit – Shorts and pants should fit so you don’t need a belt, which can chafe if your backpack or child carrier has a hip belt. If purchasing shorts and pants specifically made for hiking, be aware that they likely will have more room in the rear and the waist than those purchased for casual use or office wear.
g Opt for big pockets – You’ll find bellowed pockets like those on cargo shorts come in handy when on the trail. Rather than taking a backpack on and off, your trail mix or map along with other items easily can be tucked into the pocket.
g Stick with Velcro – You want your cargo and back pockets to be closed when hiking. Especially on back pockets, Velcro will be easier to secure than buttons.
g Tight cuffs good – If wearing pants, stick with those that have elastic on the cuffs where the pants leg ends below the calf. This will cut off a potential entry to your skin for mosquitoes and ticks.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

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.

Autumn marks perfect time to go day hiking with children

Though summer has passed, that’s no reason to put the hiking boots at the back of the closet until next May. Autumn actually is a great time to hit the trail with kids.

Why? Because there are:
g Cool, dry days – As winter approaches, summer’s heat and humidity dissipates. Late morning through the early afternoon, however, still can see warm, comfortable temperatures that might require a sweatshirt and jeans rather than T-shirt and shorts.
g Fewer bugs – Cool, dry days means few mosquitoes and virtually no other creepy crawlies, as they prefer standing water and warm air. Most insects’ life cycles have reached their end in September.
g Colorful leaves – Perhaps the best reason to hike in autumn is the changing fall foliage. The world appears to have been repainted, as red, gold and sienna orange leaves contrast with the blue sky.
g Better visibility – As those changing leaves fall to the ground, the landscape opens up, allowing you to spot interesting geological features or terrain that summer’s thick foliage keeps hidden.
g More animal sightings – Birds migrate while mammals gorge in preparation for winter’s cold. As the foliage no longer is as thick, seeing them is easier.
g Fewer crowds – Kids are back to school, guys are watching football, and whoever else is left wrongly thinks last night’s frost means the whole day will be cold. That makes for a quiet, peaceful trek on almost any given autumn day.

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

Stay comfortable, safe during hot weather hikes with children

With summer’s arrival, hikers have to shift their thinking about how they approach their favorite pastime. Hot weather isn’t a reason to avoid the trail, but especially when children are involved hikers should prep for their adventure with as much consideration as they would for a winter hike. Some hot weather guidelines that’ll ensure your comfort and safety include:
g Clothing – Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid cotton and be sure to don a hat with a brim as well as sunglasses with UV protection.
g Sunscreen – Use at least SPF 15 on all exposed areas of the body, even if walking through shaded areas. The sun is more intense during summer than other seasons.
g Repellant – Insects are more likely to be out in summer than early spring or autumn, so make sure you bring repellant to keep them away. A repellant made with oil of lemon eucalyptus is safest for children.
g Water – Drink plenty of it but not much too swiftly or you’ll suffer stomach cramps. You’ll need at least 2 pints of water per person for every hour on the trail. Avoid caffeine before hiking as that can lead to dehydration.
g Snacks – Salty snacks are needed to replenish sodium lost while sweating. Sweet snacks most likely will only melt anyway on a hot day.
g Mornings – Mornings almost always are cooler than the afternoon, sometimes by a good 20 degrees, so plan to hike before 10 am. Evening hikes after 6 pm also are a little cooler than afternoons.
g Easy – Stick to a trail that won’t prove too challenging in distance or terrain. The more energy you exert, the more likely you are to overheat.
g Shade – Select shaded routes, such as woodlands, rather than open meadows.
g Breaks – Take more of them, maybe one every 15 minutes. This also will give you time to ensure everyone is drinking water and getting a salty snack.
g Slow – Reduce your pace to avoid overexertion. You may not cover as much ground as you like, but there are plenty of interesting, short day hiking trails to enjoy.

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

Avoid dressing children in tight clothing during day hikes

Children should wear loose-fitting clothing when
hiking. Image courtesy of chrisroll /
FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Despite that tight clothes may look great on your fit hiking body or that they may be your child’s favorite albeit outgrown shirt, you want to avoid wearing such garments when on the trail. Tight clothing only can create problems for you:
g Overheating – In summer, loose-fitting clothes allows air to flow around your body so that sweat more efficiently evaporates off you. Think of it as an air conditioner of sorts.
g Chafing – Especially if you start to sweat, tight clothing will rub your skin raw. The irritation quickly can end in fun in a hike, especially among children.
g Circulation cut off – For children, tight clothes also will limit blood flow to their extremities. In colder weather, that opens the way for hypothermia or frostbite.
g Exasperate heartburn – If you ate something a little too spicy before hiking, tight clothing actually can increase pressure on your inner organs, resulting in even worse heartburn.

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

Dress to stay cool on hot, summer day hikes with children

During summer hikes, dress children in light,
loose-fitting clothing and sunglasses.

When temps get above 80 degrees, you’ll want to dress for a hike so you and your children don’t overheat. You should go:
g Synthetic – If you wear cotton, which absorbs moisture, you’ll soon be drenched in your own sweat. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, will wick away moisture much better. For socks, even wool is a better fabric than cotton, as wet socks increase the chances of a blister.
g Light – White and beige-colored clothes will better reflect sunlight, reducing the heat your body fight with sweat.
g Loose-fitting – Baggy clothes allows air to flow against your body, keeping you cool. They also prevent chafing.
g Covered – If the day is hot, it’s also probably sunny, so wear sunscreen over any exposed skin. Also, don a hat with a brim and sunglasses to protect the face when sweat wears off the sunscreen and to protect your eyes. A neck shield also can be nice to prevent sunburn.

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.