Bikepacking with kids is an incredible way to share the beauty of nature, instill a love for adventure, and foster family bonds that last a lifetime.
However, taking the leap from day rides to an overnight bikepacking trip requires planning, preparation, and patience. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to ensure your family bikepacking trip is a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Understanding Bikepacking
Bikepacking combines cycling and minimalist camping, bringing together the best of both worlds. It’s about exploring less-traveled paths and embracing the freedom of carrying everything you need on your bike. When done with kids, it transforms into an educational journey, teaching them about self-reliance, navigation, and the environment.
Choosing the Right Gear
The Right Bikes for the Journey
Not all bikes are suited for bikepacking, especially when planning a trip with kids. You’ll want bikes that are durable, comfortable, and capable of carrying the extra load. Consider bikes with multiple gear options for varying terrains and attachment points for bikepacking bags.
Packing Essentials
When bikepacking with kids, packing light yet sufficient is key. Essential gear includes:
- Tents: Opt for lightweight and easy-to-set-up models.
- Sleeping Bags and Pads: Ensure they’re suitable for the expected weather conditions.
- Cooking Gear: A small stove, pot, and utensils are enough for simple, nutritious meals.
- Clothing: Pack layers to adapt to changing weather, including rain gear.
- Navigation Tools: Maps, compass, and GPS devices are essential for staying on track.
- First Aid Kit: Include items for minor injuries and any specific medications your family may need.
Remember, every item adds weight, so consider each piece carefully.
Planning Your Route
Start Small
For your first bikepacking trip with kids, choose a route that’s not too challenging. Look for trails that offer scenic beauty with manageable distances and minimal elevation gain. National parks, forest service roads, and bike-friendly campgrounds are great options.
Safety and Accessibility
Ensure the route is safe and within reach of emergency services if needed. It’s also important to consider the availability of water sources and whether you’ll need to carry all your water or if you can filter along the way.
Building Up to the Trip
Training Rides
Start with shorter rides to build up your kids’ stamina and get them used to riding with loaded bikes. Use these rides to test out your gear, make adjustments, and teach your kids about bike maintenance and navigation.
Involve Kids in the Planning
Getting your kids involved in the planning process not only excites them but also gives them a sense of ownership over the adventure. Let them help choose the route, plan the meals, and pack their gear.
On the Trip
Setting a Comfortable Pace
When bikepacking with kids, the journey is more important than the destination. Set a pace that’s comfortable for the youngest member, and plan for plenty of breaks to explore, rest, and hydrate.
Making it Fun
Keep the trip fun by incorporating games, scavenger hunts, and storytelling. Encourage your kids to document their journey through photos, journaling, or drawing.
Teaching Moments
Use the trip as an opportunity to teach valuable skills and lessons about nature, conservation, and resilience. From map reading to identifying flora and fauna, every moment can be a learning experience.
Safety and Preparedness
Pre-Trip Checklist
Before you set off, run through a pre-trip checklist to ensure everything is in order. This includes checking the weather forecast, informing someone of your itinerary, and making sure all bikes are in top condition.
During the Trip
Always wear helmets, follow the leave no trace principles, and be prepared for unexpected weather changes. Having a plan for emergencies, including a first aid kit and knowledge of the nearest medical facilities, is crucial.
Creating Memories
Capture the Moments
Encourage your kids to take photos, keep a journal, or collect small mementos from the trip. These will be invaluable in remembering and sharing the adventure.
Reflection
After the trip, take time to reflect on the experience together. Discuss what everyone enjoyed, what challenges you faced, and what you learned. This is an important step in making your next bikepacking trip even better.
Nutrition and Hydration
Keep Energy Levels High
Maintaining high energy levels is crucial, especially for kids. Plan nutritious, high-energy meals and snacks that are also fun to eat. Think energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, and sandwiches. For meals, lightweight, dehydrated food can be a good option, as it’s easy to carry and prepare.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key. Ensure each member of the family has their water bottle, and if your route doesn’t have many water sources, carry enough for the entire journey. Consider packing a lightweight water filter or purification tablets if you’ll be refilling from natural sources.
Campsite Fun
End the Day on a High Note
After a day of riding, your campsite becomes the perfect place to relax and bond. Bring along a lightweight game or a book for a group storytime. Teach your kids how to set up the tent, cook a simple meal, and practice no-trace camping, turning these activities into fun, educational experiences.
Stargazing
One of the joys of bikepacking is the chance to sleep under the stars. Take a stargazing guidebook or download an app to help identify constellations. It’s a magical way to end the day and instill a sense of wonder in your kids.
Packing Tips
Involve Kids in Packing
Packing for a bikepacking trip is an art. Involve your kids by giving them their own small pack or bag to be responsible for. This teaches them about prioritizing essential items and gives them a sense of independence.
Check and Double-Check
Before you leave, do a final gear check to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything crucial. A common practice is to lay out all your gear and systematically pack it, checking off items on your list as you go.
On the Trail Etiquette
Respect Other Trail Users
Teach your kids about trail etiquette. This includes being courteous to other users, yielding the right of way when necessary, and being quiet and respectful of nature. It’s important for them to understand that they’re sharing the trail with wildlife and other people.
Adjusting Plans as Needed
Be Flexible
Despite the best planning, be prepared to adjust your plans as needed. Weather conditions, fatigue, or unexpected trail closures can affect your trip. If something isn’t going as planned, it’s okay to cut the trip short or alter your route. The key is to keep the experience positive and enjoyable for everyone.
After the Trip
Share and Celebrate
Once home, share your adventure with friends and family. Encourage your kids to tell their stories, showing photos and sharing what they’ve learned. Celebrate the accomplishment with a special meal or a family movie night, reinforcing the positive experience.
Plan the Next Adventure
Finally, start thinking about your next bikepacking trip. Discuss with your family what they enjoyed the most and what they’d like to do differently next time. Planning your next adventure together keeps the excitement alive and gives everyone something to look forward to.
Wrapping Up
Planning a bikepacking trip with kids might seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can be an enriching experience for the whole family. By choosing the right gear, planning a manageable
