Find Your Best Trail Shoe: What's Pronation Got to Do With It?

Just because you're outside hiking in the rain doesn’t mean you have to be soaked to the bones. Make sure you are covering yourself and your kiddo from head to toe in waterproof gear. With careful planning and the right accessories to keep you warm and dry, you and your kiddo can enjoy your hikes and play in the rain longer. 1. Go beyond the raincoat When dressing your child, a full rain suit is a great option. There are no gaps in the material for water to sneak in. Oaki makes amazing rain suits and gear!  My daughter has spent hours in the pouring rain and gone swimming in some epic puddles in hers. Afterward, I'm always shocked when I peel it off and she is completely dry underneath. If the suit is a challenge because of potty training or an older child who wants a little more independence, a long rain coat and pants works great. Pro tip:  Size up in rainsuits if your little one will be in a carrier because it tends to pull the legs of the suit up and can leave gaps above their boots. 2. Take care of yourself If your child is warm and dry but you are drenched, the hike is going to be miserable for you. Get yourself a waterproof jacket and pants to keep yourself dry -- especially if you want to join in some puddle splashing too! Also consider how you can stay dry if you will be wearing your kiddo. 3. Don’t forget your feet Rain boots that are tall enough to be covered fully by the pants legs are a must. Make sure they are fully waterproof and insulated if you live where it is cold. Fortunately, most kids love rain boots, and they come in all sorts of happy patterns and colors. You will likely have more trouble getting your kids out of their rain boots than into them. Get yourself some waterproof boots too or minimally consider spraying your old hiking boots with waterproofing spray. 4. Waterproof your gear If you're carrying a pack with all your hiking essentials inside, get a pack cover to waterproof your cargo. And if you have a frame-style carrier like a Deuter, they make great rain pack covers to provide even more protection. If you are out in the rain with a stroller, look into one of the rain covers for the stroller that zip on and keep your kiddo warm and dry inside. 5. Warming layers and post-hike dry clothes Make sure to wear warm, wicking base layers to keep you cozy underneath. Wool clothing (like Luv Mother) is a great option - as it stays warm when wet and wicks away the moisture. Rain coats are often just shells so make sure to have solid layers underneath that you won't sweat in but will hold in the heat. Bring a hat to slip on under a hood and a couple pairs of gloves since those will inevitably get soaked. Pro tip: Have warm, soft, cozy clothes waiting in the car to slip into after the hike if you do end up a little cold and soggy. Having my daughter’s favorite pair of fleece or wool pants waiting in the warm car always works well as a motivator to push to the end of a rainy hike. (Hot cocoa waiting in the car is also a lovely treat!) Bonus tip: Hike it Baby offers discounts to members on many of these brands. Check out our Community Discounts page for current deals! Read more Getting outside - even in the rain What to wear: Hiking in the rain and winter Winter layering options for mothers Kids' Perspective: 5 Things kids like about hiking in the rain and cold What are your go-to gear items or tips for hiking in the rain and cold? Leave a comment below!   ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.  

It's the night before a hike and you're prepping the bags. We all know the typical things we pack: Water Sunscreen Diapers Snacks But, let's be honest. Sometimes, Dads think of the stuff we never would have considered bringing. And gosh darn it, if those things don't save the day or become the hit of the hike. Sourced from our own HiB community, here's what our dads are carrying with them on hikes. Hiking Games and Motivation (Bribes... let's be real) From games to tasty snacks, sometimes kiddos need a little extra motivation to finish the hike. Check out this list of scavenger hunts you can use to up the energy and fun factor on your next hike. And, if games aren't enough, motivational snacks can get the job done. Matt Bachand of the HiB Washington DC Branch said: "M&Ms. That way I can take him out of the baby carrier and keep him hiking as much as possible. I put them at switchbacks and trail junctions to keep him motivated." Emergency Preparation Beyond the all-important first-aid kit for injury triage on the trail, dads know to be prepared. Extra water is essential. Be sure to bring enough water for drinking. And bring extra water to clean a cut, wash muddy hands (before they get dirt in the eyes and cause another emergency), or clean snack-covered fingers. One Hike it Baby dad recommended soft water bottles with squirt lids to cover both drinking and clean-up. Speaking of clean-up, sometimes there is nothing else to do but change clothes. Scott Simmons of the HiB Fredericksburg, VA Branch added: "Double kid emergency clothes and diapers."  Because you know if you don't bring them, the baby will explode through everything. Gear You don't want your hiking pack to get too heavy, but a couple of extra gadgets and gizmos can make for a better hike. Shamus Gordon, also from the HiB Fredericksburg, VA Branch, had on his list: "Plant ID app," so they can turn their adventure into a learning opportunity and plant scavenger hunt. Another dad recommended reusable plastic bags for collecting things, from trash to treasure. The bags can also be used to pack out dirty and wet clothes. Carabiners clipped to the outside of your hiking pack always find a use. Lastly, a utility knife or multi-tool. You never know when it will come in handy, but you'll be so glad you have it. Which of these things are you excited to add to your hiking pack? What other things are you bringing on your hikes that you're pretty sure no one else is thinking about? Leave us a comment and let us know. Hike it Baby works to be the most effective hub of tools, information, and community inspiring all families with babies and young children to get outside and connect with nature. Learn more about Hike it Baby's mission and how you can get involved.   About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.   Photo courtesy of Stephanie Jacobson.   Editors Note:   We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you.   But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We do not make this ask lightly, but if you are able to afford it, make a donation, and become a Hike it Baby member.  A membership also makes a great gift for that new parent in your life. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. If you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.