Tips for Staying Properly Hydrated on the Hiking Trail

It’s that time of year again when we start seeking out winter footwear for our kiddos. While many of us dread this task (why must their feet grow so much every year?!), it doesn’t have to be daunting if you come prepared! Here is a list of features to consider when buying winter boots for your kiddos this year. Keep in mind that some of these will be more important than others depending on your location, the age of your kiddos, and their intended winter activities. Waterproofing Regardless of where you live or what you do, a waterproof boot is important in the winter. “Water-resistant” just doesn’t cut it with active kiddos that like to seek out piles of snow to explore and massive puddles to stomp in. Warmth Quality boots will have a temperature rating that signifies the approximate lowest air temperature at which the boot insulation will keep feet comfortable. Your ideal temperature rating will depend on the climate in your area, the level of activity you can expect from your child, etc. A wet, snowy northeast winter will require a much different temperature rating compared to a mild, southern climate. Keep in mind, temperature ratings are only a guide, and can be affected by many conditions, including weather, wearer’s activity level, metabolism, perspiration, circulation, exposure time, type of sock worn and cold sensitivity. Traction Winter weather often brings slippery conditions. When these conditions are paired with active kiddos, it can spell disaster in the form of falls and injuries. Be sure to choose a boot with superior traction without being too heavy and clunky. After all, the level of traction won't matter if your kiddo can’t easily move around without tripping over heavy footwear! We recommend boots with Merrell M Select® grip, which provides excellent traction on wet and icy surfaces. Easy to Put on If you have ever tried to get shoes on a toddler, you know that it can be like trying to wrangle an angry octopus. Now imagine attempting to get boots on that octopus who is already frustrated that they are clad in cold-weather gear yet still stuck inside. Any caregiver will tell you that it’s the stuff of nightmares! Shoe companies such as Merrell have heard our cries for help and offer alternative closures that still offer a great fit without the fight. We especially like the medial zipper of the Alpine Puffer from Merrell (and we can’t get enough of the retro, colorful, puffer-jacket vibe of this boot!). Lightweight It’s important for little feet to stay warm, but they also need to be able to move around and have fun! Thanks to new innovations in boot design, the bulky, stiff boots of the past can stay a thing of the past. Choosing a boot that is lighter and also more flexible without losing the insulation and waterproof properties will ensure that kiddos can have fun in the colder temperatures. Breathability While keeping moisture out of the boot is super important, it is also important to let moisture escape. Active kids can make for sweaty feet, and if that moisture can’t escape, that sweat can turn cold quickly, making for some icy toes. This can also lead to a build-up of the bacteria that cause odors in the boot, which can cause boots to smell awful after only a few wears. Seek out a boot that is both breathable and contains anti-bacterial properties in the lining to keep kiddos comfortable and boots smelling fresh. Versatility This one will depend greatly on your intended use for the boots. Will your kiddos be wearing them all day between school, errands, and an evening stroll on a trail? If so, you want to choose a comfortable, sneaker-like boot that can be worn all day in differing conditions. If you are looking for a boot just for outdoor activities in very chilly weather, a specialized boot with extra traction and a lower temperature rating is essential. By selecting a boot based on these key features you’ll set yourself up for winter outings that involve less stress and more comfort and fun, whether your kiddos are hiking the snowy trails or running errands with the family.   Helpful articles: How to Choose a Winter Boot for Your Little Explorer Five Tips to Prepare Your Kids for Snow & Cold Temperatures Top Three Things to Pack on Your Next Winter Hike with Your Toddler   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.   Photos courtesy of Michelle Craig. This post was sponsored by Merrell, however, we would never recommend products that we don't love.

Wellies, galoshes, gumboots, rain boots… regardless of what you call them, they tend to be an essential footwear choice for most of us at some point during the year. Even though the rainy season may be ending for some of us, don't throw those wellies in storage just yet! Check out these reasons why you should keep your wellies on hand all year round. 1. Gardening When you’re tending to your garden, you want a shoe that is both comfortable and water/mud-proof for when you are watering the plants and traipsing through the soil. We love this short, slip-on option that provides the comfort of a sneaker and is easy to pull on anytime you want to head out to the garden. And they won’t get ruined if you accidentally leave them outside because they were covered in mud. 2. The in-between seasons Also referred to as “mud season.” The period between winter’s end and spring’s start when snow is melting and rain comes down can make trails, lawns, and unpaved areas a muddy mess. Having waterproof boots on hand can keep your feet dry while also giving them a break from the heavy winter boots you may have been sporting. “Rainboots are perfect for the in-between seasons when it's sloppy out but not cold or snowy enough for full-on snow boots.” - Sara Wesche, HiB Grand Rapids, MI 3. Un-forecasted rain storms We may have come a long way regarding being able to forecast the weather, but just when we think we have it figured out, Mother Nature throws in a random rainstorm to remind us that you can’t always predict the weather. Having easy access to rain boots can ensure that you can handle any wet weather that may pop up. 4. Water Play with the Kids Regardless of whether you’re hiking to a stream, playing in the creek near your house, or running through the sprinklers, a good pair of rainboots can prevent having to cut the fun short due to uncomfortable, wet feet. Choosing a mid-height boot with a water-dispersing outsole, such as these boots from Joules for mom and these for the kids, provides a non-slip grip for any wet adventure your kiddos may find themselves in.  5. Yard Exploration Whether you head out for some early outdoor playtime with the kids when the grass is still covered in dew or you want to run down to the mailbox without having to lace-up your shoes, rain boots are the perfect go-to footwear. They take seconds to slip on and ensure your feet stay comfortable and dry. “I always keep a pair of rain boots by the back door for whenever my boys want to run out first thing in the morning to search for bugs and chase butterflies. They are also great when they catch sight of a cool animal and insist on heading outside as quickly as possible.” - Becca Hosley, HiB Kitsap County 6. Camping After a long day of outdoor adventure, relaxing at your campsite is a must. Slipping on a comfortable pair of wellies gives your feet a break from your hiking boots, and makes going in and out of your tent a cinch. It also ensures that you are ready for any wet conditions that come your way, from an unplanned rainstorm to muddy puddles around the campground water spigot. Plus, your kids might even keep their shoes on if they’re as cute as these!  7. Fishing Whether you’re relaxing on the shore with your fishing pole and a book or tromping in the water while fly-fishing, Wellies are essential to keep your feet dry and comfortable! Check out these cute tall boots that bring a little style to your fishing game. “Wearing rain boots while fishing is a great way to get in the water, keep your feet dry, and bring some fashion to the fishing scene. I love wearing them while fly-fishing in the local rivers too!” - Liz Schultz, HiB Wyoming 8. Running quick errands We’ve all had to quickly run out to pick up a missing dinner ingredient from the grocery store. Or maybe you just want to fuel up the car the night before an outdoor adventure. Either way, slipping on a pair of wellies is fast and easy for those times when you just need to run out for a quick errand. How do you wear your wellies? Share in the comments below! 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.   Photos courtesy of Jessica Human.     This post is sponsored by Joules. However, we would not recommend something that we or our children do not love.     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.