What Dads Are Packing In Their Hiking Packs (And You Should, Too!)

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.  

Originally posted August 2016. When I decided to leave my job as a mental health professional to become a full time dad, I was scared. I was going to be responsible for the care of my 1 year old twin girls. I didn't know what to expect, but one of the biggest of my concerns was just how to spend the time productively with them. I wanted to be able to promote learning and social development, so I knew I needed to get involved with something. That's where Hike it Baby came in. I met a branch ambassador at the library and she invited me to come out. At my first event, I felt the warmth and welcoming environment that I have come to know through my Hike it Baby experience. Instantly, I felt included as part of the group. My girls and I went on a few trail hikes and many urban strolls. The "no hiker left behind" philosophy was simple, but important. I enjoyed knowing that everyone would remain a part of the group, regardless of individual ability or fitness level. As an avid indoorsman, I was not in world class shape. I received an awesome amount of support and encouragement from others in the group. I was encouraged to push my boundaries and during HiB 30 in April, the girls and I covered more than 100 miles! I felt great to have reached a goal I wasn't sure I could. When some encouraged me to take the girls on a toddler led hike, I was nervous. But, when the Hike it Baby founder came to join one of our toddler led hikes, I figured the time might be right to give the girls a chance to lead. It was, as I expected, difficult to try to follow two girls who rarely seem to be headed in the same direction. Still, with a group, there were other eyes to help me keep track of them. That's what made the toddler led hike possible. Recently, I went on a hike in Glacier National Park with my family. My wife and I each carried one of the girls. We were accompanied by my mother in law and my brother in law and his wife. She carried their 4 month old and he carried their two year old. We did not establish any rules, such as " no hiker left behind." I started the hike with confidence high and we decided to take a 2 mile hike up to a mountain lake. I did not foresee an issue and we started along the trail. My brother in law and his wife are relatively fit and active people, whereas my wife and I are not so much. It wasn't long until I watched their backs disappear from my view. My mother in law and my wife hung back closer to me, but it became clear, rather quickly, that they were capable of keeping a much better pace than I was. The difficulty involved was that the trail was steep and there were large rocks to step over. It felt like a 2 mile staircase to me. As we continued, my wife and her mother got further ahead of me on the trail. I was slow, feeling pain, and struggling. Absent the encouragement of my fellow hikers, self doubt started to enter my mind. Those who know me, are aware of my issues with self doubt. When my wife stopped to let me catch up, I told her I wasn't going to make it. Perhaps I was blowing my pain out of proportion, but I'd had a while to convince myself I couldn't do this and I didn't. My wife and I turned around while the rest forged on. Heading back down the trail, I felt weak and embarrassed. We decided to stop carrying the twins and let them walk. That was when something inspiring happened. The girls led us the entire way back down the trail. It was the furthest they had ever walked in their entire lives. I was so proud of them. So, my positive takeaways from a seemingly unsuccessful hike were that I rely on the encouragement from my group. Hike it Baby has given me that and I value it highly. Also, I've raised little hikers! Hiking with my daughters became the best part of the afternoon. I'm glad to be a part of this organization and I'm ready to get my daughters involved with more toddler led hikes. Oh, and I promise not to be so hard on myself. See you on the trails! Dave is a full time father of twin girls. He lives with his wife of 8 years, Jamie, in Boise, ID. He's a novice but enthusiastic cook, writer, and hiker.   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.