Ep. 19 Backcountry Camping 101 with John Dowsett

Kids Who Explore Parent Edition

English - June 08, 2021 04:00 - 30 minutes - 42.1 MB - ★★★★★ - 4 ratings
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Previous Episode: Ep. 18 Becoming a Climbing Family with Annika Mang

Next Episode: Ep. 20 Tick Safety with 3 Moms Organics

Cindy Dowsett, from Kids Who Explore, along with her husband, John Dowsett, are sharing their knowledge!

How to Book for Backcountry Camping:

choose site via Provincial or National Park sites (albertaparks.ca)
book a reservation and then it’s usually first come first serve for specific spots

How to Get to Backcountry Camping Site:

hike in
pack everything in a chariot and bike in
canoe in!

What to Expect:

usually zero service
many locations have bear locks and fire wood, but some have no amenities
don’t expect a lot of sleep
sometimes there are communal cooking areas, sometimes not

How to Start with Kids:

plan for one night (maybe two)
pick a close location (smaller hike to get into site, for example)

Safety Tips:

always watch kids
make a “safety circle” with a stick around the fire for kids not to cross
pack warm, “winter” gear even in the summer (plan for all weather)

Backcountry Camping Packing List:

Backcountry tent
Sleeping mats
Sleeping bags
Hiking backpack
Garbage bags
Clothes (layers)
Hiking boots
Hat/sunglasses
Food
Water
Water filter
Camping stove and pots
Backcountry plates/bowls/mugs/utensils
Propane for stove
Backcountry dish soap
Headlamp/flashlight
Fire starter/matches
First aid kit (Benadryl for allergies (bee sting), After Sun, After Bite, Band-Aids, Antiseptic wipes, Polysporin, Tylenol, Dehydration packages, Water filtration tablets, etc.)
Sewing kit/patch kit
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Hand sanitizer
Susncreen/Bug spray
Bear spray
Camera
Day hike pack, whistle, knife, rope, duct tape
Hand/foot warmers
Extra batteries
ID
Backcountry permit (if required)
Rain covers
Satellite phone
Games

Backcountry Camping Additionals for Baby:

Baby carrier
Diapers
Wipes
Layers (wool base layers and socks, fleece mid-layer, waterproof outer layer, neck warmer, mitts, boots or slippers) & extra layers!
Sleep sac
Milk
Soother
Toys
Sunhat/Sunglasses

*Don’t over pack! It will get heavy! Many items are backcountry camping specific, so they are much lighter and smaller to pack down.*

Borrow or rent to get started, if you don’t want to commit to buying everything.

Thank you to Rumpl for supporting today’s episode! Use EXPLORE15 for 15% your first order at www.rumpl.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.