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.