Best kid’s backapacks? A third thing we loved is that it has an adorable sleeping hood, which also is great to protect baby’s head a bit from the sun and elements. Fourth, we loved that mom and dad’s comfort were taken into consideration throughout: nice wide waist belt, an unparalleled large lower back/lumbar support pad, super comfortable shoulder straps, all while staying quite lightweight. That lumbar pad is super important and really sets this carrier apart from the rest in terms of comfort during long-term use. Fifth, it has some additional little features that are worth mentioning: it comes in a ton of truly stylish and adorable styles, colors, and patterns, it has a convenient zippered pocket on the front for storing little things (phone, credit card, keys), and the carrier itself is adjustable in several ways to both the wearer and baby. In our testing, we also found that it was rather easy to put on and take off (after reading the manual and practicing for about 10 minutes), put a baby in and out, and that it was well-built and reliable. LILLEBaby has made some recent modifications to fix a strap issue, and the resulting carrier is very reliable. Downfalls? Well, not much, but if we are being picky: the storage pocket is on the outside of the zipper-down flap, so it’s hard to access when the flap is unzipped. Could have been nice to put the storage pockets on the waistband! Overall, a truly excellent carrier highly deserving of this spot on our list. Usually about $130, which is an excellent price for this quality, features, and versatility. It’s available in a ton of colors and patterns, like 20 of them or something!

Backpack: If you do borrow a pack, try it on first to be sure that it fits comfortably. Load it up with assorted items to about 30 pounds, and take it out on a long test hike. If it’s comfortable on the hips and in the shoulders, it’s probably fine for this first backpacking trip. If you decide to buy a pack, have an REI pack specialist measure your torso so they can properly fit you. Don’t be tempted by an ultralight model for your first backpack because it will be less padded and have a less supportive structure than a more deluxe model. If you’re determined to minimize weight, look first at ultralight tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Learn more by reading Backpacks: How to Choose. You can also check out our staff picks for the best backpacks. See even more info at backpack sprayers.

I updated my first aid kit with some other items and the helpful laminated first aid field guide that you get in class. I have a pre-packaged first-aid kit that I’ve supplemented with some Tenacious Tape if I need to seal a major gash. It helps to take a NOLS First Aid class; it will teach you how to actually use a first-aid kit and potentially save a life. Another benefit of the class is that they show you how you can customize a first-aid kit. Most of the time that I’ve pulled out my first-aid kit, it’s been to help another hiker. It’s been handier than I’ve imagined. One of the things you learn at the Tracker survival school is how to start a fire without matches. After the classroom demonstration, you get to do it on your own with help from the instructor. You learn how to make fire, shelter, find food, and in general, feel very comfortable living in the outdoors. You can use fire for light, warmth, a rescue signal, to cook food, and more. I try to have a lot of ways to create fire because each tool is small and light.

Reducing backpack weight trick : Use Lithium batteries. They are more expensive, but last longer and weigh less. Go stoveless. There are plenty of non-cook, nutritious and tasty meal plans out there. Leaving the stove, cup, fuel and spork at home can save pounds. Tooth powder vs toothpaste. Yep, there is a “dehydrated toothpaste” and it makes a good substitute for the real thing on trail. See tooth powder recipes. Stuff the fluff manually. Leave extra sleeping bag compression sacks and tent bags at home. Instead, mash your sleeping bag and tent down by hand inside your bag. They will be more ‘flexible’ like this as well… not like an overly compressed ball. Find even more information at https://www.backpackultra.com/.