Browsing Category: Family Travel United States

There is so much to do and see that it would take a lifetime to do it all. However, Adventures of Abby Girl is all about family travel in the United States.

In this category, learn about awesome family travel ideas such as all-inclusive resorts such as Pine Ridge Dude Ranch in the heart of the Catskill.

Find awesome beaches and climb mountains in Connecticut or learn about family-friendly attractions such as SeaQuest or Museum Village.

Go to Pennsylvania and learn all about places such as Cabella’s or head to Lake George in New York.

You can skip the border into Vermont and learn about some pretty awesome off the beaten path small American towns.

Be aware that we tell it like it is with the good, the bad and the downright hilarious. We always keep it real. No sugar coating. We even might talk about taking the long route and all the things that happen along that route.

So go through these posts in this category and maybe you will be inspired to take your family on some of the adventures Abby girl and her family have been on. Perhaps we will even see you there!

Outdoor Adventures

Top 5 Everyday Backpacking Essentials

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backpacking-essentials

We hike all over and don’t have the luxury of many items found in a hiker’s pack or on our bodies for that matter. We have to rely on everyday items in our pack that can serve their purpose just as well. Through our journeys, some of these items have become must-have backpacking essentials on all our trips. Read the list to find out the top five!

1. Bandana

I have always hiked with a bandana even after having a tiny person join me in my wandering. It doesn’t matter if the bandana is red, black, tie-dyed. All that matters is that there is one in the pack.

Keeps the head cool

in the warmer weather, it helps keep the body temperature down. It feels amazing when dipped in a cool mountain stream and placed on the head. Read this interesting article about what color clothing or in this matter, bandana, one should wear in the heat

A Bandage

I fell on my wrist in the woods the other day. All my body weight (about 175 pounds), went down onto my wrist. Determined to get to the summit, I took out my trusty bandana and found a strong stick. I measured the stick on the underside of my hand so it would stabilize my wrist. Then I snapped it to size. I took the bandana and wrapped it around my hand and wrist. Afterward, I slid the stick underneath. I tucked the bottom and top of bandana over the stick so it wasn’t poking me. I was able to summit and then turn around and make it back to the car.

everyday backpacking essentials
ouch

(TMI) to wipe

Sometimes there just isn’t enough TP or we forget to pack it. Bring a small bag to put the rag in after finished and proceed on or dig a hole and bury if completely destroyed. Obviously burying is only in dire situations.

Swelling

Dip the bandana in water and wrap it around the area that is swollen. I have personally used this technique for stings and my daughter fell and banged up her knee. In case anyone was wondering, she was fine and running through the woods again after a mile break.

hiking essentials
fallen hiker

Collect things or carry stuff

If a person needs an extra small bag, it’s simple to make what I like to call a hobo bag.

Protect the body parts

to keep the ears warm, it can be wrapped around the head like a headband and simply put it over the ears. Covering the head protects against the sun. Around the neck can help in cold. Around the face for dust or harsh conditions.

Sending out an S.O.S

Brightly colored bandanas can be used to wave as an SOS device to get peoples attention

Have a use for a bandana and we missed it? We would love to hear about it!

2. A Sanitary Napkin

Sorry men, you heard it correctly. Pads are not just for Aunt Flow. They are obviously great for absorbing and so in the awful chance of a bad cut, slap at pad absorbing side down onto the cut. Wrap your bandana around it to hold in place. If you have first-aid tape, even better. However, a person can also use Duct Tape if losing a few hairs isn’t a big deal. There is also difference besides pads and liners. A panty liner, is for very light leakage and works great on smaller injuries. Both pads and liners can be found at the store for very affordable. Often times even the local dollar store has them. Just make sure to get unscented.

a note from the files:

I have to chuckle at this one because in College, my best friend was stationed in Afghanistan and my church at the time made a care package for the platoon he was in. I received a message from him thanking me but he mentioned that they sent a bunch of pads and tampons and there were no females. So we said that the pads were for injuries and the tampons for noise cancelation. To this day, I still have the funniest image stuck in my head.

3. Duct Tape–Another Great Essential

That leads to the third necessary everyday item in the pack. Has anyone ever heard of the 101 uses for duct tape? Not only does it come in a million and one patterns and colors to fit everyone’s personality, but it’s also highly practical.

Toes

Ever gotten a nasty blister hiking? Some people just slap the duct tape on the blister. I don’t go this route as I think about when the duct tape is taken off. The blister might come off too. One word. Ouch. But applying a piece of mole foam or anything soft (a piece of that pad) and tada.

Fixing gear

My original child pack carrier is covered in duct tape. It holds straps together and other areas on the pack. It’s awesome for all types of gear mishaps. Just please don’t use it on things like rock climbing gear. That gear breaks, call it a day.

Cups

That’s correct! A person can make a cup from duct tape. Find a rock or bottom of a water bottle or anything that can be envisioned as a cup. Wrap the tape around the sticky side out. Then apply the tape sticky side in so the two sticky sides are together. Slide it off of whatever you used to form to the cup and use.

Read about some other clever uses of duct tape over at Back Door Survival!

4. The Great White (or whatever you have on) Sock

Now this part might get a little TMI again (too much information.) But here we go.

Water Filtration

Sometimes the water is extra nasty. I ran across a pump on the Appalachian Trail once and the water was red coming out of the pump. Talk about a little too much iron in the water. Filter first through a sock and then use your water filtration system. Water might still taste gross. However, at least the sock catches the big chunks first. Just filter into one bottle then pump that water into a fresh bottle.

Screaming Poops in the Woods- (TMI Part)

It has happened to the best of us. I had it happen on the Appalachian trail in a pine forest. Stomach cramps up and oh no, it’s on. One of my friends even said he has used one like a glove to wipe better. If you are a short distance from the car and concerned about the environment, then bag it. However, sometimes if there is still a long road ahead, dig a hole and bury it. So like its friend the bandana, it’s great for those bathroom emergencies. The sock is just a little bit more heavy-duty

Napkins or Toilet Paper

Napkins can be used for many purposes from the first go to in a bathroom situation to writing a note if need be in the woods. It can also help start a fire. The best part is, as a mom, I always have napkins lying around my car and they usually don’t cost me a cent! Toilet Paper is also readily available in every household. If there is no toilet paper in your house, I don’t want to know. No one reading this better still be corn-cobbing it.

hiking essentials

Bonus Tip for Mom Hikers

A Change of clothes for your little one. A mom never knows when their child will have the mood strike them to leap in the biggest mud puddle or have a little potty accident in the woods. Also, remember that children don’t process the weather as adults do. In fact, read all about hiking with children in the winter. It has lot’s of cool tips!

Summing Up

These are just a few of our favorite everyday backpacking essentials. Do you have any favorite everyday items that you like to bring with you hiking? We would love to hear about it!

Hope you enjoyed reading. Feel free to look around some more at even more cool content and we would love for you to follow our journey on YouTube and Social Media! Until next time, Peace, Love and French Fries, Adventures of Abby Girl

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Outdoor Adventures

Ms. Abby’s Guide to Hiking Etiquette

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hiking-etiquette

Hiking can be a lot of fun as long as there is some level of etiquette. People can’t go lawless just because they are on the trails in the woods. But, following these simple rules can make any person an A + hiker.

Leave no trace

Every hiker knows about the leave no trace rule. Not only is leaving your trash behind make an unpleasant hiking experience for others as it ruins the beauty of nature, but it also is bad for the environment. Animals can get tied up in the trash and strangle or choke on it. Garbage can also be toxic to animals of the forest. More of the effects of trash on animals can be found in the article about Wild Mountain Birds. It’s a local bird rescue out of the Hudson Valley in New York.

Trash can also hurt the plants and trees too. Many products don’t break down when left in the environment and some liquids can seep into the soil causing problems too. So have some hiking etiquette and don’t leave your garbage behind.

hiking etiquette
Oh yeah

Poop a true lack of etiquette …

Dog poop can be harmful to other dogs, the environment and on occasion people. Worms in a few variety’s is a big one and can be transferred from animal to animal and from animal to human. Little children love to put stuff in their mouths. Touch the soil and more. Learn more about diseases spread at the CDC. Doggy doo can also seep into the soil and water supplies causing all sorts of issues as well. So curb that dog. Not to mention, there is nothing worse than stepping in dog poop. Although, an old superstition says that stepping in poop is good luck. All I know is it’s a pain to get off the boots and even worse if you drag into the car or house.

hiking etiquette
Have some etiquette dog

Don’t take gear and other items

Sometimes a hiker accidentally leaves a piece of gear behind. However, the correct thing to do is to leave it alone or put it up against the trailhead. A lot of times the hiker or hikers will come back for what they left behind.

Recently, Abby went to Cabela’s and was really excited to get her first real hiking pole to be just like her mom. The first time on a hike with it, we got sidetracked and left it behind. About four hours later, we drove an hour back to the trail. Another mom from our local homeschool group who lives close to trail went out too. Sadly, someone had taken it. The pole was even down as low as it could like a child had been using it. My daughter was sobbing.

I got in my car and by the grace of God and the fact that I have a messy car, the tag for the pole was lying on the passenger seat. I found a phone number and called. The woman on the other line went above and beyond. She said this is no lesson for a four-year-old to learn and wanted to restore Abby’s faith in humanity. The kind woman sent her a brand new pole! Same model and everything. This situation could have been avoided if someone hadn’t taken her pole and just left it at the trailhead.

The Environment

Also, many places have a don’t take from nature rule. That flower might look like a beautiful keepsake, however, it also can be someone’s food. That rock, a part of the delicate environment. So read the posted rules before the hike. But as a general rule, don’t take from mother nature!

Where’s that hiker?

If it’s a whole pack or looks like something someone wouldn’t simply “drop” or “leave behind” on a break, then evaluate the situations. Don’t touch the pack or belongings in the chance it becomes a crime scene. If you have cell service, call the park rangers or local police for advice and have a good description of the whereabouts. If in the backcountry, wait until a ranger or ridge runner or another hiker comes in contact with you. Otherwise, depending on the situation, get to a ranger station as soon as possible. Remember, someone’s life could be in danger. Have some manners people.

Don’t deface

It doesn’t matter how good of an artist a person is. Trail graffiti just ruins the whole vibe of the wilderness. Besides, do we really care if you “wuz here?”

Some places are also under a environmental rehabilitation and stomping in those areas can cause environmental damage. So stay on the trail Godzilla. It’s there for a reason. Not only can you get hurt or lost, you can also cause irreversable damage.

On top of Mt. Beacon

Help others and be kind

I can’t help but think of Daniel Tiger. Oh yes, I went there. “You can choose to be kind.” But, what’s the other option? The world doesn’t need jerks. On the trail, everyone needs to be respectful. Move over if someone is going by you. Share a simple smile. Offer help if it looks like someone needs it. We experienced a lot of kindness on a mountain a couple of years ago. The experience is still with me.

lookout for yourself and all in your party

When hiking a person needs to look out for everyone. If a person hikes solo, knowing the body’s limitations is very important. Knowing when it’s time to say enough is enough.

When hiking in a group, realize different people’s abilities. If need be, split the group into levels and make hike leaders. We were supposed to meet a group once at a trailhead. I was texting and texting to let them know we were coming. However, everyone else had driven to the trailhead. We were coming from over a mountain from further down the trail. We were about ten minutes late when we got to where the group was supposed to be and they hiked on without us! The worst part is, it was a family outdoor group.

Abby and I hike mainly just the two of us. When we did try to hike with family groups, we just moved too fast. Abby never really did “toddler paced” hikes. It was always super hard to hold her back. So when we hike together, we constantly ask if the other one is alright. We hold hands-on steep sections or pass gear so we both climb safely. Encourage each other. Check-in to make sure both are staying hydrated. Basically, it’s important to look out for not only yourself but everyone around you. Remember, it’s not always about the goal but the experience.

AND-

never leave a hiker behind! This is the worst thing a person can do. I used to hike with someone that would always leave me behind. I broke my foot in the backcountry and my hiking partner had hiked on. Luckily, I was also a strong hiker and was able to crawl and make a crutch. But, it was a long, lonely and very painful hike to camp. What if it had been worse? What if I didn’t have a higher level of outdoor knowledge? The whole time, I fought my way out of the woods, I saw no one. For a beginner, it could have turned into a dier situation. Never leave a hiker behind.

Final Thoughts-

Hiking etiquette really isn’t that difficult. Just following a few steps and instead of being a lawless moron in the woods, you can be an awesome hiker instead!

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Outdoor Adventures

Hiking with Children; Winter Edition

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hiking-with-children

Seeing the joy and sense of accomplishment on a child’s face after they conquered a mountain is priceless. However, when cold-weather hiking with children, some situations can come-up along the trail. This is especially true when your hiking companions are young children.

Show me the layers …

The most important situation that can arise, is keeping the body temperature happy when hiking with children.

At the Base

Recently we climbed Mount Beacon. It has about a 1000 ft elevation gain and is considered moderate. At the bottom of the mountain, the temperature was a glorious 44 degrees. However, as the climb continues, the temperature begins to drop. Why is that?

As air rises, the pressure decreases. It is this lower pressure at higher altitudes that causes the temperature to be colder on top of a mountain than at sea level.

Howstuffworks.com

Basically, this means everyone needs layers. Someone recently gave me the advice to start out cool. As we work-out our body temperature rises and while hiking, this can cause sweating. This can then lead to hypothermia which can be a very serious medical condition especially for little ones who are more prone to it than adults. Surprisingly though, adults sweat more than children. However, children and older adults cannot regulate body temperature as easily. This all means that when hiking with children, we need not only layers but appropriate layers.

We started out in base layers with head wraps, gloves, and warm shoes. There is debate on whether covering these points on your body help decrease the risk of hypothermia, but I feel it helps. I also hate achy ears and don’t want frostbite on me or my little one. As a good rule of thumb, the base layer should be close to your skin and made of synthetic material or wool. Personally, I’m allergic to wool and will end up with a wicked rash, scratching like a crazed monkey climbing a mountain. So, synthetic is my go-to choice.

Midway up the mountain

Midway up the mountain, the child started whining that she was cold. So I pulled out a sweatshirt made from fleece inside and a synthetic blend on the outside. I put the emergency socks over her gloves to warm her hands. She prefers to have full mobility of her hands so she can climb and use poles. Those lobster gloves don’t work for her. Being an adult, my temperature was still regulated and happy, so I was fine. A little further up, she complained of being cold again. I pulled out the nice thick snow pants and put those on over her clothing. I made sure her hood stayed over her head and switched my headwrap with hers as mine is thicker.

Winter Hike with Young Children

The Summit-

Who has a picnic to celebrate climbing a mountain in winter, my child? The wind was whipping, near the summit and at the top, ice was everywhere. No birds were chirping. However, my teeth were chattering. Only sound up there besides the howling wind. So it was time for me to layer up. I pulled out my fuzzy vest and zippered that up. I took out my waterproof jacket and added that. My hood went over my head and I made sure everything was tied tight and buttoned up. Our feet were happy the whole trip because we were both wearing nice warm hiking socks and Abby has Gortex Boots.

Back down we go

We didn’t remove any layers until we got back to the car. It was very slow going down the icy section of the mountain and we were facing the wind. Once back at the car, we removed all our layers back to where we had started. I changed Abby’s shoes and we headed to our next hike. Yes, we did two that day.

If your happy and you know

Sometimes the children become cranky and agitated. Heck, so can the adult. It’s all about working as a team. If the child becomes upset, the adult needs to stop, take a breath, and assess the situation. Are they cold, too hot, hungry, tired, injured, just in a bad mood? In some cases, the decision might have to be made to turn around. Abby started whining and crying part way up. I at first felt a little stressed myself. But, I stopped took a breath and assessed the situation. She missed her daddy. So I got out my phone and she was able to talk to him. Another time, she needed a little encouragement. She really only wanted to do the crazy icy stuff and got bored with the easier sections. Another time, she was cold. Stop, take a breath, assess.

Food glorious food and hydration

Hydration is key. In fact, before a winter hike, everyone should hydrate. This can be an issue because at some point the little one will need to pee. But, it does help in staying hydrated to drink beforehand. Then throughout the hike, everyone should keep drinking even if they don’t want to. I honestly, need more to drink on a winter hike. My body feels it. Summit Medical Group has some good key points as to why we need to hydrate in the winter and why we usually don’t feel the need to drink as much.

Appropriate snacks are also important. My child is very food motivated. Pick healthy treats that help give everyone fuel for the journey. On our last trip, we packed fruit leather, Gatorade, water, sunflower seeds and chocolate mini-muffins (yes, the muffins are not the best choice.) If they want to stop and have a treat or drink, let them. Obviously, if they want to stop all the time to eat, then try to use it as motivation to hike on.

winter hiking with kids
FOOOOOOD

Patience

When hiking with children, especially small children, the grown-ups need to have the patience of Job. On the way down the mountain, my child started losing steam. So she wanted to play the walk/freeze game where you take like two steps and freeze. Eye spy also starts happening. Seriously, in winter how many something brown or white can one person find? Every time she had to look for something, it was another stop. You also have to walk a lot slower on the hard sections and talk things through very clearly. At times, I extended my pole to help her down or we held hands. It takes time. But rushing can lead to injury.

Know abilities-

Don’t’ be a warrior and don’t be stupid. Just because one child can hike two miles up a summit in icy winter conditions doesn’t mean yours automatically can too. Just like in life, everyone is different. My child is just turned four. However, she walked super young and was raised in the woods wandering completing her first scramble and solo mile at 1.5 years. But, I know her limits and it seems she knows mine. She also is very strong in knowing her left from her right, reading a map and making sensible decisions. These are all key and especially during winter hiking. However, I know not to take her up Break-Neck Ridge. That would be dumb. So know limits. All in all, though, it comes down to the fact that we know each other very well.

What’s in my pack?

Too much. However, I would rather have too much than too little when hiking with a child.

  • snacks
  • water
  • extra layers and a change of clothes including spare socks
  • an all-tool (knife)
  • duct tape
  • lighter
  • flashlight
  • driver’s license and a card with emergency information for each person in the hiking party. Preferably these cards should be somewhere on each person’s body.
  • first-aid kit. I also pack a couple of sanitary napkins as they are great with the duct tape to control bleeding
  • for more extreme or hiking with no trails, a compass
  • whistles. We each have a whistle we carry and know the distress signal is three short blows into the whistle.
  • Bandana. It can be used for many different purposes including to wipe if need be
  • tp or toilet paper.
  • something to put your trash in. Leave no trash
  • garbage bags or rain gear. Seriously, in a pinch, a garbage bag can be used as a very stylish poncho
  • sunglasses or goggles (if there is snow). Glare can cause snow blindness. I had it once skiing and had to ski blind down a mountain. Never again.
  • spikes. I have yet to get spikes and just watch my footing. I heard Yak Tracks are awesome.
  • extra gloves

Conclusion

Winter hiking with children is a totally different ball-game. However, with the appropriate gear, knowing everyone’s level of experience and patience, it can be a lot of fun and super rewarding. Through our many miles wandered, we have been blessed to have learned a lot. In fact, after a six-week challenge, we had huge personal growth. Read about what six weeks wandering in the woods taught us.

Did you know we have previously hiked Mount Beacon several other times? In fact, Abby girl bagged the double peak on her two feet at just under three years old! Read about one of our awesome experiences where kindness was everywhere on Mount Beacon

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Family Travel United States, Go Visit: Family Friendly New York

Making Friendships at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch

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making-friendships-at-pine-ridge-dude-ranch

“When there’s an epidemic of loneliness in the tri-state area,  the Pine Ridge Dude Ranch might just contribute to its cure.”

Quote by: Zee’s Mom

We are more connected than ever; just look at our use of social media websites and our preoccupation with reading about other people’s lives through platforms like online blogs.  Yet many of us struggle with feeling lonely, and the average person has only a few close friends. In our everyday lives, we may be surrounded by other people, but we may be busy and rushed. Inwardly,  we may have difficulty relaxing and getting to truly know those around us. If only there was a place that allowed us to relax enough to reach out to other people – through shared activities – and hopefully form friendships!   For those naysayers who believe that such a place doesn’t exist, we have news for you!

Let us introduce you to the Pine Ridge Dude Ranch.  It’s an all-inclusive resort in the Catskills. Through taking care of some of the nitty-gritty of life like providing all-inclusive meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), the Pine Ridge Dude Ranch strives to help make life feel a little less busy.  Its many, shared group activities can bring both family and strangers together. A case in point, the Pine Ridge Dude Ranch provided the perfect environment for our daughters to meet, the grownups to get to know each other, and all of us to become good friends.  

The Backstory- It All Started with the Goats and the Petting Zoo

Hi.

There’s a joke about how it’s hard to carry on a conversation with goats because they’re always “butting in”.  Yet, all joking aside, six months ago, our families met at the ranch’s petting zoo. While the goats didn’t prove to be great conversationalists, our two young daughters certainly found something about which to talk.   It was an instant connection. Hand in hand, they left the petting zoo and started doing everything together during that trip. When the vacation was over, it was hard to separate them. We promised the girls that they would see each other again in six months.  We all signed up for the Home-school Weekend at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch!  

making friendships
Princesses of the Goats

In the meantime, the girls became pen pals as they live two hours apart.  Abby sent handwritten notes and special cards for the holidays. Her friend then surprised Abby on her birthday by coming up for pizza and a visit to a goat barn. The connection they formed at the ranch was still strong. In fact, they were the only two that followed the princess-themed goat party right down to their outfits!

Six Months Later – Back at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch

The big weekend came at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch. Zee and her family arrived Saturday afternoon. It was no longer Adventures of Abby Girl. It truly became adventures of Abby and Zee. 

At dinner, our families condensed to one table and the best part was that we found out that the grown-ups had things in common too.  We quickly became great friends over a wonderful home-style buffet meal.

llama friendship
llamas at a Bonfire

After dinner, the girls went and changed into their matching llama pajamas that Zee’s mom brought up for the girls. We went to the bonfire and had a great time chasing the llamas and making s’ mores.  

That night there was a hilarious comedian juggler who was very entertaining. That was followed by a dance party and more chasing of the llamas to get them into bed. However, with so much to do at the ranch, the girls had other late-night plans. Abby got a non-alcoholic Shirley Temple from the Silver Dollar Saloon, and Zee had to have cotton candy ice cream from the Chuck Wagon. Shortly after, Abby decided she needed chocolate ice cream. There the girls sat, enjoyed loads of sugar right before bedtime, and made wonderful memories.  (Don’t ask about the subsequent quest to find new stain remover techniques!)  

making friendships
Sugar!

The Next Morning …

We joined our new friends for breakfast. Then we changed for horseback riding. We were early so the girls spent time exploring the goat and chicken pen. They loved finding real eggs in one of the petting zoo’s shelters. Abby wanted to catch a chicken. However, she was unsuccessful. They spent time chatting with each other and the goats.

making friendships
I got you, buddy

At the coral, when it was their time to ride ponies, Abby made sure Zee’s helmet was on correctly. They constantly looked out for each other and each other’s needs. It was adorable to watch.  They rode ponies. Abby, usually a Junior Wrangler, took a break so that she could ride at the same time as her friend and be able to spend as much time as possible that day with her. 

sparkles
Sparkles!

After their ride, they went and completed the coloring competition and roamed the ranch. There wasn’t much down-time as then they were off to paint pinecones. The glitter was the highlight of the activity. 

Lunch came next and the food was delicious as usual. It gave everyone nice full bellies so adventures could continue. That afternoon, they jumped on the bounce pillow and played on the playground. Then they went on a tractor ride,  explored the ranch a little more, and shared some final giggles before the goodbyes.

We are now planning monthly get-togethers for our families at various locations. It all started with Pine Ridge Dude. It’s such a wonderful place to connect and make life long memories and friendships. We encourage everyone to go see for themselves and perhaps make new friends too. 

A co-post by Abby’s Mom and new awesome friend- Zee’s Mom-Eva

Thirsty For More?

We have another blog over at hvparent.com/adventures-of-abby-girl. It’s mainly all things local to the Hudson Valley region. Thanks for stopping by!

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Family Travel United States, Outdoor Adventures

Great Child Carrier: The Freeloader Pack

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great-child-carrier

Face it, the old child carrier that you have used for years when they were tiny is now duct-taped and breaking under your child’s weight. They are old enough to put some ground under them. However, they still need to catch a ride every now and again. So that’s why we tried the Freeloader Child Carrier. This is a sponsored post.

A great child carrier
Greetings from the woods

The Pack Arrives!

The pack couldn’t have come at a better time as even though it’s autumn here in the North East, we have been battered with snow and lots and lots of mud and muck. My pack, the one I could stuff everything including a small child into, is now ripped and battered from smashing against rocks and traveling over 300 miles over trails. The Freeloader is more than half the size and can carry a child up to 80 pounds. Abby Girl is currently 34.

First hike with the Freeloader-

The first time I used the child carrier, it was fairly straight forward once we gave it look over and read everything that came with it. I am completely amazed at how light this carrier is and how little room it takes up in my trunk. This time of year, I’m battling snowshoes, layers of clothes, water, more gear, and my crafting stuff in there. This took up no room at all.

Our first attempt, we went solo. Usually, Abby would do at least a mile before asking for “uppies.” However, it was very muddy on the trail. So with the Freeloader, she gets in it herself. I then buckle the back strap and hoist her onto my back. I am then able to secure the leg straps and stirrups while she’s hugging me.

Great Carrier
Side Profile

I noticed that no matter how hard she jumped up and down, the child carrier didn’t hurt me at all. In fact, besides being jerked around, I felt hardly anything. Even leading the leash with our trusty dog by our side, was a piece of cake. There are a couple of small side pockets as well. I could fit my keys and a pocket knife with no issues.

Also, the old bulky pack gave me horrible pain if she bounced around or decided to stay in for any major length of distance. Usually, I can count on up to five miles of her walking, however, sometimes things change. Children at this age, like to change their little minds fairly often.

Another key point, it’s easier for her to take a nap or lean right up against me. She not as confined. This gives your child the option to look around more and even take some pictures!

The Second Attempt-

The second time we tried it, we were alone in a State Park in the snow. I had snowshoes on and walked like a duck. However, still no issues. Just remember to check your straps depending on the layers and bulkiness of clothing.

striking pose in carrier
Strike a pose

Third hike-

The third time we took the Freeloader to a summit with my husband. Even climbing a steep ascent and literally jumping in and out of an apple tree, the pack remained secure.

Happy Child
Time for a dance break

One last keynote is the freedom the Freeloader gives everyone. If she wants to hike, she can get out and hike. If she wants to get back in, it’s super simple and fast. It’s easy with the Freeloader to go on endless adventures everywhere.

And off we go-

Where will we travel next? Well, all I can say for now is, here’s to our next three hundred miles with the awesome Freeloader Child Carrier. Stay tuned to see where we go next!

View our first Freeloader Child Carrier Video on Youtube!

Great Child Carrier
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