Hiking Mamas of Utah - Page 4 of 4 - Hiking with kids in Utah

Adult Winter Gear

It’s cold! Winter can be a deterring time to get outside, but good layers make a huge difference. I’ve got your basics here, with lots of jacket options because I love them.

Basics

-NO COTTON

-Baselayers (wool or silk or synthetic)

-Insulating layers (I use fleece)

-Windproof/waterproof shell

-Wool socks

-Boots

-Gloves

-Hats

-Baby carrier

-Water bottle or hydration pack

-Fanny pack

Details

Start with good base layers! I have loved the Paradox base layer tights, which are a wool blend. I found mine at Costco a couple of years ago, and then bought more on eBay. 32degrees is a great brand as well, with synthetic base layers and awesome and affordable packable down jackets. With these tights, I layer two together as one alone is see through (found out the hard way!).

As above, on top of my baselayer shirt, I use fleece pullovers or jackets. Both my Columbia fleece and my The North Face fleece work great. The North Face one seems to hold on to stink more easily, but both keep me very warm. If you feel like treating yourself, try this Patagonia pullover-I wish all of my clothes were made of this material!

When it’s a windy day but not too cold, I’ll put a shell on top-I like this, and it works for rain too. If it’s pretty cold and windy, I’ll put an insulated jacket on. Usually, since we don’t ski or snowboard and I have a kid strapped to me, I don’t need a true snow shell to keep warm. But I have this in case I do, like when we sled together.

In this picture above, it was 45-50 degrees and windy. I had doubled up Paradox baselayer wool blend tights, 32 Degrees baselayer long sleeved shirt, Columbia fleece, hiking boots, and Kinderpack. All day I was toasty, and a little too warm at points with the baby on my back. I love my wool socks from Costco (no longer available), and use snowboots from there too by Khombu. I can’t find the exact ones, but these look similar.

My favorite baby carrier is the Kinderpack. While pricier than some options, they are worth every penny if you can swing it. I’ve tried other carriers (Tula, Ergo, stretchy wraps, woven wraps) and for hiking, the KP is bomb. It’s extremely comfortable, has well padded straps, and a great knee to knee seat. I’ve had mine for almost 2 years and it is still in great condition, after hundreds of miles of hiking and day to day use.

^ Me, all geared up.

What are your favorite things for winter?

Kids’ Winter Gear

I really believe that appropriate gear makes all the difference. Since we’re in winter, I’m going to start with cold weather gear.

Kid Winter Gear Basics

-Baselayers

-Insulating layers

-Windproof/waterproof shell

-Wool socks

-Boots

-Gloves

-Hats

-Hydration pack

Details

We have had fantastic results with Costco’s selection of baselayers, snowsuit and hat combos, and gloves for our kids. The brand of baselayers is 32 Degrees, and the snowsuit, hat, and gloves are Gerry. I’m not finding a specific website, but Amazon sells this brand. We got four years out of one snowsuit between our two kids, and passed it to a friend because it has years left. I’ve tried an Old Navy bib and snow jacket on my oldest, but the bib had a hole in the knee in one winter of use. The Costco one held up much better.

My five year old loves his baselayers, by the way. Pro tip: put on baselayer bottoms, then put wool socks over the bottom of the pants, and then pull on the fleece or whatever type pants you’re putting on top. The socks keep the baselayers from rolling up.

We’ve loved these wool socks off Amazon, and have found snowboots second hand at Kid to Kid. I also like having fleece pants on hand to go on top of the baselayers. These have worked well, though they run small (especially if you cloth diaper!). I’ve used fleece pajamas as an alternative as well. Cutting off the feet can help the socks fit into boots.

My son has had this hydration pack for almost a year now. It holds enough snacks for him and his sister, and enough water. I love the whistle on the buckle (well, in theory) and the magnet that keeps the tube in place.

What am I missing? What are your favorites?

Timp Falls

Quick Look

Where: Alpine Loop, Mt Timpanogos trailhead

Grown up difficulty: easy

Five year old difficulty: easy

Length and elevation: This is a guess-3 miles and 800 ft gain

To see: aspens, mountain peaks, glacier, waterfalls

Busyness: not too busy during school days, busier in summer and on weekends

Note: This link is for the entire Mt Timp summit trail. The waterfalls are only 1-1.5 miles in.

Alltrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/mount-timpanogos-trail-from-aspen-grove

Detailed Summary

This hike is a family favorite for every season but winter-only because we’ve never tried it in the winter. Most of the trail is actually paved, though narrow. You can see the waterfalls from almost the beginning. In the spring, many plants are covered with tent caterpillars. Flowers bloom all along the trail and the little valley behind Timp. There’s decent shade all along, and areas to sit and watch the waterfall once you reach it.

If you continue on past the first landing, you’ll come to a switchback and then to a second set of falls. These are my favorite, as you get a great view of the landscape and the falls are less traversed. I have tried snowshoeing with adults on this trail, but we lost the trail quickly and just played around. Depending on the winter, the trail may be covered with ice and you’ll need spikes or crampons. Usually we can hike this trail from late May through November. In September, be wowed with the changing leaves. It’s wonderful.

Faves: watching the foliage change through the year, the second set of waterfalls

Hardest: none

Gear: carrier if you have a child that cannot walk the whole trail (Kinderpack is my favorite), fanny pack for snacks and bug spray/sunscreen, water bottle with carabiner to hook to chest clip, hiking shoes or sandals, kids’ hydration pack, hats