What to pack in your backpack for a trip? With our clever tips, nothing will catch you off guard!

Nature and quality time with family – that calls for a trip! Especially during the holidays. When adults go on a trip, it’s no big deal. But an outing with kids requires much more preparation. You may suddenly find you have no place to put all the uniquely shaped and colorful stones that absolutely must come along, or that you weren’t prepared for the consequences of exploring a puddle.

In summer, don’t forget sunscreen and a cap. If there’s a chance of rain, a raincoat is a must. We recommend a poncho instead – it covers your backpack and keeps your legs dry when sitting down. If your backpack doesn’t fit under the poncho, a separate rain cover for the backpack will come in handy.

Make sure to pack enough clothing – not just for cooler weather. A little explorer might investigate a stream more thoroughly than you’d like or miss their chance to run behind a tree in time.

You don’t need to take an entire medicine cabinet with you. But definitely pack a few essentials that fit in a small pouch or pocket. What should this mini first aid kit include?

• a few band-aids
• disinfectant (a small bottle is enough)
• tweezers (to remove a tick as soon as you spot it)
• a clean tissue or a piece of gauze
• an elastic bandage, especially for rough terrain

How to fight ticks? Your first line of defense is spray repellent. You can also use special bracelets – attach them to the ankle to keep ticks away in the grass. Taking B-complex vitamins regularly can help too – ticks won’t like your scent and will lose interest. Check yourselves regularly throughout the day to remove any unwanted hitchhikers as soon as possible.

These smart tips will make you the star of the trip

• Curious kids will love a magnifying glass to inspect every bug and plant. If there's space in the backpack, a pair of binoculars is great too.
• Bring a thin, waterproof mat. You can sit and rest anywhere, and it folds up into a small pouch.
• A lightweight insulated seat pad is great in cooler weather.
• Like to walk barefoot? A carabiner lets you clip your shoes to your backpack.
• Don’t forget to bring a small trash bag in your pocket.
• Going out on a hot day? Use thermal bags for snacks so they don’t melt. Also, wrap your water bottle in a thermal sleeve – if you partially freeze it the night before, you’ll have cold water all day long.
• Pack a small quick-dry towel – the tiniest one takes up barely any space and is perfect for unexpected dips or stream play.
• A piece of paper and a pencil might come in handy – what if you find a geocache or a trail register?
• Even a piece of chalk can provide fun along the way.

Are the kids getting restless on the trail? Entertain them!

• A simple clothespin game can help – the first player secretly clips it onto someone else. Then giggles until the recipient notices. Then it's their turn to pass it on just as stealthily.
• Every trip is more fun with geocaching. The Geocaching app is great for this.
• You can find printable trips with activities, worksheets for nature walks, or scavenger hunts online – instant entertainment!

A clever tip from Mama Labels: contact stickers that are perfect for backpacks and luggage. The sticker displays your contact info directly on the bag. If the backpack (or its owner!) is forgotten at a trail junction, the finder will know who to contact.

Check out our other blog articles. You'll find lots more helpful tips – like how to choose the right backpack, how to dress in layers, or what to pack for summer camp.

We wish you lots of fun on your family adventures! Your Mama Labels Team.