Let's Go Outside | Adventurous Moms, Hiking, Camping, Travelling with Kids, Parenting Outside

• 018: 'Family-Friendly Trails' Don’t Fit Every Family — Outdoor Parenting with Annika Mang

  If you're a mom who's ever packed snacks, wrangled kids into boots, and wondered if outdoor adventures are really worth the effort—this episode is for you. I chat with Annika Mang, a fellow adventurous mom, author of Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies, and creator of TrailCollectiv, a hiking app for families. We dive into what hiking with kids really looks like at different ages, from babywearing on mountain trails to toddler-led nature walks and muddy backyard play. Annika shares how her approach to adventure shifted with each child, why she challenges the idea of what’s considered “family-friendly,” and how she self-published a hiking guidebook with two little ones at home. If you’re craving encouragement, relatable stories, and practical ideas for getting outside with your kids, you’ll love this conversation.Places we mention: West Coast Trail BC, Juan De Fuca BC, Regina SK, Vancouver BC, Edmonton AB, Calgary AB, Kananakis AB,Banff AB,Crowsnest Pass AB, Ontario,Chicago, Montana, Utah, Hawaii, California, Lindeman Lake BC, Peter Lougheed AB, Point Backcountry AB, Three Sisters Lake AB, Porcupine River AB, Pickle Jar Lakes AB, Mount Assiniboine BC, Helm Creek BCConnect with Annika: Personal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/borntobeadventurous/ Trail Collectiv Instagram https://www.instagram.com/trailcollectiv/ Website: https://www.borntobeadventurous.com/start-here/ Hiking app: https://www.trailcollectiv.com/ Get Annika’s book - Hikes for families: https://amzn.to/3ZT1b9s FOR SPOTIFY:Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Travel Gear Guidehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharingMuffin recipes: Besidethemountain.com/muffins

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• 017: Family Backpacking 101: Packing & Gear Details, Tenting with Babies, and Kid-Friendly Hiking

  Ever wondered how families actually make backpacking with kids work — from packing gear to keeping toddlers moving on the trail? In this episode, I chat with Stephanie (@thebackpackingmom), a mom of four who’s spent years exploring places like the Idaho, Tetons, the Washington coast, and even Patagonia with her kids. She shares real stories, her favorite gear, and super practical tips for everything from sleep setups to food to choosing the right trail. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to go deeper, this conversation is full of encouragement and tangible advice.Places mentioned: Massachusetts Washington State Tetons Bugaboos Idaho Washington State Coast W trek in Patagonia French Polynesia Family Sailing ExperienceNepal - Everspace Camp Yurt Trip  Backpacking packs & kid carrier backpacks: Gregory Packs Dueter OspreyREI MEC Other gear and brands mentioned:Steepandcheap.com  Big Agnes - Copper Spur 4 person tent: https://amzn.to/3FYFj5y Reflectix insulation: https://amzn.to/4mYO7ZP Merino wool clothing  Morrison Outdoor Sleeping Bags - kids sleeping bags: https://amzn.to/4lch0Af  Double Sleeping pad: https://amzn.to/4063TIx  A camping down quilt Backpacking food and stoves: Mountain House: https://amzn.to/3HHfEio  Backpackers Pantry: https://amzn.to/4l3FZ8x  Jet Boil Sumo Stove: https://amzn.to/3HGNiEQ  Pocket Rocket: https://amzn.to/409vGI2  Connect with Stephanie McNulty: @thebackpackingmom https://www.instagram.com/thebackpackingmom/ Message Stephanie on instagram to ask questions, or go on a trip with her! Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% offTravel Gear Guidehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing

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• 016: Wildlife Safety for Moms: Bear Spray, Cougars, Ticks & Confidence on the Trail

  Are you nervous about hiking or camping with your kids because of wildlife? You’re not alone—and this episode is for you.Hosts Danika and Stephanie Goodbrand break down everything outdoor moms need to know to feel confident and prepared in the wild. From how to tell the difference between black bears and grizzlies, to handling bear spray the right way, to what to do if you see a cougar or moose on the trail—this episode is packed with real talk, practical tips, and relatable mom moments.Whether you're heading to the backcountry or walking a local trail, this episode will help you stop letting fear hold you back and start enjoying the outdoors with your kids.In This Episode, We Cover:​How to identify grizzly vs. black bears (it's not about color!)​What bear spray actually does—and how to use it properly​Real-life scenarios and what to do in each one​Common wildlife encounters: cougars, moose, rattlesnakes & ticks​What to do with food and diapers in bear country​How to make noise on the trail and hike safely with kids​Why staying calm and confident is your best toolPlaces mentioned: Redwood Forest Southern Alberta Three Sisters Hike FernieOther things mentioned: Bear Spray Bear Spray Holster: https://amzn.to/4kKtuPf Tick remover set: https://amzn.to/45yufq8Bear Safety Course in the Crownest Pass, Alberta: https://www.facebook.com/CNPBearSmart---------------------------------------------Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Healthy muffin recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/muffins/ Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% off

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• 015: Family Bikepacking + Raising Kids on a Sailboat

  In this episode of Let’s Go Outside, I chat with Eleanor about what it’s like to live on a sailboat with kids and how her family brings little ones along on epic bikepacking adventures. We dive deep into how to plan an international bike trip—especially if you’re brand new to it (like me!) —and go through all the different gear and systems that make riding with kids doable (and fun!). From front seats to tow ropes to tandem setups, Eleanor breaks it all down. She also shares how their sailboat welcomes other families aboard—so if you’ve ever dreamed of exploring French Polynesia, you’ll want to hear this. It’s a super practical and inspiring episode.Places Eleanor mentioned:Baja Divide The great divide, the continental divide USASilk Mountain Road RaceMongolia KyrgyzstanSystems for Biking with Kids:Front seat Back seat Shot Gun Seat: https://amzn.to/3RYJn89Mac Ride: https://ca.mac-ride.com/Two train single wheel Follow me: www.twowheelingtots.com/followme-tandem-review/Tow rope: https://amzn.to/4jE3LHDBike trip resources: Offline map: https://mapout.app/ For weather systems: https://www.windy.com/ Couch Surfing for bike packers: https://www.warmshowers.org/US bikepacking trips: https://www.adventurecycling.org/ https://Bikepacking.com Europe bike trips use: bikepacking, Italy tourism, and google/blogshttps://bikepacking.com/?s=ItalyConnect with Eleanor: Website (sailing adventures!): https://designedtoexplore.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedtoexplore/Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & promo: Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% offDownload my FREE high protein snacks ebook: ⁠besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook⁠

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• 014: The Importance of Outdoor Play: Getting Outside With Kids Matters

  We all know there is seasons when getting outside with our kids can feel like a lot—especially when the weather’s bad, your kids are at tough ages, or you're feeling drained as a mom. In this episode, we hear from Sara McCarty, founder of Run Wild My Child, for a refreshingly honest conversation about how to make outdoor time part of your life—even when it’s hard. You will hear about what Run Wild My Child is and how it started. We chat about why moms love going outside and feel better, and spring ideas to get outside as a family. Whether you’re dreaming of big adventures or in a season of hoping to make it through a park visit, this chat has so many ideas and affirmations for taking the kiddos outside.Things Sara mentioned:Ideas of things to do in every season with kids: https://runwildmychild.com/100/Connect with Sara: https://runwildmychild.com/https://runwildmychild.com/magazine/https://www.instagram.com/runwild.mychild/ >>Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebookWee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% off

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