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Trail Mom
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Leanne Tillaart
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Leanne Tillaart
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Leanne Tillaart
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Leanne Tillaart
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Leanne Tillaart
Leanne Tillaart
The top 10 things you must have to remain sane!
Are you new to wheeling with kids? Not sure where to start? Nervous about dealing with them on the trails while in your rig? Relax; some of our best summer memories have been created while out on the trails.
We have a custom stretched ’83 CJ-7 and have been wheeling with our kids since they were old enough to be forward facing. Over the years we have developed a system that keeps the kids happy, excited and eager, but more importantly keeps us sane!
Here are the top 10 must-have things to make your wheeling adventures an awesome experience that will keep your kids asking for more.
1: An easily-washable car seat with strap protectors
Strap protectors are a must-have - just ask our three year old how much fun seatbelt burn was on his neck. If you are in a pinch, blue shop towels and a bit of duct tape are a decent temporary solution but not for more than an hour or so.
2: A large dry bag
No wheeling family should be without one. We usually pack ours with the first aid kit, spare socks, clothes, dry shoes, rain coats and a blanket for when the weather turns and you are topless. Fleece or wool-based blankets are the best as they help keep the elements out and rinse off easily when you get back to camp. Don’t forget your camera and a package of baby wipes - two must-haves in the bag.
4: Kidification of your first aid kit
Afterbite, kid Band-Aids, Bactine, Kids’ Benadryl , pain killer, hand sanitizer and a small container of diaper style cream for those chaffing incidents like seatbelt burn. Add these to your regular kit and you are good to go. Don’t forget they need their own sunscreen and bug spray.
5: Waterproof hiking boots and or rubber boots with socks
Sandals have no place on the trail, neither do crocs or flip-flops. Too many kids (and adults) come out of a day of wheeling with cuts, scrapes or slices on their feet. Nothing ruins a trail weekend faster than a nice and dirty foot infection.
6: Garbage bags, clear recycling bags and small gloves
We all know wheeling is more about fixing and socializing than it is about actually driving anywhere. Kids get bored just sitting around doing nothing. We spend the repair time cleaning up the trails. You will be surprised how much garbage and junk is out there when you are looking at it from a five-year old’s perspective. Keep a list of things they can look for and when you find “returnable items”, let them have the money from the return. They LOVE it! Remember the rule: Leave it cleaner than you found it.
7: A trail family
Find a family that you connect with and wheel with them. The kids will become close and grow their social skills, not to mention, having a companion “trail mom” makes life a lot easier when you are changing a diaper or prepping lunch for the family all while your driver is repairing his rig. We often plan our trail meals with our trail family; it makes life a lot easier when you have another person to share the work load.
8: Hard- or soft-sided trail cooler, well packed
The easier the access and the closer to them it is stored, the less likely their tummy rumbles will require an unplanned stop. Having their own reusable water bottle that they are responsible for with a carabineer attached keeps it close by on those off camber moments and you can attach it to their car seat. Plan a manifold lunch and stash it in the cooler. Mustard, cheese and meat on a Panini roll, wrapped in foil, holds up best in the cooler and warms up perfectly in 30 minutes on a hot engine. It is a guaranteed hit for young and old tummies alike. Trail mix, drink boxes, cut up veggies and whole fruits go great in a cooler and are healthy alternatives to all the pre-packaged foods.
9: Pocket nature books
Kids love to explore and this is a massive opportunity to teach them about the nature they are playing in. A good book that has native plants and species in it keeps them interested and engaged when you are having down time. Wheeling can be school in the woods without them even knowing it! Our favourite is Edible and Medicinal Plants of Canada by Andy Mackinnon.
10: Take a walk
Our little guy is not a huge fan of the off-camber trails; he and I will walk the trails ahead of the rigs and pick up trash, take pictures (he has his own waterproof Little Tykes video camera) and search for animal tracks. These kinds of opportunities lead to the most rewarding conversations and all the exercise makes the kids sleep like a dream.
With a little creativity and a bit of planning, wheeling with your kids is easy and fun. Embrace your time with nature and your kids while being unplugged from the daily grind. This is better than the Nature Channel; this is life at its finest.
Plan, prepare and have fun!