12 Things I Always Carry on a Nature Walk

It’s that time of year when it feels so good to be outside! Walking outside in nature is a fantastic activity that anyone can do, no matter the skill level. Things are changing from dull to vibrant, and there is always something to learn in the great outdoors! Let me briefly tell you about the twelve things I always carry on a nature walk.

Big Benefits of Nature Walks in Your Homeschool

Before I show you what’s in my little bag, if you’re not currently getting outside with your kids, start now! Our walks through the woods or along North Carolina’s sandy beaches have been one of my favorite things we have participated in regularly in our homeschool, and one of the things I have continued since my kids have graduated. A leisurely walk offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, naturally combats stress and anxiety, increases creativity, is educational, and enjoyable for all ages. Believe me, I’ve needed a little of all of this lately!

Another awesome thing about nature walks is that they are the perfect activity for kids and teens! You don’t have to be an athlete, form a team, spend hours at practice, and it’s free! Sitting at a sibling’s practice with an iPad for hours, and disrupting family dinner time is no way to live! If you’re looking for an activity that EVERYONE can participate in, nature walks are where it’s at! How sad it would be to lose a generation who knows nothing about or appreciate God’s beautiful creation! I believe we are headed that way, but YOU have the ability to change that!

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The Essentials for a Nature Walk

Good shoes and a bottle of water are really the only things you need to enjoy a leisurely walk through the woods. There are a few essentials I like to carry with me on my nature walks, or short hikes. Please note, by short hikes, I mean a couple of hours, up to half a day. Check out the twelve things I bring for a nature walk, then scroll to the end to grab my free printable checklist!

  • Hiking Shoes – I love my Keen shoes! I have had them for several years now. They are comfortable, roomy, and run true to size.
  • Small Day pack – This bag is perfect! It has several compartments, is a great size, and is water resistant. I love the variety of colors that are available.
  • Water Bottle – Trends have changed from Yeti, to Hydro Flask, to Stanley and many more I don’t even know about. Insulated, leak-proof, and not a lot of parts work for me. I’m currently using the Owala Kids FreeSip, but may graduate to a big girl cup as the weather warms and I need more water!
  • Water bottle (for my furry sidekick) – this is one of my best purchases ever!
  • Hiking Buddy – Totally optional, but so much fun with a buddy of your own!
  • First Aid Kit – Better to be prepared. The small size and contents are just right for “just in case”.
  • Paracord Bracelet – These are cool, come in packs of two, and are much more than just a bracelet! It’s also an SOS LED Light, 10 feet of tactical paracord, a screwdriver, scrapper, saw, wrench, fire starter, and a whistle! Wow!
  • Nature Journal – I have used this one. It’s generously sized, and I love the simplicity with areas to fill out date, time, location, and observations. An added bonus – it’s written by a homeschool mom!
  • Reusable Snack Bags – these are perfect for “leaving no trace behind”.
  • Bug Spray – I use a homemade spray from a local soap-maker. This one looks like a good choice if you do not already have a favorite.
  • Sunscreen – I really like the packaging and the short ingredient list.
  • Pepper Spray – some protection for peace of mind.
  • Geocaching Swag – trinkets or stickers make great items to leave behind for the next cacher!

There you have it – the twelve things I always carry on a nature walk! Be sure to download a copy of this list for your next nature walk on my Freebie Page.

If you’re wanting to get the most out of your nature walks, I highly, highly, highly recommend 100+ Easy & Fun Creative Nature Walks by Cindy West. It’s a 63-page downloadable file packed with ideas, and most activities require little or no advanced prep! You can even save the digital curriculum on your phones to use out in the field! How awesomely easy is that? I plan to try some of the activities on my own nature walks!

Happy Hiking & Happy Homeschooling! – Jenn

2 Comments

  1. As a scout leader, I’d say you have a good list. That’s a neat parachord bracelet. I think the scouts really should add a hiking buddy as part of their 10 essentials. It would make it more fun. 😉

    Reply

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