Wandering Club Of Arizona

Today's families seem to be spending their "quality time" in front of the tv, computer or video game system. One of our group's primary goals is to inspire parents to get out and enjoy the great outdoors with their children. Kids learn to build self confidence and self discipline while spending time with their families.
Hiking and backpacking is great way to strengthen family bonds while creating lasting memories. Outdoor activities are also a wonderful way to exercise and enjoy the natural beauty of our state. We often hear about families who go out and explore the great outdoors.
Many families would like be one of those, but simply do not know where to go or what equipment they need. There are many websites and clubs offering help which is where we come in. Our goal is to assist families with children. Our hiking and backpacking adventures include our two young sons and our dog "Duke". We will plan a variety of events from short 2 to 3 hour trips in and around the Phoenix area to longer (3-4 days) backpacking trips into the wilderness.

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The Wandering Club is free for all who wish to take part in our activities. There is no annual fee. Each trip will be featured on our website Calendar complete with meeting locations and times. Our excursions will take place regardless of how many people decide to come along. Beginners are welcome. If your family needs help with information, maps, equipment, clothing, food or any other question please e mail us with your questions. We will contact you as soon as possible. Our only request is that you and your family respect the outdoors and keep it safe. Please keep illegal drugs away from us and our events.

 

There are many ideas about what one need for a safe hiking trip, The list below is what our family take to the trail.

Hiking Shoes - Never Hike with a new pair, If you buy a new pair walk with them every day for 2-3 weeks. Some like to hike with Trail Running Shoes.
Hiking Socks - Wool is best (even in the summer) , Long Cotton socks will do.
Hiking Pants - Lightweight long pants - We do not hike with short pants.
Hiking Shirt - Any lightweight shirt.
Underwear - Boxer style / Shorts.

Hat - Some use Bandana.
Wind braker - Fleace jacket.
Rain Poncho - Lightweight.
Gloves, Wool beanie, rain suits.
Light daypack (we use Camelbacks with water bladders).
Water - 1 quart per hour per person.
Food - Power bars, Granola, Subs, Fruits.
First Aid Kit - Basic kit, Remember any personal medications, medical ID tags etc
Toilet paper (TP), Lip balm, Hand Cream, Hand sanitizer,
Map, Compass, Flashlight, Whistle, GPS, 2 way radio set, Knife, Watch.
Lighter, Fire starter stone, Matches.
Bugs repellent - 100% deet
Sunscreen - 100% uv blocking, 30 or better.
Binoculars, Camera.
Cell Phone.

All of the items above, Only replace the day pack with backpacking pack.
Backpacking Pack - Adults can use 65-85 liters packs, Our boys use 30 and 55 liters pack.
Sleeping Bags - 20F-30F will do most of the year. Sometime we take additional lightweight Fleece blanket to keep us warm.
Stuff sack - For your sleeping bag and clothing.
Sleeping Pads - Foam (cheep) or inflatable.
Tent - Many stores sell Lightweight backpaking tents, make sure it is 3 seasons tent (Wind / rainproof). Also bring a .6 mil plastic sheet or tarp to protect the tent floor.
Rope - 30 feet 3/8 rope.

Food - Bring some extras.
Stove - Many options - Gas, Liquid fuel, Alcohol, Sterno gel.
Don't forget - Container for your fuel of choice. Wind screen for you stove.
Cook Pot - We use 1 gallon pot with lid.
Utensil - Plastic Spork.
Water treatment - Filter or chimicals (chlorine dioxide). Bring large portable container too.
Food Storage - In some areas you need bear bag or bear canister.
Personal Hygiene - Toothbrash, Tooth paste, Soap, Small towel,Baby wipes, Feminine Needs.
Flip flops or Water Shoes
Clothing - 2 pairs of socks, 2 underwear, Long sweet pants, Bathing suits, T - Shirt.

Backpacking Food Ideas

Here's a list of foods I've used on past trips. Some are obviously too heavy to take in large quantities, and some are meant for shorter trips or for cold weather trips because they are refrigerated foods, etc.

Breakfast Backpacking Foods

· MaltOMeal® (add raisins for more bulk)
· Rice (add raisins and dried milk)
· Granola (with dried milk)
· Fruit cocktail (small cans)
· Pancakes (need small pan,spatula, low-heat option on stove, lots of fuel, syrup in small container)

Lunch Backpacking Foods (many of these items are great for quick no-cook breakfasts)
· Bagels (cream cheese)
· Pita bread
· Logan Bread
· Granola bars
· Candy bars
· Dried fruit
· GORP (nuts, M&M's raisins, yogurt peanuts, crackers, dried fruit, etc)
· Pringles
· Crackers (the dense kinds at health food stores)
· Wheat Thins
· Cheeses (string cheese, blocks of mozarella, etc)
· Tuna (sold in pouches now)
· Lunch meat

Dinner Backpacking Foods
· Cup O Soup
· Cup Noodles/Ramen
· Lipton Rice or Noodles
· vegetable soup
· Potatoes and gravy (3-5 minute gravy mix)
· Potatoes and peas
· Couscous with dried veggies
· Ramen with dried veggies
· Spaghetti with dried veggies(use 6oz can of tomato paste to make sauce)
· Burritos(toritillas, refried beans, cheese, peppers, salsa, onions)
· Canned soups, etc (if you don't mind the weight)

Liquids
· Hot cocoa (add marshmallows)
· Apple cider
· Teas
· Powdered lemonade or Crystal Lite (masks bad-tasting and/or iodine-treated water)