Sonia Barrish does a variety of trips with her husband, their two children aged 7 and 3 and their baby.

They sometimes do tough multi-day trips as a family, but Sonia chooses easier trips if her husband stays home. On these, the 7-year-old carries her own pack and gear; Sonia carries gear for herself and the younger two as well as carrying the baby, and occasionally the 3-year-old.

She tries to minimise her load by reducing single-use items without compromising safety.

Pack

I have a Tatonka Yukon 65+10 specifically designed for carrying heavy loads. I sewed a carrier that clips on the front of the pack, and shoulder straps to hold a toddler’s legs in a shoulder carry.

Sleeping bags

I sewed our sleeping quilts. Mine is extra wide to accommodate one to two kids, and extra short because I am. It’s rated to -1℃ and weighs 438g. The 3-year-old’s bag is rated to -12℃ and weighs 336g.

Baby carrier

For up to three months of age, I have used a merino stretchy wrap that I sewed myself.

Kai

I take Thermoses for everyone so we can have a full meal at lunchtime without needing to stop and cook. I mix the meal and boiling water in the morning, and by lunchtime it’s cooked.

Cooker

Our cooker is a Kovea Moonwalker. I prefer the stability of a spider-style cooker, especially when cooking outdoors and with children around.

Nappies

Reusable nappies are lighter to carry than disposables. Green Beginnings are favourites for daytime, Minimi for nighttime. On multi-day trips I wash nappies in a collapsible bucket and attach them to my pack to dry. An old ice cream container makes a good potty. We use cloth wipes, which we wash and reuse. For an overnighter I take 15 nappy inners, and for a multi-day trip I take six nappy outers and up to 30 inners.

Wet weather

Until around three months, Bubs can fit inside my Hunters Element raincoat with me. After that I use a Wombat & Co babywearing jacket.

Baby’s clothes

Four sets of merino base layers for Bubs, mainly in case of nappy leak. He has a knitted onesie, and I sewed a wool onesie outer layer. A waterproof bonnet and waterproof booties complete his clothes.

Tent

We use an old two-person Kathmandu Northstar that’s been repaired by Twin Needle a few times. It’s not
the lightest option, but it’s warm. Our sleeping mat is an Exped Synmat HL Duo double. We can all fit on it.

Hygiene

I carry compostable dog poo bags in case the kids are caught short. I also make our own sunscreen, insect repellent and balms.

Hiking poles

I use Macpac C3 hiking poles, definitely a stability necessity when carrying heavy weight.