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

Danika Vanderpyl
  • 4.9 (9)
  • Kids & Family
  • Updated Bimonthly

Do you worry if your kids (or you) have the capacity to do the adventure or trip you want to do? Are you questioning if you have the right gear? Are you wanting to get into canoe camping, backpacking, or on an international trip with the kids but not sure where to start? You are in the right place! This is what this community is all about. We jump into the practicalities of adventuring after having kids from hiking, skiing, rock climbing, travelling and beyond. You’ll hear real experiences from other moms. Join the outdoor mom community.

  1. 2d ago

    046: How to Poop Outside with Kids

    How to Poop Outside with Kids — because eventually, every outdoor family has to figure out what to do when someone says, “I have to poop!” and there’s no bathroom anywhere nearby. In this episode, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about taking kids to the bathroom in the woods, including some of the funniest (and most ridiculous) poop situations we experienced. We’ll talk through how to dig and cover a cat hole, where to go, what to pack, what to do with toilet paper and wipes, when you need to pack human waste out, and how things change when you’re camping in one place for several nights. I also share practical tips for periods in the backcountry, potty training while camping, and what to do when you’re caught without the right supplies. Plus, we’ll talk about being proactive with kids before heading above treeline or into places where finding a bathroom—or even a good place to dig—isn't an option. Most importantly, we’re getting into how to actually help kids poop outside without making it a huge, stressful ordeal. From different ways to hold a squatting toddler to helping embarrassed kids, finding a system that works for your family, and teaching older kids to eventually do it themselves, this episode is all about making one of the less glamorous parts of outdoor adventures feel a whole lot more manageable. If you’ve ever wondered how to poop outside with kids, this is the practical, honest conversation you need before your next camping, hiking, backpacking, or family adventure. Resources mentioned:  Backpacking with Babies and Small Children Book, Goldie Sliverman - https://amzn.to/4hu7I3j Leave No Trace - Pooping Outside  Leave No Trace - Dispose of waste  Gear mentioned: Ultralight backpacking trovel - https://amzn.to/4xnzkMt  Lightweight plastic trovel - https://alnk.to/gKV5Kq0  Midsized Shovel (for the vehicle) - https://amzn.to/4xvfBKS  Mycelium Tabs to breakdown poop - ⁠https://amzn.to/4cKzWnP⁠  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 Danika on IG: @besidethemountain  Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountain Email me: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  Codes & Discounts: Family Backpacking Gear Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pUSPRn2aFl_eFRcn90IMG5qf1vsW8atk/view?usp=sharing  Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Snack Prep Pro Ebook: https://besidethemountain.com/snack-prep-pro/ Wildelore: https://wildelore.com/ Use code LETSGOOUTSIDE15 for 15% off Travel gear guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing

  2. Sep 1

    045: Diapers for Travel, Camping & Backpacking with a Baby: Cloth Diapers vs Disposable Diapers

    Have you wondered how to do diapers while travelling, camping, hiking, or backpacking with a baby? And when does it make more sense to use disposable or cloth diapers? In this episode, I’m sharing everything we’ve learned from using cloth diapers with all three of our kids, from the newborn stage through potty training, as well as our experience using cloth diapers while travelling internationally, camping, and spending extended backpacking trips. I’m sharing some real-life examples of cloth diapering while travelling and camping, including trips to Vancouver Island, Cuba and Belize, where we washed diapers by hand or used washing machines when available. We’ll also get into diapering on a 24-day backpacking trip with our 6-month-old baby. Since we were hiking every day and couldn't reliably wash and dry cloth diapers, we chose eco-friendly disposable diapers instead. I’ll share what we looked for when choosing diapers, how many diapers our baby used each day, and what we did with used diapers in the backcountry. I also share best practices according to Leave No Trace and how we did the very best we could while still actually going!  We’ll also talk about other options for outdoor diapering, including compostable diaper liners, elimination communication, and bringing a small potty for babies and toddlers. If you're wondering how to manage diapers while travelling with a baby, cloth diapering while camping, using cloth diapers on a road trip, hiking with a baby, or backpacking with a baby, this episode is full of the practical things I wish I had known before doing it myself. Nora's Nursery — cloth diapering basics, covers, inserts, and information for getting started https://norasnursery.com/ Green Mountain Diapers — excellent resource for learning about cloth diapers, natural fibers, washing, absorbency, and different diaper systems https://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/ Let's Go Outside – Episode 21: Elimination Communication with Joanna Romano — using elimination communication while getting outside with babies and kids https://open.spotify.com/episode/0nHkvgmkEQxR63K4P2poK1?si=mpdJbw1iS8W1Ah3KiIALEA Leave No Trace Canada — responsible outdoor practices https://leavenotrace.ca/services/3-dispose-of-waste-properly/  Our cloth diaper setup for travelling 2-3 Nora's Nursery covers 20-25 Bamboo/hemp/organic cotton inserts Cloth wipes Disposable wipes Wet bags: 1 big, 1 small - https://amzn.to/4iE5nDY  Laundry detergent sheets for travel - https://amzn.to/4gsxhBs  Disposable diapers for overnight/travel days Our 24-day backpacking trip setup Naty diapers - https://amzn.to/4gBrwjK  Compostable wipes -  https://amzn.to/4xyffE0  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 Danika on IG: @besidethemountain  Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountain Email me: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  Codes & Discounts: Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Snack Prep Pro ebook: https://besidethemountain.com/snack-prep-pro/ Wildelore: https://wildelore.com/ Use code LETSGOOUTSIDE15 for 15% off Travel gear guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing

  3. Aug 18

    044: Kids Camping with Autism & ADHD: Sensory Tips and Preparing Your Child for the Campground

    In this episode of Let’s Go Outside, we sit down with Samantha Foote to explore the challenges and benefits of taking neurodivergent children into nature. Adventuring, camping, and exploring the outdoors offer massive developmental and regulatory benefits for kids with ADHD and Autism, but the transition can also introduce unfamiliar sensory triggers. Samantha breaks down how to anticipate common pain points beforehand, offering practical advice on preparing your child for the new sights, sounds, and sleeping arrangements that come with spending a night outside. Beyond supporting the kids, Samantha shares wisdom for parents on managing their own expectations and staying calm when a highly anticipated family adventure doesn't go exactly as planned. This is a helpful episode if you want to go camping with your kids but want to figure out how to prepare them ahead of time for a new experience! Connect with Samantha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent/ Website: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/ Podcast: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/podcast Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other parents 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 Danika on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountain Email me: hello@danikavanderpyl.com Codes & Discounts: Download my FREE high-protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Snack Prep Pro ebook: https://besidethemountain.com/snack-prep-pro/ Wildelore: https://wildelore.com/ Use code LETSGOOUTSIDE15 for 15% off

  4. Aug 11

    043: Thru Hiking with Kids, Minimalist Backpacking + Section B of the GDT

    What is it actually like to thru-hike the Great Divide Trail (GDT) with kids? In this episode, I’m sharing our experience hiking about Section B, 198 km of the GDT with our three kids, including our 6-month-old baby. I’m talking about GDT preparation, hiking with kids, backpacking gear, food and meal planning, keeping kids motivated on long hiking days, baby gear, clothing, sleep, diapers, and some stories from our time on the trails. This is a very honest look at what worked, what didn't, and what it was like to do a long-distance backpacking trip as a family. In this episode: What the Great Divide Trail is and where it goes Why we decided to take on such a big family backpacking trip How we prepared physically with only a few weeks to get ready How we planned our 24-day GDT itinerary What it was actually like hiking 8–12 km days with kids How we planned backpacking meals for 24 days Our breakfasts, hot lunches and dehydrated dinners Freeze-drying vs. dehydrating food for backpacking What was in our daily backpacking snack bags Our sleeping setup with three kids and a baby Backpacking with a 6-month-old baby Diapers on a long-distance backpacking trip  Clothing systems for the kids, baby, Daniel and me What the kids actually needed for entertainment—and what they didn't Resources mentioned:  Favorite Backpacking Gear Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pUSPRn2aFl_eFRcn90IMG5qf1vsW8atk/view?usp=sharing Our Complete Packing List:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AKb_DjegF9p406bjUQaHo8zN611jTapM/view?usp=sharing Connect with Danika on IG: @besidethemountain  Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountain Email me: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  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/  Join my FREE email list where I share healthy snack recipes I’m creating, and what’s happening for adventures in my life and other fun things. It’s a weekly email and I’d love to have you a part of the community. https://besidethemountain.com/subscribe/  Codes & Discounts: Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Snack Prep Pro ebook: https://besidethemountain.com/snack-prep-pro/ Wildelore: https://wildelore.com/ Use code LETSGOOUTSIDE15 for 15% off

  5. Jul 21

    042: How to Get Your Kids to Enjoy Hiking + Planning a Family Thru-Hike

    In this solo episode of the Let’s Go Outside Podcast, we are breaking down a massive family update—we are officially committing to thru-hiking a section of the Great Divide Trail (GDT) this summer with our three kids, including our 6-month-old baby! (so a three-week backpacking trip as a family!)  Stepping away from the daily grind means swapping endless housework and domestic chaos for the beautiful simplicity of mountain life, but it also comes with real fears. I share honestly about the logistics we are sorting through, from managing backcountry food drops to solving the ultimate "diaper dilemma" on a long-distance trail.  In addition to our GDT planning and gear testing, the second half of this episode is packed with practical, field-tested tips to get your kids to actually enjoy hiking. You’ll hear me share about transforming the trail into an imaginative adventure and eliminating complaining and other tips I’ve learned from legendary outdoor parents so your kids look forward to hiking. Whether you are an experienced backpacker looking to transition into adventure parenting or a mom trying to navigate a weekend day hike with a toddler, this episode will give you the practical tools and inspiration you need to confidently head into the wild. Resources mentioned:  How to Tell Stories to Children: https://amzn.to/4vWXahO Osprey Poco Premium Child Carrier  https://amzn.to/4uFNdUU The Nugget Podcast Episode 171: https://thenuggetclimbing.com/episodes/leo-houlding  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 Danika on IG: @besidethemountain  Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountain Email me: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  Codes & Discounts: Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Travel gear guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing

  6. Jul 7

    041: NICU Journey: Navigating Medical Trauma & Returning to Adventuring Again with Kids

    What happens when life suddenly pauses everything you thought your family’s future would look like? In this emotional and inspiring episode of the Let’s Go Outside Podcast, adventurous outdoor mom Frieda Draxlir shares her family’s difficult NICU journey with her daughter Ivy, who was born at 32 weeks with a perforated bowel and required intensive medical care, including a PICC line for 3 years.  Frieda shares the reality of spending time in the NICU over 2020, the uncertainty that came with caring for a critically sick baby, and the practices that helped her stay grounded during one of the hardest seasons of motherhood. She also opens up about how her faith became an anchor when everything felt completely out of control. Frieda also talks about what it looked like to return to “normal life” after the NICU, and what came with travelling and exploring again. How their family figured out how to go outdoors with the PICC line and did things like caving, road tripping, and taking flights with their daughter.  This conversation goes beyond parenting and outdoor adventure. Whether you are healing from trauma, or simply a parent trying to rebuild confidence after a hard season, Frieda’s story is full of hope, honesty, and resilience. Frieda’s NICU journey with her daughter Ivy Ivy being born with a perforated bowel and requiring a PICC line Coping with fear, uncertainty, and medical trauma in motherhood Finding peace and grounding during long hospital stays Christian faith through difficult seasons Returning to outdoor adventure after trauma Navigating anxiety and building confidence as a parent Adventuring, travelling, and exploring with kids after the NICU Encouragement for moms walking through hard seasons Wisdom in how to support moms that are in the NICU Connect with Frieda Draxlir:  https://www.instagram.com/friedadrax/  https://www.instagram.com/thedailydraxlirshow/  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 Danika on IG: @besidethemountain  Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountain Email me: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  Codes & Discounts: Wildelore: https://wildelore.com/ Use code LETSGOOUTSIDE15 for 15% off

  7. Jun 16

    040: Simple Health Habits for Moms Who Want to Go Hiking but Feel Way Too Tired

    Ever look at photos of families hiking beautiful trails or camping under the stars and think, “I want that so badly, but I am just too exhausted to make it happen”? If you are trapped in a cycle of survival mode, drowning in laundry, and feeling like your physical body just can’t match the adventures you want to do, this episode is for you. Staci is a functional nutrition coach and metabolism specialist, Staci goes beyond surface-level solutions to uncover the root causes driving weight, gut, hormone, and energy issues. Her Whole Health Method equips clients with the tools — food, movement, habits, mindset, and lab data — to finally understand what their body needs and build health that actually lasts. Today, we dive into mom fatigue and the goal of being healthy to do the adventures we want with our kids. Hint: It’s not just "part of having kids." We talk about the hidden root causes like gut health and inflammation that quietly drain our energy and steal our capacity for big family adventures. We aren't here to give you a massive, overwhelming life overhaul. Instead, we’re sharing simple, realistic health habits and everyday nutrition shifts that will help you rebuild your trail energy one manageable step at a time. Tune in to hear how you can go from surviving park days to thriving on dream family hikes! The "Just a Parent" Myth: Why deep exhaustion isn't just a baseline requirement of motherhood, and how hidden root causes like gut health and inflammation might be holding you back. The Internal Struggle: Honest reflections on wanting to be an adventurous mom while feeling physically limited. Where to Start When You're Overwhelmed: Practical, low-barrier first steps to rebuild your energy without adding stress to a chaotic schedule. From Parks to National Parks: A full-circle story of Staci travelling to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier, and realizing that your body can finally match your adventurous spirit. Resources mentioned:  Oura Ring https://amzn.to/4dL6JIX  Connect with Staci:  https://www.instagram.com/buildingtothrivenutrition/  https://www.buildingtothrivenutrition.com/ 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 Danika on IG: @besidethemountain  Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountain Email me: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  Codes & Discounts: Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebookSnack Prep Pro ebook: https://besidethemountain.com/snack-prep-pro/

  8. Jun 2

    039: Backpacking Southeast Asia with Kids + Naptime & Sleep While Travelling

    What does it actually look like to backpack through Southeast Asia with three kids four and under? Sandy shares about four months of family travel through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Philippines with toddlers and a baby in tow. They dive into the realities of long-term travel with young kids, including how they financially planned for four months abroad, what travel gear was actually worth packing, and how they navigated sleep while travelling — from jet lag and naps on the go to bedtime routines and sharing one room as a family. In this episode, we cover: Backpacking Southeast Asia with 3 kids under 4 Family travel through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and the Philippines Budgeting and finances for long-term family travel Sleep for travelling with toddlers and babies Room sharing while travelling as a family Travel gear for families Travelling internationally with young kids Family-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia Why experiences over things has shaped their family culture Whether you’re actively planning a family trip overseas or simply dreaming about adventure after kids, this episode will leave you encouraged that it’s more possible than you think. Resources mentioned:  Agoda Website 12GoAsia Website AirBNB Website Gear mentioned: Osprey Poco Plus Euro Baby Carriers Connect with Sandy: https://www.instagram.com/grobsonthego/?hl=en  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 Danika on IG: @besidethemountain  Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ Watch podcasts on YouTube: @besidethemountain Email me: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  Codes & Discounts: Travel gear guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing

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Do you worry if your kids (or you) have the capacity to do the adventure or trip you want to do? Are you questioning if you have the right gear? Are you wanting to get into canoe camping, backpacking, or on an international trip with the kids but not sure where to start? You are in the right place! This is what this community is all about. We jump into the practicalities of adventuring after having kids from hiking, skiing, rock climbing, travelling and beyond. You’ll hear real experiences from other moms. Join the outdoor mom community.

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