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

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

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.

Episodes

  1. FEB 4

    008: Dressing for Rain and Winter with Canadian Backpacking Mom Maritza Morales

    Maritza from British Columbia Canada shared how she learned all about outdoorsy adventures with her husband in her twenties. We talk about hiking with her son from when he was a baby, ideal layers to stay warm in the rain and snow, which are her go-to brands, and tips for hiking with kids to stay excited and motivated.  Places Maritza mentioned: Golden Ears Provincial Park, BC Joffre Lakes Park, BC Iceland Gear Mentioned  Helly Hansen rain suit: https://amzn.to/4g288u9 Jan and Jul Mitts: https://janandjul.com/product-category/accessories/kids-winter-accessories/kids-mittens-gloves/?ref=DANIKAVANDERPYL: Kamik kids boots: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=cl&merchant_id=84e39961-faaf-434c-8837-d629b1a5a351&website_id=ff82f266-adfa-4c66-8a59-c672a27fb57a&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mec.ca%2Fen%2Fproduct%2F6030-767%2Fkamik-tundra-jr-waterproof-winter-boots%3Fcolour%3DKhaki Trail Magik: http://trailmagik.com/ Brands Mentioned Simply Merino Merrell hiking boots  Keen shoes  Decathlon MEC Connect with Maritza: https://www.instagram.com/thewestcoastfam/ ------------------------------------------------------------------ FOR SPOTIFY: >>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/  Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain  Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountain Email me: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  Codes & Discounts: Jan and Jul Outdoor Clothing  Discount code: LGO10 Affiliate link: https://janandjul.com/?ref=DANIKAVANDERPYL

    52 min
  2. JAN 21

    007: Navigating Postpartum Depression and Finding Joy in Hiking and Climbing with Kat Badry

    Kat Badry shares her experience with postpartum depression—specifically, how it can show up late in postpartum and what it’s like to navigate the journey of healing while balancing life as a new mom. Our guest, Kat, shares her raw and honest story of experiencing postpartum depression at 10–11 months postpartum, the signs she noticed, and how she found herself feeling isolated and dissociated. Kat’s healing journey is rooted in outdoor adventures. From hiking with her son at seven weeks postpartum to discovering the grounding power of rock climbing, she explains how nature and movement became her therapy. We also discuss the importance of prioritizing mental health, and finding community as a mom. If you’ve ever struggled with postpartum depression or felt disconnected from your adventurous self after having kids, listen in. Places Kat mentioned: Pickle Jar Lakes, Alberta Rock climbing crag - Sunshine  Tunnel Mountain Hike - Banff  Skaha Climbing, British Columbia  Gear Kat mentioned:  Osprey Poco Lite: https://alnk.to/9IfgwUJ Ergo baby dream: https://amzn.to/3PHPA7v Snuggle me organic: https://snugglemeorganic.com/collections/snuggle-me-organic-infant Connect with Kat Badry:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katbadry_/ Kat’s social media management: https://www.instagram.com/katsocialinc/ >>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/  >>Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain  Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountain Email me: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  Codes & Discounts: Jan and Jul Outdoor Clothing  Discount code: LGO10 Affiliate link: https://janandjul.com/?ref=DANIKAVANDERPYL

    53 min
  3. JAN 7

    006: Winter Hiking Tips for Moms with Young Kids with Susanne Cupido

    Embrace winter adventures with kids! In this episode with Susanne Cupido, an Albertan mom of two toddlers we chat about her go-to tips for keeping little ones warm, her favorite family-friendly winter hikes around Cochrane, Calgary, and Kananaskis, and the gear that works well for toddlers. Susanne is a beautiful example that we can do incredible adventures with little kids when we are determined! Places mentioned: Winter Hikes: Black Prince Cirque - Kananaskis Two Pines - Bragg Creek Trails around Cochrane: Cochrane Big Hill Creek Loop Glen Boles Trail  Glacier National Park: Hidden Lake Grinnell Glacier Trail Fisher Peak Cranbrook BC Whistler  Tofino Fairmont Hot Springs Waterton National Park  Alltrails to look at updates on a trail: https://www.alltrails.com/ Gear Susanne mentioned: Ergo carrier: https://amzn.to/4h4Kkq9 Microspikes: https://alnk.to/5uh4ZmP Snowshoes: https://alnk.to/44X18R5 Columbia bunting suit: https://amzn.to/3WxhgzJ Mec bunting suit: https://alnk.to/4MC340O Connection with Susanne:  https://www.instagram.com/the.cupidos/ Come connect in the Let’s Go Outside in the FREE Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ *Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: http://besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Try Danika’s healthy muffin recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/muffins/ Connect with me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/besidethemountain/ Watch on youtube: https://youtu.be/7t-QuqRMT08 Email me: hello@danikavanderpyl.com

    44 min
  4. 12/31/2024

    005: Struggling with GETTING OUT THE DOOR with kids? How to create a system, routine, and motivation that will get you outside

    Are you finding it hard to get outside with the kids because the process of getting out the door feels overwhelming? Do you feel exhausted just thinking about packing snacks, layers, drinks, and all the gear you need, plus dressing the baby, toddler, and kids appropriately? I’ve been there—this feeling is all too familiar. In this episode, I’m sharing my experiences and the systems I’ve learned in my few years of parenting so far to make getting outside easier. It’s all about mindset, motivating the kids, streamlining the front door, and everything I’ve discovered along the way to move from indoor exhaustion to outdoor energy, creating forever memories in the great outdoors. Gear mentioned:  Chariot Stoller: https://amzn.to/4a0fwVp My getting-ready-going-outside-song: https://open.spotify.com/track/379vb8JHy3uan4rI4jqLGl?si=13e22b97d20e46c1 >>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/  >>Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Try Danika’s healthy muffin recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/muffins/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain  Watch on podcasts Youtube: https://youtu.be/7xxqblKi6rQ Email me: hello@danikavanderpyl.com

    29 min
  5. 12/17/2024

    004: Hiking Through Every Stage: Babies to Tweens From Hawaii to the West Coast Trail with Kids

    An inspiring chat with Meghan Oosterhof, a mom of five girls who has navigated adventuring with kids through every stage—babies, toddlers, tweens, and teenage years. Meghan shares her journey from early stroller adventures to multi-day backpacking trips. She chats about how she does certain age birthday trips, one being their trips to the West Coast Trail with their 13-year-old twins. We also dive into her family’s love for Hawaii (the Big Island) where they have done longer trips (2-4 months). Meghan shares how they made it work: with homeschooling, financially, packing, and why repeat trips are so special.  Places Meghan mentioned: Bragg Creek, Alberta Kananaskis, Alberta Gondola in Banff Sulphur Mountain Grizzly Peak Kananaskis Hot Springs Mist Mountain, Alberta Tent Ridge Kananaskis  West Coast Trail British Columbia backpacking trip Big Island Hawaii  Kīlauea Iki Crater, Hawaii  Gear Meghan mentioned:  A great stroller with BIG wheels  Bob Duallie stroller: https://amzn.to/4iknRXB Ergo Carrier: https://amzn.to/4faOMSM   If you want to connect with Meghan, come ask her questions in the Let’s Go Outside in the Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/  _____________________________________________________________ *Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: http://besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ Connect with Danika on IG: https://www.instagram.com/besidethemountain/Email me: hello@danikavanderpyl.com

    50 min
  6. 12/03/2024

    003: Teaching Your Kids to Ski, Expert Tips from Ski Mom Carley Sawers

    In this episode, Carley Sawers shared her journey of growing up skiing, to then teaching her babies how to ski when they were younger than 18 months old. Now 7 years of taking her kiddos to the hill she is an expert ski mom.  OVERVIEW: Tips for Skiing with Littles 1. Start at Home: • Skiing with kids begins before you hit the slopes. Start in the living room—let them wear their boots, click into skis, and get comfortable with the gear in a warm, stress-free environment. 2. Sliding on Snow: • Begin with simple activities like sliding around on flat snow. Make it fun and pressure-free. Once they’re comfortable, move to small hills where they can experience the sensation of sliding and start to build confidence. 3. Harnesses: • Harnesses, like the Little Ripper Gripper, can be a fantastic tool for teaching control and balance. However, they’re not always necessary—progress at your child’s pace and focus on creating a positive experience. 4. Snacks and Fun Are Non-Negotiable: • Always pack plenty of snacks. Breaks for hot chocolate or treats can make a big difference in keeping spirits high. The most important rule: when the fun stops, you’re done for the day. 5. Key Equipment pieces for Parents: • Trail Magik: An amazing tool if you’re solo with kids. You can carry younger kids when they’re tired while keeping your hands free. Backpack with skis on your back, and trail magik carrier on your front. • Backpack with Ski Straps: Look for a backpack that can securely hold your child’s skis, so you’re not juggling everything yourself. Two straps on the front is amazing! Touring backpacks or snowboard backpacks are great for this. 6. Gear for Kids: • Boots: Start with the smallest size available. A slightly bigger fit is okay—they’ll have the ankle stability, and you’ll get more use out of them. • Skis: Choose skis no taller than your child’s nose. For first-timers, even shorter skis can help with ease of movement. • Edgie Wedgie: A clip that holds ski tips together can be a lifesaver for teaching kids how to keep their skis in a pizza shape for control. https://amzn.to/3VnbCQi • Helmets & Goggles: Giro (https://amzn.to/4eXXSlN) and POC (https://amzn.to/3ZbDFmK) in my experience offer well-fitting, kid-friendly helmets. Pair with goggles that fit snugly without pinching. Basically the only equipment I bought new for the kids and they wore them for at least three seasons. • Used Gear: Check out used ski stores or Facebook Marketplace. I’ve never bought new skis! Skiing with kids is all about keeping it lighthearted, fun, and rewarding. With the right mindset, you’ll set your little ones up for a lifelong love of skiing! It’s not always easy, but it’s so worth it! Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have! Carley’s recommended ski hills kids in British Columbia: Revelstoke Sliver star Sun peaks  Manning Park Other ski hills mentioned: Grouse Mountain Fernie  Kicking horse Castle  Kimberly  Gear Carley mentioned: Little ripper gripper: https://amzn.to/3Vf8Mg2 Bula Balaclava: https://alnk.to/aeZxtGk Wee woolies neck gaiter: https://www.weewoollies.com/products/merino-mulitgaiter?variant=36210763169951 Winter snacks - Made Good granola bars: https://amzn.to/4fOJU7f Hot chocolate in a hydro flask: https://amzn.to/3D3Xxk8 Connect with Carley:  Instagram: @gingesonajourney Carley's blog ____________________________________________________________ >>Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/  >>Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain  Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountain Email Danika: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  Codes & Discounts: Jan and Jul Outdoor Clothing  Discount code: LGO10 Affiliate link: https://janandjul.com/?ref=DANIKAVANDERPYL

    42 min
  7. 12/03/2024

    002: Dream Big, Paddle Far, Raising Adventurous Kids with Jenice Smith

    Jenice Smith lives in a small Alberta mountain town raising kids to love the outdoors. She shares how she got into adventuring with her parents. We discuss how courses have helped prepare her family for bigger paddle trips (key for her sea kayaking trip!) and ski trips. Jenice chats about how important it is to find your people to go on trips on to share the load of packing, setting up camp, food prep, and expert skills. She encourages moms to dream big and even if it’s only small steps today…these trips are beautiful and they shape the family. We talk about planning and preparing for a wilderness trip and some books her family enjoys in the tent! I was so inspired by her 11-day trip on the Stikine River as she shared about wildlife encounters and how doing the trip with friends and connecting with locals was super key.  Canoeing BC  Northern BC Canoing  Sea Kayaking with Kids  Canoeing with kids Places mentioned:  Stikine River Paddle Sea Kayaking Haida Gwaii Books mentioned: Owl and the Family by Farley Mowat Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White Hobbit  Lord of the Rings  Courses mentioned: Ocean Navigation Course  Wilderness First Aid  Paddling Course Connect with Jenice Smith: Steep Peak Kombucha Instagram Steep Peak Kombucha ----------------------------------------------------------------- >>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/  >>Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Check out Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain  Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountain Email me: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  Mentions in the podcast:  Jan and Jul Outdoor Clothing Brand Discount code: LGO10Affiliate link: https://janandjul.com/?ref=DANIKAVANDERPYL

    36 min
  8. 12/03/2024

    001: Welcome to Let's Go Outside with Danika Vanderpyl

    In this first episode of Let’s Go Outside, I dive into the vision behind this podcast—a space for real, encouraging conversations about the joys and challenges of outdoor adventures with kids. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the hurdles of getting outside, like choosing the best hiking gear, figuring out how to adventure with toddlers, or planning a family camping trip? You’re not alone! Together, we’ll explore practical tips for outdoor parenting, share inspiring stories about hiking, camping, and travelling with kids, and build confidence to embrace family adventures. Join our supportive community of moms who love nature and discover how to make outdoor exploration a core part of your family’s everyday life. I'm Danika a mama in a small mountain town raising two young boys. I started taking my boys outside from when they were babies to prevent postpartum depression but it became a much bigger adventure. Now we still go outside every day, our favourite family activities are canoe camping, paddle boarding and travelling to new countries. This has become a lifestyle and a way we can connect with each other, a way to learn, and to be creative. If this resonates with you, please hang out here! Let's do motherhood outside together. >>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/  Check out Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain  Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountain Email me: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  Codes & Discounts: Jan and Jul Outdoor Clothing  Discount code: LGO10Affiliate link: https://janandjul.com/?ref=DANIKAVANDERPYL

    22 min

About

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.

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada