Fall is fast approaching and for us families who are unwilling to hang up our hiking boots and close our door to exciting camping trips with our children, there is some great gear out there that will keep our children happy, warm and asking to head outdoors weekend after weekend.

This very light sleeping pad will not add much weight or take up too much space in your backpack.  They add comfort and warmth to your child’s sleeping arrangement.  If you bring this pad along you won’t feel like your offspring is adding a load to your outdoor experience.  Our daughter sleeps on her sleeping pad without a sleeping bag, which helps to control the weight of our packs.  She likes to help blow it up and push out the air in the morning when we roll it up. It keeps her busy and she will be able to use it throughout her life if we take good care of it.  We also bring our Thermarest along on cross-country  skiing or snowshoeing adventures to change the baby on the snow or to sit on while eating lunch.  They also pad the bottom of the sled very well.  A great investment for any family who is serious about continuing to explore the outdoors.

Therm-a-Rest Prolite 3 Sleeping Pad :  From the “Fast and Light” series by Cascade Designs®, these self-inflating pads are light and compact, designed for those backpacking long distances. Purchase a Short 51 x 119cm 2.5cm 2.3 27x9cm 0.370kg for $70 CAD.