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There’s something about fall hiking in the Treasure Valley that always fills me up — the smell of dry leaves mixing with pine, the way the foothills glow gold at sunset, the sound of little boots crunching over the trail. But there’s also that familiar pre-hike moment every mom knows: the one where you’re standing in the garage surrounded by snacks, jackets, random toys, and half your house, wondering if you’re packing for a short hike or a month-long expedition.

That’s when it hits me every time: the Ten Essentials? For moms, it’s more like the Thirty Essentials.

The hiking community loves to talk about the Ten Essentials — those classic safety items that make you ready for anything. But when you’re hiking with kids, “anything” suddenly includes snack emergencies, unexpected rain, mystery bug bites, and a very specific pinecone collection that apparently has to come home.

When I first started hiking with my kids, I thought the Ten Essentials were for people heading deep into the backcountry — maps, fire starters, compasses, and all that. And sure, those are important. But after my first few outings, I realized that being a mom on the trail adds a whole new layer to the meaning of “prepared.”

Like that one crisp October morning near Hulls Gulch when we set out for what was supposed to be a quick loop before lunch. The air was perfect — cool, but not cold — and I figured our light jackets would be enough. Halfway up the ridge, clouds rolled in out of nowhere, the wind picked up, and suddenly my oldest was shivering while my youngest decided it was the perfect time to sit down in the dirt and take off her shoes. We were fine, of course, but it was a wake-up call. I realized I’d left our kids’ rain jackets hanging by the door.

Now I always keep something like this lightweight waterproof jacket in their packs, even if the forecast looks clear. Idaho weather likes to surprise you — sunny one minute, sideways rain the next.

That trip taught me that being prepared isn’t about carrying everything just in case; it’s about carrying what keeps your family safe and comfortable no matter what.

These days, our “Ten Essentials” list still includes the traditional items — but they’ve evolved a little. Every child has a small kids’ backpack with their own water bottle (we use this one), a few favorite snacks (because a hangry child on a trail is a force of nature), and a tiny first aid kit. I carry the main first aid kit with a hard case because I’ve learned that squished bandages and smashed ointment tubes don’t help anyone.

My husband teases me that I overpack, but he also knows that when someone scrapes a knee or a rainstorm rolls in, Mom’s bag somehow always has what we need.

I’ve come to think of preparedness as freedom. The more ready I am, the less I worry — and the more present I can be. When I know I’ve got an emergency blanket, a fire starter or lighter, and even an extra layer or two tucked away, I can stop fixating on the “what ifs” and just enjoy the trail.

Sometimes that means swapping the compass and paper map for something a little more modern — like this GPS unit I’ve come to love for longer or more remote trails around Boise National Forest. And sometimes it means handing a simple compass to my kids and teaching them how to orient a map. I tell them it’s like real-world treasure hunting, and their eyes light up every time.

We’ve started treating hikes as little adventures in self-reliance. Each of my kids gets to pack one “essential” they think we’ll need — it’s often something funny or unexpected, like a toy flashlight or a random rock “for luck.” But it teaches them the mindset: that being prepared isn’t boring — it’s empowering.

Of course, as the days get shorter and cooler, fall hiking in the Treasure Valley calls for a few seasonal swaps. I toss in extra hand warmers, a thermos of cocoa, and a spare pair of gloves for everyone (because somehow, one always ends up missing). Trails like Stack Rock or the Military Reserve get muddy this time of year, so I’ve learned to pack a small towel and trash bag for muddy shoes before getting back in the car — and yes, that’s definitely one of my unofficial “Thirty Essentials.”

I’ve had plenty of hikes go off-plan — sometimes in the best ways, sometimes not. I wrote about one of those lessons in this story, where a simple hike reminded me that perfection isn’t the goal — presence is. The same goes for preparation. We can’t plan for everything, but we can plan for enough.

When I chat with other moms on the trail, we all laugh about how our backpacks are a mix of survival gear and sticky granola bar wrappers. But behind that laughter is something powerful — we’re the ones keeping everyone safe, fed, warm, and happy enough to make these memories. It’s not just about hiking smarter; it’s about hiking together.

If you’re just starting to figure out your own “Ten Essentials,” don’t feel overwhelmed. Start small, and build from there. I have a post that breaks down a few of my favorites in more detail — you can find it here.

At the end of the day, the real essential is simply showing up — choosing to go anyway, even when it takes an hour just to find everyone’s water bottles. Every hike, every trip, every messy memory builds your confidence. And one day, you’ll find yourself halfway up a trail in the golden light of October, realizing you brought exactly what you needed — not just in your pack, but in your heart.

So yes, maybe it feels like “Thirty Essentials” some days. But that’s okay. That’s motherhood. That’s adventure. And around here, in the Treasure Valley, we wouldn’t have it any other way.