The Light to Light is a breathtaking 2 night 3 day coastal trek on the Far South Coast of NSW. Here’s a list of tips for a memorable and stress-free hike on the Light to Light Walk, especially if you’re hiking with a baby. These tips can be applied to any hike with a baby.
A successful light to light hike begins with the right gear. Our trip taught us that “light” is a relative term, especially when traveling with a baby and all the gear that comes with it! For a full breakdown of what we packed, check out our Light to Light Packing List blog post. It’s a realistic look at the gear we used and the choices we made for our winter light to light walk.
It’s not lost on me that I have access to a lot of very good, high-end gear. But keep in mind that living in the outdoors has been my lifestyle for the past 20 years. It’s my job, my world, and I know that to truly enjoy it, having good quality gear is a priority.
I know hiking with a baby might sound daunting, but for anyone else considering it, I say do it. You and your baby will love it.
The Macpac sleep suit was fantastic for Kiah. He slept in that and on a small piece of a yoga mat with a cotton layer my partner sewed for it. However, we often shared my single Sea to Summit Ultralight sleeping mat inflatable mattress as he snuggled in to feed.
I used my partner’s Macpac Bush Cocoon Bivy Bag, which he used on a three-week bike packing trip with our daughter. The only downside was the lack of a vestibule, which meant my gear was exposed to the morning dew. I ended up stashing my backpack in my friend’s tent vestibule and leaving my shoes under the tent.
I’ve upgraded to the Mont Moondance 1-person tent. I feel this will be a great arrangement for my next hiking trip when I need to share a tent with a baby or small kid.
While I love the challenge of carrying everything, there are multiple ways to make the walk easier on yourself. You could opt for the simpler solution of staying at drive-in campgrounds like Saltwater and Bittangabee. Drive in your camping equipment and do car shuffles or private transfers with Navigate Expeditions.
To make your hike more enjoyable and comfortable, consider the time of year. Early autumn or late spring are ideal. The weather is milder, so you won’t need to carry as many bulky, warm layers. I’d suggest avoiding the summer months. There are long stretches of trail that offer no shade, so you’d be hiking through open heathland in the direct sun.
I also highly recommend doing this hike with a friend or partner. Go with that person who will help you lift your pack, make you a cup of tea while you feed, and have dinner ready by the time you’ve put the baby to sleep. Find someone who enjoys breaks as much as you do and can keep an eye on your baby so you can go to the loo alone. I had originally planned to do this solo, but I’m so glad I went with a friend. It was also wonderful to have adult conversation on the trail.