019: Solo Backpacking with Kids & Recovering from a Stroke with Young Kids

Lauren Hronek has always been that outdoorsy girl who loves to do all the things—from bikepacking in the Utah desert to solo backpacking with kids in the backcountry. Before having a stroke earlier this year, she was leading the charge on big family adventures and confidently adventuring as a mom. But everything changed this past winter when, with a baby not yet one and a five-year-old, she suddenly found herself recovering from a stroke.

In this honest and encouraging conversation, Lauren shares what life looks like now—how her healing is going. She shares how she navigates fear and anxiety, and how she’s still finding ways to get outside with her kids. We chat about the mindset it takes to do solo trips as a mom, how to pack light weight for backpacking, and how her love for being in the wilderness is helping her through this season.

If you're curious about solo adventuring with kids, looking for inspiration on women in the outdoors, or walking through your own hard thing—this episode is for you.

Places mentioned: 

• Portugal (Porto, Lisbon, Kashkai, Algarve Coast) 

• Utah

Gear mentioned: 

• Deuter hiking baby carrier: https://amzn.to/3TCyhXx 

• Extra wide sleeping pad: https://amzn.to/4lFmDY0  

• Trail magic carrier: https://amzn.to/4eMgQ0g 

• Pocket rocket: https://amzn.to/44Gznbb 

• Backpacking Quilt 

• Black Diamond Alpine Pants: https://alnk.to/6TC9V70

• Baby Sleeping Bag Morrison Outdoor: https://amzn.to/3GzQm5D 

• Small blow horn

• Garmin inreach: https://amzn.to/4eMiEq4 

• Ursack bear bag: https://amzn.to/46tYzmz 

• IPhone 15

Some of the links above contain affiliate links. 

Connect with Lauren Hronek:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry.mom/

Website: https://thebackcountrymom.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 me on IG: @besidethemountain 

Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/

Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountain

Email me: [email protected] 

Codes & Discounts:

Wee Woolies: Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% off https://www.weewoollies.com/ 

Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook