Best Hiking Gear to Keep Toddlers Smiling

Hiking has always been a big part of my life, thanks to my family who introduced me to the outdoors during days off from school, weekends, and summers. Now, as a parent, I share that same love for hiking with my kids. We make it a point to hike at least once a week, if not multiple times, exploring accessible trails near our home. Being prepared is key, especially when you’re bringing little explorers along. I’ve learned to be strategic about what to pack for a day hike to avoid overpacking and carrying unnecessary weight.

When it comes to hiking gear, the essentials can vary depending on the age of your children, the length of the hike, and the weather conditions. For instance, winter hiking clothes for women might be necessary for colder months, while a best sun hoodie backpacking is perfect for sunny trails.

It’s also important to consider the difficulty and remoteness of the trail. Before heading out, I always familiarize myself with the area, trail, and weather conditions to ensure we’re prepared with the right items. Whether you’re an adult or packing for kids, having a well-thought-out list of hiking gear is crucial for a safe and enjoyable backcountry experience.

The 10 Essentials for Safe and Fun Hikes

1. The 10 essentials are a must-have for any day hike, no matter the length or location. This original list, created in the 1930s by The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based organization for climbers and outdoor adventurers, has evolved into a systems approach to ensure safety and preparedness.
2. Navigation tools like a map and compass are crucial to keep your bearings and avoid getting lost, especially when exploring new trails with toddlers.
3. Don’t forget sun protection! Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential to protect against sunburn and eye damage, even on cloudy days.
4. Insulation is key for toddlers. Pack extra clothing to help them stay warm during changing weather conditions or an unexpected night out.
5. For illumination, always carry headlamps or flashlights with extra batteries in case your hike extends into the dark.
6. A basic first-aid kit is a lifesaver to handle minor injuries or illnesses that might occur on the trail.
7. Fire-starting tools like waterproof matches, a lighter, or a fire starter are vital for cooking and providing warmth in emergencies.
8. A repair kit with tools like a multitool, knife, and duct tape can fix unexpected gear repairs quickly.
9. Bring extra food for nutrition in case your hike takes longer than planned, and ensure proper hydration with extra water or a way to filter water for clean water.
10. Finally, an emergency shelter like a tent, space blanket, tarp, or bivy can protect your little ones from the elements if you’re stuck outdoors unexpectedly.

What To Pack On A Day Hike – Hiking Gear for Kids

Child Carriers: Comfort and Convenience

For younger children who may not be able to walk the entire distance, a child carrier is a game-changer. It’s useful, but more importantly, it needs to be comfortable for both you and your child. Most carriers have a 40 pound weight limit, making them perfect for toddlers. There are different types of child carriers, such as framed child carriers, soft structured carriers, and specialized carriers for backpacking. If you’re unsure which one is the best for hiking with kids, check out my post on Which Child Carrier is Best for Hiking with Kids to help you decide.

My Favorite Child Carriers:

• Framed Child Carrier: Great for long hikes and provides excellent support.
• Soft Structured Carrier: Lightweight and easy to use for shorter trails.
• Backpacking Carrier: Ideal for rugged terrains and longer adventures.

Clothing Layers: Keeping Kids Comfortable

Kids aren’t as efficient at regulating their body temperature as adults, so clothing layers are essential. Pack layers that can be added or removed to keep them comfortable. This is part of the Ten Essentials and is a necessity for hiking with kids. For colder weather, I love using buntings for smaller kids to prevent a draft up their back and to keep their clothes from getting too dirty. Other great options include a fleece jacket, down jacket, or a play suit. Don’t forget extra layers like a beanie and mittens for colder temperatures.

My Favorite Hiking Layers for Kids:

• Down Jacket: Lightweight and super warm for chilly days.
• Fleece Jacket: Perfect for layering and easy to pack.
• Play Suit: Durable and great for messy adventures.

Kid-Friendly Snacks: Fuel for Little Explorers

Keeping energy levels high is crucial during a hike, so pack plenty of kid-friendly snacks that your kids enjoy. Familiar foods can also make the experience more comforting for them. Snacks are a great motivator when your toddler just wants to sit instead of hike. Some of our favorites include fruit and veggie pouches, granola bars, fruit leather, beef sticks, and homemade protein balls.

My Go-To Snacks for Hiking:

• Fruit/Veggie Pouches: Easy to eat and mess-free.
• Granola Bars: Portable and energy-packed.
• Homemade Protein Balls: A healthy and tasty treat for little hikers.

Comfort Items: Keeping Little Ones Happy

When hiking with younger children, comfort items can make all the difference. These are personal and may not always be a need, but they can turn a challenging hike into an enjoyable adventure. A pacifier, stuffed animal, or any item your little one loves can be especially helpful during nap time. My kids often fall asleep in the carrier, so having something to bring along that helps them feel comfortable is a lifesaver.

1. Children’s First Aid Kit: Safety First

Safety is my number one concern when deciding what to pack for a day hike. While a general first aid kit is part of the Ten Essentials, I always add additional items specifically for kids. Think band-aids with their favorite characters, children’s pain reliever, and saline solution to flush out their eyes. It’s a good idea to be prepared for anything when hiking with little ones.

2. Diapers/Pull-Ups and Wipes: Essentials for Toddlers

If you’re hiking with toddlers or younger kids, don’t forget to pack diapers, pull-ups, and wipes. When my little baby was younger, I also brought a changing mat or blanket for quick diaper changes on the trail.

3. Satellite Communicator: Staying Connected

I never hit the trail without my Garmin InReach Mini. While it’s not a piece of hiking gear specifically for kids, I started using it when I began hiking with my baby. It’s perfect for areas where you’re out of service, allowing you to send messages to family members or even an SOS to search and rescue if you’re hurt and need to be rescued. Just keep in mind it requires a monthly or yearly subscription.

4. Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitizer: Quick Cleanups

A small pack of wet wipes or a little bottle of hand sanitizer is incredibly helpful for quick cleanups after snacks, before meals, or after bathroom breaks. These small items can make a big difference in keeping everyone clean and comfortable.

5. Child-Sized Gear: Making Kids Feel Involved

When deciding what to pack for a day hike, consider letting your kid bring their own gear. If your kids are old enough, they might enjoy having a mini backpack, fanny pack, water bottle, binoculars, or even a mini camera. This not only makes the hike more fun but also helps them feel involved in the adventure.

My 5 Favorite Products for Toddler Hiking Adventures

1. A Kids’ Backpack: Empowering Little Explorers

When I ask Jojo if she wants to go on a hike, her excitement skyrockets when she gets to pack her own backpack. The Deuter Schmusebar pack ($40) is a fantastic choice with its eight-liter design, breathable back, and padded shoulder straps that keep her comfortable. Whether it’s this fancy option or a rainbow-sequin gift from Target, letting her carry and choose her gear gives her a sense of ownership and makes the hike more enjoyable.

2. A Kids’ Water Bottle: Hydration Made Easy

Staying hydrated is a key part of any hike, and I’ve noticed that Jojo drinks twice as much water from her own water bottle compared to sharing mine. The CamelBak bottle is a winner for its child-specific design, making it easier for her to hold and drink. Its straw is perfect for little ones who tend to bite while sipping, and it’s great at mitigating spills, even when resting upside down in her pack.

3. A Comfortable Hat: Sun Protection They’ll Actually Wear

A comfortable hat is essential for long periods in the sun, but it has to be one your toddler will actually keep on. The Sunday Afternoons Fun Bucket hat ($29) has been a lifesaver with its flexible brim, supple headband, and external fit system. It’s so comfy that Jojo doesn’t whip it off the second I put it on her head, making it a win for both of us.

4. Heaps of Snacks: Keeping Energy Levels High

I never leave for a hike with Jojo without at least three different types of snacks. They keep her satiated and act as a diversion if her mood starts to go sideways. I usually pack her goodies in a LunchBots Stainless Steel bento box, which makes it easy to divide and carry an array of foods.

5. An Adventure Blanket: Transforming Any Spot into a Picnic

While a blanket might seem like a bulky item for a day hike, it adds a special type of magic to our adventures. The Victory blanket from Nemo has been with us for years, and its durable, waterproof bottom means I don’t have to stress about dew on the grass soaking through and ruining our cloud-gazing session. It turns any clearing into a picnic spot or a comfortable place to lie on our backs and discern animal shapes out of cumulus clouds.

Leave No Trace: Teaching Kids to Respect Nature

Leave No Trace is a set of 7 principles that promote outdoor ethics, encouraging everyone to respect and care for the environment while enjoying outdoor activities. These principles remind us that our natural spaces are precious resources that need to be preserved for future generations.

Teaching children about these values is especially important because it helps raise a new generation of responsible outdoor enthusiasts. Kids are naturally curious and learn best by doing, so activities like hiking and camping provide a great opportunity to teach them these principles in a hands-on way.

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Research your destination, check the weather, and pack appropriately to minimize your impact.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to established trails and campsites to protect fragile ecosystems.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, including food scraps, to keep natural spaces clean.
4. Leave What You Find: Avoid picking plants or disturbing rocks and artifacts so others can enjoy them too.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact: Use a camp stove instead of making a fire, or use existing fire rings if fires are allowed.
6. Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and never feed them to keep both you and them safe.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Keep noise levels down and yield to others on the trail to ensure everyone enjoys their time outdoors.

I love teaching my kids about packing out trash, treating wildlife with respect, and leaving natural objects as they found them. These actions not only protect our natural spaces but also teach kids valuable lessons about respect, responsibility, and stewardship.