What Your Kids Should Carry When Hiking

When you just get started hiking as a family, it’s common to wonder how much your kids should be carrying in their backpacks. Here are some of the things that kids can (and should) be carrying, depending on the lenght of hike, area you are traveling to, and age of child:

Snacks

Snacks are one of the best parts of hiking, and kids love to carry their own. Taking charge of their own snacks and supplies helps kids feel independent and capable. We use a variety of different snack items when we’re hiking, from fresh fruit to sandwich crackers to homemade cookies, all of which are very portable and can fit in most small packs. I usually re-package our snacks into small sandwich-size baggies or plastic containers so they are easy to store and transport.

Water

It’s very important to take enough water on your hike. Try to find a way to keep your kids’ water bottles handy instead of putting them in their packs, so they can drink easier. A carabiner clip on the side of the pack can be a good option. You could also find a water bottle on a strap so they can carry them around their necks. Our personal favorite option is to use a fanny pack setup with water bottle holders because they’re easy to get in and out and the weight is placed on their hips instead of on their shoulders.

We have found that we often drink more water than we expect. Because of exertion and exercise, boredom, and warm weather, we sometimes empty our water bottles several times on a hike, and so do our kids. So while we expect our kids to carry their own water bottles, we (or older kids) usually carry extra water for refills.

Our kids love hiking with fanny packs.

Jacket or Sweater

Layering is the best way to be prepared for the different weather and temperatures you might encounter while hiking. With a few exceptions, it’s usually a good idea to bring a sweater or jacket on your adventures, even if you think the day will be sunny and warm. In mountainous areas and high deserts, the temperature can change quickly and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Even in the southeast and Florida, where the high humidity helps stabilize the temperature, kids can get chilled from rain. At least consider bringing a poncho or lightweight waterproof layer.

Whistle

A whistle can be an important emergency item that will help you to locate your kids if they are lost or hurt. Make sure that they understand the whistle is to be used in emergencies only. Our children understood that if they played with the whistle, they would lose it.

You can also set up a signal system where the kids blow their whistles in response to yours. This is helpful because in many cases, children don’t actually realize they are lost. Rather, it’s the parents who don’t know where the kids are. This call-and-response with a whistle is good training for an actual emergency.

Extra Socks

Extra socks are one of those items that you usually don’t think about until you need them, and then that’s all you can think about. Kids love to play in any water along the trail, whether it’s a creek, lakeshore, or puddle. But they don’t love the wet feet they have to walk home with. Socks are lightweight and it makes sense to stick an extra pair in your kid’s pack just in case.

Hat

A sun hat or other hat with a wide brim is a good way to help kids stay cool and protected from the sun. Get a hat with a strap or one that can be folded to fit in their packs so they can take it off their head without losing it. Hats are especially useful for babies who are too young for sunscreen and kids with very light-colored or thin hair.

A sun hat provides good protection for little (or big) bald heads.

First-Aid

Kids can carry their own simple first-aid supplies in their packs. We usually put a few bandaids in each kid’s pack, as well as a small tube of antibiotic cream, alcohol wipes, and similar supplies. While most small children won’t be administering their own first aid, they enjoy the feeling of having their own supplies and the independence that brings. By the time they are old enough to clean a scrape and apply a bandaid, it makes sense for them to have a little first-aid kit of their own.

Stuffy or Small Toy

Many kids love bringing a toy or stuffed animal when they’re hiking. If you are worried it will get lost, put it in their pack while they’re hiking and let them bring it out to play during breaks. Our kids have brought toy weapons (for on-the-fly Nerf wars), stuffed animals, toy cars, and even worn dress-up when we are hiking. When we don’t bring toys, they usually invent them from sticks and other found objects.

We usually allow toys depending on the location we’re going to be at and what there will be to do there. If we are headed to a natural area where the kids can explore, play off-trail, and enjoy their toys safely, we will usually allow it. If we are headed to a national park or another area with strict rules, or if there will be a lot of other people or wildlife, we usually leave the toys at home.

Insect Protection

Kids need protection from biting insects in most areas of the country. Many people prefer DEET spray, while others swear by essential oil options or a Thermacell system. Depending on what method you use, and how old your kids are, consider having them pack their own insect protection. Of course, young children shouldn’t carry and apply their own chemical sprays. However, essential oil bracelets are a good, natural option that they can have in their packs. Older children who understand how to safely apply spray can start bringing their own. Other options include physical barriers like mesh hats or even bodysuits.

Sunscreen

Older kids can start carrying their own sunscreen, as long as they understand how and when to apply it or they ask for help as needed. Roll-on sunscreen applicators are a great option to help kids apply their own sun protection. However, remember that they will still need help applying it to their face and around their eyes. In addition to sunscreen and a sun hat, sunglasses are a good idea.

Flashlight

Older kids and teens are ready to start carrying emergency and survival items. One of the most useful of these supplies is a flashlight. If someone gets separated from the group, or if something happens to delay the hike, you may end up out past dark. In these situations, a flashlight can quite literally save lives by allowing you to continue safely on the trail without getting lost. Consider using rechargeable flashlights or flashlights that last for a long time on a single set of batteries.

Emergency Poncho

Emergency ponchos are lightweight, don’t take up much room, and can help keep up morale in wet or rainy situations. Kids don’t usually enjoy hiking in wet, sticky clothes but they do enjoy the novelty of wearing ponchos, and when you are hiking with kids, keeping them comfortable and cheerful can make all the difference. These ponchos are so small, you won’t even notice the extra weight, but they will come in handy if you run into unexpected weather.

Keeping kids happy and motivated (and warm) during rainy weather can help ensure you have a successful hike.

Foil Emergency Blanket

Emergency blankets are lightweight and don’t take up much room, making them a good choice for kids who are ready to start carrying more weight and brining along some basic survivial supplies. They are also very inexpensive. While you are unlikely to ever need an emergency blanket, having it in your kid’s pack will bring you peace of mind and, in the event of a true emergency, such as a lost or injured child, could save a life.

Tips for Packing Your Child’s Hiking Backpack

It’s important to be careful when loading your child’s pack. It’s easy to overload your child. Remember safety guidelines for how much weight they should carry, and remember to let them get used to carrying a pack gradually. If your kids are small, follow the guidelines on weight limits, and don’t forget to add the weight of the pack itself. For toddlers, an empty pack might be all they can manage safely. Older kids can start carrying their own water and snacks in their pack. Once your kids get around 100 lbs you may be able to start adding basic survivial items like the ones near the bottom of the list.

In our family, it was so easy to allow the kids to carry too much, partly because they were eager to help. When I started actually weighing the things in their packs, it helped my understand how to do it better. That’s why I wrote this longer guide on safely packing your child’s backpack, including actual examples of loaded packs and their weights for each age.