Here is my full list of backpacking gear for me and my kids!
Backpack
Osprey Aura 50L Backpack: I have had my backpacking pack for 9 years. This was the first piece of backpacking gear I bought on my own. Before that I was using old gear my mom had given me. It was such a good investment and made backpacking feel even more doable because I was so much more comfortable. My pack before was a men’s backpacking pack that we’d gotten off of Craigslist.
Child Carriers
Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier: When I backpack with my babies, I like to use this carrier on the front. It’s breathable and comfortable for the both of us. I wrote a whole blog post about why I’m such a fan-you can check out here!
The Trail Magik carrier is a lightweight and compact carrier for carrying toddlers during outdoor adventures. It was originally designed to give kids a break on backpacking trips and easily clip to your backpacking pack.
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Tent
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 mtnGLO: We have had this tent for about 7 years and it has gone on dozens of camping trips with us. We have fit me, Logan, our 2 kids, and our dog in the 3 man tent. (It’s a tight squeeze). We just upgraded to the 4 man for when we all go now that we have 3 kids. But the 3 man is great for just me and the kids.
Sleeping Bags
Kids Sleeping Bag with sleeves (Discount Code: HaileyOutside10): Safe sleep sleeping bags are hard to find but Morrison designed the perfect bag. You can read my full Baby and Toddler Sleeping Bag Review here.
My Sleeping Quilt: This was my first time using this brand of sleeping quilt and it was great! I love how it lays on top of me and is secured with straps under my pad. It allows me so much more room to move around and my sleeping pad is what keeps me warm underneath.
Sleeping Pads
NEMO Equipment Tensor Trail Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad: This is hands down my favorite backpacking pad I’ve ever used. It’s comftorable, super easy to inflate AND deflate, and it’s really lightweight. I have the regular and wide version.
Thermarest Z Lite pad: It’s not recommended that babies sleep on an insulated sleeping pad so closed cell foam pad is a great option. It’s a less expensive option of sleeping pad as well which is great if you aren’t wanting to invest quite yet in camping gear. It’s a durable foam pad and offers lightweight insulation and cushioning from the cold ground. It has an accordion-style design which allows it to be folded up easily for transport and effortlessly unfolds when needed. Our dog sleeps on this as well.
PILLOWS
Preschooler’s Green Pillow: This lightweight pillow is perfect for any backpacking or camping trip. It takes up virtually no room.
My Grey Pillow: This is one of my favorite camp pillows because it has a bit of cushion inside the inflatable pillow. A little heavier, but worth it in my opinion.
Clothes
Baby 2 piece merino wool set When the temperatures are a little more mild, I like to use the baby 2 piece set as it is a little bit thinner. It is 100% merino wool, breathable, and I love knowing that even if there’s a diaper leak or something, my baby will still be warm.
Discount Code: HaileyOutside
Kid Merino Wool Set which is the same 2 piece set for babies, just bigger. We love merino wool and it’s a great option for camping in the summer up in higher altitudes.
Discount Code: HaileyOutside
Merino Wool Nursing Top: I have a few nursing friendly merino wool shirts but this one is my favorite. It is so incredibly soft and the nursing access is so easy. I like to wear things I can easily nurse in if I need to feed my baby in the middle of the night.
Discount Code: HaileyOutside
Down Jacket: This is the best option for warmth to bring backpacking because it’s lightweight but super warm. Even if I don’t think it’s going to be that cold, I always bring a down jacket just in case.
Fleece Bunting: A fleece bunting is an inexpensive piece of clothing that has many uses and great for camping with a baby. It’s great because it adds good warmth on those chillier days, especially since there is no draft around their waist like there can be when just wearing a jacket and pants. Most buntings also have fold over hands and feet so you don’t need to worry about packing mittens or even socks. If it’s going to be pretty cold, it doubles up on the mittens and socks for extra warmth!
Cooking
Jetboil Flash Backpacking Stove: I got this Jetboil from my grandma 8 years ago. I love my Jetboil stove when backpacking. It boils water in like a minute and they also have models you can cook in. I’m a lazy backpacker and prefer eating things I can just add hot water too. I also love that the fuel and external pieces all next inside to make it more compact. My post 15 Quick and Easy Backpacking Food Ideas for All Ages is great if your looking for meal ideas for your next backpacking trip.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter: A water filter is a true necessity when backpacking and this gravity filter is portable and reliable making it a great thing to bring along on a camping, backpacking, or hunting trip.
Toiletries
I like to keep my toiletries minimal to keep my load light, while still feeling clean on the trail. I pack mine in one of these reusable pouches.
- Toothbrush: I like packing kids toothbrushes (even for me) because they’re shorter.
- Sunscreen: I pack a mineral sunscreen stick that’s super easy to apply.
- Deodorant: I LOVE this travel deoderant that comes in a compostable case.
- Makeup wipe: I’ve had this bag of makeup wipes for a couple years now. I only use them camping and backpacking and I love that I can just use what I need without the rest drying out.
- Chapstick: I always pack sunscreen with spf.
- Hair ties: These are my favorite hair ties. I always bring an extra because I can’t imagine anything worse than backpacking with my hair down.
Electronics
Yoto Player: We love our Yoto Player for playing audiobooks. It helps our kids wind down at night. You can read all about the Yoto Player here.
Discount Code: AFF-HaileyT10
Sound Machine: This lightweight sound machine keeps us all sleeping through the night. USB rechargeable.
Portable Charger: Sometimes I will pack a small portable charger to charge my phone. I take a lot of vidoes and pictures and sometimes will just use my phone as the sound machine or to play audiobooks.
Adult Headlamp: A really bright headlamp that is rechargeable. Multiple light settings.
Kids’ Headlamp: This kids’ headlamp is designed for kids with some safety features, fun colors, and it’s not too bright so they won’t blind you.
Amazon Kindle: I absolutely love my Kindle. I love using books to unwind and relax and my Kindle lets me always have a book on hand. It’s nice and lightweight so perfect to bring backpacking.
Miscellaneous
Grand Trunk Camping Chair: My mom and dad got these for Logan and I for our first Christmas together 9 years ago. These camping chairs pack down so small and are so lightweight without sacrificing comfort. This is the one I use for camping trips, setting up in the backyard, etc. I love these chairs, and this brand has a few fun colors and have a sturdy frame that will last a long time.
Bug Net: These are a life saver if it’s really buggy out. There’s nothing worse than having bugs swarm you while you’re hanging out at camp. We always bring these when backpacking in the summer.
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight Medical First Aid Kit: I have the .7 size and comes with almost all the necessities I need. There are various sizes of this Adventure Medical first aid kit, so you can look through them decide which size is best for you and your hiking needs. The larger it is, the more gear it will come with.
Trowel: It’s so important to make sure you are burying your waste and packing out your toilet paper when backpacking. I love this compact set that comes with rehydratable wipes and mushroom tabs to help breakdown the waste. The little shovel is also super lightweight and makes digging your 6 inch cat hole super easy.
