Today I am sharing what to pack on a day hike and specific hiking gear for kids you should carry if you are bringing your little explorers with you.
I grew up in a family that loved to hike. My mom would take us on our days off of school, on weekends, and throughout the summers. I have grown up to continue that love for hiking and share it with my kids. We hike at least once a week, if not multiple times. We are lucky enough to live close to accessible trails that make it easy for us to get outside.
I always try to be prepared and am strategic about what to pack on a day hike without overpacking and having to carry a ton of weight. I put together a list of hiking gear for adults as well as hiking gear for kids that I bring and I find important to have with us when out in the backcountry.
It’s important to keep in mind that the specific items you’ll need can vary depending on factors like the age of the children, the length of the hike, the weather conditions, and the difficulty and remoteness of the trail. So be sure to familiarize yourself with the area you will be hiking in and the trail and weather conditions for when you will be hiking. This way you will be prepared and know exactly what to pack on a day hike!
If you want a print out of what to pack on a hike, you can grab my checklist below and print it out!
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10 Essentials
The 10 essentials are a broad list of what to pack on a day hike, regardless of the length or location of your hike. The original list was created in the 1930s by The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based organization for climbers and outdoor adventurers. The list has changed over time to a systems approach that includes:
- Navigation: Map and compass to keep your bearings and avoid getting lost.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat can protect against sunburn and eye damage.
- Insulation: Extra clothing to stay warm in case of changing weather conditions or an unexpected night out.
- Illumination: Headlamps or flashlights (with extra batteries) for when it gets dark.
- First-aid supplies: A basic first-aid kit to handle minor injuries or illnesses.
- Fire: Waterproof matches, lighter, or a fire starter can be vital for cooking and warmth.
- Repair kit and tools: Multitool, knife, duct tape, etc. for unexpected gear repairs.
- Nutrition: Extra food in case your hike goes longer than planned.
- Hydration: Extra water and/or a way to filter water. Check out this post on How to Get Clean Water When Hiking/Backpacking.
- Emergency shelter: Tent, space blanket, tarp, bivy, or an emergency shelter to protect against the elements.
What To Pack On A Day Hike – Hiking Gear for Kids
Child Carrier
For younger children who may not be able to walk the entire distance, a child carrier can be very useful. Make sure to choose one that is comfortable for both you and your child. The carriers I use have about a 40 pound weight limit. If you are curious about the different types of child carriers, I have this post Which Child Carrier is Best for Hiking with Kids that may help you decide.
My Favorite Child Carriers:
Clothing Layers
Kids are not really able to regulate their body temperature as efficiently as adults. Bring layers of clothing that can be added or removed as needed to keep them comfortable. This is part of the Ten Essentials and is definitely a necessity for kids. I love buntings for the colder weather when my kids are smaller so there’s no draft up their back and they can get really dirty without ruining their clothes. Other options are a fleece or down jacket. And of course, more layers if you are hiking in colder temperatures like a beanie and mittens.
If you want to read more about how to dress your kids for a hike, here are a couple posts: The Best Winter Hiking Layers for Babies and Toddlers and How to Dress for a Hot, Summer Hike
Here are a few of my favorite hiking layers that I bring for my kids when we go hiking:
- Down Jacket
- Fleece Jacket
- Play Suit (Hailey20 for 20% off)
Kid-Friendly Snacks
Bring plenty of snacks that your kids enjoy. It’s important to keep energy levels high when hiking, and familiar foods can also be a comforting part of the experience. Snacks are a great motivator when your toddler just wants to sit around instead of hike. Some of our favorites are:
I wrote out a full list of Quick and Healthy Hiking Snacks if you want more ideas!
Comfort Items
This is a very personal piece of hiking gear for kids that you may not even need. A pacifier, stuffed animal, or other item your little one loves can make the hike more enjoyable for younger children and can be especially helpful if you’ll be out during their nap time. My kids will often fall asleep in the carrier so it’s helpful to bring something along to make them feel comfortable.
Children’s First Aid Kit
When I’m deciding what to pack on a day hike, safety is my number one concern. While you should have a general first aid kit as part of the Ten Essentials, it can also be a good idea to bring a few additional items specifically for kids, such as band-aids with their favorite characters, children’s pain reliever, saline solution to flush out their eyes, etc.
Be sure to read my Essential Items to Keep in Your Hiking First Aid Kit to make sure you have everything you need!
Diapers/Pull-Ups and Wipes
If you’re hiking with toddlers or younger, don’t forget a few diapers or pull-ups as well as the wipes. When I had a little baby, I would bring some kind of changing mat or blanket along as well. If you want to read more about What I Pack when Hiking with a Baby, you can check that out here.
Satellite Communicator
I bring my Garmin InReach Mini on pretty much all of my hikes. It’s not a piece of hiking gear for kids specifically, but I got it when I started hiking with my baby because I was out of service most of the time. It allows me to send messages to family members as well as an SOS to Search and Rescue in case I am hurt and need to be rescued. It does require a monthly or yearly subscription.
Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitizer
Bringing a small pack of wet wipes or a little bottle of hand sanitizer can be very helpful for quick cleanups after snacks, before meals, or after bathroom breaks.
Child-Sized Gear
When deciding what to pack on a day hike, it can be fun to let your kid bring some gear. If your kids are old enough, they might enjoy having their own mini backpack/fanny pack (code Hailey15 for 15% off) with a water bottle, binoculars, or a mini camera. This can make them feel more involved in the hike.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace is a set of 7 principles for outdoor ethics that encourages people to respect and care for the environment when they enjoy outdoor activities. It’s rooted in the understanding that our natural spaces are precious resources that need to be preserved for future generations.
The seven principles of Leave No Trace are:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impact
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Teaching children about Leave No Trace is particularly important. By instilling these values in children at a young age, we can help raise a new generation of responsible outdoor enthusiasts. Children are naturally curious and often learn best by doing, so taking them hiking or camping can be a great opportunity to teach them about these principles in a hands-on way.
I like to teach my kids about packing out trash, treating wildlife with respect, and leaving natural objects as they found them. Not only does this help protect our natural spaces, but it also teaches kids valuable lessons about respect, responsibility, and stewardship.
You can read my full post about the 7 Leave No Trace Principles here.
The hiking gear for kids you bring will vary a little as you little ones grow up, but hopefully this is a good starting point!
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