When hiking with a toddler, you’ll want to make sure you have the proper gear while avoiding overpacking. We created this packing list with our go-to hiking gear for kids so you can feel prepared and confident when hitting the trails with your family.
This is kind of embarrassing, but when packing for a hike before we had kids, we really didn’t put a ton of thought into it (other than making sure we had plenty of snacks, because that’s always an essential!).
But now that we hike with a toddler and a baby, there’s a lot more thought that goes into packing.
Not only do we want to be extra safe and prepared for any situation (which we should have been better about pre-kids!), but we also want our children to be comfortable and happy throughout the hike.
We’ve rounded up our entire list of hiking gear for kids that we bring on day hikes to make it easy for you to check everything off your list!
Hiking with a Toddler Packing List
Notes about this packing list
- This doesn’t include gear for parents. Be sure you are also thinking about your own clothing, gear, and needs. If you’re unsure, we have a complete packing list for hiking on our sister site!
- This list is intended for day hikes. If you are camping overnight, there will be more gear you’ll need to bring.
- You don’t have to bring everything on this list for each hike. Consider the length of the hike, the remoteness, and the season, along with your own judgement to help determine what exactly you’ll need to bring.
Our experience
Prior to having kids, we were avid hikers and knew it was a hobby we didn’t want to give up after having children.
We brought our oldest daughter on her first (very snowy!) hike at just 3 weeks old, and we’ve been hitting the trails as a family ever since.
We’ve done all sorts of hikes with kids around the world – from deserts to mountains to multi-day hikes where we camp in the backcountry. Hiking as a family is a huge part of our lives.
We hope that our experience and tips are helpful to you as you get out there on the trails with your family!
Don’t miss this! If you plan on hiking with little ones, you’ll definitely want to read our tips for hiking with a toddler. We’re covering everything from safety to mindset, snacks to bathroom breaks. Be sure to read before you hit the trail (trust me!).
Hiking gear for kids
Let’s dive right into what you need to pack for a day hike with little ones:
Hiking carrier
There are lots of different carriers out there, each with their own purpose and pros/cons.
We recommend spending a bit of time researching hiking carriers so you can choose the best ones for you and your family (because you know your family best!).
Here are the carriers we personally own and have experience with:
Osprey Poco Premium
This is kind of the OG when it comes to child hiking carriers, and it has a lot of great features, including a sun shade, plenty of space for packing other hiking essentials, and a water bladder pocket.
It is very comfortable for both parent and child*, but it is kind of bulky and doesn’t compress super well for travel or compact storage.
*Tip: Make sure you adjust it to your toddler’s size, and use the hip belt to take the weight off your shoulders. Practice at home before bringing it on your first hike.
Osprey Poco LT
This is the lighter, more sleek version of the Poco Premium, and probably our most-used hiking carrier these days.
While it’s not quite as robust as the Premium (and slightly less comfy/padded), it has most of the same features and has the ability to compress down mostly flat. This is huge for us as we often bring it in our campervan or along on trips where we have to fly to our destination.
Ergobaby Omni 360
We used this a lot on shorter hikes up until our daughter was around 2 years old. Technically, she can still fit in it, but we find it works best for smaller children. We’ll be using it again for baby #2!
It is really versatile and can be worn on the front or back. Plus, it’s much lighter than some of the more rigid hiking carriers, making it a great option for travel.
Trail Magik
This is a great option for longer hikes (or backpacking trips) with toddlers who will walk part of the way. It is incredibly small and light, but it must be paired with a hiking backpack, so this isn’t a good choice for a short hike since you likely won’t need an entire pack of supplies.
→ Related: We have a list of the best backpacks for day hikes on our sister site!
Essentials
There are a handful of items you should bring on just about any hike – with kids or not.
It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the “10 Hiking Essentials” so that you have a solid understanding of what you should consider packing.
Below is our own version of essential gear for hiking with kids:
Navigation
Unless you are hiking a very well-marked trail, we recommend always having some sort of navigation on you.
If you’re old school (or just want the most reliable method), a map and compass will do great. However, these days there are many GPS maps that can be helpful and show you your real-time location.
Whether you use a GPS watch or AllTrails* on your phone (like we do), be sure you have a plan for charging your device (see the next item on this list!).
*Make sure you have the paid version of AllTrails if you will be hiking outside of cell signal, otherwise you won’t be able to access your maps. We have had this membership for years and it is well worth the price!
Battery bank
We never go on a hike (or a trip) without our trusty battery bank so that we can be sure our phones will never die. This is especially important if we are relying on our phones for navigation (which we often do).
Sun protection
Listen up, because this is important:
Sun protection is necessary regardless of the season or the weather.
Yes, even in the winter. Yes, even if it isn’t sunny out.
- Sun hat: this infant hat is a good choice for new babes, and we like this hat for toddlers
- Sunglasses: Juniper has these adorable sunnies and wears them all the time
- Sunscreen: we use natural, reef-safe mineral sunscreen, like this water- and sweat-resistant brand, or this SPF 50 lotion
- Chapstick with SPF
Bug spray
Depending on the season or region in which you’re hiking, this may be an essential or something you can leave home.
We personally always opt for natural bug repellents, like this one.
Trash bag
We always carry a small plastic bag for our own trash (like snack wrappers, TP, or diapers), as well as any litter we see along the hike.
Tip: You can even have a contest to see who can pick up the most litter on your trail. Juniper loves doing this!
Comfort item for napping
If you have a feeling your child will be napping on this particular hike, you may want to pack an item that will help them feel comfy, like a favorite stuffy or a pacifier.
Just be sure you secure it to the hiking carrier with a tether or keep a good eye on it so you don’t lose it on the trail.
Food & Water
This is an essential part of packing for a hike, especially with kids!
Food
On longer hikes, we’ll often pack a hearty picnic lunch to enjoy with a view, as well as a variety of snacks.
But even on shorter hikes where we won’t have lunch, we’ll make sure we have plenty of snacks as our daughter will inevitably get hungry along the way! (And, let’s be real—we will, too.)
Our go-to snacks for hiking with a toddler:
- Pouches: We do a variety (and get the Costo brand ones a lot), but Juniper’s all-time favorite is the blackberry pouch from Mama Chia
- Beef sticks: like Chomps or Archer Provisions minis
- Dried fruits: usually mangoes or dates (no sugar added)
- Freeze dried fruits: Trader Joe’s strawberries are our daughter’s favorite
- Date bars: like RX bars or Lara Bars
- Energy balls: homemade ones or Aussie bites (from Costco)
- Veggie sticks: carrots, cucumbers, snap peas, or any other veggies your child likes
- Apples or mandarins: reminder to NEVER throw your peels or cores in the woods. It’s not native to the environment you’re hiking in and can be harmful to animals; it will take a long time to break down, and it isn’t nice for other hikers to deal with. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and teach your little ones about them!
- String cheese: if it’s a short hike (and not too hot outside!)
- Olives: Trader Joe’s has a single serving pouch of olives and our daughter loves them!
If you want more ideas, we have a whole list of our favorite toddler travel snacks (most of which work super well on a hike too).
Insider Tip: We really like these bags to stash snacks in, and always pack a trash bag for our garbage.
Bonus: If we’re hiking in the wintertime, we like to pack a thermos of homemade hot chocolate (pure cocoa powder, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pinch of Himalayan salt – it’s the best!). This is a good way to warm up and it’s a great incentive for our toddler!
Plenty of water
One thing I think a lot of new hikers often overlook is how much water you can go through while hiking.
You want to make sure you have plenty—aka more than enough for everyone in your hiking group, including your little one.
Personally, we like to carry a bladder as well as our daughter’s water bottle.
If we’re going on a longer hike or backpacking trip, we may bring an extra bladder or bottle as well as a method of sterilization. We love our Grayl water bottles for this purpose.
Safety
It’s especially important to pack with safety in mind when you’re hiking with children. Here are some items to consider packing:
Note: I will mention that not all of these are necessary if you’ll be sticking to heavily-trafficked trails within cell service during prime weather conditions. Use your best judgement for the hike you have planned.
First Aid Kit
We have this First Aid Kit for hiking. We like to make sure we keep it stocked with the essentials.
Alternatively, you can make your own First Aid Kit that includes the following:
- Tweezers
- Moleskin
- Band-aids: I like to add a few fun band-aids, like these, into our kit for our toddler
- Gauze
- Medical tape
- Lollipop: In case of a big scrape, this can be a good distraction. We keep a couple in our first aid kit only for emergencies, and we haven’t had to use one yet!
- Anti-itch cream
- Anything additional for your family’s specific needs
SOS device
This certainly isn’t necessary on every trail, but we like to have it when we go hiking outside of cell signal or on really remote trails. We also bring this on every backpacking trip.
We have this SOS device and only turn on the service for the months where we’ll be doing lots of hiking or backpacking.
It gives us peace of mind knowing we can get help in case of an emergency.
Headlamp
Even if you don’t plan to be hiking after dark, it’s a good idea to keep a headlamp in your hiking pack just in case.
You never know if an emergency situation will arise, keeping you out past dark.
Bear spray
Don’t ever hike in bear country without carrying bear spray (and the knowledge of how to use it).
You may also want to carry bear bells or other protection if you’re going really remote.
Emergency shelter
If you’ll be doing a remote trail or you’re hiking during the wintertime, it’s a good idea to carry an emergency shelter. This is essentially a reflective material that will use your body heat to stay warm in case of emergency.
It packs up super small, weighs next to nothing, and can likely fit into your first aid kit.
Multitool
Having a small knife or multitool is a good idea on longer hikes and it can come in handy for all sorts of things. The task we use ours for most is cutting apples!
Matches
While this isn’t necessary on every single hike, we always keep a pack of waterproof matches in our First Aid Kit in case of an emergency.
Whistle
This is often a feature built into backpacks, so familiarize yourself with where yours is (if you have one). Hopefully you’ll never need to use this, but it can get other hikers’ attention in case of an emergency.
Clothing
Dress your child in something comfortable and practical. You don’t need to go out and get clothes specifically made for hiking – there’s a good chance you already have clothes in their closet that fit the bill!
Don’t forget to bring extra layers in case of a potty accident, rain or cold temps, or if your child decides to sit down in a stream (speaking from experience!).
Clothes for warmer months
- UV shirts to protect them from the sun
- Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Lightweight shoes with decent grip
- Rain jacket (if needed)
Clothes for cooler months
- Thermals (wool is best, but synthetic is better than nothing – we use both!)
- Wool socks
- Extra layers (more than you think they’ll need, especially if they’ll be in the carrier for part of the time)
- Hat, mittens, buff
Shoes
Opt for comfortable and seasonally-appropriate shoes with good traction.
They don’t necessarily have to be hiking boots specifically, especially if your little one will be spending a fair amount of time in the carrier.
Bathroom kit
Trust me when I say you’ll want to be prepared for the bathroom (even if you’re only doing a short hike).
We’ve been on countless hikes with our daughters, both in diapers and potty trained, so we have packing lists for both.
If your child is in diapers
- Diapers (at least 1-2 more than you think you’ll need for the trail)
- Plastic bag to carry trash
- Wipes (we prefer a travel-sized pack for hiking)
- Portable changing pad
- Some way to organize it all, like a packing cube or a diaper bag fanny pack
- Hand sanitizer
- Cream or ointments if necessary (optional)
- Extra set of clothes, just in case
If your child is potty trained
- Poo shovel
- Toilet paper (part of a roll should be sufficient for day hikes)
- Hand sanitizer
- Wipes (we just pack a few in a baggie in case of toilet emergencies and other “dirty” moments!)
- Trash bag
- Kula cloth: I personally haven’t bought one for my toddler yet but I have my own and love it. When she gets a bit older, I’ll probably get her one, but for now TP works fine (just make sure you pack it out!).
- Extra clothes
Psst! If you’re feeling anxious about hearing the words “I need to go potty” when you’re out on the trail, don’t worry—we wrote a whole article to help you teach your kid to go potty in the woods!
Fun items
For the most part, we like to rely on nature as our child’s entertainment. You’ll be in a new environment with so much to look at and play with.
However, there are a few items we like to pack to enhance the experience, or for those “just in case” moments.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
We created this free scavenger hunt for our daughter, and you can use it with your family too!
Nature kaleidoscope
What a neat way for kids to see nature up close! Place small rocks, berries, leaves, and twigs inside and see them in a whole new light!
Toddler digital camera
Juniper sees us taking photos and videos all the time, so I love that she now has her own camera to capture what she sees on hikes.
Pocket tarp
It folds down super compact and takes up hardly any space, yet creates the perfect place to take a break or to relax and have a picnic.
Tip: For younger children who will be in the carrier longer, you may want to pack a couple of small sensory toys (like this or this, or this crinkle toy) to have on hand if needed. We recommend making sure you can use a tether to connect it to your hiking pack so you don’t lose it on the trail.
Want more advice for traveling as a family?
We have lots of resources on traveling with children, from newborns to toddlers. Check out our Family Travel Guide for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below!
- Practical Family Travel Tips: The ultimate guide to traveling with a baby or a toddler
- Flying with a Baby: Tried-and-true tips to prepare you for the flight
- Hotel or Airbnb with a Baby: Read this before you book any accommodations!
- Travel Snacks for Toddlers & Babies: Easy + healthy snacks to avoid a hangry child (or parent)
- Best Travel Toys for Toddlers & Babies: Tested + parent-approved toys that will keep your little one entertained (and won’t take up too much luggage space)
- Surviving Toddler Jet Lag: Our step-by-step process for adjusting time zones
- Encouraging Family Travel Tips: Heartfelt advice to boost your confidence!
- Flying With a Car Seat: How-to guide + tips for bringing a car seat on a plane, whether you decide to check it or carry-on
- Essential Tips for Hiking With a Toddler: If you’re a fan of hiking, this guide will help you feel prepared to bring your little one out on the trail!
- Teach Your Kid How to Go Potty in the Woods Like a Pro: Yup, we even have a guide for that. Be prepared for the inevitable “I need to go” moment.
Psst! If you’re living or traveling in the western US and into outdoor adventures, be sure to check out our sister site, Go Wander Wild. It’s packed with trail guides, hot springs, camping, winter activities and more!
Join our Adventure Baby Challenge!
Are you a new or expecting parent dreaming of traveling with your little one(s), but don’t know where to start? This is for YOU:
Our 2-week Adventure Baby Challenge walks you through the exact steps we took to build up our confidence to travel the world with our kids. Click on the image below and we’ll send you our FREE calendar, plus details & encouragement for each daily challenge!
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We want to hear from you!
We hope this packing list for hiking with a toddler is helpful!
Is there any more hiking gear for kids that you think we should add to this list? What questions or concerns do you still have?
Note: Please be respectful with your comments. Remember, we are sharing tips that have personally worked for us. This doesn’t mean they will work for everyone.