Hiking With Kids? Here’s What To Bring

Hiking is such an enjoyable adventure when you spend it with your kids and allows you to explore places in nature that are untouched, unexplored, and where the roads cannot reach. It never goes out of style and always have been one of the favorite hobbies for some. Because of this mere fact, other enthusiasts took the leap of faith and formed an organization or a club to help others accomplish a safer hiking experience.

According to Hiking Project, 48 states in the US have their clubs listed on this website to give access to hiking enthusiasts to reach them if they need a lead or a guide during the hike and some recommendations on what trails and routes are safer to follow during the adventure. Other countries also have a hiking organization that provides fantastic opportunities to meet and lead fellow enthusiasts if they pay a visit.

These clubs will allow you to enjoy the adventure in the safest way possible and entice your kids with a sense of adventure and doing something new. But make no mistake. Hiking with your kids should not be taken lightly and planned accordingly. It would be best if you considered and examined the place you’re going to visit, the weather, and most importantly, the types of equipment that suits the need of your kids.

Some may say that hiking is therapy. A perfect getaway to refresh oneself, to think even more when you find yourself at a crossroads, or just a simple hiking adventure to improve the strong bond as a family. Whatever the reasons are, all of them are valid. When you decide to go hiking, the question boils down to what you should do to keep your hiking safe and what you should bring.

Tips For Family Hiking With Kids

Is there a perfect plan to enjoy hiking with kids these days? Yes, there is. The ideal procedure to enjoy the adventure is to plan ahead of time and buy kids hiking shoes, durable shoes, and a backpack. You can also prepare a game, especially if you plan to spend a day or two in the mountain and the like. A To-do list would work before the actual hiking would take place. Be organized.

Here are the best five tips before you hike with your kids:

• First aid kit – Is it better for us to be safe than sorry. Before going to the mountain, we must have a first aid kit in our bag. Safety should be the highest priority, as we don’t know what lies ahead of the trail. Injuries can happen anywhere at any time, and the first aid kit can prevent any injuries from getting worse.
• Kids hiking gear – Let your kids choose their desired hiking shoes, jackets, and clothes before the start of the trip. From this moment, you already have a quality moment with them as you spend time asking preferences to make them feel comfortable and excited with the upcoming family hiking.
• Pack Foods, Snacks & Water – This part is crucial and requires profound research if you plan to spend more than one day in the mountain, especially hiking with a baby. To the best of my knowledge, it is essential to consume more food and water than you usually would before engaging in an activity. Our body needs fuel before and during the hike; let it perform at its best and food after the movement to help our muscles recover. Here’s the example:

Foods to eat before hiking	Foods to eat during or after hiking
Whole-wheat toast Low-fat or fat-free yogurt Whole-grain pastaFruits and vegetables	Trail mix Dried fruit Nut butter, nuts, or seeds Dried or freeze-dried vegetables

• Safety Items – You might want to consider buying a safety whistle for your kids, a flashlight as an additional light during the night, a lighter to start a fire, and a multi-functional knife to cut something.
• Navigation Tools or Map – this one is important too. Because we often forget to bring them most of the time. Whether you have a lead during your family hiking, it is also beneficial to have this tool and let your kids navigate and follow the trail using the map.

Struggles or Obstacles When Hiking With Children, Kids, or Toddlers

Correct me if I’m wrong, but it will become a problem for everyone when the toddler cries during the hike. These scenarios and inevitable and can occur anytime; especially there are things along the way that makes them uncomfortable. As a parent, we tend to get questions about why they are crying, such as:

• Are they hungry?
• Are the clothes making them uncomfortable?
• Are the shoes not comfortable?
• Are the trails too hard for them?

Somebody should address these questions beforehand to prevent an unpleasant experience during the hike. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable hiking. With that said, we don’t want you to go away without getting a whole pack of information on what should be the best hiking gear to bring and what suits your kids.

Stop listening to others that you can wear anything you like when hiking. That’s absurd. Picking the proper boots makes a difference and can go a long way. The shoes for your kids should be durable, adjustable, and waterproof as much as possible. Why? Because the trail might be a river, a muddy or rocky road, or maybe the rain pours along the way, and the paths get slippery. You can’t afford to see your child throwing tantrums because they slipped away.

Review Of Best Hiking Accessories / Gear For Kids

Best Hiking Gear For Kids	Suitable For
MERRELL Kids’ Chameleon 7 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot For Girls	Suitable for girls 8-12 years old. Waterproof and lightweight.
MERRELL Kids’ Chameleon 7 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot	Suitable for boys 8-12 years old. Waterproof and lightweight.
Kelty Journey Perfect fit Child Carrier	With a limit of 40lbs max for child
Carter’s Little Boys’ Fleece Lined Jacket (Toddler/Kid)	Suitable for toddlers until seven years old.
Columbia Girls’ Switchback Ii Jacket	Suitable for toddlers with sizes Small to X-Large.
Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Water Resistant Sunscreen Stick, Kids Sunscreen for Face and Body, SPF 70	Made for active kids with SPF 70
Nature Valley Granola Bars Variety Pack, 8.94 oz, 12 ct	Perfect for the family. 100% whole grain oats with no artificial flavors

The table above shows the recommended things to bring during the hiking. Now you have the idea of what items you might want to buy to prepare before the hiking with the family, let’s discuss and get to know each item and see if it suits your preferences.

First off, we know how important it is to choose the proper hiking boots for kids. You can’t afford to see your children struggling to walk because the shoes are not appropriate for the activity and not durable enough to keep their feet dry when the road is slippery or muddy because of the weather and cannot provide ankle support.

Remember this; if the traction of their previous footwear isn’t what it used to be because the tread and lugs are worn down, then it’s not durable enough to give the protection they deserve when they’re in tricky terrain, and its time to choose another one.

Merrell Kids Hiking Boots For Girls

Suitable For: Girls (4-12 years old)

Package Dimension: 10.16 x 7.56 x 4.21 inches

Available Colors: Berry, Grey/Blue, Gunsmoke/Ora

Best For: Long walks, Slippery and muddy roads.

Product Overview: MERRELL Kids’ Chameleon 7 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is perfect for your little girl. The ankle is covered and protected since the shaft measures approximately about 4” around. In addition, the waterproof construction for keeping toes dry and a ground-grabbing outsole for traction. It even has an easy alternative closure!

Pros:

• Waterproof
• It prevents water from penetrating the inside
• Lightweight and comfortable

Cons:

• Only suited for girls with age 4-8 years old
• True to size. Order usual size
• Fit for any season, except winter

Do you think these hiking boots are suitable for your kids? Click HERE for more details.

MERRELL Kids’ Chameleon 7 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Suitable For: Boys (4-12 years old)

Package Dimension: 10.16 x 7.56 x 4.21 inches

Available Colors: Berry, Grey/Blue, Gunsmoke/Ora

Best For: Long walks, Slippery and muddy roads.

Product Overview: MERRELL Kids’ Chameleon 7 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is perfect for rugged trails and very well built intended for boy’s feet. Though sometimes this boot gets soaked and submerged, it dries pretty quickly. Plus, this hiking boot has blue accents that show up well at night.

Pros:

• Waterproof
• It prevents water from penetrating the inside
• Dries pretty quick

Cons:

• Only suited for boys 4-12 years old
•  Not suitable to be used for school. The boot’s grip holds pretty hard that it might impair the kid’s ability to play freely.
• Fit for any season, except winter

Do you think these hiking boots are suitable for your kids? Click HERE for more details.

Hiking with a  toddler will take some patience, but it’s a great way to let your Toddler see new things around. But to set things right, investing in a good child carrier is handy for successful long-distance hikes. Moreover, the child carrier should be able to keep your Toddler warm and stand up on their own so you can take off the child carrier from your back while your child is sleeping and give your back a rest.

Kelty Journey Perfect fit Child Hiking Carrier Bag

Weight: 6 lbs 6 oz / 2.99 kg

Package Dimension: 28 x 15.5 x 22 in / 71 x 39 x 56 cm

Maximum Weight Load (Child + Gear + Pack): 48.5 lbs  / 22 kg

Best For: Camping, Hiking, Daily Use

Product Overview: Kelty Journey Perfect fit Child Carrier is adjustable for different heights. It is lightweight, and the torso range is 15.5 – 21, making it more perfect when hiking with a baby. It has easy access stretch mesh pockets for those less arduous adventures, and it has internal straps that are adjustable for children and pack stability as well. Using this child carrier, your Toddler is secure and well taken care of with the help of durable straps.

Pros:

• Perfect for camping, hiking, and daily use
• Easy, accurate, on-body adjustment
• Stretch mesh hipbelt pocket and cockpit

Cons:

• Sunshade sold separately
• Weight should not exceed 48lbs
• Not suitable for tall Toddler

Do you think this child carrier is perfect for your Toddler? Click HERE for more details.

Kids hiking clothes are probably one of the most important things to get before the hike. Parents should choose the clothes according to their kids’ preferences and be appropriate for the weather. Please note that the goal is to keep the kids comfortable to focus on hiking rather than what they’re wearing.

It is evident that wearing lighter colors during the hike absorbs less heat and keeps you cooler on hot days. So choose wisely.

Sizes: 2T-7 years old

Carter’s Little Boys’ Fleece Lined Jacket (Toddler/Kid)

Package Dimension: 12.3 x 11.3 x 2.9 inches

Best For: Camping, Hiking, Winter Jacket

Product Overview: If you’re wondering what is 2T, 2 stands for two years old while T stands for Toddler. The Carter’s Little Boys’ Fleece Lined Jacket (Toddler/Kid) is durable and excellent, can be used as another layer during the winter, and is rainproof. In addition, it comes with a variety of light colors that you can choose that fit them well.

Pros:

• Light colors to absorb less heat
• Perfect for any season
• Rainproof

Cons:

• Only for boys
• True to size. Not adjustable
• The fleece is not removable

Do you think that this jacket is perfect for your Toddler? Click HERE for more details.

Columbia Girls’ Switchback Ii Jacket

Sizes: 2T-4T Small to X-Large

Package Dimension:  11.65 x 7.24 x 1.34 inches

Best For: Camping, Hiking, Winter Jacket

Product Overview: Columbia Girls’ Switchback Ii Jacket is perfect for little girls who like to play in the rain. The jacket features a hooded waterproof raincoat with elastic cuffs and a drop tail designed to keep your child cozy and dry. The jacket is made from 100% polyester, lightweight, and comfortable to use. It also has elastic cuffs and a drop tail to keep the wet and cold out, a full-zip front, two hand pockets, and reflective accents.

Pros:

• Light colors to absorb less heat
• Perfect for any season
• Rainproof

Cons:

• Check the product’s sizing features before getting one
• The sleeve might be too long for others
• The water-resistant layer is thin

Do you think that this jacket is perfect for your Toddler? Click HERE for more details.

Apart from the hiking clothes, boots, and child carrier, it is essential too to bring protection for your skin. Intense exposure to the sun can cause sunburns and worsen when you do nothing about it. Fortunately, there are some ways to take the edge off of sun exposure. One of the ways is to apply sunblock. It is essential to use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher before hiking to achieve UV protection.

Use products that provide sunscreen for the face and body and are water-resistant if possible. All skin types can be negatively affected by UV rays and lotion with SPF that protects your skin.

 Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Water Resistant Sunscreen Stick, Kids Sunscreen for Face and Body, SPF 70

Weight: 1.44 Ounces

Product Dimension: SPF 70 UVA/UVB Sun Protection

Best For: Summer hiking, Active kids, Daily Use

Product Overview: Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Water Resistant Sunscreen is one of the lotions with high SPF. It helps to keep kids protected against sun damage at the beach, pool, or anywhere. It is the #1 dermatologist suncare recommended for kids and adults. Non-greasy sunscreen stick instantly cuts through the water, creating water-resistant protection with every application for up to 80 minutes.

Pros:

• Water-resistant
• Hypoallergenic
• Applies to wet or dry skin

Cons:

• Unscented
• Small in actual size
• Last only 80 minutes in wet skin

Do you think that this sunscreen is perfect for you and your kids? Click HERE for more details.

Who doesn’t love snacks? Everyone does. Snacks can keep you fueled, energized, and moving, no matter how hard the trail and far the destination is—eating a few snacks before the activity can make a huge difference. It lightens the mood, adds more strength, and protein to your muscle to keep you going.

Probably the most recommended snacks during the hiking family vacation are the ones that are rich in protein, carbohydrates while in calories. Your kids will burn a lot during the hike, and it’s essential to have a delicious and healthy snack.

Nature Valley Granola Bars Variety Pack, 8.94 oz, 12 ct

Protein: 4 Grams

Contains: 8.94 oz, 12 ct

Product Dimension: 1.81 x 6.37 x 5.62 inches

Best For: Hiking, Camping, Daily consumption

Product Overview: Nature Valley Granola Bars Variety Pack, 8.94 oz, 12 ct is made with 100% whole grain oats with no artificial flavor, artificial colors, or high fructose corn syrup. It is an on-the-go type of snack suitable for your kid’s consumption. In addition, it is a ready to made snack for the family and has three flavors to choose from.

Pros:

• 100% whole grain oats
• No artificial colors
• No artificial flavors

Cons:

• It might not be enough for the family
• Not suitable for people who have peanuts and almond allergies
• Not gluten-free

Do you think these granola bars are perfect for you and your kids? Click HERE for more details.

To Wrap This Up:

Time is your most significant friend and your worst enemy. Time will allow you to plan every single detail to make the hiking experience with your family safer and more enjoyable. Hiking is not just a simple pastime but an experience that gives us good things. It keeps us healthier since it reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. It is also a perfect time to let your kids see a different nature from a different perspective. Through hiking, nature will teach your kids to take care, appreciate, and not abuse them.

On the other hand, you can never ask to get back the wasted time so you can correct everything. Hiking is not an easy adventure, but you get to enjoy it to the fullest with your family if you prepare the things needed to avoid an unpleasant experience during the hike.

Take inspiration from the products that have been reviewed carefully from this article. We’ve narrowed it down from kid’s hiking shoes or boots to protect the feet of your children from blisters and any unwanted pain, kid’s carrier if you’re hiking with a toddler, waterproof jackets for boys and girls to keep them dry, sunscreen lotion to protect them from the scorching heat of the sun, and the perfect snacks to keep them going.

Feel free to share your thoughts if you have so others would know your own ideas and suggestions.