Must-Have Hiking Gear for Families: Essential Equipment for Family Adventures
Hiking with kids is a magical way to explore the outdoors, encourage curiosity, and make lifelong memories. But let’s be real—without the right gear, your peaceful nature walk can quickly turn into a stressful struggle. Whether you’re planning a short hike or a full-day outdoor adventure, the key to a smooth experience is preparation.
In this guide, we’ll share the best hiking gear for kids, including trail-tested essentials like supportive child carriers, kid-friendly hiking shoes, hydration tools, and more. These must-have items are perfect for parents who want to hike with children safely, comfortably, and joyfully.
1. Comfortable Baby Carrier Backpack for Long Hikes
Recommended Product:
👉 Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier and Backpack for Travel & Hiking with Toddlers
If you’re hiking with a toddler or baby, a high-quality hiking carrier is non-negotiable. The Deuter Baby Backpack Carrier offers everything a hiking family needs: comfort, safety, and durability. The padded straps and hip belt reduce pressure on your back while keeping your child secure and cozy.
Highlights:
- Adjustable seat and foot stirrups for ergonomic support
- You can buy an addon shade
- Spacious storage compartments for diapers, snacks, and wipes
- The stand when you set it down is a life saver
This carrier is perfect for hiking trails where strollers can’t go and ensures your little one stays close, safe, and happy on the journey. The pack we used for years isn’t available anymore (because it’s probably 15 years old, maybe only 10, but I still have it and it works great), but this is the same brand. Click here to buy one!
2. Insulated Water Bottle with Straw – Hydration Made Easy
Recommended Product:
👉 24 oz Insulated Water Bottle with Straw
Keeping your child hydrated is crucial, especially on warm-weather hikes. The ERTOOE Insulated Water Bottle keeps drinks cold for hours and comes with a built-in flip straw that’s easy for kids to use on their own.
Why it’s great for families:
- 24oz capacity for fewer refills
- Spill-proof lid and straw
- BPA-free and made from stainless steel
This is one of the best water bottles for hiking with kids—durable, colorful, and practical for even the pickiest drinkers. This is the one we use for our kids. Buy one here!
3. Durable Kids’ Hiking Shoes for All Terrains
Recommended Product:
👉 Merrell Unisex-Child Trail Chaser Hiking Shoe
A solid pair of hiking shoes can make all the difference in how far your child can go without complaints. The Merrell Trail Chaser shoes are lightweight, supportive, and built to handle rocky trails, muddy paths, and everything in between.
Features:
- Rugged sole with strong traction
- Breathable mesh upper
- Velcro strap for easy on/off
Perfect for kids who love to explore and parents who need reliable footwear. One of our kids wore through shoes like they were made of silk; the only brand that stopped that was Merrell. Once we discovered Merrell shoes, we bought them for him for everything, but for hiking, all of our children loved them! No blisters, please. Click here to buy it.
4. Insulated water bottles
Recommended Product:
👉 YETI Rambler 26 oz
This is the one the adults get, yep I get the kids the cheap stuff and I get the nice stuff! Housing 26 ounces of thirst quenching power and made to fit in your backpack, this one’s been dubbed the goldilocks of the YETI Bottle line. And with the leak-resistant YETI Straw Cap, you’ve got a bottle made for every day, easy sippin’.
Perks:
- 26 Oz
- Straw leak proof lid
A fun and functional tool that adds excitement to the hike. Click here to buy one!
5. Hiking Fanny Pack for Snacks & Treasures
Recommended Product:
👉 Viscne Outdoor Fanny Pack Hiking
VISCNE fanny pack can be used for traveling, hiking, outdoor&sports. perfect for carrying your water bottle, food, mobile phones, small first aid kit. high-quality breathable mesh lumbar padding makes you comfort against your waist, 2 extra shoulders straps, 3 ways to carry (hip back style, using the shoulder strap, using the backpack straps).
Why it’s a win:
- Multi-functional, large bearing capacity, strong and durable.
- Dual water bottle holders, three exterior front zipper pockets, two exterior side zipper pockets to keep your stuff separate and organized.
- Waist strap can adjust range 28 to 50 Inch.
For the best hiking experience with kids, good gear makes a difference. I’ve used this for years. Whether the kids come or not, this fanny makes the hike with me. Hiking without back sweating makes me happy. It carries drinks and snacks. My little ones will walk by and pull out their drink without me even stopping. It is just convenient! Buy one here!
6. Weather-Appropriate Clothing & Sun Protection
What your kids wear on the trail matters more than you might think. Dress them in layers so you can adjust easily to changing weather conditions.
Essentials include:
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece jacket or vest
- Lightweight, waterproof rain jacket
- Wide-brim hat and sunglasses
- Kid-safe sunscreen and insect repellent
Comfortable, dry, and protected kids = fewer complaints and longer hikes!
7. Child-Sized Backpack for Older Kids
Older kids love carrying their own gear. A small, well-fitted daypack with chest and waist straps ensures a good fit and avoids back strain.
What to pack:
- Refillable water bottle
- Healthy snacks (they think they want junk, but it doesn’t last long, and they won’t feel great for long hikes)
- Binoculars or a magnifying glass
- Trail map or scavenger hunt checklist
Tip: Keep it lightweight and fun. Let them personalize their pack with patches or pins from different hikes.
8. First Aid Kit and Trail Safety Gear
Always bring a small first aid kit with:
- Adhesive bandages
- Antiseptic wipes
- Tweezers
- Any medications your child may need
Also smart:
- Emergency whistle for each child
- ID wristbands for younger kids
- Flashlight or headlamp for late hikes
Knowing you’re prepared gives peace of mind and teaches kids about safety and responsibility on the trail. Click here to buy the first aid kit we carry!
Final Thoughts: Build a Family Hiking Kit That Grows With You
Whether you’re new to hiking with kids or looking to upgrade your current gear, the right tools can make a huge difference in your family’s outdoor experience. With these kid-approved hiking essentials, you’ll be well-equipped for adventure—and maybe even a few spontaneous detours.
By investing in high-quality, kid-friendly gear, you’re setting the foundation for years of happy trails and unforgettable memories.
Ready to hit the trail? Grab these family hiking must-haves and start exploring!
Have questions or need help customizing your hiking checklist? Drop a comment or reach out—we love helping families roam and grow together!
