Backpacking with kids might seem daunting at first. Or maybe even a little bit like torture. Its easy to imagine that backpacking with kids will mean kids complaining the whole way about the weight of the backpack, the length of the trail, the lack of screens at the campsite, and sleeping conditions. But, with the right planning and attitude, venturing into nature with your little ones can be a rewarding and memorable experience. Many kids find it exciting to carry everything you need on your back and ‘survive’ in the wilderness, and love the novelty of sleeping in a tent in a new location. Plus, it’s a chance to unplug, explore new places, and strengthen family bonds while instilling a sense of adventure in your children. With the right approach, backpacking doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can actually be an enjoyable and surprisingly smooth experience.
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One well-kept secret on backpacking- once you figure out how to do it, it’s actually way easier (requires less packing and planning) than regular car camping or travelling to a resort or hotel. And while we can appreciate that backpacking isn’t for everyone, it can be easier and more enjoyable than you might expect.
Backpacking with kids may feel a little different from backpacking with only adults. Hikes are to be enjoyed for the journey, not just the destination. Pace may be slower, and distances may be shorter. But if you are dreaming of getting out beyond the campground with your kids, we can help you plan a backpacking trip that’s fun and stress-free!
Want to learn more about unplugging on vacation? Read here.
Planning your destination
The first big question when planning a backpacking trip with kids- where to go! For kids first time backpacking, we recommend a short trail- just a couple of miles (or even less!) each way without major elevation gain.
Finding trails suitable for kids isn’t always super simple because many backpacking trail recommendations are 10+ miles- simply too long for most kids especially when carrying a backpack. But there are plenty of resources out there. In Washington State, we have the wonderful Washington Trails Association, where you can put in your search criteria- trail features, if you can camp, trail length and elevation gain- to find the perfect hike for you. Alltrails, available across the US, also allows you to enter your search criteria and find a great trail.
Here in Western Washington, we have a ton of great short and easy backpacking trails. Our favorites are Third Beach in Olympic National Park (because you can camp on the beach!) and Chain Lakes Loop in Mount Baker Wilderness (because the area is stunningly beautiful with glaciers and flowers and so many things to explore).
Once you’ve picked out a trail or two, make sure you understand the permitting and/or reservation process for the site. This part is important! Some will require backcountry permits, some can be reserved ahead of time. Some areas allow you to only camp in established sites, and they are on a first come basis. Some allow you to camp anywhere. Some backpacking permits are tough to get, and others are super easy. Some will require a bear cannister. You certainly don’t want to hike a couple miles in with your kids and realize you won’t actually be able to camp, and just have to hike back out. Getting the permit process correct is SUPER important.
Gear
One complaint about backpacking, or camping in general, is that it seems like you have to buy a LOT of gear to even try it out. And while that’s partially true, you do have some options! REI offers rental gear, even for kids, at some of their locations! Or you may find another local outdoors shop that rents gear as well. It can be a really great option for just dipping your toe in backpacking without spending a ton of money.
On the flip side, it is nice to get your own gear, that perfectly fits you and your preferences. And the good news is there are some great, high quality gear for kids that’s fairly easy on the wallet. And, like many kids (and outdoors) items, you can easily resell it when you are done with it!
One great thing about backpacking- its minimalist. So that means you really don’t need a ton of gear! Just:
- A backpack
- A sleeping bag
- A sleeping pad
- tent (one per family)
- a way to cook (one per family)
- a way to sterilize water (one per family)
Backpack
When buying a backpack for kids or adults, remember that fit is king. Make sure you get a backpack that really works for your body shape. One important thing to keep in mind- kids shouldn’t carry more than about 10% of their body weight- even less for young children- check out this article for more on how much kids can carry. So resist the temptation to go as big as possible! Keep the back size (and weight) as low as possible.
For younger kids, day packs are all you’ll need. Older kids will begin to carry their own sleeping bag and pad and may need an overnight pack. Even if you are dreaming of weeklong family backpacking trips, stick with the smaller pack at first.
For younger kids, we love the Osprey Daylite Jr because its comfortable to wear and has all the great hiking features you’d find in an adult backpack- a sleeve for a water reservoir, mesh back panel, stretchy side pockets, and a chest clip.
Want to read more about toddler and kids backpacks, check out this article.
For kids, we love the REI Tarn 40 because its budget friendly, the right size for younger children, and has nicely padded shoulder straps to help kids adjust to carrying weight, tons of pockets and straps to fit everything, and an adjustable back panel so the pack can grow with your child. This is the backpack we have for our kids!
Another great, but slightly more expensive option is the Osprey Ace. It comes in 3 sizes- 38, 50, and 75 depending on age and experience/required capacity. Osprey backpacks are top tier with super comfortable heat-moldable hip straps, well designed pockets and straps to make packing easy, packed cooling shoulder straps, easy to adjust straps, and an adjustable back panel.
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bags are another item that you, unfortunately, can’t really just buy an adult size and allow your kids to grow into them. They work best, and keep you the warmest, when they are sized correctly. Extra space means extra air to warm up, and can make a big difference in how warm you feel.
Another unfortunate truth- sleeping bag temperature ratings are not universal. One brand’s 25°F bag may actually sleep warmer than another brands 10°F. And in my opinion, all temperature claims are lower than the temperatures in which they actually feel comfortable. In other words, I wouldn’t use a 25°F bag if low temperatures are below mid-low 40s.
The Big Agnes Torchlight Youth 20° is a great sleeping bag! Its good for kids up to 5’4″. However, it is adjustable width and lengthwise so the bag will grow with your kid, and can be used for years! It weighs 3 lbs, and is comfortable and warm. It also has a sleeve to attach the bag to a sleeping pad and prevent kids from slipping off the pad.
The Kelty Kids Mistral 30 is a great, budget friendly option. Its good for kids up to 5′ tall and feels soft and plush. It has a roomy fit, which might mean that smaller kids would be warm enough. But for kids that feel constricted in a typical mummy bag, it does give a bit of extra space.
Sleeping Pad
Kids can sleep anywhere, so they don’t even need a sleeping pad, right? Unfortunately no. In addition to making your sleep more comfortable, sleeping pads also provide insulation from the ground. Without that insulation, you might be surprised just how cold you and your kids will get in the night.
Luckily there are some great sleeping pads out there for kids. Or skip the kids pad and use an adult pad- as long as the pad fits in your backpack and in your tent (and is designed for your comfort and insulation needs), it’ll work perfectly!
We love the REI Kindercamp– it’s well insulated with an R value of 4.5 and comfortable to sleep on. At 1lb 13oz, it isn’t SUPER light, but its light enough that kids can easily carry it. It rolls up small and self inflates- great pad for the price!
The Big Agnes Divide Insulated Sleeping pad is ultra plush- 3.5″ thick! It is well insulated, R value of 4, and suitable for most weather, and weighs in at only 1lb 7oz (depending on which size you get). Big Agnes sleeping pads are our favorite because they are so comfy but also so small and light!
A Tent
In the past, 3 or 4 person backpacking tents were virtually nonexistent. Over the years, more and more have popped up. Even still, a family tent is still a little difficult to find and likely to be a major investment.
When choosing a tent, just like when choosing anything on your backpacking list, weight is important. But if you are going to be sleeping in a tent with 2 or 3 other people, you also need to make sure you are comfortable enough to .. you know.. sleep! Also, a backpacking tent can be quite an investment, so make sure you find one that will last awhile.
Big Agnes makes tons of great backpacking gear- feather light but still so comfortable and functional. Their tents may be their best products, and the prices do reflect that. The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4 Tent is probably the top 4 person backpacking tent out there. It weighs in at 5lb 11oz total (minimum trail weight of 5lb 4oz) and has 57ft2 of floor space- large enough for 4 to sleep comfortably, plus 2 doors and 2 huge vestibules for extra storage space. Their ultralight nylon double ripstop mixed denier fabric is super durable, and the tent is quick and easy to set up.
If you are looking to spend a little less, the Big Agnes Blacktail 4 person tent is a great deal! Its total weight is 7lb 13oz (minimum trail weight 7lb 5oz), so a bit heavier than the Copper Spur. But for less than half the price, we can handle the extra 2 lbs! It has a spacious (at least for backpacking) 60ft2 of floor space, 2 doors and 2 vestibules, adequate ventilation and storage pockets, and its quick and easy to set up.
Weather
When backpacking with kids, one of the most crucial aspects to consider is the weather. Weather can greatly impact your plans, packing list, comfort, and even safety on the trail. Make sure you are watching the forecast for your camping destination. Also, be aware of what type of weather concerns there are in that area and time of year. Do temperatures sometimes drop below freezing? Is rain common? Can you expect wind?
With preparation, backpacking can be fun in all kinds of weather. But it’s so important that you bring the right gear and have a backup plan just in case the weather is too much. This means packing for potential rain, temperature changes, and even unexpected weather events. Layering is key—opt for moisture-wicking base layers, insulated mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers to keep kids warm and dry.
Packing List
Packing your pack when backpacking with kids may look a little different than backpacking with adults. First, especially younger kids, can’t really carry their share of the load. So you, the adults, can expect to carry most or all of the necessities. Secondly, kids might need just a few of the comfort items you might skip for just adults. If this is starting to sound pretty heavy, one thing to keep in mind is that you often won’t be hiking in as far when backpacking with kids. A heavy pack isn’t too big of a deal if you are only hiking in a couple of miles!
Necessities
Backpacking necessities are going to be basically the same when backpacking with kids as it would be with just adults.
- Sturdy hiking boots or shoes for kids and adults
- Backpacks
- Sleeping setup for everyone, including tent, pads, and sleeping bags. Pillows are optional but nice to have.
- Food
- A camp stove and fuel
- Eating utensils
- Water treatment and any accessories required for your water treatment system
- Water containers for each person
- First aid kit
- Bear Canister and/or paracord, or whatever is necessary for your area
- Headlamps or flashlights
- Extra clothes, including (at minimum) quick-dry pants/shorts, top, underwear, good quality socks, and warm layers, depending on weather. We love Iksplor Merino wool clothing for kids and adults for camping- its warm, breathable, moisture wicking- perfect!
- Fire starter, if campfires are allowed
- Toiletries- toothbrush and toothpaste, biodegradable soap, maybe a small towel
- Bathroom tools- small shovel, toilet paper or wipes, and a resealable bag
- Sunscreen, bug spray, lip balm
- Any prescriptions or required daily use items
- Knife or multi-tool might come in handy
Optional Extras for Families
When backpacking with kids, consider that accidents do happen. So you’ll want to make sure that when they do, it isn’t catastrophic for your trip. You won’t want to go crazy and end up with an 80 lb pack, but a few extras can really help things go smoothly on your camping trip.
- Extra pair of lightweight shoes (Crocs or flip flips). I like bringing these for myself as well- sometimes those hiking boots hurt at the end of the day, and its pretty nice to have something different to slip on and off around the camp.
- More than one set of extra clothing. Kids get dirty and wet. And while wearing less-than- pristine clothing is part of the backpacking experience, you will want to make sure your kids have something dry to wear to bed or for chilly evenings. Quick dry clothing works best just in case things do get wet.
- A book, cards, or a small game. My kids are great about keeping themselves entertained outside. But it is nice to have a little something to do in downtime.
- PLENTY of food. Lets face is- dehydrated food isn’t the BEST, and the description often sounds better than the final product looks. Make sure you have plenty of options- dehydrated or just easy to pack snacks like bars, nuts, seeds, jerky, dried fruit, crackers (and maybe a even a treat or two)- so your kids can find something to eat.
- Camp dishes. When its just the adults, we will often skip the dishes and just bring a spoon and eat dehydrated food out of the bag. When camping with kids, I think its worth bringing a dish or two, to make meals just a little bit easier
- Baby wipes for easy clean up
- A small, special toy or stuffed animal. Especially for younger kids, a comfort item from home can help them feel at ease.
What to know while backpacking with kids
So you’ve made it to the day- you are geared up, packed up, and ready to hit the trail with your kids. This is the fun part! But there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to make sure your trip goes smoothly with minimal whining!
First, remember that wearing a backpack is an adjustment. The extra weight really tires a person out, and slows kids down. Even if you are a family that hikes a lot, carrying that extra weight usually means a slower pace and more frequent breaks.
Secondly, remember that for most kids, hiking is about the journey, not (just) the destination. Make the journey fun by playing games, singing songs, or just generally being silly. My family loves looking for bigfoot clues, or being wilderness explorers finding new species. And even though I’d like to keep things moving, sometimes it’s better to just take 20 minutes, take off the packs, and play along the trail.
Lastly, make sure you are taking small injuries seriously. Kids aren’t always great at explaining, or even noticing, the little injuries. Make sure socks are always dry, and keep an eye out for limps or any other signs of discomfort. A blister or a twisted ankle can end up being a big problem later on- best to deal with it asap.
Backpacking with kids can be a super fun and exciting experience for the kids and parents. My kids and I look forward to our backpacking trips every year, and I hope you will as well!