Never forget these 6 things when packing your kids hiking backpack

We love hiking! I and my daughter have hiked through the Alps, the Himalayas, and the Andes and have had some of our best moments together on the trail. Over the years we have developed many strategies to make hiking with kids more enjoyable for us. One of the things that were a total game-changer was when she was able to carry her own kids’ hiking backpack though. It gave her independence, agency, and a feeling of being an important part of the operation – and since then she loves hiking even more. So in today’s article, we thought it would be a good idea to talk about kids hiking backpacks and what to put into them.

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Kids hiking backpack – which model is the best?

There are plenty of kids hiking backpack models on the market, and the best thing when choosing one is to try it. Kids should not carry heavy backpacks, so a hiking backpack for kids does not have to be fitted as perfectly as an adult’s backpack, but it should still be a fit.

Also, kids need to like it! My daughters’ backpack is grass-green, and she chose that one herself. I am sure she would not carry a pink one, as she simply does not like that color. Choosing together and accommodating the aesthetic requirements of your kid is key to finding a great kids hiking backpack.

I would also recommend getting a small one, as the bigger ones tempt kids to pack them – and then they tend to be too heavy. Of course, there are differences depending on the kinds of hikes you want to take and the age of your children, but make sure that they will not try to carry too much.

We personally love Deuter backpacks. My daughter had a tiny one when she was smaller and has a bigger one now which she still loves. My daypack for hikes is also a Deuter one, and I have had it for more than 20 years. But in the end, you have to find a model which is a good fit for your child and which they like!

This model is great for kids from 2 years.

This model is great for kids from 3 years.

This one is great for older kids from 5 years

What to pack in your kids’ hiking backpack?

So now let’s talk about what to pack for a hiking trip. This depends of course on the age of the kids and the trip you are taking. If you are going on a cross-country hike and your kids are older, they might have to pitch in and carry part of the gear, but if you are hiking with a toddler, you should not have them carry any essentials.

Also, if you get a hiking backpack for toddlers, always be prepared to carry it yourself – they might get too tired halfway through your hike. When my daughter was little, I always had a pack strap with me, so I could strap her kids’ hiking backpack to mine in case she needed help.

For me, the things my daughter carries fall into two categories:

• Things she needs to stay safe
• Things she needs to keep herself entertained

Sometimes we get separated on the trek, especially if we are hiking in a bigger group. She might stroll off with someone and be at the front of the group, while I hang back. It is such a relief for me to know that she now has her jacket, water, and some food with her, so even if it starts raining or gets colder, I don’t have to rush and find her.

At the same time, she has things with her that can keep her entertained when she gets to the lodge first – and even better, I don’t have to lug around the weight of her toys anymore. Once she had to start carrying her own toys, the discussion about how many pieces to bring got much shorter.

So for us, these are the six things we always pack into my daughters` kids hiking backpack:

Pack a bottle of water in your kids hiking backpack

One of the most important things on the packing list for my kids’ hiking backpack is a bottle of water. Staying hydrated is so important when hiking, specifically for kids. Unfortunately, they get distracted from it so quickly that sometimes the way to a parent is already too long. When they have their own water bottle in their backpack, chances are much higher that they will take a sip every now and then. I have a deal with my daughter that her bottle has to be empty when we get to camp, so I know that she consumed enough water.

We prefer water bottles that also look pretty and have a carabiner, so we can also use them for other outdoor activities like canoeing.

A wind- and waterproof jacket

When hiking, particularly in the mountains, the weather can change quickly. Sometimes it’s just the wind, but once kids get chilly, it can be difficult to warm up again. If they have a jacket in their own hiking backpack, they have much quicker access to it and can wear it whenever they need to.

We love Jack Wolfskin for our outdoor gear, and they have amazing and light kids’ jackets.

Binoculars should not be missing in your kids hiking backpack

Binoculars are a great gadget to take on a hike with kids. They can stop along the way to take a closer look at that weird rock on the other side of the valley, watch birds and other wildlife along the way and observe their surroundings. One of our favorite moments while hiking was the cute fistfight between two groundhogs that we saw clearly through our binoculars – my daughter still talks about it.

This is a model we like as it is relatively light, resistant to splash water, and has protection from falls.

Pack snacks when hiking with kids

Kids always eat a lot, but they eat even more when outside. And being hungry is such a catalyst for being cranky, so it should be avoided at all costs. When your kids have their snacks in their own hiking backpack, they will always have access and will not bother you on the way. A win-win for everybody involved.

A journal

In her kids’ hiking backpack, my daughter always carries a journal. Sometimes when we get back, she has written about the animals on the trail in it, sometimes she has drawn something, and sometimes she only doodles or even solves math problems. But this helps her develop the habit of noting things down and gives her something to do when she is bored – and sometimes it inspires her to make amazing drawings of things she saw on the way.

Let your kids chose one toy to pack in their kids hiking backpack

My daughter always wanted to pack many toys when going hiking, especially when we went for multiple days. But since she carries her own backpack on our hikes as a family, she chooses one toy only, as anything else would be too heavy. But because it is her own choice, she is fine with that and finds different ways to play with that toy over and over. Some of the favorites are barbies and plastic animals – but I am sure as she grows, this will also change.

Related: 10 great gift ideas for outdoorsy kids

What are your essentials on your packing list for your kids’ hiking backpack? Do you have anything to add? I would love to hear how you pack your kids’ backpacks!