Don’t buy into hype when it comes to getting the family outside.  While some specific gear is helpful, It does not cost a ton of money to have a great experience hiking with kids.  Highly technical, lightweight fabrics and gear made for deep in the back country are not a necessity for most of us.  If you’re hiking in reasonable conditions and wanting to create memories with your family, a bit of planning, and gear that you can use year round will keep everyone happy.  

What are the essentials? 

Food, water, something to carry them in and appropriate clothing are the essentials. 

1. Food 

Want to be miserable hiking? Then let your kids get hungry…or even worse, let them get hungry and try to feed them snacks they hate.

It’s easy to imagine that when you go hiking they’re going to turn into gorp loving hippies, but if they don’t like it at home they probably won’t like it on the trail.  

Just pack snacks that you know they love and that provide healthy energy!

2. Shoes

If it’s warm out, and especially if you’ll be near water, these hiking sandals are the best

Kids Hiking Sandals

In colder weather, try something with a bit more coverage.

Kids Hiking Shoe

3. Water

We’re working on a better way for to carry water for your whole family.  If you want updates as it develops, make sure to sign up with your email.

There’s nothing heavier within the realm of earth’s gravity than a bottle your kid doesn’t want to carry anymore… so make sure what you choose can fit in your pack and contains enough water for the climate and altitude. 

Screw Top Water Bottle

4. Backpack

Balancing size and weight for your backpack is key, so consider buying multiple sizes and returning the ones that don’t fit correctly.  This is one place where a slightly higher spend can pay off if it gets you a backpack that will remain comfortable over the miles.  I recommend about 30L with a waist strap to keep the weight off your shoulders. 

30L Hiking Pack

5. Layers

Fleece

The master of flexibility, fleece jackets cover all of your bases without taking up a ton of space.  

Columbia Kids Fleece

Winter Coat

If you’re hiking in the shoulder seasons make sure to plan for the temperature changes that come with elevation.  

Columbia Winter Coat

Sun Protection

Hooded sun shirts are a perfect layer for mountains, deserts, and beaches.

Hooded Sun Shirt

Don’t Be Afraid To Fail

Be willing to say, “I’ll know better next time”.  As long as you have the essentials covered and know basic safety for where you’re hiking, you’ll be fine.  As your family comes to love hiking more, the investment will seem more meaningful and you’ll know more about what gear you like.

Get The Family Outside