by Karen Ung – Backpacking with kids is the perfect way to share your admiration of the great outdoors with the people you love most. While hauling everything on your back may seem daunting at first, just a bit of practice and these expert tips, will have you planning a family backpacking trip over a family car camping trip every time. The stars shine brighter in the backcountry, your kids cuddle a little closer, and you never miss a sunset.
What’s the secret to fun when backpacking with kids? Planning ahead, camping gear organization, and bringing all the right gear – that includes your sense of adventure. For first-time campers, this may seem a bit overwhelming, but just remember all of these family camping tips and tricks, and you’ll be camping like a pro in no time. Or maybe even bike camping!
When to Go Backpacking with Kids
The best time to start backpacking with kids is when your family is ready. My parents took me on my first family backpacking trip at just six weeks old. While my husband and I had planned to do the same, our little one had other plans that didn’t involve sleeping in the backcountry, or sleeping at all for that matter! Within a year, another baby was on the way, so we decided to wait until the kids were big enough to transport themselves rather than carry gear for four while wrangling two kids under two.
Waiting until the girls were old enough to hike to camp unassisted meant we could go a little further and stay a little longer. Now that they’re five and seven, they can even carry some of their own gear. If you want to do a family backpacking trip sooner and don’t mind carrying your kids, go for it. Just be sure that your babies can sleep through the night in a tent. Your fellow campers will appreciate it.
Pro Tip: If kids wear their own backpack, make sure it does not exceed 10-15% of their body weight.
[Photo courtesy Karen Ung, PlayOutsideGuide.com]
What To Bring When Backpacking with Kids
For your hiking comfort, get the lightest backpacks, camp pillows, tent, and sleeping bags you can afford, to aid in reducing your pack weight. In addition to the three family backpacking tent suggestions below, check out our list of the best family camping tents under $100 for some great backpacking tent recommendations. The truth is there are a lot money saving tips and tricks to make family camping more affordable.
You’ll also need a large family backcountry camping backpack that fits you well when loaded. The lighter your backpack, the more you’ll enjoy hiking, which makes a world of difference when backpacking with kids. We’ve done the research to help you narrow this list down to the very best of the best and they include:
DESIGNED FOR COMFORT – Adjustable S-shaped Soft-Edge shoulder straps are ergonomically designed to relieve neck strain; Chest strap helps kids manage load; Perfect for kids 5 and up
ADDITIONAL FEATURES – Name label on the inside prevents playground mixups; 3M reflector for visibility; Kid-friendly buckles for little hands and easy-to-use compression straps in contrasting colors
SPECIFICATIONS – Constructed from lightweight, durable Polytex and Microrip Nylon; Waterproof PU coating; Weight: 15 oz (0.4kg). Volume: 18 L. Dimensions: 17 x 9.4 x 7.5 in.
DESIGNED FOR COMFORT – Soft hip fins are compact, delivering a reliable fit and good load transfer; S-shaped Soft-Edge shoulder straps relieve neck strain; Chest strap features an emergency whistle; 10-17 in torso length
ALPINE BACK SYSTEM – Deuter’s Alpine back system pairs comfort and ventilation with exceptional balance and control; Focused on a compact, secure fit that lets backpackers tackle tough terrain with confidence, the anatomical design of the Alpine system follows the wearer’s movements and maintains loads close to their center of gravity; Channel between 2 flexible softstripe back pads allows greater airflow
SPECIFICATIONS – Constructed from lightweight, durable Ripstop 210 and Microrip Nylon; Waterproof PU coating; Weight: 1lb 7oz (0.7kg). Volume: 22 L. Load Capacity: 18lb (8kg). Dimensions: 20 x 11 x 8 in.
FULLY ADJUSTABLE – Equipped with VariQuick back length adjustment technology, the Fox grows along with your child; Compression straps regulate backpack volume; Hipbelt easily tightens and adjusts using the pull-forward system; Chest strap features an emergency whistle
ADDITIONAL FEATURES – Ice axe and hiking pole attachment; Gear loops on hip belt and attachment loops on the lid; Fastening option for material with daisy chain; Access to the main compartment via the bottom opening; Comfortable S-shaped Soft-Edge shoulder straps; Compatible with 2- and 3-liter hydration systems
SPECIFICATIONS – Constructed from lightweight, durable Ballistic Polyamide and Super-Polytex; Waterproof PU coating; Weight: 2lb 7oz (1.1kg). Volume: 30 L. Load Capacity: 22lb (10kg). Dimensions: 22 x 11 x 8 in.
You can start building your backpacking kit with a light, but sturdy 3-4 person backpacking tent with full rainfly and footprint. The top 3 family-sized, ultralight backpacking tents are:
EXCEPTIONAL TENT, AFFORDABLE PRICE: Easy one person set up; Built to last; Pitched size 98x83x59 inches (249x211x150 cm); Trail weight 7.8 pounds (3.5 kg); Pack weight 9.5 pounds (4.3 kg)
ROOM WITH A VIEW: Full screen tent made with soft, durable micro mesh fabric–offers a beautiful view of your surroundings; Use the included rainfly in rain, snow, or high winds; Great ventilation with or without rainfly
INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Only 3 poles–easy one person set up; Rainfly has built in cut away vents so you don’t get condensation build up like other tents; Lightweight, packs down tight, portable
HIGH-QUALITY TENT: Durable Oxford footprint protects your tent floor; Extra-high waterproof bath tub floor is made of strong 150D Oxford canvas; Reinforced/heat taped seams and anchor points; Lightweight aluminum poles outlast carbon-fiber varieties
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY: TETON Sports’ AMAZING customer service team is one YOU CAN COUNT ON to get your products taken care of and get you back OUTDOORS; #getoutdoors with TETON Sports
Keep in mind that most backcountry tent pads are 2.7m (8.8’) x 2.7m (8.8’). Down sleeping bags give you the most warmth for their weight and size, but if you are camping in mild climates, a synthetic bag will do. A backcountry campstove and nesting pots will also cut down on pack weight and bulk.
Once you have the essentials squared away, be sure to bring a few fun things for the kids. A favorite stuffed animal, binoculars, glow sticks, and deck of cards are great for after dark when kids need to stay close. We’ve played a lot of Go Fish on rainy days too!
Pro Tip: If there will be more than one adult, share carry weights more evenly by bringing two 2-person tent set ups. If you’re looking for a car camping family tent, check out this list of the 10 best under $100
When hiking the backcountry, not much is as important as staying hydrated. Plan family backpacking trips where a fresh water source is available to replenish your group’s drinking water, and make sure you decide how you will purify that water ahead of time.
Even the cleanest looking water can carry harmful organisms, bacteria, and viruses that will make outdoor adventure less-than fun if you or your child fall ill from them. Bring along several methods for treating water, and then bring a backup.
Pro Tip: Making clean water is a chore kids will love, so feel free to delegate.
No meal tastes better than when it’s cooked out in the wide open, over a fire started with your own two hands. Just because you’re backpacking with kids, out in the middle of nowhere, doesn’t mean you have to eat pork and beans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Unless of course you have a slight obsession with pork and beans, then by all means, don’t let us stop you. Pack these essentials and you’ll be eating like royalty after a long day on the trail.
Compact backcountry campstove (wood-burning stoves fuel lessen your fuel load)
Pro Tip: Store these items in a waterproof stuff sack or dry bag. Bring paracord and a large carabiner to hang cookware and food in a tree (at least 100 m from your tent) if bear lockers are unavailable.
Family Backpacking Meal Ideas
To save money, make your own dehydrated meals using instant rice, instant noodles, couscous, or instant mashed potatoes as a base. Miso ramen is easy to make with BBQ pork and/or sliced boiled egg, dehydrated veggies, instant miso soup, and instant noodles.
If you’re lucky enough to be at a backcountry campground with a fire pit, roast smokies or cook food in foil pouches (but bring a stove just in case there’s no firewood or the wood is soaked).
Most importantly, bring lots of snacks! Snacks provide motivation in addition to nourishment, especially when you’re 5. Let your kids help pack trail treats to ensure you get everyone’s favorites, then take half that amount because they will overdo it!
We love dried apple slices, Philippines dried mangoes, trail mix with coconut chips and m&m’s, gummy worms, beef jerky, homemade oatmeal raisin cookies, granola bars, and dark chocolate almonds.
We usually do instant oatmeal or bars for breakfast with dried fruit and hard boiled eggs (pre-boiled at home), sandwiches and carrot sticks/dried apple slices for lunch, and dehydrated meals for dinner. Cook-in-the-bag dehydrated meals keep fuel consumption and dishes to a minimum. Simply pour boiling water in the bag and wait! We like AlpineAir Forever Young Mac and Cheese, Mountain House Lasagna with meat sauce, and AlpineAir Black Bart Chili with Beef.
Starting a campfire in the backcountry varies on location, so make sure you check with local rangers to learn about the campfire regulations and prohibitions of the wilderness area you’ll be visiting. Preparing a fire-making kit ahead of time means you’ll be relaxing in front of a warm fire in no time. Here are the essentials.
Pro Tip: Vaseline-soaked cotton balls also work great as a fire starter.
[Photo courtesy Pakems]
Clothing to Pack For Backpacking with Kids
The clothes you pack will vary depending on when and where you’re going backpacking with kids. It is important to keep in mind that nighttime temperatures can dip drastically, so be sure to pack a warm jacket, beanie, gloves and thick socks.
Even an optimist should always be prepared for inclement weather on a backcountry trip, so bring your rain gear, and pack technical layers, like socks and underwear, that will dry quickly. You will also need a hat and sunglasses for the day.
Lightweight hut booties or camp shoes are worth their weight in gold, as there is nothing better than taking off those hiking boots after a long day of exploring, and slipping on clean, cozy slippers.
Pro tip: Do not sleep in the clothes you wore during the day for bear safety. Best practice is to keep dirty clothes (i.e. the outfit Junior spilled food all over) in a plastic bag in the bear locker at night. Clean clothes can stay in your tent in a waterproof stuff sack. Not only will this protect them from dew, but you’ll have a pillow!
General repair kit: zip ties, duct tape, extra backpack hip belt buckle
Spare batteries for headlamps, GPS, and camera
Optional: battery charger for cell phone
Family Backpacking Extras
We know, this family backpacking list may seem overwhelming. There may be items you won’t think are essential to your family and that’s absolutely okay. Let’s not loose sight of the number one goal of any family adventure; have fun. So with that in mind, here are a few fun, and utterly non-essential, extras you can include just for kicks.
Test your gear before you head into the backcountry. A little preparation goes a long way! Practice setting up your tent in the backyard so it won’t leak in a storm (hint: you have to peg the fly out properly!). Ensure you have the right fuel for your stove and that your stove works. Finally, check the batteries on your headlamp, GPS unit, and water purifier, and replace as needed (and pack spares!).
[Photo courtesy Karen Ung, PlayOutsideGuide.com]
Where to Go Backpacking With Kids
Your initial outing should be short and close to home. Start with walk-in camping, then do a short 1-2 night family backpacking trip. If your child can easily hike 3 km, plan to camp somewhere no more than 3 km from the car.
Family Backpacking Training
Backcountry users should take a wilderness first aid class so they can better care for someone in the event of an emergency. I also recommend educating yourself on the principles of Leave No Trace so you can minimize your effects on the environment. If you adventure in the mountains in the winter months, take an avalanche training course so you know how to identify and avoid avalanche terrain.
Embracing the Family Backpacking Journey
The best thing about backpacking with kids is that you can slow down and enjoy the journey. On our trip to The Point Backcountry Campground in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Alberta, the hike was only 3.4 km, so we stopped at two beaches along the way for snacks, splashing, and sandy fun. Before kids, I hiked right past the same beaches without stopping to get to a different campground further down the trail. Take the time to play! You won’t regret it.
[Photo courtesy Kerem Hanci Photography]
Bring Friends When You’re Backpacking with Kids
It’s no secret that kids have more fun with other kids, and it’s kind of cool to have other adults around to share stories and camp chores with (one watches the kids, one starts a fire, one filters water, one opens the wine). On our recent winter family backpacking trip, we went with two other families and the kids entertained each other for hours!
Backpacking is a rewarding experience I love sharing with my family. It allows us to be closer to nature longer, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. I love fishing at sunset, then watching the stars come out, and waking up to the call of loons on the lake. There’s something satisfying too, about being self sufficient and carrying everything on your back. Once you try it, you won’t want to camp any other way!
Karen Ung is married to her backpacking sweetheart and is a mother and lover of maps, mountains, and mochas. The mission of her blog, Play Outside Guide, is to provide “everything families need to know to get outside and have fun.”
This is such a fantastic guide. This is not something we have done yet as neither my husband or I are very good campers! That said, the kids keep asking us to go camping so maybe we’ll have to try it one day. I think I’ll start with overnight in the garden first!
My family foisted backcountry backpacking trips on me from an early age. My memories are of packs I could barely lift, legs painful from the cold at night, and blisters on my heels from ill-fitting shoes. I was relieved to turn 18 as my folks could no longer force me to go. The resulting effect of those horrible trips that were ill-suited for a kid was that I do not camp or have much to do with the outdoors.
Great question! We’re actually working on a roundup article of the best backcountry packs for kids, but until then, here are our top 3 picks for your little one.
Lot’s of inspiration and great advice. I take my own kids out whenever we get the chance. Here is the first trip my son and I did on our own. The setting was pretty ideal: giant ceders, cool seas and warm sand. http://explorington.com/2017/05/wild-side-trail-hiking-family/
Fantastic tutorial on hiking in outdoor. please keep it up. How to travel hill track? your advice is valuable .Helpful Information. I Appreciate your hard work.
Great information! I’m so excited! I was a little overwhelmed before reading this, but now I have a guide to go off of to make life easier. Thank you! I’ll be checking your blog frequently!
Cool read. But I didn’t see anything about sleeping bags for kids and the recommendation. This is a big part of camping, sleep and staying warm through the night.
Hi Alessio, Thanks for taking the time to read and comment! We do mention sleeping bags a few times and we also link to our related post that has more in-depth information on how to choose the right sleeping bag for kids and families, but you’re right! We don’t actually discuss this important topic fully within the article. We will update this article based on your great feedback, thank you! In the mean time, please check out our kids/family sleeping bags buying guide, which includes information on what to look for when buying a sleeping bag, as well as our top 11 favorite kid and family sleeping bags! https://outdoorfamiliesonline.com/best-kids-sleeping-bags/
Shelly Rivoli says
Wow! What a great & comprehensive guide! Especially appreciate the meal tips–more daunting with kids than adults alone! 😉
Katja says
This is such a fantastic guide. This is not something we have done yet as neither my husband or I are very good campers! That said, the kids keep asking us to go camping so maybe we’ll have to try it one day. I think I’ll start with overnight in the garden first!
Tom says
Nice pix, great tips. Great activity for the little ones!
Jessie Voigts says
Fantastic tips and much to think about (and dream of!)…
Pat Petersen says
My family foisted backcountry backpacking trips on me from an early age. My memories are of packs I could barely lift, legs painful from the cold at night, and blisters on my heels from ill-fitting shoes. I was relieved to turn 18 as my folks could no longer force me to go. The resulting effect of those horrible trips that were ill-suited for a kid was that I do not camp or have much to do with the outdoors.
Jennifer Fontaine says
That’s so unfortunate to hear, Pat. Being knowledgeable and experienced when taking kids into the backcountry is highly recommended!
unrulytuber says
What backpack do you use for your 5 year old?
Jennifer Fontaine says
Great question! We’re actually working on a roundup article of the best backcountry packs for kids, but until then, here are our top 3 picks for your little one.
Deuter Fox 30 http://amzn.to/2s4kY8f
Deuter Junior http://amzn.to/2BS1HGJ
Deuter Climber http://amzn.to/2Edfixn
Best of luck!
mlettington says
Lot’s of inspiration and great advice. I take my own kids out whenever we get the chance. Here is the first trip my son and I did on our own. The setting was pretty ideal: giant ceders, cool seas and warm sand. http://explorington.com/2017/05/wild-side-trail-hiking-family/
Suhana Morgan says
Fantastic tutorial on hiking in outdoor. please keep it up. How to travel hill track? your advice is valuable .Helpful Information. I Appreciate your hard work.
Sarah Brown Waller says
Great information! I’m so excited! I was a little overwhelmed before reading this, but now I have a guide to go off of to make life easier. Thank you! I’ll be checking your blog frequently!
Alessio says
Cool read. But I didn’t see anything about sleeping bags for kids and the recommendation. This is a big part of camping, sleep and staying warm through the night.
Jennifer Fontaine says
Hi Alessio, Thanks for taking the time to read and comment! We do mention sleeping bags a few times and we also link to our related post that has more in-depth information on how to choose the right sleeping bag for kids and families, but you’re right! We don’t actually discuss this important topic fully within the article. We will update this article based on your great feedback, thank you! In the mean time, please check out our kids/family sleeping bags buying guide, which includes information on what to look for when buying a sleeping bag, as well as our top 11 favorite kid and family sleeping bags! https://outdoorfamiliesonline.com/best-kids-sleeping-bags/
Best,
The OFM Team