Seven Tips for Backpacking with Kids

By: Tawny Leger

Waking up next to a secluded alpine lake, wandering through trees with no agenda, and enjoying a simple fireside meal with a few of my favorite people—these are the moments I live for. This is what I love about backpacking. 

Even before I reach the trailhead, I can feel myself breathe deeper. As I leave the traffic of highways for dirt roads and embrace the calming presence of towering trees and grand mountainscapes, I often let out a deep breath. My husband asks how long I've been holding it in. I reply, “Since the last time we were out here.” He laughs as he recalls the many times I have done this. The mountains are where my husband and I relax most. These days, we get to share these restorative adventures with our three children, fostering a love and appreciation for the wilderness in them.

Though our adventures look different, with three kids in tow, they remain a priority. Before kids, my husband and I shared our dreams of continuing outdoor escapades with them, believing that “almost everything we did before kids can still be done after, though it requires more effort and time.” While this holds true, the challenge lies in how to backpack successfully while helping the whole gang to have fun. If not approached thoughtfully, outdoor adventures can quickly shift from a joyful exploration to chaotic meltdowns. Here are my top seven tips for backpacking well with kids.

#1 Don’t Believe the Lie that It Can’t Be Done

I can’t even count the number of friends I have who have either stopped backpacking since having kids or are waiting for their children to grow older before they even start. We have been backpacking with our kids through pregnancies, infancy, toddlerhood, and now, as they are in elementary school. Each season of backpacking with kids has been wildly beneficial for our whole family. My young kids have fond memories of backpacking and regularly ask for even more trips. In fact, I jokingly asked my middle child (age 6) what tips he thought I should add to this blog. Without hesitation, he replied: “My tip is to go on more backpacking trips.” 

You don’t have to wait until they are all 10 years and older before living a life outdoors. In fact, you may rob them of some of their best memories if you wait to begin. 

Be smart and know your limits, but don’t believe all the naysayers who say it can’t be done.

#2 Start with the End in Mind

My husband and I agree that enjoyment is a higher priority than reaching the summit when it comes to our children and backpacking. After all, backpacking should feel more like an adventure and less like boot camp. 

Make it your goal—not to complete the hike or get to a destination—but to foster in your child a love

for God’s creation and adventure with family and friends… a love that will make them want to go again and again and again.

Because our goal was for them to grow in their love for outdoor adventures, we strategically shifted our backpacking goals and methods:

• We started them young. We were given a gently used REI baby carrier pack and began taking hikes with our children even before they could walk. This helps grow a child’s vision of what an enjoyable day could look like. As our babies grew to toddlers, we split the hike with some of their time walking and some of their time in the pack. This slowed us, but we were in it for the long haul.

• Eventually, when they could hike further, we chose hikes with them in mind—hikes they could succeed at. It’s worth noting that kids can go pretty far if the elevation is minimal, but they will

  burn out quickly with steep inclines. So, we often opt for trails with a gradual incline—not a grueling one. 

• We don’t push our kids beyond their abilities. We teach them they can do hard things but also monitor their limitations. I remember one hike where we turned around before the summit because our children were done. We had encouraged them to go as far as they could, and they did. They pushed themselves, but when they were done, we turned around. We celebrated their efforts and accomplishments even though we didn’t make the summit. The very next time we hiked the same mountain, they were able to make it to the summit. Recalling how hard it was on their first attempt, they were quite proud of themselves when they summited the mountain on their second attempt. This taught them to have grit but also to trust their bodies when they have had enough. 

• Lastly, we go slower—not perfectly—but we have slowed our pace way down since adding littles to the mix. We have slowed down when setting up the tent, cooking food, or packing because we don’t just want to get it done but help our kids be a part of it and learn. This is their adventure just as much as it is ours. What’s the use of going quickly if we aren’t passing on to the next generation the skills that we know?

#3 Model the Right Attitude

Remember back to when you were a kid. The mood of your parents likely impacted your experience. Did your mom or dad ever take the fun out of something by getting angry or grumpy on the way to the event? Or perhaps they were able to add a little pizazz to something seemingly ordinary. Well, now it’s your turn to be the mood-setter. So much of your children's experience is shaped by how you

see and interact with an event. 

If it starts to rain, is that good or bad? It depends on what you do next. If you begin to jump in puddles and create fun, your kids will likely learn that rain can be fun. Cancel the hike and complain, and they learn that rain is bad. It may seem trivial, but I refused to teach my kids the nursery rhyme “Rain, rain, go away…” Instead, when it rained, we geared up for an adventure. I like to say, “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.” Show your children how to be resilient by gearing up and having fun anyway. Remember, “more is caught than taught.” They will catch your contagious attitude - make sure it’s a good one worth catching. 

Model amazement at the beautiful scenery and intricate details of wildlife. This has a two-fold effect. It first inspires them to see the beauty that God has created in nature, but it also distracts them from the tiredness in their legs. Point out camouflaged insects, delicate flowers, animal tracks, and rocks resembling hearts. Help them begin looking for interesting things, too.

If you can, learn about the flora and fauna in your area and see if you can teach your children about the plants as you go. If you see some yarrow, teach your children how they could make a spit poultice to stop the bleeding in a cut if needed. Most children love this type of knowledge and will get excited as they find the next patch of plants that have healing properties. If you go the extra mile to find the wonder in creation, it will likely rub off on your children, too. 

#4 Games to be Played on the Trail

Children love games, so if you can make hiking or camping into a game, you may be able to stay longer or hike further than you would have without a game. Capture the attention of your littles with a game of “I Spy” or “Dirt is Lava” - where you have to hop from rock to rock. Games help the hike come alive with fun. 

Sometimes, our game is just to see who can spot the next animal. Get creative and think like a child:

How could your hike, or collecting firewood, or sleeping through a rainstorm be made more fun? Sometimes, this will look like bringing along a game (like Uno cards), but often, it is an impromptu idea of a story or game that arises from the moment. Don’t worry… if you can’t think of something creative, just ask your kiddo. They will come up with some imaginative games to play.

#5 The Right Kid’s Gear

If you want to foster a love of outdoor adventure in your children, provide them with the right gear. You don’t need the most expensive or even brand-new gear, but make sure they are comfortable enough to enjoy the journey.

Start by helping them remember to wear proper boot socks and choosing a good pair of shoes to hike in. You can bring some moleskin in case of blisters, but I try to help my children avoid getting their shoes and socks wet unless we can’t avoid it, as wet shoes often lead to hurting feet.

Next, keep your children hydrated. Dehydration often makes them tired and can cause headaches. This is more than just carrying a water bottle; it involves helping them learn the habit of multiple small sips over time rather than large amounts sporadically. Finding an electrolyte drink mix can also greatly improve their hydration. 

Each child should be dressed in layers so that they can shed clothes or put on more clothes as needed during the journey. Bring a good raincoat for each one, and put a snack or two in their

pocket so that they can access it as they go.

You really don’t need tons of gear for your kids, but a quality and lightweight sleeping bag is essential. If your kids are comfy and warm, they are more likely to be able to enjoy themselves and create fond memories of your excursion. Avoid cheap, heavy sleeping bags that are hard to pack in and don’t retain body heat very well.

#6 Foster an Adventurous Lifestyle

One of the most common objections I get from other parents is that their kids would be bored in the woods - with no toys or electronics. Here are a few thoughts on this:

• Electronics are not bad - but a surplus will severely hinder your child’s ability to find fulfillment in nature. Nature will seem dull when they are used to an overstimulating amount of artificial dopamine through video games and movies. However, if you limit their use of digital resources, they will naturally be much more apt to enjoy the many benefits of the natural world. Help your child foster an appreciation for the wilderness by getting them outside throughout the year — not just during camping season. 

• Allow for outdoor free play. Just as a surplus of digital stimulation can stunt your child’s appreciation for the natural world, a surplus of structured entertainment will stunt their ability to entertain themselves. Do your future self a favor and avoid constantly entertaining your child. Allow room for boredom, and you will find their creative side—whether indoors or outdoors. This will significantly help them find ways to enjoy and entertain themselves during slow moments in the woods. If your kids are used to simple playtime, you will get the benefits of watching them creatively invent games with a few simple items like pine cones, sticks, and rocks. 

#7 Just Begin!

Above all, just begin. Maybe you are late to the party and didn’t start your infants out on backpacking — better late than never! Get out there and start cultivating adventurous memories with your littles. My kids don’t mention memories about watching movies, but they love to recall with great enthusiasm the one time we went on a 3-day backpacking trip and camped under one of the biggest lightning storms of our lives. They giggle when they recall how they peacefully slept through the storm while I lay awake and prayed. The weather was not ideal — but somehow, our memories are still rich in fun and laughter. These are memories worth making. These adventures are life-shaping. The stories we share are full of adventure, connection, and growth. I would never trade these cherished memories for comfort on the couch. I want to live life to the fullest —- and if I want my kids to do the same, then I have to show them what that looks like.