Increase enjoyment and independence on your family adventures by outfitting your wee hikers with these kid approved essentials in their hiking pack! We have finessed the packing to include these 10 essentials for their hiking packs:
My kids, ages 10 and 11 have been using these hiking fanny packs since they were pint-sized. Granted, more often than not, their hiking packs are stuffed full of interesting rocks, acorns (to throw at dad), and empty wrappers!
Table of Contents
Written & filmed by kid journalist: Hazel, age 11
Each month, the girls have a goal to contribute one blog post/ vlog/ content each month. Click on their name tags at the bottom of each post to read their contributions.
This stop motion video shows my handy fanny pack! My fanny pack is perfect for long hikes and even short hikes because it can hold everything you need. A fanny pack could also be used as a first aid kit for many adventures. I encourage you to get one for yourself!
Mom Journalist taking back over: written by Julie
1. Fanny Pack versus Backpack
To be blunt, you can’t go wrong with either option! Your child’s preference and what you already have should take TOP priority!
Years ago, Jake found the Fanny Packs used by my girls in the hiking aisle at Walmart (linked similar, with one big improvement) to give to the girls for Christmas. At the time, I thought it was a sweet idea, but I underestimated their usefulness! How many presents are actually used year after year? THIS ONE! That’s a huge reason why I also recommended this pack in this post!
One major advantage of the fanny pack is that the girls pair it with their backpacking packs (that’s the link to the exact ones my girls have used since they were 6ish). We also prefer the waist pack on hot summer hikes. Less surface area to sweat!
One disadvantage to our fanny packs is the lack of water bottle storage! In our daughters’ packs, they can squeeze in one of those mini disposable bottles. Jake bought them the keychain flasks as a joke (as seen in the video). However, more often than not, they carry a bottle in their hands OR their bottles are added to a parent’s day pack. So, I linked that fanny pack that I WISH they had… maybe it’s time to bite the $16 bullet!
2. Trail Snacks
Every parent knows, snacks are a NECESSITY for adventures! We tend to stick with the classics: granola bars, gummies, or a DIY trail mix which would include a variation of the classic GORP: nuts, M&Ms, and raisins.
PARENT HACK: Treat yo’self! I have fallen in love with these CLIF Energy bars. I eat one literally every day at work. They’re delicious and really fill me up! I’m looking forward to treating myself to the CLIF Coffee Collection on our next backcountry trip!
3. Hand Sanitzer
Even before Covid-19 taught us the importance of sanitizing our hands, these mini bottles of hand sanitizer have always been in our packs. Hiking with kids involves frequent bathroom breaks and lots of snacks. CUE: sanitizer!
4. Chapstick with SPF
This might be particular to females, but even from a young age, my kids constantly wanted chapstick! However, for all genders, sunscreen is so important. Actually, let’s add one more essential: SUNSCREEN! It doesn’t need to be in your pack, but it needs to be a habit that sunscreen is applied before heading out! I’m working on an educational sunscreen post, so subscribe to receive an email when that post is live.
5. Leave No Trace
The trash bag probably needs no explanation. It is rare to enjoy an adventure without seeing pollution. Taking an extra bag ensures that we can pack out some of the trash! Head here to become familiar with the Leave No Trace philosophy.
6. 4-Function Emergency Whistle
I admit, I’ve watched a few too many missing person shows! I actually won’t watch them now because I don’t want to live in fear and avoiding those shows is a step in the right direction. HOWEVER, being cautious and SMART are character traits that I’m striving for!
I love that this whistle allows the kids to step outside of “shouting range”, but still ensures that they can quickly communicate their location to me. This summer, I plan to take Captain VonTrapp’s advice and perfect a system of whistle calls and responses. Any other Sound of Music fans?
Since this whistle has other functions (magnify glass, compass and thermometer) it’s truly a useful tool to clip on to any pack!
7. Water bottle
Turns out that our favorite Ultimate Direction bottles are no longer sold! These Nalgene bottles are another of our favorites because of the locking lid mechanism!
8. Weatherproof Notebook and Colored Pencils
Hazel spied this kit during one of our epic REI visits. And by epic, I mean, we live 2 hours away and go only 2-4 times a year, so we look at EVERY item when we go. It’s where I buy my “dress” clothes and most of our outdoor gear! Here is a similar kit, you’ll just have to add your own mini colored pencils.
9. Tissues
These little tissues aren’t just for noses 😉 Just remember to PACK-OUT your tissues or if allowed in the area, dig a deep enough cat hole with a stick and push the paper to the bottom before recovering.
10. Swiss Army Classic Pocket Knife
While I try not to be a stickler on brands, I am 100% loyal to the Swiss Army brand, specifically the Hiker Pocket Knife. It’s in my blood (my Grandfather was a Swiss immigrant). The Hiker Pocket Knife includes a saw blade that Jake feels is very important. I don’t think I’ve ever used that blade, but it seems logical.
Swiss Army knives were my dad’s first Christmas gift to every boyfriend my sister and I brought home for the holidays. I think he privately hoped to have a new recipient each year… I did my best to comply!
When my dad died, I remember getting a sweet text from a friend about how she still carries the Swiss Army knife my dad gave her when she dropped him off at an airport and he forgot to tuck his ever-present-in-his-pocket knife into his checked luggage.
Moral of the story: get a good knife. Teach your kids how to use it responsibly. We gave our girls their knives when they were 7 & 9. They have had zero accidents. Definitely refer to your own parental judgement about the right age for your wee hiker.
Join the conversation: what else would you add to a kid’s day hiking pack?
This post contains some affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.
