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Looking for hiking gear kids and parents will love? You're in exactly the right place. Wherever you’re headed and whatever the season, this is the ultimate guide to the best kids’ hiking gear.
From the best hiking boots for kids in summer and winter to kids’ hiking pants for even the pickiest teen, all the kids’ outdoor clothing you could need for family hikes can be found right here.
Whether it’s a national park trip including overnight camping or day hikes closer to home. Hiking with kids is so much easier when they are comfortable & well-equipped.
From the best hiking backpack for kids to clothing, footwear, accessories, and even snacks, this article pinpoints all the top hiking gear for kids that you could ever need.
There are even kids' hiking accessories to help with hiking with toddlers! Which children's hiking clothes and other gear will you need? Let's dive in!
What makes me the expert?
We love to hike! Hiking as a family is a priority for us everywhere we go.
I honestly believe there is nothing better than getting out in nature as a family, unplugging from those screens, and seeing the amazing beauty our world has to offer.
My son has been hiking with us all over the world in places like Costa Rica, Ireland, Hawaii, and tons of National Parks (just to name a few). He's hiked in rainforests, the desert, and the snow!
So, we've tried & tested tons of kids' hiking gear, when he was young and now as a teen.
In this guide, we've combined our hiking experience and loads of research to make sure your kids will have what they need to have a great experience on the trails!
✔PRO TIP: Make sure you grab your free packing checklist! It has everything you'll need in an easy-to-use PDF checklist that you can use over & over!
The Best Hiking Gear for Kids
BACKPACKS
Getting hold of great hiking backpacks for kids can make much difference in your hiking experience!
If you buy a kids’ hiking backpack for each child so that they can comfortably carry themselves, then that significantly lightens your load.
It also means they have access to their own water, snacks, and a way to carry extra layers for changing temperatures.
Kids love carrying their own backpacks, just like adults. They also adore the novelty of drinking from a hydration pack rather than a water bottle.
We’ve found that Camelbak makes some of the best hiking gear for kids when it comes to backpacks.
Younger kids – Camelbak Mini MULE hydration backpack
Available in a cool range of colors and patterns, the Camelbak Mini MULE is tailor-made for active kids. It delivers maximum hydration via the Crux system, which features easy refilling and a shut-off system.
Practical touches on this kids’ hiking pack include a safety whistle, reflective accents, an air mesh back panel, and a stretch storage pocket to the outer.
Teens & tweens – Camelbak Arete 18 hydration backpack
If you want a hiking pack for kids who are older, try the Arete 18, also from Camelbak. The sleek, teen–and-tween-friendly design places these packs among the top kids’ outdoor gear.
Comfort and stability are guaranteed by the sternum strap and close compression system, and there’s a handy outer compartment for on-the-go essentials.
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SHOES
Buying the best hiking shoes for kids is also a must. If their feet hurt, get too hot, overtired, or too cold, then that’s bound to make your hike a far less pleasant experience for everyone.
Whether you need hiking sandals for kids or youth hiking boots depends on the age of the child – plus where you’re headed and when.
Here are some of our recommendations, all of which come in little and big kids’ sizes.
Hiking sandals – Chaco Z1 Unisex Ecotread Sandal
In hot weather, buying the best hiking sandals for kids is probably the only way to prevent overheating.
For sultry climates, the mega-selling Chaco Z1 comes in a multitude of colors and the straps are designed for a custom fit.
The sole is non-marking for indoor wear, with 2 mm lugs for traction and a slip-resistant inner. This footwear can also be used as water shoes in summer.
PRO TIP: If you think your child will be bothered by having pebbles & dirt in their shoes, opt for a sneaker or boot instead.
Hiking shoes – Merrell Trail Chaser Unisex Hiking Sneakers
The best-selling Trail Chaser for kids from Merrell is one of those kid hiking gear classics. It’s a great all-rounder that’s ideal for all seasons – except extremely hot or cold weather.
The unisex footwear comes in a range of colors and features an easy on-and-off design, a cushioned EVA footbed, a non-marking sole, great grip, and a breathable mesh upper.
Hiking boots – Keen Targhee unisex waterproof hiking boot
The Keen Targhee for adults is super popular, and this kids’ version can ensure you have the best hiking with kids experience possible.
Added support is provided thanks to the mid-height build, and the membrane is waterproof yet breathable.
These boots also come with non-marking soles, multi-directional lugs, a removable footbed, and a secure yet simple lace-up closure.
Should you wish to buy these as youth hiking gear, then they also come in adult versions.
👉 Check out our top recommendations for Hiking Shoes for Beginners of all ages!
SOCKS
For all ages – Meriwool unisex hiking socks 3-pack
Merino wool socks have to be one of the top items on any list of hiking clothes for kids. This three-pack from Meriwool comes in seven child and teen-friendly colors and is made with 75% Merino wool.
This product offers warmth, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant properties, is fully machine washable, and can also be tumble-dried. Absolutely essential for any hiking with kids' gear list in winter.
PANTS
Also, up there on any list of kids’ hiking clothes are pants.
For the warmer months and younger children, we can recommend child and youth hiking pants that are convertible, as these can be worn as either full-length pants or shorts.
Some of our favorite older kids’ camping clothes also include my own personal preferred hiking pants from The North Face.
Younger kids – CQR convertible hiking pants
Whether you want hiking clothes for toddlers or bigger kids, this pair of pants offers great value for money plus lots of colors and sizes.
The fabric has added stretch, the waistband is adjustable and there are lots of practical pockets for storage. My kiddo loved these!
Teen boys – prAna Zion slim pants II
One of the awesome things about these hiking pants for kids is the range of waist sizes and length options offered. They also come in shades of gray, blue, black, and brown.
A stylish look and plenty of pockets mean they’re sure to meet with teen approval too! My teen son says these are the most comfortable pants he owns.
Teen girls – The North Face Aphrodite 2.0
These are the most awesome women’s hiking pants ever and come in sizes to suit teens and even tweens! The North Face brand is both stylish and uber-practical.
Ensuring all-day comfort on the trails is stretch, fast-drying, moisture-wicking herringbone fabric with UV protection and a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish.
SHIRTS
Another key to enjoying the best hiking trails for kids is to ensure they stay cool in the sun during summer. To keep the sun off, you can go for a tank top, a short-sleeved shirt, or a cool long-sleeved shirt.
The former may be a bit cooler, but the latter offers extra sun protection. Here are some of our preferred products.
Tank top – C9 Champion performance tank
Team convertible hiking pants for kids with this tank for girls to beat the heat. Simply make sure she applies plenty of sunscreen too and you’re good to go.
Sizes range from extra small to extra large, and there are five attractive colors. The fabric is also durable, moisture-wicking, and fast-drying.
Short sleeve shirt – Columbia Bonehead
Available in an impressive range of colors and sizes, the Bonehead shirt from Columbia is ideal for outdoor wear.
Wearing it can help to ensure the best hiking for kids, and it’s also suitable for other activities like fishing. Breathable cotton, plus lots of pockets, makes this a very stylish and practical choice.
Long sleeve shirt – Columbia Terminal Tackle or Tidal Tee
Long-sleeved tops also make ideal hiking accessories for kids.
While the Columbia Terminal Tackle for boys or Tidal Tee for girls are primarily designed as beachwear, they have all the properties that make a good hiking shirt.
Including Omni-Shade UV protection, Omni-Wick technology to keep him or her dry, and style to pacify even the pickiest teen.
Columbia Terminal Tackle for boys
RAIN JACKET
One essential to add to any hiking bag for kids is a rain jacket for sudden wet weather or unexpected showers. It’s an outdoor gear necessity and has so many uses beyond the trails too.
Here are some of our favorite products.
Young boys – Columbia Glennaker rain jacket
The super popular Columbia Glennaker is a boys’ rain jacket from this reliable outdoor brand. It comes in sizes from XXS to 4T and in 17 colors.
A lightweight shell protects the wearer from a sudden shower or heavy downpour.
Young girls – Columbia Switchback II rain jacket
More good hiking stuff for kids courtesy of Columbia comes in the form of the Switchback II rain jacket for girls. Over 40 colors are available, and so many sizes.
As well as a waterproof shell, the jacket gives a great range of motion and a comfortable fit.
Teens & tweens – Coofandy packable rain jacket
For tweens, teens, and even adults, this jacket makes ideal wet-weather hiking equipment for kids. There are 10 colors and five sizes, and it all packs down into the small, portable bag provided.
The fabric is waterproof and windproof, and there’s a drawstring hood for extra protection. Though sold as a men’s jacket, my teen son and I have one & they fit great.
HIKING HAT
Add a sun hat to your hiking packs for kids if you want to keep them cool and shaded during the hottest parts of the day.
Younger kids – Century Star UPF 50+ outdoor hat
When in a hot climate, a sun hat is a must for those hiking backpacks for your kids.
Available in eight colors, it offers factor 50 sun protection, a mesh panel to prevent overheating, and a chin strap to keep it securely in place.
Teens & tweens – Smile baseball cap
If a floppy sun hat doesn’t quite meet with teen approval (though, my teen still prefers the sun hat), then this baseball cap decorated with a smiley face might just hit the right retro note.
It comes in 23 colors, from plain black to hot pink or vintage denim blue. The cap is lightweight and made from 100% breathable, natural cotton.
WATER BOTTLE
For all ages – BULUNOW collapsible water bottle
Unless they’re using a hydration pack, a water bottle is a necessity among kids’ hiking supplies. We love the collapsible one from BULUNOW, which is free from BPA and leak-proof.
The twist cap is kid-friendly and it comes in four vibrant colors. So, there’s sure to be one they’ll fall in love with!
PRO TIP: A good rule of thumb is to drink about 1/2 liter of water every hour (about 16 ounces). But you will need more if you are in higher altitudes, hiking in the heat, or hiking more strenuous hikes. It's always a good idea to take more water than you think you will need.
SNACKS
Snacking on trial is a great way to keep energy levels up and prevent anyone from getting hungry (just make sure you always pack out any trash/wrappers). Here are some of our family's favorite hiking snacks.
- Junkless chewy granola bars | Low sugar, oat-based snack bars
- That’s It real fruit bars | High fiber, contains 100% natural fruit only (we love these!)
- Honey Stinger organic waffles | Gluten-free waffles in a range of flavors
- Nature’s Garden trail mix | Snack packs with nuts, seeds, and fruit
- Tillamook Country Smoker beef jerky | 100% dried beef in 4 flavors
MINI FIRST AID KIT
General Medi Mini First Aid Kit
Once you’ve covered hiking snacks for kids, it’s time to take care of any little accidents. A portable first aid kit is one of the best hiking gear for kids items you can buy.
We love this super compact 110-piece one with a key clip – and all the band-aids a child could surely need.
I'm usually the one that carries this, but I definitely feel more comfortable hiking with kids, knowing I have it, just in case!
WALKIE TALKIES
For all ages – Retevis set of 2, 3, 4, or 6 walkie-talkies
Who doesn't love walkie-talkies!?! A set of walkie-talkies can be great if the kids tend to wander off or get ahead or behind a bit.
Plus, siblings can chat with each other while on the move, which can be fun for them. A pair, trio, quartet, or even six-pack from Retevis is ideal depending on how many you need.
HIKING POLES
Trekking poles can be a particularly good idea if you’re hiking in wintry conditions, muddy trails, or steep sections.
Even really good hiking shoes for kids don’t always grip so well on snow or in the mud, so give them a helping hand by investing in a set of adjustable hiking poles.
Younger kids – High Stream Gear adjustable kids’ hiking poles
From High Stream Gear, this set of kids’ trekking poles comes in four child-friendly colors. They’re suitable for up to age 12, and all accessories and a bag are included.
You can easily carry them around once collapsed, and each only weighs six ounces.
Teens & tweens – TrailBuddy collapsible hiking poles
Older kids can use a set of adult hiking poles. This pair from TrailBuddy comes in eight shades and is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum. The lever locks can even be clicked into place using only one hand.
INSECT REPELLANT
OFF! Deep Woods Sportsmen insect repellent
We are big fans of OFF! Deep Woods Sportsmen bug repellent spray. It contains 30% DEET for maximum protection and won’t melt away when you sweat. The formula is also non-staining and non-greasy.
SUNSCREEN
Sun Bum SPF 50 sunscreen spray
Sun Bum is also one of our favorite brands for hiking. The SPF 50 formula is non-comedogenic and offers full UVA and UVB protection.
It’s also reef-safe and oil-free, and the spray makes it super quick and easy to apply.
Hiking in the Cold
Cold-weather hiking requires extra layers and accessories to keep both kids and adults warm. Additional gear you’ll require is all about insulation, whether via extra layers or warmer garments.
Trekking poles can also be helpful from a safety perspective.
WARM JACKET
Boys – Columbia Powder Lite hooded puffer jacket
A puffy winter jacket is ideal because it packs down nicely yet is super lightweight. The Powder Lite from Columbia comes in six colors and is heat-reflective for the ultimate in cozy warmth.
It’s water resistant and made from synthetic down to keep the cost lower. Jacket comes in sizes to fit toddlers up to teens.
Girls – Marmot Nika down hooded puffer jacket
For girls, you can’t beat the Nika down puffer jacket from Marmot. It comes in three gorgeous colors and has a hood and rain-resistant finish to keep her dry as well as warm.
‘Angel wing’ movement means she can move around freely when wearing this one.
BASE LAYER
While you might have the best hiking pants for kids, you could be concerned about them being warm enough. The same goes for their top layers.
Investing in a base layer set can solve this problem, keeping kids warm from neck to ankle.
Younger kids – American Trends unisex thermal long johns set
This unisex set for boys or girls comes in a good range of colors and sizes. It’s very versatile and could double up as pajamas whether you’re at home or away.
You get a long-sleeved top plus a pair of pants to go beneath their regular clothing.
Teen boys – Dickies base layer long johns set
For teen and tween boys, the long John's base layer set from Dickies gives you a pull-on top and pants to go beneath his clothes.
The cool camo prints or stylish colors should easily win him over, even if he isn’t initially keen.
Teen girls – Weerti thermal underwear long johns set
Imagine wearing the best hiking socks for kids made from Merino wool – plus a fleece-lined set of thermal underwear – for warmth.
This affordable set from Weerti offers four-way stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and a choice of six attractive colors.
Gloves – YukiniYa touch screen fleece lined winter gloves
Keeping the hands and feet warm can be key when combating the cold. The best kids’ hiking pack will thus contain a pair of cozy gloves to suit a teen, tween, or younger child.
Try buying a pair of gloves for a teen that isn’t touch-screen compatible and see how far you get. If they’re addicted to tech, then these touchscreen gloves will keep any child aged between three and ten warm.
They’re insulating, comfortable, easy to pull on, and even have an anti-slip design.
Beanie – Meriwool ribbed knit beanie hat
Another of those hiking essentials for kids in winter is a beanie hat. One made from Merino wool offers the most warmth, as with other hiking supplies for kids such as socks.
We love the Meriwool one, because it comes in 16 colors and is also moisture-wicking and machine washable. The one size with stretch fits all ages.
👍PLANNING ON A HIKING TRIP? You can also check out my Top Hiking Essentials for more ideas and recommendations!
Hiking with a baby or toddler
If you’ll be taking a hike as a family with a baby or toddler in tow, then that’s a whole new ball game. Baby and toddler hiking simply isn’t realistic other than for very short distances, which means one thing.
If you want to take a hike, then you need a hiking carrier for kids to tag along in.
Hiking kids’ carrier – Osprey Poco Plus child carrier backpack
A hiking backpack to carry kids makes life on the trails possible if you have a baby or toddler. It’s worth investing in a good brand here, as you can use this on an everyday basis as well.
As big fans of Osprey backpacks, the Poco Plus has to be a winner. It also has an integral daypack and other storage sections, so you don’t need to carry a separate backpack.
Kids Hiking Gear FAQs
When hiking – especially at altitude – the weather can change throughout the day, as well as very rapidly.
Lightweight, packable layers are the best idea. Include a rain jacket, plus warm layers and accessories to ward off cold in winter.
For summer, wear and carry sunscreen, a sunhat, and bug repellent.
There are various tips and tricks you can use to make a hike much more fun for kids. For starters, make sure you have the most comfortable hiking kids’ shoes you can find.
Sore feet are no joke for anyone! Even buying items such as hiking hats for kids they’ve chosen themselves can help get them excited about the trek.
There are other things you can do to make hiking more appealing to young ones too. Take along a friend to help keep them entertained, and either way, make sure you pack plenty of snacks.
Be prepared to go slow, with lots of exploratory stops en route.
You can also let the kids play being explorers with a camera, or engage in games like I Spy, Scavenger Hunts, Follow the Leader, Twenty Questions, or Name that Tune to keep them happy.
For kids who like bugs or plants, take pictures of fun stuff you see along the trail & look them up later that evening to identify what they were.
It's a good idea to start slow. Don't take them on a hard 10-mile hike on their first day out. Test it out first with shorter, easy hikes and build it up as you go.
Whether it’s hiking shoes for big kids, hiking poles for kids in winter, or even a hiking pack to carry kids who are too young to walk, hiking gear is necessary to provide both practicality and protection.
It can guard against the elements, prevent injury, and also ensure every hike is a pleasant experience.
From hiking shoes for little kids to adults, one of the main options is to buy good hiking boots for kids and grown-ups rather than shoes, sneakers, or sandals.
Heavier boots are seen by many as better because the thicker soles offer superior traction.
Higher top footwear also protects the ankle from strain, and can also safeguard against minor injuries caused by scuffs, scratches, and abrasions.
If they are big enough, then yes. Carrying their own backpack makes kids feel responsible & helpful.
The sooner kids have their own backpacks, the sooner they are likely to carry them for the whole duration of the hike.
Investing in the best hiking pack for kids can help to spread the load for the adults while keeping the kids happy & feeling independent. What’s not to love?
Is a set of poles really a necessary bit of kids’ hiking apparel? It can be very useful – especially when there are wintry conditions, muddy trails (like trails in Hawaii), or steep areas.
Trekking poles can ensure children remain balanced while hiking over uneven terrain.
Adjustable, lightweight, and even collapsible kid-sized poles are available, with features such as easy grip, ergonomic handles, and wrist straps.
If you're taking a family hike in Big Bend National Park where conditions are dryer, you will probably be fine without them.
So, at what age should you buy them that first kids’ hiking outfit, ready to take to the trails? The truth is that there is no right, wrong, or ideal age.
Hiking packs to carry kids can, for instance, even allow you to take a baby or toddler along.
Once the child is age three upwards, they should manage to hike for around a mile. By age five plus, this may increase to around two or three miles.
From then on, how far your kids can hike will only increase with age and experience. If they’re happy and you are too, then there’s really no reason to stick to a set limit.
Which Kids’ Hiking Gear Will You Buy?
From awesome kids’ hiking clothes for all seasons to the best kid hiking backpack for a little one, teen, or tween, buying the best children's hiking gear you can afford is a serious investment.
If you want to get them out there exploring the world – while getting lots of fresh air and improving their fitness levels – then there’s no better way to do just that.
Whether you want to find something specific such as pants that can be converted to kids’ hiking shorts, or are after a general guide to what to include in your kids’ hiking set, we hope this guide has helped you decide what to take on a hike with kids.
Don’t forget to pack some tasty and nutritious hiking food for kids and adults alike – plus plenty of drinking water!
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Until next time…
About The Author
My mission is to inspire and empower families to prioritize travel now, creating unforgettable memories and deeper connections with their loved ones.
I provide guidance and practical solutions to help busy parents integrate travel into their lives, fostering joy, fulfillment, and stress-free adventures. Don’t wait until it’s too late; the time to travel is now.
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