Backpacking With Kids: An Age-by-Age Guide
Getting kids into backpacking creates lifelong outdoor enthusiasts. The key is matching expectations to developmental stages and making every trip fun — not grueling.
Ages 0–2: The Carrier Stage
What to Expect
Babies and toddlers ride in a child carrier pack on a parent's back. They experience the trail through sensory immersion: wind, birdsong, sunlight through leaves.
Gear
- Child carrier: Deuter Kid Comfort or Osprey Poco ($250–350). Look for sunshade, rain cover, and good hip belt.
- Weight consideration: A carrier + child + diapers adds 20–30 lbs to one parent's load
- Diaper kit: Pack diapers out in sealed bags
Tips
- Keep trips short (2–5 miles)
- Time hikes around nap schedule — many kids sleep wonderfully in carriers
- Protect from sun (hat, sunscreen, carrier sunshade)
- Bring familiar comfort items
- Two parents can split gear while one carries the child
Ages 3–5: The Explorer Stage
What to Expect
Children this age can hike 1–3 miles on their own on easy terrain. They are slow, easily distracted, and deeply fascinated by everything. Embrace it.
Gear
- Sturdy shoes with good tread (Keen or Merrell kids)
- Small daypack for their own snacks and a water bottle
- Child-sized trekking pole (optional but fun)
Tips
- Let them set the pace — every rock, stick, and bug is an adventure
- Play trail games: nature scavenger hunts, I-spy, "find something [color]"
- Bring lots of snacks — morale and energy depend on frequent fueling
- Choose trails with payoffs: waterfalls, lakes, creek crossings
- Car camping nearby as a base for day hikes is ideal at this age
Ages 6–9: The Growing Stage
What to Expect
Kids can handle 3–7 miles depending on terrain and fitness. They can carry a small pack (3–5 lbs) with their own water, snacks, and a layer.
Gear
- Properly fitted hiking shoes (not hand-me-downs)
- 15–20L pack
- Headlamp (they love this)
- Their own water bottle with filter (Katadyn BeFree is light and easy)
Tips
- Give them responsibility: navigation (reading the map), water filtering, campsite selection
- First overnight trips with short approaches (2–3 miles to camp)
- Let them help cook — involvement creates ownership
- Buddy up with another family — kids motivate each other
Ages 10–13: The Capable Stage
What to Expect
Preteens can handle 5–12 mile days and carry 15–20% of their body weight. They are physically capable but may need motivation on longer trips.
Gear
- Adult or youth-specific sleeping bag
- Appropriate footwear (trail runners or light boots)
- 30–40L pack
- All their personal items in their own pack
Tips
- Involve them in trip planning — choosing the destination creates buy-in
- Increase challenge gradually: longer days, harder terrain, navigation responsibilities
- Teach real skills: fire building, compass use, shelter setup
- Allow some independence — walk ahead to the next junction, choose the campsite
- Photography is a great engagement tool at this age
Ages 14+: The Independent Stage
What to Expect
Teenagers can be full hiking partners — carrying their share, contributing to group decisions, and handling extended backcountry trips.
Tips
- Treat them as equals on the trail
- Let them plan and lead a trip
- Introduce challenging goals: peak bagging, multi-day routes
- Respect that they may prefer hiking with friends over family (this is normal and healthy)
- Consider Outward Bound, NOLS, or Scout-led wilderness programs
Recommended Gear
Based on the topics covered in this guide, here are some top-rated products to consider:
- Salomon ADV Skin 5L Race Flag Hydration Pack ($145, 0.4 lbs)
- BioLite Alpenglow 500 Lantern ($80, 0.8 lbs)
- Grayl GEOPRESS Water Purifier ($100, 1.0 lbs)
- BioLite Alpenglow 250 Lantern ($60, 0.5 lbs)
- BioLite AlpenGlow Mini Lantern ($50, 3 oz)
- Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles ($210, 1.1 lbs)
Universal Rules
- Never force a child to continue when they are miserable — one bad experience can end their hiking interest for years
- Snacks solve most problems
- Shorter and fun beats longer and ambitious every time
- Celebrate small milestones: first overnight, first peak, first fire they built
- Leave when they want to come back — ending on a high note matters more than completing the route