Backpacking List for Children

Do you enjoy backpacking and want your childrenkids to hike in. It may seem like a lot of money
to experience it with you? Here is a backpackingto spend on fancy clothes, but it does not need
list for children that can make this an easy andto cost a lot. Your kids will outgrow these items,
fun adventure for all.often times before they are worn out, but so will
First Aid Kit: Sunscreen, Bug Spray, Light Hat orother kids. This means that it is easy to find
Bandana - This is to help protect the head fromsecondhand backpacking clothing for kids by going
the sun.online or looking in stores that sell gently used
Mist Spray Bottle - If it is hot outside you can putclothing.
a small spray bottle in a pocket on the outside ofExtra Food - Bring more food that the children
a pack so a hot child can spray themselves withwould eat at home. They are getting a lot of
water to cool off.exercise, burning more calories, and this often
Water Bottle - They make small water bottlesequates to a much larger appetite.
specific for children, but I prefer a regular sizedSleeping Bag - There are many sleeping bags on
one since children can drink as much water as anthe market designed for kids that have all of the
adult often times, and this will help preventwonderful features of adult sized bags. This is a
dehydration. I also bring along a water filter that isgreat way to go, but can be costly if they need a
used to pump water from a stream, which thenew bag every year. Another option is to buy an
kids think is great fun, and allows me to keepadult bag and stuff the bottom with extra dry
their water bottles filled up.clothing. This way the child can grow into the bag
Snacks in Plastic Bags - It is a good idea to carryand a new one does not need to be purchased
a bunch of little baggies with snacks in an easilyevery year.
accessible part of your pack. Children often doHat and Gloves - Even if it isn't the time of year
not give warning of when they are gettingwhere you would bring a hat and gloves for
hungry, and by the time they announce they areyourself, it may be a good idea to bring them
it is nice to have a quick stash of food for themalong for the kiddos. This is especially useful if
to munch on.they are sleeping in an adult bag and need the
Shoes - Make sure these are good quality andextra warmth at night.
broken in before the trip. Bring along a blister careLong Johns - Long johns are great since they can
kit just in case.be worn under pants, shorts, or by themselves
Children Sized Backpack - If your children are 6 orfor sleeping in. They are compact, not taking up
7 years old they can start to carry some of theirmuch space.
own stuff. They make children sized backpacksWalking Stick - While this is in no way a necessity,
with internal or external frames, and most ofmany kids will find having their own walking stick a
them adjust to fit kids up until they are into thefun addition.
small adult sizes. If you child is old enough and youBinoculars - Another fun addition that can
opt to have them use their own pack, make sureentertain kids for quite awhile.
that they do not carry too much, since this canFlashlight- It is a good idea to provide each child
injure them as well as guarantee that they willwith their own flashlight and backup batteries.
complain and not enjoy the trip.They have fun with them at night and if they
Extra Clothes - Kids are more likely to get dirtywake up scared they have easy access to light.
and wet when backpacking, so it is a good idea toUsing this backpacking list for children, along with
throw in a couple of extra shirts and socks. Makeconsulting other books and resources, will insure
sure their clothes is a good quality. If you wouldthat you have a successful time backpacking with
not wear cotton, then do not buy cotton for yourchildren.