Must-Haves when Hiking with a Toddler

Every kiddo is different but these are our must-haves when hiking with our toddler.

We don't pack all of this into his pack of course. My husband or I carry most of it so his pack isn't heavy. He has been carrying his own pack now for about 6 months and he has done great. It's important to remember, they will eventually want it off so mom or dad, you'll end up carrying it at the end. :)

1. Water source just for kiddo

2. Extra pair of clothes (shirt, bottoms, socks, undies). When we hike trails that lead to water, we know he is definitely going to get wet and muddy and need to be changed.

3. Rain jacket

4. Snacks (high energy and sustainable). He loves Zbars, fruit snacks, applesauce pouches, Cuties oranges, apples.

5. Toys to make hiking fun for them. Just because hiking is a mental outlet for us, doesn't mean kids will enjoy it at first. Kai loves to take his binoculars, bug kit, Hot Wheels, and toy compass. This allows him to explore his imagination in the wild. It's my favorite thing as a mom, seeing him play outside.

6. Sunscreen/bug spray (weather and climate dependant of course).

I hope this has been helpful! I have learned what I needed and didn't need through trial and error. Like I mentioned above, every kiddo is different and only you know them best. The best thing to remember, is make it fun for them and remember, your short hike will take longer than anticipated with their little legs following along but that's all part of the fun. :)