Kids Hiking Boots & Gear: What You Really Need

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Hiking is one of our favorite things to do, especially when we’re traveling. Not only is it a great way to get the kids outdoors and moving, it’s a great way to really explore new areas and see more than just what’s visible in a car. But I know firsthand that hiking with kids is not always the easiest or most enjoyable experience. Having the right kids hiking gear, such as boots and Camelbaks, can make a huge difference.

I want to point out that one thing I love about hiking is that you don’t really need a ton of stuff. Snacks and water are probably the most basic and most important things you can bring with you. We’ve been spending a lot more time hiking to prepare for the Delta Lake hike in Grand Teton National Park, though, so we’ve had to invest in some hiking gear. These items are what I have found to be the most essential kids hiking gear.

I also have an Amazon store with links to my personal favorite hiking boots and gear that I love to wear and use on the trails.

Kids Hiking Boots

I don’t think you need to go out and buy expensive hiking boots unless you are an avid hiking family. However, it is important for everyone to have comfortable shoes with good traction. And I like having waterproof kids hiking boots as well. Something like this will work just fine and won’t cost you a fortune.

My kids also hike in their regular tennis shoes, however I like having specific shoes for hiking so that they don’t ruin their regular sneakers if the trail is muddy or if we have to cross water. Plus, their regular shoes don’t typically have the best traction.

Hiking Sandals

Besides kids hiking boots, I really recommend a pair of kids hiking sandals if you plan to hike through water or if there is a swimming hole to play in. Dealing with wet shoes and socks is the worst, and once your feet get wet, putting socks on becomes a lot harder. My kids have done it all–hiked in wet shoes, hiked without socks once their feet get wet, etc., but having hiking sandals has been a game changer.

Kids Hiking Backpack

Any parent knows that pain of having to carry their kids gear, and I feel like that’s the age-old fight when it comes to hiking. The kids complain if they don’t have enough food and water, or a sweatshirt, but then complain if they have to carry it all. Or, you have to dig to the bottom of your backpack to find the water bottles.

With a kids hiking backpack, they can be responsible for carrying their own gear. Plus, if you go with a Camelbak hiking backpack, and I highly recommend that you do, you won’t have to stop and dig for water bottles. It comes with a bladder and long spout that makes taking a sip super easy. Plus it’s lightweight and has extra storage for snacks and found treasures.

Wool Socks – To Wear With Your New Kids Hiking Boots

Wool socks are great for providing extra warmth on cold days, but they also do more than just that. If your kids get blisters while hiking, you don’t necessarily need to upgrade to expensive kids hiking boots. Something as simple as wearing wool socks can help with that. Also, if your kids feet tend to get extra stinky when they sweat, wool socks can help with that as well.

Hiking Pants

I don’t think you need a whole separate wardrobe for hiking attire, but I do really like these kids hiking pants. They are lightweight and provide protection against the sun and water. Plus, they can be converted to shorts. So if weather, bugs or poisonous plants are an issue, they’re easy to accommodate your needs.

Sun Protection

Sunscreen is something you should always keep in your hiking backpack. Hats are also a great thing to block you from the sun. My kids will often wear a ball cap, however, a hiking sunshade hat provides full sun protection for your face and neck. And they’re easy to wash.

Headlamps

If you are hiking in the wee hours of the morning or into the evening, having a headlamp is not only fun for kids to wear, it’s essential. We love kids headlamps when we’re camping, and something about doing a night hike while camping always seems a thousand times more fun for the kids.

Other Supplies to Bring in Your Backpack

• Bandages, first aid kit
• Bug spray
• Baby wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Snacks

Kids Hiking Gear You Don’t Need

Hiking is an adventure, and sometimes kids think they need all the adventure gear in order to go hiking. If that’s what entices them to go, I’m all for it. But unless they ask for it or you really think it would make hiking more exciting for them, I’d probably skip certain things that just become more stuff to carry.

• Hiking poles — instead, my kids love looking for a good hiking stick, and it keeps them occupied for awhile when they are looking for just the right one
• Binoculars and magnifying glasses — easy enough to keep in the backpack, however after the initial excitement over trying these out (which always seems time consuming to me), I don’t think they really add much to our hikes

Where to Use Your New Kids Hiking Boots & Gear

We hike just about anywhere! We live in San Diego, so we have some great trails just a few miles from our house. Our favorites are Three Sisters Falls and the five Mission Trails peaks. We also recently went camping at Hurkey Creek Campground and explored the trails in Idyllwild as well.

I also have a guide for kid-friendly hikes in Yosemite, kid-friendly Kauai hikes, and the best Sequoia National Park hikes, which are a few of my absolute most favorite places to hike when we visit. Not only is it one of the most scenic things to do in Hawaii, it’s also one of the most affordable Hawaii adventures, since hiking gives you the ability to see so much beauty for free.

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