What to Take Hiking with a Toddler: Essential Gear and Tips

Hiking with a toddler is wonderful in so many ways. Yes, your pace will be slower than hiking with a baby in a carrier or with an older child who can stay more focused, but that’s the beauty of it. Hiking with a toddler lets you slow down and really enjoy the moment, soaking in the little details they notice along the way.

Wondering what to take with you when hiking with a kid between the ages of 1 and 3? Here’s a list of must-have gear for your outdoor adventure.

1. Proper Hiking Toddler Attire: Layers Are Key

Toddlers aren’t naturally great at regulating their own temperature or communicating discomfort, so you have to be on top of this while hiking with them. Make sure to dress your little one in layers for his hike—ideally, moisture-wicking ones made of polyester or (even better) merino wool. I avoid cotton in all seasons because once it gets wet (and it will), it makes kids feel cold and damp. Here’s what works best:

Waterproof Layers: For muddy days, rain pants are a lifesaver, while a full rainsuit is a must for truly rainy weather. We love gear from Therm Kids and Reima, but this OAKI rainsuit has also been a long time favorite of ours! In snowy conditions, your best bet is a waterproof snowsuit.
Comfortable Shoes: Choose lightweight shoes that suit the season, and make sure they feel comfortable with thicker socks in colder weather. Get the right fit: tight shoes cause discomfort and cold feet, while oversized shoes become a tripping hazard for little ones. For summer, we love Keen’s Newport Sandals, and our favorite rainy day boot is from Crocs. Winter shoes for toddlers are challenging, but we have had the best success with Stonz and Boggs boots.
Extra Layers: If you’re unsure about the weather, pack a few extra layers in your bag just to be safe. Better to have them and not need them! This is especially important for those mittens and hats that your toddler will refuse to wear until their fingers and ears are freezing. Trust me – you will be happy to have them when that time comes.

Pro Tip: Check out my guide for dressing kids in the winter.

2. Pack Minimal Diapering Supplies

No need to overpack your hiking bag here. I usually bring 1-2 diapers and a small travel pack of baby wipes. Around the time my kids turned 18 months, we switched to standing diaper changes, which meant I didn’t need to carry a changing pad on the hike anymore. And don’t forget to bring a Ziploc bag for any poopy diapers you might need to pack out.

When potty training your hiking toddler, you have a few options:

Bring extra layers for accidents, which works best in the summer. In colder months, when you rely on insulated layers for warmth, getting them wet on the trail is the last thing you want.
During colder seasons, when kids are extra bundled, using pull-ups as a temporary emergency solution often makes sense. Treat them like underwear and offer regular potty breaks to help your toddler stay in the habit.
If you prefer not to use pull-ups, consider waterproof underwear or cloth trainers. These options let your toddler feel wet without soaking through their layers in case of an accident.

3. Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks for Hiking Energy

Toddlers eat A LOT, and on the trail, it feels like they’re hungry every 30 minutes. I like to pack several small, bite-sized snacks to keep things easy. Here are a few of my go-to options:

Mini Sandwiches: PB&J or PB&Nutella sandwiches cut into small squares are perfect for a protein-dense lunch
Trail Snacks: Granola bars, fruit/veggie pouches, and crackers are all easy to grab on the go.
Hardy fruits veggies: sliced apples and baby carrots do very well on the trail; bring a dip like hummus or nut butter for extra protein.
Sweet Incentives: Gummy bears, jelly beans, and M&Ms make excellent motivators: “Once we get to the big tree, you can have a gummy bear!” Works like a charm.

What Not to Bring: For shorter toddler hikes, I avoid food items that can get extra messy (such as yogurt), fruits that are fragile (nobody wants a mushy banana), or anything that requires utensils. I feel like that’s just more stuff for me to carry!

4. Water: Don’t Forget to Hydrate on the Trail

Toddlers often forget to drink water, so I frequently remind them to stay hydrated during hikes. Pack their favorite water bottle and refill it from your larger one as needed. Choose a bottle that’s lightweight, leakproof, and easy for them to use. We’ve had great success with Contigo bottles, but we’ve also reused juice bottles. They’re fun, leakproof, perfectly sized for toddler hands, and easy to replace if lost or damaged.

5. Baby Carrier: Yes, Even for Hiking Toddlers

If you thought you’d retired your baby carrier—surprise! It can often come in handy on hikes with a toddler. My kids used a carrier regularly until they were 3 years old, and I always packed one for hikes. Hikes, having a soft-structured carrier handy is a great backup option if your little one decides they’re done walking, or has a meltdown. Our favorite toddler-sized and preschool-sized carriers are made by Kinderpack.

6. Small First Aid Kit

Toddlers are accident-prone while hiking, so having a few essentials is key. I always carry some antibacterial cream and a few band-aids—trust me, you’ll use them at some point. Artificial tears can also be a lifesaver if dust or dirt gets in their eyes.

Optional: A Backpack for Your Hiking Toddler

When my kids turned 3, I introduced small backpacks on hikes. It’s a fun way to get them used to carrying their own gear—sometimes I pack extra layers, other times just a snack and water bottle. But be warned: younger toddlers may enjoy it at first, then quickly tire of carrying it, leaving you with an extra pack. Even worse, they might fill their tiny backpack with rocks… so proceed with caution!

What Not to Bring to the Trail: Toys

I can’t tell you how many times my kids begged me to bring a toy on the trail, and every single time, I ended up carrying it. Or worst – we lost it! Trust me—leave the toys at home where they are safe and actually played with. If the kids want to play, they’ll find plenty of entertainment in rocks, sticks, and leaves.

Hiking with a toddler becomes so much fun when you prepare with the right gear. The key is to embrace the slow pace, enjoy the journey, and pack smart. With these essentials for what to take hiking with a toddler, you’ll be ready for your next adventure!