Family Hiking Gear: What Matters and What Doesn’t

Choosing practical gear that supports safety and decision making

Family hiking gear does not need to be expensive or specialised, but it does need to be appropriate. The right gear supports safety, comfort, and good decisions on the trail. The wrong gear often adds weight, complexity, or false confidence without improving outcomes.

This guide focuses on what actually matters when hiking with kids and what can safely be deprioritised. It is written to help families make practical, conservative choices rather than chase unnecessary equipment.

Footwear should suit terrain, not marketing claims

Children do not automatically need hiking boots. On well-formed tracks, comfortable runners or trail shoes with good grip are often sufficient.

Boots become useful when:

• terrain is rough or uneven
• there is prolonged mud, scree, or rocky ground
• ankle stability is genuinely needed

Poorly fitting or overly stiff footwear causes more problems than it solves. Comfort and traction matter far more than height or brand.

Clothing and layers matter more than footwear

Kids regulate temperature less effectively than adults. Layering is critical.

Prioritise:

• a warm insulating layer
• a windproof or waterproof outer layer
• sun protection appropriate to conditions

Cotton should be avoided in cooler or wet conditions, as it holds moisture and increases heat loss. Spare layers are not optional when hiking with kids. They are a safety buffer.

Packs and load sharing

Children can carry small packs, but load should be light and appropriate to age and strength. A child’s pack should never affect balance or posture.

Adults should carry:

• extra food and water
• spare clothing
• navigation and safety items

Load sharing is about building involvement, not shifting responsibility.

Food and water are safety items

Snacks and water are not just about comfort. They directly affect concentration, coordination, and mood.

Carry more than you expect to need and offer food and drinks regularly rather than waiting for complaints. Dehydration and low energy increase the risk of trips, poor decisions, and emotional overload.

Navigation and communication basics

Even on familiar walks, carry basic navigation tools such as a map or offline mapping app. Phones should not be the sole navigation method unless battery life and coverage are reliable.

For longer or more remote hikes, consider:

• a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
• a small first aid kit
• a headlamp or torch

These items are rarely used, but critical when needed.

What you can safely skip

You do not need:

• specialist or technical gear for easy walks
• matching outfits or brand-specific kits
• large packs for short hikes

Keep gear simple, functional, and suited to the conditions. Extra gear often adds fatigue without improving safety.

Explore related guides

• Is this hike suitable for kids?
• Planning a family hike: expectations, pacing and margins
• Keeping Kids Safe on the Trail: Supervision, Spacing and Judgement
• Hiking with Kids: Planning, Safety and Shared Responsibility