Outdoor gear is expensive, and kids’ hiking gear is no exception. But the right gear can make a big difference between a fun day on the trail and one that quickly turns frustrating.
So how do families balance cost, especially with multiple kids? One of the best approaches is to focus on quality over quantity. These are nine hiking gear items that have held up well over time and can be worth the investment for families who spend a lot of time outdoors.
REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Joggers – Kids’
Convertible hiking pants are especially useful during those times of year when the weather cannot seem to make up its mind. One minute it is cold, then warm, then cold again a couple of hours later.
These convertible hiking pants from REI are lightweight, durable, and designed to shift quickly from pants to shorts and back again. That flexibility can be especially helpful on longer hikes or during shoulder-season adventures when temperatures change throughout the day.
KEEN Kid Newport H2 Sandal
The KEEN Newport H2 has long been a popular option for kids, and for good reason.
It works well as a hiking sandal thanks to its closed-toe design, which helps protect little feet on the trail. The waterproof construction also makes it a practical choice for puddles, creeks, and muddy stretches without leaving kids stuck in soaked shoes. They are easy to get on and off, and they work well for a wide range of ages.
Backpacks That Grow With Your Kids
A few different backpack brands can work well for kids, but some stand out more than others over time.
For toddlers and preschoolers, the North Face Sprout Backpack is a solid beginner option. At $35, it offers a simple, kid-friendly design that works well for younger hikers who just need the basics.
For school-age kids, the L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack, 20L is another strong choice. It has held up well for regular use and offers enough room for trail essentials without feeling oversized.
A good kid-size backpack gives children a place to carry their own water, snacks, hat, and small trail treasures, which can also help them feel more involved in the hike.
Pelican Go G10 Personal Utility Case
Snacks are a big part of hiking with kids, but snack bars and other small items can get crushed quickly inside a backpack.
That is where a hard-sided utility case like the Pelican Go G10 can be helpful. It is a simple way to protect snacks, gum, stickers, badges, or small keepsakes picked up along the trail. Durable, waterproof, and versatile, it is one of those small items that can end up being more useful than expected.
Kids’ Trucker Hat From L.L.Bean
Whether it is a trucker hat, a wide-brim sunhat, or a stocking cap for colder weather, a hat in the backpack is always worth carrying.
That is especially true for kids who do not love sunglasses. A lightweight, durable, adjustable hat can help with sun protection and comfort, and an adjustable fit usually means it can last longer as kids grow.
Binoculars
Binoculars can be one of those gear purchases that seem optional at first, but they often end up adding a lot to the trail experience.
They help kids stay engaged by giving them something specific to do, whether that is spotting birds, looking for wildlife, or getting a closer look at the landscape. They can help turn an ordinary hike into something more interactive, and models that include a safety whistle or compass add a little extra utility.
Contigo Kids Straw Water Bottle With AUTOSPOUT Lid, 14 oz
A reliable water bottle is one of the most important pieces of gear for kids on the trail.
Contigo water bottles have remained a strong option because they are easy to drink from, resist leaking, fit well in kid-size backpack pockets, and are dishwasher safe. Just as importantly, they do not have a lot of extra little parts that can get lost.
Whatever bottle a family chooses, it is usually a good idea to avoid very wide-mouth bottles for younger kids, since they do not always fit well in backpack side pockets. For older kids, a Nalgene can also be a good option.
Smartwool Kids’ Hiking Socks
Hiking socks may not be the most exciting gear purchase, but they can make a real difference in how comfortable kids feel on the trail.
A good pair of hiking socks can help with fit, comfort, and reducing hot spots, especially on longer walks. Smartwool socks are a strong choice because they hold up well and add some extra cushioning without feeling bulky.
It is one of those small upgrades that can make a bigger difference than expected.
L.L.Bean Kids’ Wind and Rain Jacket, Reflective Zipper
A lightweight rain jacket is one of those pieces of gear that may not get used on every hike, but when it is needed, it is really needed.
This L.L.Bean jacket is lightweight, easy to layer, and easy to stash in a backpack when not in use. It is useful not just for rain, but also for windy overlooks, cool mornings, and those days when the weather changes quickly. Plus, the reflective zipper is one of those things that seems gimmicky, but will actually come in handy.
The Bottom Line
When buying hiking gear for kids, the best choices are usually the ones that are durable, comfortable, and easy for kids to use on their own.
Not every item needs to be top-of-the-line, but a few well-chosen pieces can make family hikes more comfortable, more manageable, and a lot more enjoyable.
Bonus: Many of these pieces are gender-neutral, allowing you to pass them down from kid to kid, getting even more use out of them and stretching your dollar further.
Planning a trip to a National Park? Check out our article on tips for navigating crowded national parks.
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