Published on September 2nd, 2017 Updated on January 10th, 2023 By Linda McGurk
I recently came across a story about a woman who hiked 33 miles through Alaska bear country carrying not only a 50-pound backpack but also her 20-pound, 10-month-old baby. More power to her. I’m the first one to admit that I was NOT quite that brave (or strong!) when my girls were little, but since then I’ve figured out that solo backpacking with kids doesn’t have to be very difficult. In some ways it’s even easier than car camping, because you’re only able to bring the necessities.
So why go solo backpacking with kids? You know you’ll end up carrying most of the weight, you’re on your own to handle potential meltdowns and once you’ve set up camp there’s usually no going back. While I can only speak for myself, I have yet to find a better way to spend one-on-one time with each of my daughters. Backpacking together gets us away from our respective screens and brings life down to its bare nuts and bolts in a way that helps us form a deeper bond. Plus, you can’t really beat sleeping in a tent under the stars. (Although both my kids would probably argue that pumping and filtering dirty creek water is even more exciting than star gazing.)
My oldest daughter was seven the first time we went backpacking together and at that time I was a little rusty. It had been years since I went backpacking and I’d never done it with a child in tow before. We had a great time, but I also made some mistakes that easily could’ve been avoided had I been better prepared. (Read more about that adventure in The Truth About Backpacking Solo with Kids.)
Last weekend, it was my youngest daughter’s turn to hit the trails for an overnight trip in the woods for the first time. Although I don’t consider myself a backpacking expert by any means, I at least feel like I have it down to a system at this point. I was also helped by a new book by fellow outdoor blogger Heather Rochfort, a.k.a. Just a Colorado Gal, called Backpacking 101. Unlike me, Heather IS a true backpacking expert and her book covers all the basics, as well as some clever hacks. (Keep reading, bec
The book isn’t geared specifically to parents, but the tips can be applied 
Packing List (My Backpack)
General
- 1 Osprey Aura AG 65 l. backpack with 3 l. Camelbak water bladder
Tools/Survival
- 1 Morakniv Scout
- 2 head lamps
- 1 small can pepper spray
- 2 lighters
- 1 REI Weekend First-Aid Kit
- 1 Compass
Sleeping
- 1 REI Half Dome 2-person tent
- 2 Exped SynMat 7 sleeping pads
- 2 Lightweight LaFuma sleeping bags
Drinking/Eating (dinner, breakfast and snacks)
- 1 Trangia Ultralight Alcohol Stove Kit
- Fuel
- 1 Katadyn Vario Water Filter
- 2 Light My Fire Meal Kits
- 1 water bottle
- 1 Mountain House freeze-dried Pasta Primavera (2.5 servings)
- 2 Luna Protein Bars
- 2 This Is Nuts trail mixes
- Mixed dried fruit
- 1 cup oats
- 16 oz almond milk
Clothing
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 set Terramar long underwear
- 1 pair wool socks
- Change of clothes
Hygiene
- 1 trowel
- 1 roll TP
- 1 packet baby wipes
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- 1 small container dish soap
- 1 small towel
Packing List (My Daughter’s Backpack)
- 1 CamelBak Kids 2016 Scout Hydration Pack
- 1 set of Polarn o Pyret wool sweater and wool long johns
- 1 fleece jacket
- Change of clothes
- 1 pair wool socks
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 book
- 1 deck of cards
- 1 Morakniv Scout
- 1 Swiss Army Huntsman Pocket Knife
- Binoculars
- 2 granola bars
- Bug spray
- Toothbrush
That’s it! Enjoy your backpacking adventures with kids, wherever they may take you.
This is a helpful jumpstart! I have been wanting to get out but my husband’s schedule doesn’t always allow for him to camp on a whim or even travel far from work. I’ve been scared to take my two young boys (who have food allergies) camping/hiking/trekking just by myself. I know it can be done, but having never done it or seen how it is done has been a road block.
Yes, it can definitely be done! If you’re feeling unsure, I recommend starting with short distances close to home and then gradually seek out longer trails depending on how things go. Good luck!
Hitting the trail with kids can be a little scary for first timers. This is a great list, taking many of the “do I need this?” anxieties away. I have a little one who has had a few mild food allergies in the past and one way I alleviate some worry is to carry an epi-pen when we go into the backcountry. I haven’t ever needed one, but it sure makes me feel better prepared.
And, yes, I agree with Linda, the more preparation the better:) In fact, I recently wrote about how to get your family prepared for backcountry camping. If you’re interested, here it is: http://www.takethemoutside.com/family-backcountry-camping/
Thanks for sharing your experience and great packing list! So glad my son and I inspired you 🙂
Oh yes, totally! Thanks for stopping by:o)
One thing that’s just off the top of my head that I would put in both packs just in case of seperation. Is a good high pitched whistle.
That’s a very good point, Shannon. My daughter actually has one that is attached to her backpack but for some reason I forgot to list it. I should probably get one for myself as well:)
Linda I don’t know how can I say thanks to you. This article just make my day. I hope you will post more article on the future. Thanks again
sounds like an amazing trip! Hope all of you enjoy a lot. Thanks for sharing experience with us.
Thank you, it was great!