Five Essentials for Family Hiking With a Toddler

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Family Hiking with a Toddler
Hiking with a toddler has fast become one of the most rewarding ways to spend time together outdoors with my son. There is fresh air, muddy boots, plenty of discovery, and usually at least one unexpected snack stop.

The key to hiking with a one year old is not to overcomplicate it. With the right kit and a little planning, family hikes can be a wonderful way to get outdoors and release stress. Here are five essentials that make a big difference when you are heading out on the trail with a little one in tow; personal recommendations that have made a real difference to me.

1. Osprey Poco Plus/Premium Rucksack

I purchased a second hand Osprey Poco AG Plus child carrier when my little one turned one year old. These are brilliant rucksacks, worth their weight in gold to get you out on the trails and start stomping some miles. The latest version of the AG Plus is the Osprey Poco Premium, but my 'vintage' version shares most of the same attributes.

The Osprey Poco AG Plus Rucksack is the benchmark for rucksack baby carriers, and widely reckoned to be the best on the market. It has a superb supportive fit for the adult, utilising the Osprey Air Gravity system, and a secure and comfortable seat for the baby.

I recommend opting for the Plus version, which has extra storage capacity in the base. If you are planning proper walks and hikes then this added storage is vital for extra layers, baby essentials and snacks.


2. Rab Equipment Hiking Tee and Trousers

Comfort matters more than you think when you are out for a few hours with a toddler. Lightweight hiking clothing such as a Rab Equipment Force hiking tee and Rab Incline hiking trousers help you stay cool, move easily, and deal with the stop-start nature of walking with a child.

Technical fabrics also dry faster than everyday clothes, which is particularly helpful if you are caught in drizzle or working up a sweat carrying a toddler up a mountain. I always recommend a layering approach to outdoor apparel, so both adults and children stay comfortable in changeable conditions.

Rab Equipment Force Hiking Tee


3. Komoot Mapping and Route Planning App

A good route can make or break a family hike. For years, on bike and foot, the Komoot mapping and route planning app has been my go-to choice for navigation. It is especially useful when you need to think beyond distance alone; with a toddler, you want to consider terrain, elevation, rest stops, parking, and how easy it will be to turn back if needed. Komoot allows you to plan, replan, and record your adventures.


4. A Good Waterproof Jacket

One of the great realisations of hiking with children is that you can never pick and choose your timing based on the weather. Family life does not always line up with perfect forecasts, and in the UK especially, conditions can shift in a matter of minutes. If you waited for blue skies the opportunity would pass you by. Be prepared to get out in anything: wind, rain, hail or snow; with the right kit, all of these can still be enjoyable outdoor conditions.

For me, the best investment is a lightweight waterproof jacket (as well as a rain cover for your Osprey carrier). This will keep you comfortable, help maintain morale and mean a bit of rain does not automatically end the adventure. My choice of waterproof jacket has been the Rab Firewall Light Waterproof Jacket, which is super packable but impressively waterproof. Constructed with a durable and stretchy Pertex® Shield fabric, it is resilient enough to be worn underneath the straps of a baby carrier, but will completely shield you from downpours. It has the bonus that the fabric is softer on the inside than many waterproofs, so it can be worn over a tee in the summer months without feeling scratchy. This is a great layer to get you out there in all conditions.

Rab Firewall Light Jacket


5. Snacks, Snacks and More Snacks

If there is one universal truth about hiking with a toddler, it is this: always pack more snacks than you think you need. Snacks can boost energy, distract from tired legs, lift the mood, and buy you precious extra time when the trail suddenly feels a bit too long. Easy options that your toddler already likes are usually best, but personal favourites that rank as top hiking snacks for my toddler are raspberry flapjacks, apples, bananas and peanut butter filled pitta breads.


Summary

Family hiking with a toddler is rarely about covering huge distances. It is about making memories, getting outside, and enjoying the moments along the way. With a comfortable carrier, breathable clothing, a solid route plan, dependable waterproofs and plenty of snacks, you will be much better prepared for a day on the trails or mountainside. If all else fails, stop for another snack break and enjoy the view.

Rab Hiking Family

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