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At the start of every year, we make a list of trails we want to explore — state parks, local greenways, and places we’ve driven past a dozen times but never stopped to hike.

And almost every time we head out, one of us ends up saying, “We should remember to bring that next time.”

Like the time we realized halfway through a trail that we had no water — and a long uphill stretch ahead of us.

After enough forgotten sunscreen, missing band-aids, and snacks left sitting on the kitchen counter, we finally stopped relying on memory and put together a simple hiking bag filled with our family hiking essentials.

These are the small, practical things that make a big difference when you’re hiking with kids — whether it’s a quick nature trail, a picnic at the park, or a longer day hike.

Nothing fancy. Just the items that help everyone stay comfortable, safe, and happy outdoors.

We used an old travel toiletry bag we already had, but a large zip-top bag works just as well. It’s small enough to toss into a backpack, a child carrier, or even keep in the car so it’s ready whenever adventure calls.

Here are the family hiking essentials we always pack for any outdoor outing.

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8 Family Hiking Essentials We Always Pack

After years of trial and error, these are the family hiking essentials that now live permanently in our grab-and-go outdoor bag.

Tec Nu Outdoor Skin Cleanser

If you hike anywhere with poison ivy or poison oak, this is gold.

We’ve learned the hard way that prevention is easier than treatment. We rub a small amount on ankles, legs, or anywhere that might brush against plants — especially on trails where kids (and dogs) tend to wander off path. We’ll even put a little on our dog’s paws since he’s usually exploring more than the rest of us.

If we’re unsure whether we brushed against something questionable, we apply it again after the hike and wipe off the excess before getting back into the car.

When you’re hiking as a family, avoiding a week of itchy misery is worth the extra ounce in your bag.

Bug Spray

Nothing ends a peaceful hike faster than a swarm of mosquitoes.

We always pack bug spray — no matter the season. In mild conditions, a lighter spray works fine. But if we’re somewhere with relentless bugs, we bring something stronger (especially if you’re hiking near water).

When you’re hiking with kids, comfort matters. If they’re miserable, the hike is over.

Sunscreen

There’s a saying I used to hear on the trail: “The higher the climb, the closer to God.”

Maybe. But you’re also closer to the sun.

Even on cooler days, exposed areas like noses, shoulders, necks, ears, and the tops of heads burn quickly — especially on longer hikes or open trails.

A small travel-size sunscreen takes up almost no space and saves everyone from ending the day uncomfortable.

Waterproof Bandages

Scrapes happen. Blisters happen. Kids trip. Adults trip.

We keep a few waterproof bandages in our bag because they hold up whether it’s hot, humid, or unexpectedly rainy.

You may not need them often — but when you do, you’ll be glad you packed them.

Hand Sanitizer

This one does double duty.

It’s helpful before snacks or lunch, but it’s especially important for cleaning a scrape before applying a bandage. Yes, it stings. But it cleans the wound and gives you peace of mind when you’re far from a sink.

For family hikes, simple first-aid basics go a long way.

Tissues

This might be the most underestimated item on our list.

Tissues are useful for everything — wiping off excess cleanser, cleaning up small cuts, blotting sweat, handling unexpected messes, or just dealing with allergies on the trail.

They weigh almost nothing and solve more problems than you’d expect.

Cooling Towel or Bandana

I’m sensitive to heat and prone to heat exhaustion, so this one is non-negotiable for us.

If anyone gets too hot, we wet the towel or bandana and drape it around the neck or over the head. It can provide quick relief on warm days and open trails.

Bonus: it doubles as shade if you forgot a hat, a makeshift carry cloth, or even an emergency wrap in a pinch.

When you’re hiking as a family, flexibility matters — and this small item gives you options.

Water & Simple Snacks

This one may seem obvious — but it’s the one that can make or break a family hike.

Everyone carries their own water bottle if they’re old enough. For younger kids, we keep extra water in our bag. Even on short trails, thirst sneaks up quickly — especially in warmer weather or on uphill stretches.

We also pack simple, non-messy snacks: granola bars, trail mix, apple slices, crackers. Nothing complicated. Just something to prevent the sudden “I’m starving” meltdown halfway through the trail.

When you’re hiking as a family, energy levels matter just as much as scenery.

Hydrated, fed kids are happy hikers.

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Follow along for more adventures near and far!

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