elizabethadventuresblogBackpacking with your baby can be both daunting and exhilarating all at once! There’s nothing better than getting back to what you love and spending your nights in the backcountry with your new trail buddy. However, adding a baby—and all the extra gear they need—can be overwhelming. It’s a lot of extra weight to carry.
Below, I’ll share everything I’ve learned so far and honestly discuss what it takes to continue backpacking with your baby. It’s been fun learning and challenging myself to make it happen. I hope to encourage you to keep hitting the trails with your baby. It isn’t easy carrying extra weight or navigating the challenges that come with backpacking, but it is worth it to share these experiences together!
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Things to Know About Backpacking With Your Baby
- It’s hard. Backpacking without a baby is hard. Adding in the logistics and weight of bringing a baby will only add challenge, but it is so worth the added time and effort to be able to share these beautiful experiences with your baby and allow them to explore the backcountry with you! The more you do it and the more you use guides like mine to prepare, the better every experience will be. The only way to truly figure out what works for you is to get out there and do it. What works for one person may not end up working for you and that’s okay!
- You will need to invest in a few pieces of gear specific for you baby, whether it be buying new or searching for used gear. Making sure you baby is comfortable and safe while backpacking is extremely important, plus it will help alleviate some stress knowing you have proper gear for your baby. If you want to search for used gear, places like Facebook market, the REI garage, consignment shops or Craigslist are great places to look. Getting new gear doesn’t have to be expensive. Continue reading to see what you’ll need!
- Backpacking with a baby was easiest for me in the earliest stages. My son weighed less, and because I was nursing, I didn’t have to pack any extra items like formula or bottles. The older they get and start solids the more they will weigh but also the more you will need to pack for them.
Before You Go Backpacking With Your Baby
Be sure to know and follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles on trail. It’s so important to help protect these beautiful places we love and enjoy. Make sure you know these principles before going out on a hike.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare: Always check for current weather updates and educate yourself on trail conditions prior to starting a hike. Look for recent reviews or call the local ranger station for up-to-date trail information, including closures, recent wildlife sightings, and road conditions.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to the trail. Avoid going off-trail unless it’s to go to the bathroom. You can capture amazing photos from the trail. Do not cut switchbacks. Stepping off-trail can cause years of damage with just one simple step. Camp in designated campsites rather than over vegetation.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash and food scraps. Never toss food items on the ground, as it is harmful to wildlife. Properly dispose of human waste by digging a cat hole at least 6 inches deep and burying the waste. Bring a wag bag to pack it out in fragile alpine terrain. Never leave toilet paper or feminine hygiene products behind, as they shouldn’t be disposed of on-trail. Bring a bag to pack them out for proper disposal. The same goes for dog poop—properly bury it or pack it back out. Do not leave dog poop bags on the side of the trail, as they are easy to forget. Animals can get into them, and other hikers don’t want to see them.
- Leave What You Find: Do not take objects like plants off-trail with you. Preserve nature by not marking on rocks or harming any natural objects. Never write or carve into rocks; it is illegal and carries heavy fines. Never pick wildflowers, as this is illegal in many states.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts: Check and follow all local wildfire regulations. Use established fire rings and keep fires small. Put fires out properly by dousing them with multiple gallons of water. Coals should be cool to the touch before walking away.
- Respect Wildlife: Never touch, feed, or approach wildlife. Maintain a distance of at least 25 yards from all wildlife and a minimum of 100 yards for predators and larger animals. Wildlife are not like house pets; they can spook easily or feel threatened. Stay in your car if wildlife is near the road. Do not feed them, as our food can be harmful to their digestive systems.
- Be Considerate of Others: Respect other hikers by allowing those who hike faster to pass. Uphill hikers have the right of way, so safely step aside for them unless they offer to stop first. Limit noise and use headphones. Keep groups under eight. Don’t forget to say hello to fellow hikers!
Challenges of Backpacking with Your Baby
This guide is designed to help you learn what gear you’ll need and tips to smoothly backpack with your baby. I also want to share some challenges that may arise, so you are prepared. I’ve been really fortunate that for the most part, backpacking has gone well for us, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been struggles along the way. Below are a few difficult situations I wasn’t prepared for and have had to navigate while backpacking with my son.
Extra Weight
I’m sure you already know there will be extra weight now that you have a baby to carry along with their belongings, but that extra weight is significant. I won’t sugarcoat it: when my son was only six months old, I had to set a limit of no more than six miles to camp because the added weight became too much. I definitely did longer trips, but it wasn’t necessarily worth the discomfort for me to go farther. So, start with a shorter hike and figure out what you are comfortable with.
Try to cut down as much weight as you can. Consolidating items and prioritizing essentials over luxury items will really help you reduce extra weight. Your baby is constantly gaining weight, so each time you go on the trail with them, there will be more weight to carry. Despite all this extra weight, it will always be worth it to have your baby there with you. Sharing in these special moments is priceless.
Diaper Weight
Although this falls under the extra weight category, it hadn’t really crossed my mind until I was already out on the trail. I knew there would be extra weight from added gear and carrying my son, but I hadn’t fully considered the weight of the diapers. With the added weight also comes the need for more room in your backpack to hold the diapers. Gone are the days of your pack weighing less on the way back once you start backpacking with your baby.
Waking Up at Night
Hopefully, your baby will sleep through the night well. If they wake up regularly for feedings, have a plan for how to manage that in a tent in the dark. Be prepared and have a course of action if your baby isn’t sleeping well in the tent, so you aren’t frazzled or panicked if it happens. My son was still waking up for night feeds during his first summer, and he would cry multiple times a night. It was a little stressful because, despite being out backpacking, there were always people nearby.
In addition to the multiple night feeds, he just didn’t sleep as well in the tent. It was exhausting at times because I felt like I barely slept between the night feeds and the wake-ups in between. By the time morning rolled around, he was, of course, sound asleep, and somehow I wasn’t ever as tired as I expected.
I always put my son to sleep in his sleep pod (more info below) and tried to keep him in it as much as possible because it was the safer sleeping choice and allowed me to sleep better, too. There were times when he just wouldn’t go back to sleep unless I was holding him, so I would have to keep him with me. I usually didn’t sleep well because I was worried about his safety, but I did my best to ensure nothing was near his face and that he was on my arm so I would notice any movement. Co-sleeping with an infant is not recommended, so always consult your child’s pediatrician and do what you’re comfortable with.
Falling Asleep in The Carrier
Although there isn’t really an issue with babies sleeping in their carrier, once my son started facing forward in his, it was something I had to be mindful of. Babies are not supposed to face out while they sleep, so if your baby falls asleep or needs to sleep soon, you will need to turn them inward. This means you will have to unstrap and remove your hiking backpack in order to reposition them or try to do it while still wearing the pack.
If you are hiking with someone else, it will be easier since they can help hold the baby while you adjust the straps and put your backpack back on. If you are going solo, be prepared to do this alone and find ways to make it easier, such as placing your pack carefully on a surface higher than the ground so it’s easier to put back on.
How to Carry Your Baby While You Backpack
If you take your baby backpacking, you will need a way to carry them that isn’t on your back. Soft front carriers are the best option for this. They allow you to wear your baby on your front and are comfortable to wear with a backpack over them.
It can definitely be a bit awkward trying to get both to fit properly, but keep adjusting until you find a comfortable setup. First, put your baby carrier on and adjust it to your desired comfort. After you put your backpacking backpack on, I’ve found it’s easier to ensure the waist strap sits on top of the waist strap of the carrier. It can slip easily, so if someone can help tighten it, that makes it easier to secure it tightly enough to avoid slipping. You may need to adjust it during the hike. I usually clip the chest straps under the carrier straps so they lay flatter and don’t hit my son’s head. Below are a few great carrier options.
Ergobaby
Ergobaby has a lot of carriers to pick form, but the Omni Breeze is definitely the best one for the trail. This is the carrier I use for hiking and travel and I absolutely love it! It is an all-position carrier made of lightweight mesh, so it’s breathable for you and baby on the trails. The carrier can be used up to 45lbs, has a built in sun shade cover for when they sleep or need coverage and fit all the Ergobaby carrier accessories below. You can shop the Omni Breeze carrier, here.
Tula
Tula is a great option for carriers if you are wanting one with a more unique design. They have carriers with multiple carrying positions and use through toddler age. The Explore and the Free-to-Grow are perfect if you have a baby and want a carrier that will last you years. Tula is a fun choice because of the amount of patterns they have to choose from! They also have some accessories like seat extenders to make the carrier last a little longer, lumbar support and strap pads.
Trail Magic
This carrier is designed for babies one and up. It is an amazing option if you want the ability to easily let your little one explore on their own but also help them along the trail when their legs need a break. The carrier is extremely compact and can fit inside your backpack until you want to use it. The Trail Magik simply attaches directly to you hiking backpack when in use, making it the perfect option for toddlers and older children. Shop for the Trail Magik here. Use code elizabethadventures for 10% off, which can be stacked on sale prices.
Baby Gear Specific for Backpacking With Your Baby
Luckily babies don’t need a lot of gear when backpacking compared to traveling, but you will still need some baby specific items. Having this not only ensure your baby will be comfortable while backpacking, but safe while they sleep.
Sleeping Pad
Babies are not supposed to sleep on an air mattress until at least one years of age. Most backpacking sleeping pads are air, so make sure you do not use that. I purchased a foam pad for my son to sleep on. Foam pads are light weight so they won’t add much weight. Mine is 10.5 ounces and there is one that is 10 ounces. Foam sleeping pads can be attached to the outside of you backpack so it won’t take up space inside either. Below are links to the two best foam pads.
Sleeping Bag
Having an infant sleeping bag is extremely important if you want to camp or backpack with your baby! They cannot safely sleep in a regular sleeping bag, as they can easily slide inside and have their airway obstructed. A good infant sleeping bag should fit them securely so it can’t slide over their face. It’s also important to choose the correct sleeping bag for the temperatures you will be in to ensure they stay warm. We personally love our Morrison bags because they come with sleeves and have a secure fit like a coat. You can learn more about their bags, which come in sizes up to adults, here.
Infant Sleep Tent
Don’t worry, you aren’t sticking your baby in their own tent in the backcountry! An infant sleep tent is essentially an enclosed pop-up bassinet that helps keep your baby safe at night. It has mesh walls and a zipper opening, allowing the baby to sleep inside while you don’t have to worry about them rolling around and getting into a position where their face could be obstructed. I originally purchased a highly rated one but returned it because it was honestly too bulky and heavy. The one I replaced (here) it with was only an inch of so narrower but it weighed less.
I will warn you, folding them can be quite the feat, so be sure to read the directions and practice before taking it out to ensure it can fit back into your backpack. I placed mine down the back of my pack, next to the pocket for the hydration bladder, and it seemed to fit best there. It could also be strapped to the outside if there isn’t room inside.
I only used the infant pop-up tent during my son’s first summer. He was between 5 and 9 months old during all the trips we took him on. The following summer, he slept on his pad next to me while backpacking and was perfectly fine and safe. You can always continue using the tent if you feel more comfortable doing so. I didn’t find it necessary for my son anymore and preferred not to have the extra weight or space used in my pack as he got older.
Backpacking Tent Setup With a Baby
This really depends on your tent size. If you have a two-person tent and now three people, it will be difficult to fit a baby comfortably inside. My tent during the first summer backpacking with my baby was a 2+ tent, meaning it had slightly more room than a regular two-person tent. It has always been quite roomy, but it felt very cramped once the baby arrived. Our setup for this tent involved placing my son’s sleeping pad and sleep tent at our heads. This meant our sleeping pads had to go up the tent wall a little to create this extra space, and we couldn’t fully stretch out our legs.
Investing in a new tent isn’t always an easy option, as they can be rather expensive. If you have a two-person tent and a single, it’s always an option to pack both and use two tents among three people. The best choice for hiking with a baby is to invest in a three-person tent if possible, so everyone has room inside one tent. If you can, investing in an ultralight tent will save you weight and space in your backpack. Bringing multiple tents might also be necessary if there are multiple children. Below are a few great options for regular three-person ultralight (UL) tents.
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 3– 2.15 ounces, 3 season (this is the tent I now use)
NEMO Hornet OSMO Ultralight 3– 3.5 ounces, 3 season
(Not all tents come with a footprint, so be sure to check if it should be purchased separately. They are important in protecting the longevity of your tent, which is a big investment)
Baby Clothing for Backpacking
Clothing for backpacking really won’t be different from the clothes you have your baby wear for hiking. The difference will be the amount of clothing you need to bring. Not only do you need to pack day hiking clothes and extra warm layers, but you also need to pack cold nighttime clothing. Depending on your baby, you may need multiple extra outfits. My son leaked and spit up on his clothes all the time in the beginning, so extra clothes were a must. Thankfully, by the time we started backpacking with him at around six months, he wasn’t doing it as much. I usually packed one extra outfit for one night. Below, I’ll share everything you need to know about the clothing to pack for your baby.
Down Coat or Bunting
Even in the summer months, it can get quite cold at night in the mountains. Having the proper warm layers for these cooler nights will allow your baby to be comfortable while exploring with you. My son had a fleece and a down bunting from the time he was born until roughly nine months. Around nine months, I also purchased a down coat, so he then had both options. A down bunting provides the most warmth as it covers their legs, hands, and feet. If it is cool but not necessarily cold, a down coat is a great option.
Layering Accessories
Even in the summer months, evenings will get cold in the backcountry in most places. Just like you would for yourself, your baby will need extra layers like a beanie and gloves. Below are the layers I have my son wear or at least pack with us to use as needed.
- Gloves
- Beanie
- Warm shoes or fleece/down booties
- Neck gaiter– one that won’t cover face
- Sunglasses
- Warm wool or synthetic socks
Daytime Clothing
Dressing your baby for daytime while backpacking will be the same as a normal hike. What layers you choose to put them in will truly depend on the temperatures and elements you will encounter. I always have one backup day hiking outfit should I need to change my son as well. You can learn more on how to dress your baby for hiking in my guide, here.
Pajamas
If it is a warmer night, I bring my son’s wool hiking set. It’s breathable but still warm as the temperatures drop at night. For colder trips, I pack fleece footie pajamas to ensure he stays warm all night. Consider what layers you need on a cold night to stay warm. If you sleep with a jacket or warm layer, then your baby should as well. If you want to reduce weight, you can always forgo pajamas and let them sleep in their hiking clothes (I have two sets of wool hiking clothes, so one is for sleep and the other is for play while backpacking). I didn’t want his sleeping bag to get dirty, so I never did this, but if it is a warmer night, next time I may try having him sleep in the extra outfit I pack and leave the pajamas at home. If it is cold out, I will still pack warmer pajamas.
Feeding Your Baby on Trail
Feeding your baby in trail can be a big part of you feeling successful in your trip, but it can also seem like a big challenge. Below I’ll share everything you need to know whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding or if they’ve started in solids so you can go out feeling confident.
Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding your baby, this will be the easiest option for backpacking solely because sue you don’t need to pack extra gear or supplies for it unless you need something specific. For me, when my son was hungry I simply sat on my seat cushion and fed him as needed be. Not everyone’s journey will include breastfeeding though so below I’ll hate that other feeding avenues look like on trail.
You can read my guide “Hiking With A Baby” to learn more about out exactly what I wear and bring to make breastfeeding on trail the easiest it can be for me. Click on the table of contents and find “Tips for Feeding Baby on Trail” to learn more.
Formula Feeding
I have never had to formula-feed my baby on the trail, but I’ll share various tips and tricks I’ve read about and heard other moms discuss. If you are using formula on the trail, you have a few options to make it easy for yourself based on your personal preference. The first option is to bring the bottle(s) with the formula already measured out in them. When your baby is ready to eat, simply add the water.
If your baby requires warm water, a great option is to bring an insulated bottle already filled with warm water. Just add the warm water, shake, and feed away! Another easy solution is to use a stove, such as a Jetboil, to heat up water. This option will add time but works well if you don’t want to bring a separate water bottle.
If your baby doesn’t require warm water, a great option is to bring the bottles filled with the necessary amount of water. When your baby gets hungry, you can use a formula dispenser, like this one here, to add the correct amount of formula. Both of these options work well and will hopefully make feeding your baby formula on the trail simple.
Solids
If your baby has started on solids, it will not only add weight but also require more thought regarding what to bring. You want to ensure you have ample food for them without carrying excessive weight. This will take some consideration and attention to their daily food intake at home to gauge how much to pack.
Because you do not have a fridge, bringing packaged store-bought food is usually easier. However, if you want to stick to homemade food, you can always try a mini cooler if it’s a shorter trip.
For me, I pack my son’s favorite snacks from home so I know he will eat on the trail. I also bring multiple pouches. I like to ensure that what I bring has a higher calorie count and protein, if possible, to help him stay full and happy. For lunch, I often pre-make him a peanut butter and fruit sandwich. For dinner, he usually eats some of our backpacking food, and if he won’t eat that, I pull from his stock of food.
The younger your baby is, the less you’ll need to bring. During my son’s first summer backpacking, he was only eating 1-2 small snacks or meals a day, so I never had to worry about bringing too many solids, thankfully.
Other Helpful Items to Bring Backpacking For Your Baby
Seat Cushion
A seat cushion is a must for me no matter what because it’s light weight and allows men to. Sit comfortably on all surfaces. This is the one I use, here. You could purchase one for your baby to use as well. Another option is to use their sleeping pad as a cushion. This is what I did when my son was younger. Now that he walks, I don’t bother, but when he was just rolling and crawling, I used his sleeping pad because it was much larger but also because it was already being carried to camp.
First Aid Kit
It’s important to have an updated first aid kit when you venture out with your baby. Chances are everything in your first aid kit is geared towards adults. You’ll want to update it to include items like smaller Band-Aids, infant Tylenol and a thermometer. You can always chat with their pediatrician to figure out if they recommend anything specific.
Backpacking With a Baby Reminders
- You’re going to learn as you go! You may read multiple blogs with parents sharing their favorite products and tips, but you and your baby are unique. Some items may not work for you, and you may discover different tips that suit you and your little one better. That’s okay! Figuring out what works for you is half the fun of learning this new way of adventuring together.
- If you’re worried about the extra weight, try packing your bags and going for a neighborhood walk or a short local hike with your full setup beforehand. This will give you an idea of how everything fits and how much it all weighs. It’ll help you decide if it’s too much and allow you time to shuffle gear around or consolidate further.
- It’s okay if things don’t go as planned or if you have to bail on the trip. Every outing will be different, and being flexible with a baby is key. If it comes to a point where you have to turn back, chances are you’ll be much happier you did, despite how disappointing it can feel in the moment—there’s usually a good reason for that decision. So enjoy your time together and be proud of all the effort you put into each outing!
I hope this guide helps you feel confident and prepared to go backpacking with your baby! Being able to take them backpacking is such a special memory and worth all the effort and challenge that comes with it. If you have any further questions or want to share your experience after, please leave a comment below!
Happy Hiking,
Elizabeth
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