Backpacking with toddlers may sound challenging, but it’s one of the most rewarding activities you can do as a family. My husband, Connor, and I are blessed with three fun, energetic kids, each two years apart, and family backpacking trips have become one of our favorite ways to connect with nature.

We took our oldest, Gus, on his first backpacking trip when he was just 2 years old. Today, Gus is 9, and his younger siblings are 7 and almost 5. As a family, we’ve hiked over hundreds of miles, spending countless nights around campfires, making s’mores, snuggling in our tent, and sleeping under the stars in beautiful places from Yosemite National Park to the Utah desert.

Why You Should Take Your Kids Backpacking

Over the past 8 years, we’ve perfected the art of family backpacking trips. While no adventure is without its challenges, there’s so much value in introducing your kids to the great outdoors at a young age. In fact, Connor and I were so passionate about making this experience easier for families that we started our own business—Trail Magik—where we design and sell ultralight hiking carriers for toddlers.

If the idea of taking your toddler on a backpacking trip feels overwhelming, don’t worry! With a little preparation, managed expectations, and the right gear, a family backpacking trip can be an unforgettable adventure. Here's why backpacking with your toddlers is so important:

1. Encourages Healthy Bodies

Backpacking keeps kids active! Walking, climbing, and balancing on trails builds muscles, improves coordination, and promotes healthy bodies. It’s a fun way for families to get outdoors and create lifelong memories. Start young—we used the Trail Magik Kid Carrier to encourage our kids to hike as much as they could and take breaks when needed.

2. Boosts Mental Health

Spending time in nature is a powerful mental health boost for kids and adults alike. Backpacking encourages curiosity, whether it’s spotting wildlife, learning about plants, or solving little challenges along the trail. The time spent exploring together as a family fosters learning, connection, and a shared love of the outdoors.

3. Builds Emotional Strength

Backpacking isn’t always easy—bad weather, tired legs, or unexpected setbacks can happen. These moments teach kids valuable life skills like patience, problem-solving, and resilience. In our family, we focus on the feeling of accomplishment, reminding our kids how proud they should feel after completing an adventure.

Gus on his first backpacking trip with Connor through the John Muir Wilderness. This was the trip that inspired us to make Trail Magik.

4. Connects Kids to Nature

There’s something magical about teaching kids to appreciate and respect the outdoors. Whether they’re learning about plants and animals or practicing Leave No Trace principles, backpacking helps them develop a lifelong connection with nature. This is generational wealth—sharing the love for the outdoors with your children, who may one day pass it down to their own kids.

5. Builds Confidence and Independence

When kids carry their own gear, help set up camp, or navigate the trail, they feel proud and capable. Backpacking boosts their confidence and encourages independence. By the end of each trip, we all share a sense of accomplishment—sore legs, fond memories, and the feeling of spiritual growth that comes from time spent in the backcountry.

Final Thoughts on Backpacking with Toddlers

Backpacking as a family isn’t just about the adventure—it’s about building life skills, growing closer together, and teaching kids to appreciate the world around them. With the right preparation and mindset, even a toddler can thrive in the backcountry. Whether it’s hiking through Yosemite, exploring the Utah desert, or embarking on your own local trails, backpacking with your kids will give them memories and lessons that last a lifetime.