What to pack in Your Hiking Backpack

We love hiking together as a family and it is important to be prepared, especially if you have kids coming with you. Here are the things that I keep in my backpack and take with us on hikes.

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First thing is to choose the type of backpack you want. We both have Dakine backpacks which isn’t exactly a hiking backpack brand but we love ours! I wanted something smaller. Also remember we only do day hikes, not backpacking or overnight hikes/camping. Click the small photo above to view and shop some Dakine backpacks (I couldn’t link our exact ones because they are a Hawaii exclusive).

Here are some everyday essentials:
Sunscreen
Hand Sanitizer
Shout Wipe: These things are incredible! If you happen to ruin a clothing item on the trail this wipe will get out any stains.
Bug Spray
Chapstick
Scrunchie
Hair brush
Assortment of bags: This will come in handy if you get wet and need to put wet clothing in the bag, need a ziplock for some cool rocks or shells the kids found, or if you run out of poop bags on the leash.

First Aid Kit: This one is compact and great to save room without skimping on essential first aid supplies.
Toilet paper: Most trails don’t have restrooms on thee trail itself and when you gotta go, you gotta go. You’ll thank me for this one.
Portable Charger: Its a great idea to bring along something to charge your phone with. Whether it dies because you’re taking too many photos or you find yourself in need one in an emergency and yours is dead.
Baby Wipes: You can NEVER go wrong with having baby wipes on hand.

Snacks! Of course always bring some snacks with you in case you get hungry or in case of emergency. I like to keep ours in a reusable bag so they don’t get smashed in the backpack.
Water Bottle: I’m sure you already know to bring one of these, but I highly suggest a Yeti. It holds a lot of water and keeps it cool. I like to decorate mine with stickers from our travels!
Compass/Whistle: This little keychain I keep on the zipper of my backpack in case of emergency. It has a compass and is a whistle which can be louder than a scream or yell in an emergency situation.

If we are going on a dog friendly hike then here are some essentials for Muffin that I make sure to bring along!
Water Bowl: I love these collapsible bowls. They save room and can clip on your backpack
Poop Bag Dispenser: I love these little poop bag holders because they are convenient. Also comes with replacement bags, I clip ours onto the leash.
Dog Carrier: Muffin man gets tired on longer hikes so we grabbed this backpack so once of us can carry him easily.

Finding the fun everywhere life takes us!
Love, Olivia Michelle