When can kids start carrying a backpack on hikes?

Hiking with your kids means that you have a lot to carry. including your kids sometimes! You are probably waiting for the day they can carry their own backpack on hikes. We are sure that there are some younger kids out there that will carry their own pack on a 5 mile hike, but most kids are a little more reluctant and you could end up carrying your kids bag or the things they need for a while!

When can kids start to carry their own backpack?

Children as young as two or three years old can carry their own backpack hiking. However, it’s unlikely that very young kids will carry their own for an entire hike. As soon as you stop carrying your kids in a carrier or pushing them in a pram on hikes, give them their own backpack.

Our LittleLife Daysack is a great choice for younger walkers.

As soon as they can walk this is a great option, most kids will feel proud to have their own backpack. We particularly like this one because it has a safety rein on it. As toddlers gain their independence, they will love taking their own treasures with them in their backpack, and having somewhere to keep any they may find on their adventures.

The removable rein gives parents control in busy places, whilst allowing children the freedom they need to build their confidence. The safety rein unclips when you are happy to let the kids go hands-free. Carrying their own bag makes them feel special and more motivated to hike. Starting them off young also trains them to be better hikers later in life. The sooner you give them their own backpack, the sooner they will carry one for an entire hike.

The LittleLife backpacks comes in a range of designs and sizes.

Packing a backpack for kids

The lighter you keep your kid’s backpack, the more likely it is that they will carry it for the entire hike.

It’s very easy to over pack the bag especially when your kids want to help pack it themselves. At the young age of 4, the main goal shouldn’t be to get them to carry everything they need, don’t make it too heavy. Maybe just a water bottle, some snacks and a light jacket. The goal should be to make hiking an enjoyable experience and it won’t be if the bag is far too heavy for them.

The Osprey Daylite Kids Backpack is a great starter pack for older kids. A small explorer bag, this is the perfect pack for daytrips outside, school terms or little travelling adventures. It has a strap across the front to help keep it on and spread the weight. We would recommend this bag from about age 4.

Don't give up! 

It's very easy to cave and carry their things for them. Your kids are capable, it can be good to set some rules about carrying the backpack.

If you are sure your child is physically able to carry the backpack and they have some hiking experience, make it a rule that they have to carry their own pack.

Often, it's easier to make the rule that they have to carry a few specific items, it's a good idea to let them choose something too, a small toy or fun item they might want to pack, but the rule is they must carry the backpack the entire way.

Letting them add a few fun items to the pack can help motivate them to carry it for the entire hike.

Why is it a good lesson to carry their own bag?

When your kids start moaning that their bag is too heavy or they are tired, it is very easy to give in and carry it for them. But your kids will feel a bigger sense of accomplishment if they carry the backpack for the entire hike.

It isn’t until kids are around 5 or 6 years old that they’ll carry a backpack for more than few miles hiking, even then they might complain! By 8 years old, kids can carry their own bags for a decent amount of time.

For the bigger Little Trekker, the deuter junior 18L is a great choice. Thanks to its ergonomic shoulder straps, adjustable chest strap and hip fins, it sits securely and comfortably on the back and stays firmly on the body. The backpack also impresses with its well thought-out features: a stowable protector holder at the bottom of the backpack, a practical helmet holder with fastening clips, a spacious main compartment for spare clothing and provisions, a quickly accessible tool compartment and two elastic side pockets. A great bag to take on a bike ride adventure.