1. Packing for Hiking With Kids
Make sure the gear for your kids is light enough for them to carry otherwise you're going to be carrying it. Most kids can only carry about 10 to 15 pounds for hikes. If your kids are younger, they may need less to carry. Sleeping bags should only weigh about 4 to 5 pounds, yet should keep them warm at night. The school backpacks are usually light enough for children to carry and can fit what they need. Have them pack their own food and lunches, but be willing to carry it yourself. They also should have a change of essential clothes socks, underwear and clothes for inclement weather. If you think you'll be hiking in rain, a rain poncho is light and keeps kids warm and dry. Children should also pack a notebook and a pen/pencil for jotting down facts or drawing pictures about what they'll see.
2. Day Trip Hiking
If you're going on a day trip, you'll need less to pack for hiking in the woods than an overnight trip. However, you will need food in easy to eat portions. Unless you want to set up a campfire, it should be something you can eat cold. You'll also need to carry your own water or bring water purification systems (iodine is a simple solution). You should also bring a utility knife or multi-tool, compass, flashlight, cell phone, sunscreen, insect repellent and consider using a hiking stick. Many people also want lip balm, an umbrella, paper/pen, toilet paper and an emergency blanket. It all depends on where you're going and how many people will be around you as you hike.
3. Packing for Overnight Hiking Trips
If you're going hiking and will be gone for a while, you need all of the day trip things and more. You'll need a sleeping bag built for cold nights, a sleeping pad and probably a tent that you know how to put up and take down. You'll also need gear for starting a fire and cooking over the fire. You'll need a cup, spoon and a utility knife. Bring clothes for inclement weather, like long underwear, fleece sweaters, gloves, a rain jacket and lots of extra socks. Some people will carry mud shoes they can change into while hiking through water and mud to keep hiking shoes dry.
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