7 Items for Easier Backcountry Adventures with a Baby
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Bringing a baby into the backcountry might seem daunting, but with the right preparation, it’s doable.
We started hiking with our baby when she was just a few months old, and we quickly learned that having the right gear makes all the difference. While the basics—like a baby carrier, extra clothes, and plenty of water—are obvious, some lesser-known items have been game-changers for us. A travel umbrella for instant shade, a packable towel for quick cleanups, and a scent-proof bag for used diapers or soiled clothing have made hiking with our little one much easier.
These are just a few of the things that have helped us. Please take them with a grain of salt, and always do what feels comfortable for you.
Here’s a list of what’s worked for us, plus a few lessons we’ve picked up along the way.
THE WELL KNOWN ITEMS:
Baby sun hat
Change of clothes
Extra diapers and wipes
Baby carrier
Extra water
Baby food/formula etc
THE ONES YOU MIGHT NOT THINK OF:
On a sunny day, this thing is worth its weight in gold. Bringing a small, packable umbrella allowed us to shade our baby while hiking through exposed mountain passes, during breaks, or when we stopped for lunch. And if the weather took a turn we know we’d have an added piece of protection from the wind or rain.
MICROFIBER FACECLOTH, PACKABLE TOWEL, AND PUPPY PEE PADS
Facecloth: When babywearing on warm days, you can soak a microfiber facecloth in cool water, ring it out, and place it between you and your baby. It can help regulate their temperature and reduce heat buildup or sweat transfer between your two bodies. It’s also thin enough that it doesn’t affect their positioning in the carrier.
Towel: A thin, packable towel can be a barrier between your baby and their carrier if they’ve had a blowout, spit-up, or any mess you can’t immediately clean or dry. It’s a quick and effective solution when you’re on the go. The towel can also double as an additional layer or to help block wind, rain, or sun. It can also be used as a ground blanket or travel changing pad.
Puppy Pee Pads: Between 0-6 months of age, we experienced leaks on car rides of every length, and when they happened, puppy pee pads were a lifesaver. Typically, we could clean up our baby and change her diaper and outfit, but we couldn’t completely clean the padding on the car seat. Using a pee pad prevents the leaks from transferring back onto your baby’s clean outfit if they need to return to the car seat. These pads can be used the same way in most carriers. Just remember they aren’t breathable, so monitor your baby’s temperature while using them.
THERM-A-REST Z SEAT AND TRAVEL-FRIENDLY CHANGING PAD
Therm-a-rest Z Seat: This lightweight, foldable seat cushion is handy for sitting while nursing or feeding and also works as an added cushion under a changing pad. When I first bought it, I didn’t think I’d use it as much as I did, but keeping it in an easy-to-access side pocket makes sudden or frequent stops feel less cumbersome.
Changing Pad: A foldable or rollable changing pad large enough to protect from all types of terrain is one item we won’t hike without.
I didn’t take any photos of this, but having a place to put the dirty diapers or soiled clothes cannot be understated. Following LNT practices means you’ll be hiking out any diapers you bring in, dirty or clean, and the last thing you want is everything in your bag to smell like them.
We have a scent-proof wet/dry bag that came with our everyday diaper bag, and it has been wonderful. Not only to bring along while hiking but also for day-to-day use. It’s so scent-proof that we make a point of checking it in case it needs to be emptied at the end of each day.
If we aren’t using that, we make bags using the “end of the roll” from our Diaper Genie refills. Sometimes, what is left in the ring is too small to put in the pail, so we’ll set them aside and use them while away from home. The individual on-the-go version works well too.
REUSE WHAT YOU HAVE
Babies don’t pack light, and weight is always a big factor when backpacking and hiking. One way to lighten the load is to reuse things you’ll already be packing.
To keep our daughter comfortable without the hassle of constantly adjusting layers for changing weather, Ryan used his down puffer jacket to shield her from the wind and keep her warm when needed. By pulling the sleeves through his backpack straps, he was able to stay hands-free while keeping her cozy and protected.
Every family finds their own rhythm on the trail—these are just a few of the things that have worked for us in our first season out. If you have a favourite baby hiking hack, we’d love to hear it!