Kids: How-To Guides

Dream of Thru-Hiking With Your Kids? These Rad Parents Will Show You How

Two thru-hiking moms share their top tips for backpacking with little ones.

Hiking

These 5 Tips Will Help New Hikers Thrive on the Trail

Our trail columnist spent the summer hiking with novice backpackers to come up with this key advice for beginners

Skills

5 Tips to Start Peakbagging With Kids

Want to pass on your love of hiking to your munchkins? Start them early.

Trail Tips

Taking the Family to the Trails

Meditation

Can We Normalize Meditation Breaks on Family Hikes?

When hiking, I used to power walk to the top for a breathless peek at the view. Then, my toddler taught me to exhale along the way.

Beginner Skills

How to Pick the Perfect Hike for Kids of All Ages

Expert advice on choosing trails for families with babies to teenagers, and all ages in between.

Skills

How to Pick the Perfect Hike for Kids of All Ages: Babies and Toddlers

Find trail bliss with expert advice from Hike It Baby's Jessica Carrillo Allatorre

Camping

These Eight Outdoor Gear Items Make Family Camping With Teenagers Hassle-Free

Camping with kids is pure joy, with the right gear.

Hiking

Carrying Your Kid on an Outdoor Adventure Is Easier with This Gear

If you’re going to carry your kid on a hiking, skiing, or biking adventure, these five items will make the journey easier and more fun. I’ve tried them all.

Issues

The Ethics of Thru-Hiking with Kids

Each year, more families seem to earn attention by taking to long trails with small children. What are their motivations, and is it bad for the kids?

Skills

How to Pick the Perfect Hike for Kids of All Ages: Pre-Teens and Teens

Get your teens psyched on hiking with expert advice from BACKPACKER Editor-in-Chief, Dennis Lewon

Skills

7 Ways To Save Money On Kids’ Hiking Gear

Kids' gear is expensive. Save money (and stress) by following any of these seven tips.

Gear Repair

Save Money and Make Your Hiking Gear Last Forever With These 6 Tips

In most cases, there's no need to shell out for new gear. Here's how to repair and clean your kit for seasons to come.

California Trails

For My Family, Hiking History Is Black History

Over a 30-mile hike through the High Sierra, a father and son reflect on belonging in the wilderness.

Gear

After Months on the Trail, Thru-Hikers Agree: These 8 Items Are Worth Every Ounce

From classic lightweight tents to an 8.5-gram gadget that makes setting up camp easier, this is what six hikers from this year's class are using and loving.

Gear

We Asked 5 Appalachian Trail Hikers What Their Favorite Piece of Gear Was

After 2,194.3 miles, this is the equipment that they loved the most.

News and Events

What Happens When Two Hikers Separate on Trail—and One Takes All the Gear?

Never split up on the trail. And if you do, never take all the gear with you.

Camping

Outdoor Gear that Makes Camping with Kids More Fun

Camping with kids can be really fun. It can also be a downright disaster.

Beginner Skills

5 Tiny Hiking Hacks That Make a Shockingly Big Difference

These easy tips will have a huge impact on your quality of life on the trail

Hiking

8 Pieces of Essential Thru-Hiking Gear

Here's some key thru-hiking equipment and planning advice from a hiker who just completed the Appalachian Trail.