Essential Family Hiking Gear
One of the questions we're asked most often is, "What hiking gear do you actually use?"
When you're heading outdoors with babies, toddlers, or young children, it can feel like there are endless gadgets, accessories, and bits of kit being marketed as "essential". The truth? You don't need to buy everything. Over the years, we've tested plenty of hiking gear on family adventures across the UK – from gentle woodland walks to longer mountain hikes – and we've discovered which items genuinely make getting outside easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
In this guide, we're sharing the hiking gear we regularly use and recommend. These are the products that have earned a permanent place in our backpacks, helped us tackle all kinds of weather, and made family hiking adventures that little bit smoother. Whether you're planning your first walk with a baby carrier or looking to upgrade your outdoor kit, we hope this list helps you spend less time researching and more time exploring…
General
Structured baby carrier — Osprey Poco Premium
Soft Carrier — Ergobaby Omni Deluxe
1 litre water bottles — Nalgene Sustain
Kids bottle — Yeti Rambler Junion (12oz)
Water filter (if doing long hikes in summer) — LifeStraw or Filter Bottle
Flask for a warm drink (especially in colder seasons) — YETI Rambler
Picnic blanket — PACMAT
Safety Equipment
Headtorch — Petzl Actik
Compass — Silva Classic
Portable phone charger — Biolite
Emergency shelter — Vango 400 (4 person)
First aid kit — Lifesystems Trek
Satellite Device — Garmin InReach Mini (if you plan to do more remote hikes)
Check Out Our E-Books
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just discovering the joys of the outdoors, navigating adventures with a baby in tow can feel overwhelming at first. This guide to Getting Started Hiking with a Baby is a practical, encouraging guide designed to support you on your journey, written by Athena Mellor of Ramble Family.
Packed with personal stories from the past 3 years of hiking with a baby and toddler, tried and tested advice, and must-have kit lists, this e-book helps you feel confident getting outside safely and joyfully with your little one. From managing naps on the trail to choosing the right carrier, dressing your baby for the weather, feeding on the trail, and protecting your baby from the elements - this guide covers it all.
Whether you’re planning your first short walk or a longer family ramble, our guide is here to empower you every step of the way.
This is a 25-page e-book with 10 chapters where we share all our tips on camping with babies and toddlers that we’ve learned from hiking with a baby or toddler over the past 3+ years. You will be emailed a PDF copy of the guide to download immediately.
Ready to explore the outdoors with your little one? This practical and encouraging e-book bundle by Athena Mellor of Ramble Family brings together everything you need to feel confident hiking and camping with a baby or toddler.
Across 60 pages and 30 in-depth chapters, you’ll find tried-and-tested advice, must-have kit lists, and personal stories from over three years of real-life family adventures. From choosing the right carrier and dressing your baby for the weather, to managing naps on the trail, feeding on the go, and keeping your little one safe and comfortable while camping — it’s all here in two easy-to-read resources.
Whether you're venturing out on your first family walk or planning an overnight trip in the wild, this bundle is your go-to guide for getting outside joyfully and safely.
Includes two downloadable PDF e-books delivered straight to your inbox.