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Swedish Tourist Association
Group of people hiking along a mountain trail.

Packing list mountain hiking – with children

Hiking in the mountains with children can become a memory for life. With the right packing, the trip becomes both safer and more enjoyable for the whole family—whether you’re heading out for a shorter excursion or a full day hike.

When children join a mountain hike, it’s especially important to be prepared. Mountain weather can change quickly, and children often get both hungrier and colder faster than adults. Make sure to pack clothing for different weather conditions, plenty of energy, and a few items that make breaks more fun. A well-planned backpack makes it easier to focus on what matters most—exploring the mountains together.

Packing list mountain hiking – with children

Equipment

  1. Backpack for day hikes (approx. 35 L per adult, smaller backpack for each child)
  2. Children can carry their own backpack with: water bottle, cup or mug, snacks, and a spare set of clothes
  3. Sit pad or sleeping pad
  4. Cup or mug
  5. Cutlery or spork and plate if cooking outdoors
  6. Optional lunch box for packed meals
  7. Bivouac bag (emergency shelter)
  8. Sunglasses
  9. Camera (to capture memories)
  10. Optional camping stove or gas stove for outdoor cooking, plus gas/fuel
  11. Trash bag to carry out waste

Safety

  1. Basic first aid kit
  2. Blister tape or plasters
  3. Sunscreen
  4. Insect repellent and/or mosquito hat

Clothing

In play, it’s easy to get wet in a stream, trip on a boardwalk, or fall on gravel. Always keep a spare set of clothes easily accessible. For children, rubber boots can be a good option if they don’t have hiking boots.

  1. 1–2 base layers in wool or synthetic materials
  2. Durable hiking trousers or other hard-wearing trousers
  3. Mid layer, e.g. fleece or softshell
  4. Insulation layer, e.g. thick sweater, wool sweater, fleece, or light jacket
  5. Rainwear or shell clothing (jacket with hood and trousers)
  6. T-shirt and shorts in warm weather
  7. Warm socks in wool or synthetic (preferably both thin and thick, plus extra pairs)
  8. Hat or headband and buff or scarf
  9. Two pairs of gloves or mittens
  10. Cap or sun hat (optional sunglasses in sunny weather)Extra underwear, socks, gloves, and sweater
  11. Swimwear
  12. Hiking boots or rubber boots (trainers with a sturdy sole work well on dry, warm days)

Food and drink

  1. Water bottle (approx. 1 L per person)
  2. Thermos (approx. 0.5 L per person)
  3. Packed lunch or meal
  4. Favourite snacks for extra energy during the hike

If staying at a mountain station or mountain cabin

  1. Change of clothes for the evening
  2. Indoor slippers
  3. Toiletries and towel

Packing tips for hiking

Person sitting on a hillside next to a backpack overlooking a mountain valley.

Don’t have your own equipment?

Rent instead of buying! You can rent equipment at many of our mountain stations. As an STF member, you also get discounts on outdoor gear and sportswear at Outdoor Buddies—great for both your wallet and the environment.

Your membership benefits

More pages about hiking

Hiking in the mountains with children

Children love to hike! If you plan the mountain hike in a fun way, they can walk almost any distance. However, your role as an outdoor parent changes the conditions for you as an outdoor enthusiast.

Hiking trails in Sweden

On this page we present a selection of popular and high-quality trails across the country.

Mountain guide

Find important information about mountain safety, waste management, and what it’s like to stay in a mountain cabin.