When kids are kitted out in decent hiking gear, they’re more comfortable, more confident, and a lot more up for the adventure (especially when they feel like they’ve got ‘proper’ kit on). And in 2026, there are more great value, trail tested outdoor clothes for kids than ever before.
💡 If you’re looking for a specific item, jump down to the relevant section: Kids’ hiking boots and shoes | Kids’ hiking clothes and layers | Kids’ hiking accessories | Kids’ hiking backpacks and poles
I’ll admit, I’ve always been quick to invest in great hiking gear for myself – I love a good merino mid-layer (and merino socks… and merino pants…) – but when it came to the kids, I used to baulk at the idea of buying them proper outdoor kit they’d outgrow in a year.
For a long time, mine hiked in cotton shorts and t-shirts. It did the job, but once we slowly started adding more technical pieces to their hiking wardrobe, I realised just how much difference it made. Swapping cotton for wicking fabrics and proper outdoor wear for kids made for a lot more happy miles on the trail.
That’s when I learned that good kids hiking gear really is worth it – it means fewer complaints, more comfort, and a much happier time for everyone! But you don’t want to spend a fortune on stuff they’ll outgrow by next season, and you also don’t want to skimp and end up with kit that’s not fit for purpose.
I’ve been hiking in the Alps (and elsewhere!) with my two kids since they were about seven. We’ve done hut to hut routes, long day hikes, and multi-day treks in all kinds of weather.
Over the years, I’ve tested a lot of kids hiking gear – from Decathlon bargains to Mountain Warehouse staples and the odd Amazon purchase. I’m a bit of a gear nerd, but a practical one: I want kit that works, fits well, and lasts long enough to justify the cost.
So in this post, I’ll walk you through the best kids hiking gear I’ve actually used and recommend – including:
- The best children’s hiking clothes
- Comfortable hiking boots for kids
- Practical kids’ hiking accessories
- Well-fitting childrens’ backpacks;
And where to get them without blowing your budget.
I’ll also share a few tips on what’s worth splurging on, where to save, and how to pack cleverly for family hikes — especially if you’re just starting to build your family hiking gear setup.
Planning your next family adventure? This guide to the best family hiking gear will save you time, stress, and potential discomfort (and even meltdowns 🥴) on the trail.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Should you click on a link to purchase, it is at no extra cost to you, but I may receive a small commission, which helps to support this blog (THANK YOU)! See my privacy policy for more information. This post was written (and rewritten!) by Bea – always honest and always based on real-life experience.
🧭 Quick kids’ hiking gear checklist
Here’s a quick-reference checklist of the top picks from our kit for when you just want to get the shopping done:
🥾 SALOMON Kids’ XA Pro 3D Hiking Shoes – waterproof, durable, and supportive. These also make great day to day shoes especially for a UK winter.
👖 Decathlon Modular Trousers – zip-offs = 2 in 1 versatile genius.
🧥 High Quality Waterproof Jacket – breathable and storm-ready. This is Decathlon’s best quality kids’ waterproof – 100% worth the extra cost (I know through experience)!
🧦 Merino Wool Socks (2-pack) – warm, soft, and stay-put. A must-have for children’s hiking clothes. (I can’t guarantee odour-free though…)
🎒 Decathlon 28L Kids’ Backpack – perfect fit, well-designed. Our go-to kids’ hiking backpack for kids 7 – 12!
🔦 Rechargeable Headlamp – hut hero, no batteries. Keep one in every pack.
🧶 Merino Base Layers (top & bottom) – versatile and cosy. Perfect as hiking layers as well as hut PJs
🧥 Warm & Light Padded Jacket – lightweight yet warm. Our favourite padded coat for kids – packs small and keeps them toasty on chilly trails.
👉 Tip: These best hiking gear for kids picks often go fast before peak season – don’t wait, kit them out now for a smoother summer on the trails.
What to look for in hiking gear for kids
Through our experiences (and plenty of trial and error) I’ve built up a core list of hiking gear for kids that we use all the time, and which actually works.
This isn’t a theoretical roundup; it’s the kit my own kids have worn, carried, and dragged up Alpine trails.
When you’re choosing hiking gear for your kids, don’t focus on price tags or aesthetics – the really important aspects are comfort, function, and fit. After years of family hikes, I’ve learned that the best kids hiking gear doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does need to be fit for purpose. Here’s what matters most:
Comfort comes first
If a jacket rubs, a seam itches, or socks slip down, your hike is going to be a short (or grumpy) one. Kids need clothing and hiking boots or shoes that feel good when they move – especially over uneven terrain.
Look for soft, breathable fabrics with flat seams, tag-free necklines, and adjustable features like drawstrings or elastic cuffs. I’ve found that Decathlon’s children’s outdoor clothing tend to get this balance just right – lightweight and well-fitting without costing the earth.
We’ve gradually built up the kids’ technical clothing over time, and since swapping their cotton shorts and t-shirts for wicking, purpose-made hiking clothes, I’ve really noticed how much more comfortable they are.
Light but functional – weight matters for kids
Adults often forget just how much effort it takes a child to carry even a small pack. Lightweight waterproofs, compact fleeces, and a well-fitted backpack can mean the difference between a cheerful ramble and full-on mutiny before lunch.
A good rule of thumb: kids shouldn’t carry more than 10–15% of their body weight – which includes snacks, water, and those rocks they insist on bringing home.
I’ve made the mistake of packing “just in case” items in my kids’ bags in the past (like a third change of clothes, and proper pyjamas as well as base layers), and it’s never worth adding the extra weight! These days, we pack super-light (one set of clothes for hiking, one for evenings, and no pjs; use base layers instead) and everyone’s much happier with their load.
Smart spending – save on clothes, don’t skimp on boots
It’s easy to go overboard on gear (especially if, like me, you love a good outdoor shop!), but not everything has to be top of the range.
I’ve learned to save on things like base layers and fleeces – where Decathlon and Mountain Warehouse often do a brilliant job – and spend more on well-fitted kids hiking shoes that will keep feet warm, dry, and blister-free over long distances.
Footwear is the one item where quality really pays off; especially when choosing kids waterproof boots or shoes that stand up to alpine puddles and rainy trail days.
After one trip involving soaked-through trainers which wouldn’t dry out, I now swear by investing in the best kids hiking boots or hiking shoes from the start.
Here’s what I genuinely recommend – and what my kids use – from hiking boots and backpacks to waterproofs and warm layers.
Best kids’ hiking boots or shoes
If there’s one item that can make or break a hike, it’s what’s on their feet. I’m firmly in the hiking shoe camp – I find them far more versatile for kids than boots. They’re lighter, easier to walk in, and double up nicely for cycling, travel days or exploring towns.
My kids don’t really seem to need the ankle support of boots – even on pretty demanding trails – they just needed shoes that were grippy, comfy and waterproof. For families looking for the best kids hiking shoes, we’ve tested plenty and have a few strong options.
✅ Our pick: SALOMON Kids’ XA Pro 3D Waterproof Hiking Shoe
These are brilliant – waterproof, supportive, and built to last. They’ve taken my kids over mountain passes and across muddy alpine meadows without a single blister. Yes, they’re an investment – but one that’s paid off hike after hike.
🟡 Also great: QUECHUA Children’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes – CROSSROCK
A fantastic mid-price option. Lightweight, comfy out of the box, and properly waterproof. Great for younger kids who are just starting out on longer hikes.
🥾 Prefer boots? Try this: QUECHUA CROSSROCK MID Waterproof Hiking Boots
If your child does need more ankle support – or you’re planning steeper, rockier trails – this mid-height version gives extra stability without being too heavy. But for most family hikes, I’ve found the shoes are more than enough.
My kids must have hiked well over 100km in their Salomon shoes without a single blister, and they’ve worn them consistently as daily non-school shoes throughout UK winters too; so the value we’ve got out of them has been fantastic.
Kids’ hiking clothes and layers
When it comes to hiking with kids, layers are your best friend. Weather in the mountains can change in minutes – what starts as a sunny ramble can quickly become a misty, damp trudge. Layering is everything. Here’s what my two wear regularly – whether we’re hut to hut hiking in the Dolomites or heading out for a chilly spring walk in the UK.
🧶 Base layers
Everyday essential:
DOMYOS Kids’ S500 T-shirt
💨 My kids wear this for daily hiking – it’s light, breathable, and dries quickly. Great for layering but totally fine on its own in warm weather.
Multi-use must-have base layers:
Mountain Warehouse Merino Base Layer
🔥 We pack these for chilly starts, high altitudes, and hut evenings. My two often wear their merino top over their t-shirt as a second layer, and in cold conditions, wear merino leggings under their trousers. They also use them as cosy PJs in mountain huts. They’re soft, warm, wicking and resist odours brilliantly.
I love merino because it’s so versatile. The kids can hike in it all day, then crash out in the same layer at night, and it still feels fresh the next morning. It’s warm and cosy, makes an excellent mid-layer, dries quickly if it gets damp, and the kids actually like wearing it.
🐑 Mid-layers
QUECHUA MH500 Zip Fleece – lightweight and dries quickly; easy to stuff in a daypack. Lots of colour choices.
👖 Trousers and shorts
Most versatile:
QUECHUA Modular Hiking Trousers MH500
🔄 Zip-off legs = one pair for every weather. Our favourite family hiking gear staple; ideal for travel days, changeable conditions, and reducing the kit list. My kids have worn these from frosty hut starts to blazing alpine afternoons.
Warm and windproof:
MH900 / MH550 Softshell Trousers
🍂 Excellent for shoulder seasons or breezy days above the treeline. They’re wind- and water-resistant, and they’re nice and stretchy but also robust for rough terrain. There seems to be different girl and boy versions of these – we have both and they’re super sturdy (and useful for everyday UK life too!)
Summer essentials:
MH500 Hiking Shorts
☀️ Breathable, tough, and comfy – these are our go to for hot hikes.
KIPRUN DRY+ 900 Shorts
🏃♀️ Soft and stretchy – with an under cycling short for total comfort, covered by a baggy over-short. Pockets in the cycling shorts are perfect for snacks!
🌧️ Outer layers
Most trusted:
QUECHUA MH900 Waterproof Jacket
⛈️ It’s taken on some wild weather and held up beautifully. A solid hood, adjustable cuffs, and ventilation make it proper mountain kit – not just a token raincoat. One of the best pieces of kids waterproof hiking gear we’ve used; and definitely worth spending the extra on this piece as opposed to the lower quality options which just don’t keep kids dry.
Don’t forget:
QUECHUA MH900 Waterproof Overtrousers
💦 Light enough to forget you’ve packed them – until the rain hits and you’re very glad you did.
Warmest layer:
Mountain Warehouse Seasons Padded Jacket
❄️ Surprisingly light and very toasty. Rolls down small and makes a great layer for hut mornings, shoulder seasons, or chilly evenings at altitude.
Down is my personal first choice for these sorts of jackets (the weight to warmth ratio is the best), but I can’t bring myself to buy an expensive down jacket for kids who won’t wear it loads and then will have grown out of it by next summer! This jacket is a perfect compromise.
We got caught in a massive hail- and thunderstorm in the Dolomites, and these outer layers saved the day – the kids were well protected from the weather from top to toe, and once we arrived at the hut they donned the padded jacket which warmed them up straight away!
🧢 Kids hiking accessories
It’s the little extras that make a big difference. These are the accessories we always pack – because cold hands, soggy feet, or a forgotten headlamp can turn a great day into a grumpy one fast.
🧦 Keep them comfy:
QUECHUA HIKE900 Wool Socks (2-pack)
🧤 These are our go to – warm but breathable, and they don’t slip or fall down. They’ve also survived hut floors, stream crossings, and at least one mid-hike downpour.
🧢 Stay sun-smart:
QUECHUA MH100 Trucker Cap
🧢 Great coverage, decent ventilation.
🔦 Hands-free hut hero:
SIMOND UL500 Rechargeable Headlamp
🔋 USB-C rechargeable (no hunting for spare batteries) and bright enough for hut toilets at 3am. It’s light enough that the kids forget they’re wearing it.
🛁 For lake dips & hut showers:
NABAIJI Microfibre Towel (60x80cm)
🌀 Quick-drying, compact, and lightweight.
🩴Hut shoes:
Teva Unisex Kid’s Hurricane XLT 2
Some huts provide hut shoes (you can’t wear your hiking boots indoors) but others don’t. We usually pack versatile hiking sandals, that could also be worn in an emergency for hiking, and can be worn at the hut with socks if it’s chilly (not cool, I know, but function over form!)
🛌 Don’t forget your liner:
FORCLAZ MT500 Silk Sleeping Bag Liner
🛏️ Most Alpine huts require a liner, and this one is adult-sized – but that’s fine, and it means you won’t need to replace it as they grow. Silk is worth the slight splurge – it’s soft, packs tiny, and adds a bit of warmth when the hut blankets aren’t quite enough.
👝 Staying organised:
FORCLAZ Half-Moon Storage Bags / Packing Cubes
I love these – they say they’re for 50 – 70L packs, but I can confirm they slot neatly into the bottom of the Quechua 28L kids’ pack (or any backpack, including adult ones). One cube fits one kids’ hut clothing for a multi day hike.
🔁 Also worth throwing in:
- A buff or neck gaiter – multi-use and takes up no space
- Sunglasses with proper UV protection (especially above the tree line)
- A compact power bank – to keep headlamps, kindles and phones going over multi-day hikes
Each of these items earns its place in our packs. And if we forget any of them? We usually regret it.
Kids’ hiking backpacks and poles
A well-fitted backpack makes all the difference – especially once your child is carrying their own kit (which they can start doing from age 7 or so, depending on the trip). I’ve written a whole blog post on the best hiking backpacks for kids here, but in a nutshell, my most recommended hiking backpack for kids 12 and under is:
🎒 My top pick: QUECHUA 28L Kids’ Hiking Backpack
Fits brilliantly, has a chest and hip strap, and is big enough for a full set of kids’ overnight hiking kit. The side pockets fit a water bottle snugly, and the outside bungees hold a coat or fleece in changeable weather.
My kids have been wearing the Quechua 28L kids’ hiking backpacks from Decathlon for years. They’ve come on hut to hut hiking trips, multi day cycling trips, interrailing, camping and holidays to Morocco and beyond. They fit under a seat on a no frills airline, and even now that they’re bigger and we’ve upgraded them to larger packs for hiking, they still use the 28L ones for short trips.
🦯 Optional: QUECHUA Kids’ Hiking Pole
Not essential for every hike, but great for longer treks, or if the terrain is slippery or has big rocks and steps. My kids sometimes use them and sometimes don’t – it’s personal preference.
Where to buy great kids outdoor gear (without blowing your budget)
Outdoor kit can get pricey – fast. And while I love good quality gear, I don’t love spending £100 on something my child will outgrow in 12 months. The good news? There are a few brilliant places to buy reliable, affordable hiking gear for kids – and I’ve used them all!
Decathlon – the best value for money kids gear out there
I come back to Decathlon time and time again. Their Quechua and Forclaz ranges are excellent – well-designed, genuinely technical, and kid-focused without being gimmicky. The gear we’ve had from them has held up brilliantly, from hiking trousers and fleeces to waterproofs and backpacks.
Top picks:
- 🥾 SALOMON Kids’ XA Pro 3D Hiking Shoes – waterproof, durable, and supportive. These also make great day to day shoes especially for a UK winter.
- 🩳 Decathlon Modular Trousers – zip-offs = 2 in 1 versatile genius.
- 👖 Decathlon Softshell Trousers – wind- and water-resistant for shoulder seasons and cooler days. Very comfy.
- 🧥 High Quality Waterproof Jacket – breathable and storm-ready. This is Decathlon’s best quality kids’ waterproof – 100% worth the extra cost (I know through experience!).
- 🧦 Merino Wool Socks (2-pack) – warm, soft, and stay-put. A must-have for children’s hiking clothes. (I can’t guarantee odour-free though…)
- 🎒 Decathlon 28L Kids’ Backpack – perfect fit, well-designed. Our go-to kids’ hiking backpack for kids 7 – 12!
Amazon – handy for harder to find items or last minute orders
Amazon can be a bit hit-and-miss, but it’s great for:
- 🩴Teva Unisex Kid’s Hurricane XLT 2 Sandals – great for evening wear, versatile for holidays
- 🔋Power banks – keep your phone and kindles charged!
- 🛍️Dry bags – keep your kit organised and dry, even in a storm.
- ⏩ Also you can get the Mountain Warehouse merino thermals and puffer jacket on Amazon (often not as cheap but fast delivery if you need it!)
Mountain Warehouse – especially good for seasonal layers
If you’re looking for warm, budget-friendly children’s hiking clothes, base layers or jackets, Mountain Warehouse is a solid choice – especially for UK hikes or spring/autumn Alps trips. They also run frequent sales – perfect if you’re buying for multiple kids.
Top picks:
- 🧶 Merino Base Layers (top & bottom) – versatile and cosy. Perfect as hiking layers as well as hut PJs
- 🧥 Warm & Light Padded Jacket – lightweight yet warm. Our favourite padded coat for kids – packs small and keeps them toasty on chilly trails.
Bonus tip: Buy one size up where it makes sense
Some pieces (like jackets, fleeces and base layers) can last a little longer if you size up slightly – especially if they’re adjustable. I wouldn’t do this with boots or trousers meant for serious hikes, but it’s a handy way to stretch your budget on layers.
Quick tips for packing when hiking with kids
Packing for a family hike can feel like prepping for an expedition to the moon. But after many overpacked bags (and a few forgotten essentials), I’ve landed on a few simple rules that keep things light, useful, and meltdown-free on the trail.
🧳 1. Everyone carries something (even the littlest hiker)
From about age seven, most kids can manage their own daypack – especially when it’s properly fitted and not overloaded.
✅ We pack:
- A fleece
- Waterproof jacket
- Water bottle
- Snack stash
- Buff, cap, or sunglasses
- Something small but comforting (a small cuddly toy)
When they’re a little bigger, they can carry a change of clothes and their overnight wear too. If you’ve got them used to carrying a small pack at a young age, it’s not hard to gradually increase the weight as they grow. If they’re used to hiking bag-free though, it’s quite a change to suddenly expect them to carry a loaded bag – there may be a mutiny!
👕 2. Double-duty clothing = less to carry
Multi-use gear is your best friend. My kids wear their their merino layers for colder starts, sleepwear, and evening hut wear. Zip-off trousers are another game-changer – shorts + trousers in one means less to carry and more comfort across changing conditions.
3. Keep hut kit separate
If you’re doing a hut to hut trip, pack a small dry bag with their hut evening gear:
- Merino base layers
- Microfibre towel
- Silk liner
- Spare socks and trousers / t-shirt
- Headlamp
It makes arriving and getting settled so much easier (and keeps the really vital overnight stuff nice and dry in a downpour).
📦 4. Use packing cubes that fit in kids’ backpacks
It’s not essential, but it really helps. I love the FORCLAZ Half-Moon Storage Bags – despite supposedly being for 50 to 70 litre packs, I can tell you from experience that they slot neatly into the bottom of the Quechua 28L kids’ pack, and one of them fits all a kid’s hut clothes for a multi day hike. This leaves plenty of space in their bags for toiletries, sleeping bag liners, waterproofs, warm outer layers, hats, glasses, and snacks, and keeps things organised.
💧 Bonus tip: Don’t skimp on dry bags
If there’s one thing I won’t buy cheap anymore, it’s dry bags. I use Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bags – they’re waterproof, tough, but still lightweight. Ideal for keeping hut gear, electronics, or dry socks properly dry, even in serious mountain weather. They’re not the cheapest though, sorry!
The best kids hiking gear doesn’t have to be the most expensive!
Getting your kids out on the trail doesn’t require the most expensive gear on the market – but it does help if what they’re wearing is comfortable, weatherproof, and built for movement. After years of hiking in the Alps and beyond with my two, this is the kit that’s actually held up – not just in terms of performance, but in keeping everyone happier along the way.
The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to get it right. A mix of solid-value pieces from Decathlon, Mountain Warehouse, and the odd Amazon gem can get your kids kitted out properly for hut hikes, big adventures, and everything in between.
👉 Check out the links above for gear I’ve tested and trust – and if you’re planning your first hut to hut trip, have a read of my full guide: Hut to Hut Hiking with Kids | Real Advice & Best Routes in the Alps, and make sure you’re following along for more family adventure guides, kit lists, and honest advice from the trail.
Happy hiking – and may your snacks always be plentiful and your socks always dry.
Further Reading
Start here:
- Hut to Hut Hiking with Kids | Real Advice & Best Routes in the Alps
- Join my free Facebook group Hut to Hut Hiking with Kids (Europe) and ask me questions, share routes, tips, and experiences, and become confident planning hut hikes with your kids.
Other Dolomites hut to hut hikes for families:
- A Perfect First Hut to Hut Hike in the Dolomites with Kids
- Dolomites hut hiking with kids: 3 nights through the Rosengarten
Hut to hut hikes in Austria with kids:
- Austria hut hikes with kids: A family adventure in the Lienz Dolomites
- Family Friendly Hut to Hut Hiking Near Salzburg: A Three-Day Alpine Adventure
Spain – Hut to hut hiking in Mallorca with kids:
Gear and Packing for hut to hut hikes
- The Best Hiking Backpacks for Kids: Perfect for Hut to Hut Hiking and Great for Family Travel Too
- Complete Packing List for Hut Hiking Adventures in the Alps
- 10 Best Family Travel Games for Lightweight Adventures
- Tried & Tested Review: Quechua MH500 40+10L Kids Hiking Backpack
Tips for Hut to Hut Hiking
- A beginner’s guide to mountain huts: Essential tips for first-timers
- What to Expect in Austrian Mountain Huts
- Komoot for beginners: Why I love it for our adventures
- When to Book Mountain Huts (So You’re Not Left Without a Bed on Your Hut to Hut Hike!)
- How to Get Kids Fit for Hiking Mountains (Without Overhauling Your Life)
