Taking kids on a desert backpacking trip sounds like a recipe for disaster: blistering heat, endless sand, and a toddler who refuses to walk more than 10 feet without being carried. But with the right gear hacks, you can turn that recipe into a recipe for adventure. We recently took our 6-year-old and 9-year-old on a 3-day desert trek through rugged terrain, and it was one of the best family trips we've ever had. Here's how we did it.
Kid-Friendly Gear That Doesn't Weigh a Ton
The key to a successful family backpacking trip is packing light. And we're not just talking about the adults -- we're talking about the kids, too. Here are some of our favorite gear hacks for keeping kids comfortable without weighing everyone down:
- Ultralight kid carriers : We swear by the Osprey Poco for younger kids (it folds up small and weighs just 2.5 pounds) and the Deuter Kid Comfort for older kids who still need a break. Both have padded hip belts that make carrying a 40-pound kid feel almost effortless.
- Mini backpacks that actually fit : Skip the hand-me-down adult pack and get kids a properly fitted pack that holds no more than 10% of their body weight. The CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. is a great option -- it's designed for kids and has a built-in hydration system that's easy to use.
- Lightweight sleeping bags rated for desert temps : We brought the REI Co-op Trailbreak 20 for our kids, which is warm enough for chilly desert nights but still packs down small. For warmer weather, consider a lightweight sheet sleeping bag or a bivy sack with a breathable liner.
Staying Cool and Hydrated in the Desert
Desert backpacking with kids means dealing with heat exhaustion, dehydration, and sunburn. Here's how we kept our crew safe and comfortable:
- Hydration hacks that work : We brought CamelBak Better Bottle hydration bottles for the kids (they're BPA-free and have a built-in straw that's hard to spill) and a Platypus Hydration Bladder for the adults. We also packed extra water purification tablets as a backup -- you never know when you'll need to refill at a sketchy water source.
- Cooling gear that's not just for show : A lightweight cooling towel like the Mission Cooling Towel can be a lifesaver on a hot desert day. We also brought a few cooling bandanas that the kids could wear around their necks to stay cool.
- Sunscreen and sun hats for everyone : We packed lightweight, breathable sun hats with chin straps (no more lost hats on the trail!) and broad-spectrum sunscreen that's safe for kids' sensitive skin. We reapplied often -- every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Making Camp Life Easier with Kids
Camping with kids in the desert means dealing with sand, dust, and a general lack of amenities. Here's how we made camp life easier:
- A portable camp kitchen that's actually portable : We brought a lightweight camp stove like the MSR PocketRocket and a few collapsible silicone bowls and cups that made mealtime a breeze. No more heavy ceramic dishes or complicated camp cookware.
- Dust-repelling camp clothes : We packed lightweight, quick-drying clothes that could withstand the desert dust and sand. The kids wore hats and sunglasses to protect their faces, and we all changed into clean clothes for dinner to make camp feel more civilized.
- A camp bathroom that's not a nightmare : We brought a portable potty seat like the Camco Portable Toilet Seat and a few biodegradable soap packets for hand-washing. We also packed a small supply of baby wipes for quick cleanups -- they're a lifesaver when you're camping without showers.
Safety First (But Not Too Serious)
Backpacking with kids means being prepared for emergencies -- but that doesn't mean you have to be a total helicopter parent. Here's how we balanced safety with fun:
- A kid-friendly first aid kit : We packed a small first aid kit with kid-specific supplies like children's pain reliever, antiseptic wipes, and band-aids in fun shapes. We also brought a few emergency blankets and a whistle in case of an actual emergency.
- Teaching kids basic safety skills : We taught the kids how to identify desert hazards like rattlesnakes and cacti, and how to stay safe in the heat. We also practiced what to do in case of an emergency -- like finding shade, staying hydrated, and using our whistles to signal for help.
- Keeping things fun (and not too serious) : We made sure to build in plenty of downtime and fun activities -- like hiking to a nearby waterfall, playing in the sand, and having a campfire with s'mores. The goal is to make memories, not to create a stressful, overly serious trip.
Lessons Learned (and a Few Surprises)
Our desert backpacking trip with kids was a huge success -- but it wasn't without a few bumps along the way. Here are a few lessons we learned:
- Be prepared for the unexpected : We got caught in a sudden sandstorm on day 2, and had to huddle together under a tarp until it passed. It was a great bonding experience -- and a good reminder to always be prepared for the unexpected.
- Kids are more capable than you think : Our 6-year-old hiked the entire 3-day trip without complaining (much), and our 9-year-old even carried her own pack for a few miles. It was a great confidence-booster for all of us.
- Don't underestimate the power of a good nap : We built in plenty of downtime to our itinerary, and made sure the kids got plenty of rest. It made all the difference -- they were happy, rested, and ready for the next day's adventure.
By packing the right gear, staying cool and hydrated, and keeping things fun, you can have a successful (and enjoyable) backpacking trip with kids in the desert. Happy trails!