The Best Hiking Gear for Families

If you’ve been following Our Great Big Adventure for awhile, you know that hiking together as a family is one of our favorite ways to see what the USA has to offer. We’ve had a really great year on the trails so far, and officially hit 50 hikes this past month! It’s almost hard to believe that we’ve put 100 miles under our feet — and we still have plenty of more great hiking days ahead.

Given how much we’re on the trails, I wanted to share some of our family’s favorite hiking gear. Each of the items listed below have been worn by us this past year. As you know, we’re living in a van… which only allows for a handful of key items given our space limitations. That’s all to say that we’re wearing this stuff a LOT! ?

Our Favorite Hiking Gear for Mom

La Sportiva Women’s Bushido II Running Shoes

For the longest time, I hiked in a pair of beloved Columbia trail running shoes. I loved them! So much, that when my pair was starting to fall apart after five years of wear and tear, the style was no longer in production. Bummer! But — Steven recommended a brand that he swears by — La Sportiva. So I picked up a pair of La Sportiva Women’s Bushido II Running Shoes, and haven’t looked back since. Not only are these super comfortable, it only took one six-mile hike to break these bad boys in. I love the traction and grip these provide — when scrambling on big rocks, I feel like a mountain goat that could scale anything! These also come in a variety of bright and bold colors, which adds a bit of fun to the trail. I highly recommend these trail running shoes!

Injinji Women’s Run Lightweight No-Show Socks

I don’t usually get super excited about socks, but these are worth getting pumped up for! The Injinji Women’s Run Lightweight No-Show socks are a game-changer, especially if you’re prone to hotspots and blisters when hiking. This brand offers a five-toe patented designed specifically for runners and hikers — it’s literally like a glove for your feet! The mesh top and COOLMAX fibers help keep your feet dry and cool, and the no-show cuff rests below the ankle and features a heel tab to minimize slipping and chafing. Since wearing these, I’ve hardly gotten any blisters on my toes or heels. And they come in tall socks too!

Patagonia Women’s Happy Hike Studio Pants

Before I get into some of the other products we use, I’ve gotta add a disclaimer here — we love Patagonia gear. Like, a majority of what we own is Patagonia. It’s a trusted brand for us, and it’s evident that they put a lot of energy and effort into perfecting their gear. AND did you know that if something happens to your gear, they’ll repair or exchange it? That’s enough for us!

OK, back to my favorite hiking pants. Patagonia Women’s Happy Hike Studio Pants are perfect for travel and trails. These are super lightweight and comfy. I love the wide, stretchy waistband, and the fact that the fabric offers 50+ UPF sun protection. I always get asked about these pants! I love these so much that I have two pairs — one in Smolder Blue and another in Ink Black.

Patagonia Quandry 7″ Shorts

There’s not much to say except that these are the most comfortable hiking shorts I’ve ever owned! Patagonia’s Quandry Shorts come in 5″ or 7″ in-seam. I prefer the longer version to prevent thigh chafing (big girl probs). These are also great to hike in near the water, because you can literally jump in, swim around and be dry within 30 minutes. This style is true to size, a great fit and has just the right amount of stretch. I’ve got these in Fatigue Green, but have been eyeballing a second pair in Shale.

Patagonia Women’s Sunshade Hoody

It’s easy to say that I’m obsessed with the Patagonia Women’s Sunshade Hoody. It’s my go-to mid-layer for hiking. Built for the heat and humidity of hot-weather fishing, this fast-wicking, quick-drying and highly breathable technical hoody is made from a soft 100% polyester (60% recycled) fabric with durable odor control and 50+ UPF sun protection.

While I usually wear a tank underneath, you could get away with wearing only this over your sports bra. This layer seems to keep me just warm, and yet, cool enough, at the same time. The material is just right for paddle boarding, hiking, biking or lounging around!

Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandals

I don’t normally hike in sandals, but I will bring them along if there’s water along the trail. The Teva Women’s Original Universal sandals are great if you want to wade into the water without hurting the sensitive soles of your feet, or if you’re just looking for extra traction underwater. These are also just nice to slip on your feet after a long hike! I love that these come in a wide variety of colors and styles, too.

Osprey HydraJet 12 Kid’s Hydration Backpack

OK, OK — this is totally a kid’s hydration backpack. We originally ordered it for Levi, but I ended up wearing more often than he did. And I love it! It’s the perfect size for me, and I can fit extra layers, snacks, potty supplies and water in it easily. The side pockets are the right size for sunscreen, bug spray or holding my phone. Now, I probably should get my own, adult-sized backpack. But if you’re looking for something versatile that you or your kiddo (ages 4-12) can carry on their own, this is the backpack for your family!

Fitbit Versa 2 Smartwatch

OK, so this isn’t technically a requirement to have out on the trail, but I can’t imagine hiking without my Fitbit on! I currently wear the Versa 2. I love that I can monitor my mileage, heart rate and more without having to pull out my phone on the trail. Plus, there are dozens of other cool features like sleep tracking, calories burned, alarms, timers and more. And with the Fitbit, you can add friends and challenge them to see who gets the most steps — which is so competitive and fun!

Dad’s Favorite Hiking Gear

Patagonia Men’s Tropic Comfort Hoody II

If you read this entire blog post (thank you!), you’ll find a common theme: Steven influences the decision-making around nearly all of our hiking gear. For good reason, he’s been backpacking and hiking trails for years — and has really put a lot of gear to the test. And Steven is meticulous in his research!

The Patagonia Men’s Tropic Comfort Hoody II is one of those products that Steven recommends to anyone he meets on or off the trail. This lightweight, comfortable and fast-drying fishing and travel hoody wicks away moisture, provides odor control and features 50+ UPF sun protection for extended wear in hot and humid weather. Steven pretty much lives in these on his backpacking trips.

Patagonia Kids’ Trucker Hat

You’re probably thinking that this is a typo, or that I listed this in the wrong spot. Nope. Steven actually wears a kids’ hat from Patagonia. Several of them, actually. Why? The sizing and style of the Kids’ Trucker Hat fits better for Steven, and quite frankly, these hats are cheaper! There are tons of cool colors and designs to choose from, too.

Sierra Design Pants

Guys, I wish I had a better suggestion for you here. Steven wears an older pair of hiking pants from Sierra Design. So old, that the company doesn’t have these in stock anymore! BOO. While Steven hasn’t tried this version from The North Face, these are pretty close in style and fit.

La Sportiva Men’s Wildcat Trail Running Shoes

La Sportiva has been a tried and true brand for Steven, especially on long hikes. A few years ago, Steven hiked 220 miles solo on the John Muir Trail in these trail runners, without any hiccups or issues with his feet! So you KNOW these shoes are legit. In particular, Steven likes these because they offer a wider toe-box (so your toes don’t get crammed together) and don’t require any break-in. La Sportiva’s known for producing trail shoes that come with a solid grip, providing incredible control for navigating rocks, roots and steep, rugged trails. Between Steven and I, we’re sold for life on these awesome trail running shoes!

DEFEET Wooleator Socks

Just like his shoes, Steven is a stickler for socks too. For years, he’s sworn by wool socks for backpacking and hiking trips. One brand that he consistently orders is DEFEET. The Wooleator is a lightweight wool sock for insulation and warmth in cooler temperatures. It is made with the finest Merino wool in a mesh construction for breathability during the warmer months.

Teva Original Universal Sandals

For the same reasons that I mentioned above for myself, Steven digs his Teva Original Universal Sandals. I’ll be honest — I wasn’t crazy about Steven rocking these sandals at first. There is such a thing as being too granola IMO, but after seeing him wear these for a couple of weeks, it grew on me. In fact, Steven was the first to wear the Tevas, and he boasted about them so much that I ordered my own pair. So there you go!

The Best Hiking Gear for Kids

Salomon Kids XA Pro 3D CSWP J Unisex Trail Running Shoe

We’ve tried a few different hiking shoes for our oldest son Levi (7.5), and as he’s gotten older we’ve really liked the Salomon brand. These trail running shoes are great. It’s a solid upgrade from the velcro hiking shoes, but doesn’t require tying laces a million times on the trail. Levi can slip these on and off with ease! Because we like this pair so much, we’ve actually ordered a second pair in the next size up.

Merrell Kids’ M-Moab FST Mid a/C WTRPF Hiking Shoe

Both of my boys grew up wearing Merrell hiking shoes, even for just running around. This brand is sturdy, well-designed and well-made for active boys like ours. Harvey recently needed a bigger size, and picked out the Merrell Kids’ M-Moab FST Mid a/C WTRPF Hiking Shoe (goodness, that’s a mouthful!). Not only do these look sharp, but the shoes are easy to get on and off, and provide great traction for climbers like Harv. Merrell hiking shoes have the comfort and movement of a running shoe, but the durability and support of a hiking boot. Before Harvey graduated to these hi-tops, he was rocking these.

Patagonia Boys’ Sunrise Trail Shorts

We like to call these the boys’ “everything” shorts because they can literally do anything in these — hike, swim, hang out, etc. While kids can hike in just about anything, these shorts are perfect for the trails that lead to rivers, streams or lakes. Their durable nylon/spandex fabric stretches and dries quickly too! Both Levi and Harvey literally have the same shorts, in the same color (Forge Grey), but in different sizes.

REI Co-Op Sahara Sun Hoodie – Kids’

As you’ve read above, we’re huge fans of light, pullover hoodies that offer the ultimate sun protection. So when we saw these at an REI in Bozeman, it was a no brainer that our boys should each own one too. These are so soft and light that the boys stay covered without overheating. Plus it wicks moisture, dries quickly and provides plenty of venting. Levi and Harvey love that these have thumbholes keep hands covered and sleeves in place. And for girls, there’s a slit on the hoodie to weave a ponytail through — genius!

Smartwool Kids’ Hike Ultra Light Crew Socks 

While our boys hike in anything that’s clean — y’all, the struggle is real on the road! — we always prefer to put them in wool socks. As I mentioned earlier in Steven’s section, wool socks are where it’s at. Merino wool is one of nature’s most advanced fibers, and it has the natural ability of wool clothing to breathe, wick moisture and resist odors.

Patagonia Kids’ Trim Brim Hat

This hat was an impulsive purchase when we were restocking at an REI along our journey. Levi was really getting into fishing, and requested a proper fishing hat. The Patagonia Kids’ Trim Brim hat is perfect for hiking, or just days at the lake. In looking online, it appears that this exact product is hard to find, but you here’s something similar from Outdoor Research, which is also a super solid brand.

Osprey Moki 1.5 Kid’s Bike Hydration Backpack

I’ll be honest — we struggled in the beginning when it came to hiking with the kids. They’d complain, or just lack the motivation to get out on the trail. Last Christmas, we ordered them both a hydration backpack from Osprey. They were stoked! Not only do they have water easily accessible, they can pack their favorite trail snacks in the front pocket for breaks. And the pack is the perfect size for little ones. This was a game-changer for us!

Whew! And that’s all of our current gear that we actively use for hiking as family. Have you found something in particular that you can’t live without on the trail? Share with us in the comments below!