Smiling woman wearing sunglasses and a hat carries a baby in a hiking backpack on a sunny trail near a lake. The baby, also wearing a sunhat, looks at the camera. Text reads: 'Backpacking & Camping with a Baby – Blog | You’re More Ready Than You Think.'

Backpacking With a Baby: You’re More Ready Than You Think

By Julie Bacon

The snow had barely melted in Tahoe when we packed up for our first camping trip with Raelyn at 6 months old. I was buzzing with excitement—and low-key terrified. What if she got cold at night? What if mosquitoes swarmed her chonky baby cheeks? What if I forgot something crucial and we were stuck in the woods with no diapers and too many regrets?

But I went. That’s been my motherhood motto: Just go. Be prepared. And if it all goes sideways, you can always bail. (And yeah, we have bailed—like that one time we had to sprint five miles out of camp at sunrise to escape the most vicious mosquito invasion I’ve ever experienced. Still sore. Still worth it.)

And here’s the thing: you’ve got this.

We had a favorite spot in mind and were determined to get there. My partner Alex canoed across the reservoir with most of our gear, while I hiked the four miles in with Rae on my back, alongside my friend Natalie and her baby. The trail turned out to be a bit of a doozy—complete with poison oak (we gave the babies a thorough rinse in the water afterward with Dr. Bronner’s) and ants that felt like they were raining from the trees. We had no choice but to laugh, tackle the chaos as it came, and trust we’d get through it together.

Alex and I had camped at this spot before, so we knew what to expect—plenty of room for our tent, easy access to water for filtering, etc. This time, we decided to cowboy camp next to Rae’s tent. Her sleep kit included my ultralight Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 tent, with a Rumpl and Kama mat on the floor, plus her 6–12 month sleeping bag. The river was her sound machine. It worked really well for her at this age!

The next time we brought her, at eight months old, we opted for our bigger three-person Sierra Designs tent and had her sleep between us. The mosquitoes were relentless, so cowboy camping was a no-go that time.

Start Small, Think Big

You don’t have to go full wild on your first outing. Start with a short overnight. A car-camping trip where you can leave if needed. Test your systems. See how your baby does. Build your confidence before going deeper.

You’ll learn fast what’s essential and what’s dead weight. Turns out, a baby doesn’t need a ton to thrive in the woods. You’ll need the basics: warmth, food, diapers, shelter, and a way to carry them. But you don’t need to haul the whole nursery. Your mindset is the most important gear you’re bringing.

Pack Smart (Not Panicked)

A solid baby carrier is non-negotiable. You’ll want something comfy and breathable with good weight distribution—like an Osprey or Deuter, depending on your baby’s size and your hike’s demands. Add a lightweight, warm sleep system (a wearable sleeping bag works wonders), a compact changing setup, and baby-safe bug protection like a mosquito net over the carrier or stroller.

And bring snacks. For both of you.

Pro tip: you can be minimalist and still be prepared. You don’t need to bring three extra outfits per day. You do need to bring duct tape, wipes, and your sense of humor.

Comprehensive Packing List for Babies 6mo-2yo below. I like to paste this into a checklist on my phone and share it with my partner while we pack together. It fluctuates depending on the trip, but it's a great baseline.

And this is an important note—when we go backpacking, typically I carry the baby, all of her stuff, and anything I need for the hike. My partner carries the rest. That means I'm usually shouldering about 35+ lbs and my partners is rocking about 50+.

Set Your Pace (and Expectations)

Hiking with a baby is not about bagging peaks or hitting mileage records. It’s about moving slow. Noticing things. Letting your baby’s rhythm rewire yours.

Stop often. Nurse in a patch of sun. Change a diaper on a rock with a view. Let go of the pressure to do it “right.” There is no right.

The Magic (and Mayhem) Is Worth It

There will be hard moments. You’ll be tired. You’ll wonder what the hell you’re doing. And then: your baby will belly laugh at the sound of a creek. Fall asleep to the wind in the pines. Reach for wildflowers with sticky fingers. You’ll see the world through their eyes—and suddenly, all the effort feels like a gift.

You’re not just surviving. You’re showing your kid—from the very start—that the wild is for them too. That moms don’t have to disappear into motherhood. That adventure is still yours.

So Here’s Your Permission Slip:

Pack up. Head out. Don’t wait until they’re “old enough.” Don’t wait until you feel perfectly ready. Go while you’re still a little scared, still figuring it out. Go because you want to. Because it matters. Because you can.

And if it all goes wrong? You’ll have one doozy of a story.

Packing List for Babies 6mo-2yo:

Note, you can always pair this list WAY down or maximize based on your adventure and season. For example, I wouldn’t pack my cast iron skillet or travel crib for backpacking, but definitely for a car camping trip.

Pro Tip: Buy what you can second-hand! Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark are incredible places to both save money and give used gear new life.

Sleep + Comfort

Carriers + Transportation

  • Soft-structured baby carrier (like Ergobaby) for younger babies
  • Backpack-style carrier (Osprey Poco is our favorite) for 6+ months
  • Lightweight stroller (for car-based or urban camping)
  • Carrier sunshade/rain cover/mosquito net (sunshade is usually included on a baby backpack)

Diapers + Hygiene

  • Diapers (plan 6–10 per day for young babies, fewer for toddlers)
  • Wipes (bring more than you think)
  • Changing pad (we usually just change our baby on a towel)
  • Diaper cream
  • Wet/dry bag for used diapers/wipes
  • Small quick-dry towel
  • Baby toothbrush + paste (if applicable)
  • Dr. Bronner's

Clothing

  • Base layers (merino wool or moisture-wicking)
  • Fleece mid-layers
  • Waterproof outer layer (jacket/pants or rain suit)
  • Warm hat + sun hat
  • Socks (multiple pairs)
  • Mittens (clip them to the coat!)
  • Shoes/sandals for walking toddlers
  • Swimsuit (great as SPF!)

Feeding

For babies:

  • Bottles + formula/breast milk + cooler/ice packs
  • Bibs + burp cloths
  • Sterilizing wipes or soap for cleaning bottles

For toddlers:

  • Easy snacks (pouches, bars, crackers, dried fruit)
  • Sippy cup or straw bottle
  • Reusable bowl/plate and toddler utensils
  • Camp chair 
  • Cooler (if bringing perishables and there isn't a river available)

Health + Safety

  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray (check age recommendations or use physical barriers)
  • Baby sunglasses
  • First-aid kit with infant-safe meds (infant Tylenol etc.)
  • Any daily meds or special items (inhalers, allergy gear, etc.)

Gear + Extras

  • Mini Kama mat
  • Toys or books (2–3 small favorites)
  • Pacifiers
  • Headlamp + red light mode (for nighttime feedings/changes)
  • Trash bags for dirty diapers and wipes

Parent Sanity Items

  • Ultralight version of your own packing list
  • Coffee setup
  • Camp chair (a good one)
  • Easy meals/snacks for you
  • Wine

The experiences shared here are personal, not medical advice. Every body and every baby is different. Please consult your pediatrician or care provider before attempting similar activities. We encourage you to listen to your instincts and do what feels right for your family.

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