Our family likes to travel light, but we do have a few essential pieces of equipment that make hiking with kids easier. Keep reading to get advice on child carriers, strollers, backpacks, water bottles, knifes and other gear.
See also: What to wear hiking for kids
Baby carriers for hiking
The most common baby carrier pack you’ll see in Switzerland, is the Deuter brand.
When my kids were little (under 4), I preferred to carry them in our Ergo baby carrier, instead of our framed Kelty baby backpack, which I found too bulky and uncomfortable. I found the soft carrier very comfortable to wear and I liked the closer contact with my child. It was a little hot and sweaty at times, but not too bad. I also liked that it folded up quite small, so if I could easily pack it in luggage or the bottom of stroller or another backpack if necessary. There are dozens of brands making this type of carrier, available at most baby stores in Switzerland.
Strollers for hiking
We loved taking our all-terrain stroller with fat mountain bike tires on hikes because it saves your back and you can store lots of gear in the basket. We really like our BOB stroller shown below, that endured much abuse over the year on non-stroller friendly trails. Of course, there are many good brands out there available at baby stores all over Switzerland.
It’s possible to take a lightweight stroller on some trails in Switzerland. But even relatively smooth flat trails will be covered in gravel, which gets stuck in small wheels. If you plan to hike a lot with strollers, better to invest in an all-terrain version.
>>> See also Swiss Hikes Suitable for Strollers
Best hiking day pack for parents
You don’t need a technical day pack, but you’ll be happier with a comfortable one that is big enough to hold all your kids’ supplies, preferably with a padded waist belt. I used a low end 20L pack for most of our time here and I survived. But I was so much happier when I upgraded to the padded waist belt on my green 28L pack shown below with all patches.
Then I upgraded to an even nicer 35L pack (blue below) with little pockets on the waistband – so nice for accessing quick supplies the kids need without taking off the whole pack. I really like the larger size, making it easier to carry lots of extra clothes and supplies for the kids.
Make sure the backpack comes with a waterproof cover, usually tucked in zip pouch at the bottom of the bag. You don’t want your stuff to be soaked if a bit of rain blows in.
Best hiking day pack for kids
Children can start carrying their own packs around 5 years old. It’s good training and teaches them responsibility. Have the child start by carrying light things like their jacket and a bag of chips. My kids were always proud to help out the family and liked having quick access to their favorite snacks instead of asking me to unload my heavy pack and search for the one thing they wanted. Also it really helps if the kids at least carry their own jacket. Otherwise, I have trouble fitting everything into my own pack.
However, on long, difficult hikes, I don’t make them carry a pack to avoid complaints down the road. Too many times I ended up carrying their pack on my front as well as my pack on my back because they got too tired and didn’t want to walk anymore.
I recommend a comfortable child-sized pack that has padded straps and a chest buckle. The volume should be around 10-15L. Brand is not important. In Switzerland, you should be able to get one for about CHF 30-40 and sport stores often have sales in spring. A cheap backpack will just be uncomfortable and pretty soon the parent will be carrying two packs.
>>> See also Hiking Pack List for Kids
Water bottles for kids
I have bad luck with water bottles; they all tend to leak (I’m looking at you Camelback!). The Sigg bottles are the most leak proof, if you don’t mind the plastic drinking lids.
With kids, I much prefer using a hydration bladder, basically a big bag of water with a long flexible straw. This means I don’t have to wiggle bottle out of my backpack pockets. I don’t even have to stop walking. The kids can grab the straw and drink while we’re still walking. I love it!
I had a Camelback many years ago which was fine. I had a Source brand which I was ok, but the plastic was quite stiff and after a couple years, it leaked and kept soaking my whole backpack. I just ordered a Hydrapak (available at Transa in store) and I have high hopes.
Swiss army knife
Any old pocket knife would do, but living in Switzerland, it seems like a requirement to own a Swiss army knife. There are many varieties and you will be just fine with the basic version. But I really like have a serrated knife in my version. It makes cutting bread and sausages so much easier.
At the Victorinox store in historical Brunnen, you can assemble your own Swiss Army knife and have it engraved. See our post about Making Your Own Swiss Army Knife >>>
Walking sticks (optional)
It’s fun to find your own sticks along the trail. But for the parent, I recommend getting a pair of telescoping walking sticks, especially if you are carrying a baby on your back. If you do any trails with tricky footing, steep down or uphill grades, slippery switchbacks, etc, you will want a little extra stability so you don’t twist an ankle or fall over. They are quite expensive, about CHF 100 for a pair. Look for a sale before investing in these.
Where to shop for hiking gear in Switzerland
The main sporting goods stores in Switzerland are Migros Sportxx, Decathalon, Ochsner Sport, and Transa. I don’t prefer any of these. Just shop around.
In Konstanz Germany, you can get outdoor gear at Karstadt Sport, Intersport, and Ochsner Sport at more competitive prices.
Online shopping in Switzerland is not great because lots of places don’t ship to Switzerland, charge high shipping fees, or end up with high customs fees. I occasionally order clothing from Amazon.de but I’m careful to keep within the customs limits.
Renting hiking gear in Switzerland
Many parents traveling here may not want to bring all this gear with them. It’s bulky and expensive to transport. So I was happy to find a place in Zürich that rents all sorts of baby gear: strollers, baby carrier backpacks, travel cots, car seats, high chairs, etc. You can rent for the week, month or longer.
I haven’t used the service, so please let me know what you think.
Babyhaus Wehrli
Brandbachstrasse 6
8305 Dietlikon
Tel. 044 743 80 00
dietlikon@babyhaus.ch
One Response
Super helpful tips even for non Swiss! Thank you!