I love having my kids participate in the packing process from a young age. After years of practice, here’s what my 8 year old packed in his kids overnight bag. I loved seeing him go through the packing process on his own (this visual packing list is helpful) and find the right items to take along.
Here’s everything my son packed in his overnight bag for kids, which I also showed in this video!
Packing Cubes for Kids
We’re giant packing cube fans, especially with lots of kids. It helps keep things organized and helps keep track of everything! I love that these packing cubes from REI are expandable so they work for smaller or larger amounts. We’ve also had this set for years and the zippers and mesh last well.
Clothing
For a single overnight, we usually keep clothes pretty simple. This time, T chose:
- A basic plain t-shirt
- His favorite pants that convert from pants to shorts for versatility when camping
- Extra undies (these are his favorite style)
- Merino wool socks
- Merino wool base layers (wool is amazing for sleeping or layering; we love this top and bottom in warmer weather and this top and bottom in cooler weather, along with this hoodie)
- His awesome hybrid shorts. These work great either as adventure shorts or for swimming – they dry really fast.
Toiletries in an Overnight Bag for Kids
For a single overnight, toiletries were pretty basic – he took along his toothbrush and toothpaste. They weren’t planning to shower that night, but if they were, we would’ve added in a bar of toothpaste.
Kids Hiking Backpack Packing List for a Kids Overnight Bag
He also packed a few items in his hiking backpack for any camping or hiking adventures. T used his beloved REI Co-op hiking backpack with this waterproof cover. Here’s what he included inside his backpack:
- His warm @rei Co-op insulated waterproof jacket from REI (his isn’t currently available, but this one is similar)
- Mosquito repellent (we like this kind and this plant-based kind, although we don’t use the latter in areas with disease-carrying mosquitoes. Use code LPF15 for a discount)
- Sunblock (this is my very favorite kind for kiddos – mineral based, creamy, rubs in smoothly, great for sensitive skin)
- Basic first aid kit (here are all the items we pack for our whole family’s travel first aid kit)
- Headlamp
- One our awesome filter water bottles
Waterproof Hiking Boots
I’m always a big fan of shoes that can handle water and these kids hiking boots are the very best. They’re sturdy, have great grip and support, and are waterproof so my kids can get muddy and wet without soaking their feet. A number of styles and colors are on big sale here.
Warm Sleeping Bag for Kids
This kids sleeping bag stays soooo warm. We’ve had multiple times where my kids have been so toasty and cozy in here while others were chilly in very cool temperatures. And I love that it’s not enormous on them, so it keeps them snug. He also packed a pillow along. Grown ups will pack the tent and food!
Lots of the items are from REI – I love that it has so many items available in one place for different activities and ages. The REI Co-op line is especially awesome, high-quality, and affordable.
Links to all these items as well as our visual packing list are in my stories. Or comment LINK if you’d like me to message them to you!
