It’s possible to pack light even when you’ve got a toddler in tow.

Think carrying a light pack is the peak of luxury? Try tramping with a one-year-old whose weight rivals your entire kit, and suddenly, every gram counts more than ever.

Here are some tips to help improve your tramping with babies and children.

Split the load wisely

When one parent is loaded with the most precious cargo, the other usually hauls all the gear. Try to match th se total gear weight to the child plus their carrier, so each adult shares the workload.

Minimise both weight and bulk

First, focus on your sleep and shelter.

Ditch bulky bags for compressible ultralight quilts and free up space for those extra snacks, toys, or surprise mud-caked outfits. Choose tents that pitch quickly, even in the rain, and prioritise fly-first pitch designs to stay dry wherever you set up.

Re-imagine your kitchen

Embrace one-pot or no-cook meals and leave behind all but the essentials.

Get smart with clothing

Select versatile, high-performance layers. Natural fabrics like wool and down pack small and punch above their weight for warmth and function.

Share and prioritise

Share gear wherever possible, and keep the ‘want vs need’ test front of mind (for yourself; less so for your child of course).

Focus on fun and comfort

With thoughtful choices and a ruthless focus on weight and bulk, tramping as a young family stays joyful, safe and full of wild discoveries.