Wondering if breastfeeding while camping is actually doable? Or camping while exclusively pumping, like I was? Here is what taking a weeks-old baby into the woods taught me, plus what a military mom of three packs for every single trip.
There are a few moments in motherhood that people still bring up years later, and one of mine is taking Sean remote camping when he was only a few weeks old...while exclusively pumping.
I remember the comments so clearly.
“Wait... you’re going camping?”
“How are you going to keep your milk cold?”
“What about washing pump parts?”
“Isn’t that impossible?”
Honestly, I didn’t know exactly how it was all going to go. I just knew I wasn’t ready to stop living life because I had become a mom.
Exclusive pumping had already taught me how to adapt. It taught me that things don’t always go according to plan, but with a little preparation, they’re usually a lot less scary than they seem.
Looking back now, I’m so glad we went.
Prepare Before You Ever Leave Your Driveway
If you’re thinking about camping while pumping or breastfeeding, my biggest piece of advice is to prepare before you ever leave your driveway.
Charge everything. Seriously. Every pump, wearable, battery pack... all of it. If you have a manual pump, throw that in too. Hopefully you won’t need it, but if you do, you’ll be really happy it’s there.
How to Keep Breastmilk Cold While Camping
If you’re bringing your Ceres Chill, freeze your inner chamber completely ahead of time. I always tell moms to think about where you’re going and what the temperatures will be like. Keeping it out of direct sun, minimizing how often you open it, and even storing it in your cooler when you’re not actively using it can make a big difference. Every camping trip is different, but planning ahead gives you so much peace of mind.
Remember that every camping environment is different. Outside temperatures, how often you open the bottle, and direct sun exposure all affect how long things stay cold.
Washing Pump Parts While Camping
Cleaning pump parts is usually what makes moms the most nervous. If you have access to clean water, great. If not right away, pump wipes are one of those things that have earned a permanent spot in my bag. They make those moments between washes so much easier until you can properly wash everything with soap and clean water. I also love bringing a washbasin because it keeps all my pump parts together instead of trying to balance everything on a random picnic table.
Take Care of Yourself, Too
I also learned really quickly that camping doesn’t mean forgetting to take care of yourself. Drink the water. Eat the snacks. Pump when your body tells you it’s time instead of trying to squeeze in “one more hike.” Your body is doing a lot already.
One thing I always tell moms is that babies don’t need perfect. They need fed. They need you. The rest is just figuring out the logistics.
My Pre-Trip Checklist for Breastfeeding While Camping
The best camping trips start before you ever load the car.
Here’s what I always recommend:
Practice your pumping schedule before the trip so you know what works best.
Charge every rechargeable pump, wearable pump, or battery pack.
Freeze your inner chamber(s) completely before leaving if you’ll be using your Ceres Chill as a cooler.
Pack extra pump parts if possible so you’re not washing the same set every session.
Bring more cleaning supplies than you think you’ll need.
Know where the nearest town or emergency services are, just in case.
Ivory’s Tips: Breastfeeding While Camping as a Military Mom of Three
And Ivory, a Ceres Chill Super Mom, also has tips. In her words:
“Camping while breastfeeding, pumping, raising three kids, and serving full-time active duty isn’t always easy, but it’s absolutely possible with the right gear and a little planning.”
Ivory’s Must-Haves for Breastfeeding While Camping
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Ceres Chill for safely storing milk
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Medela hand pump as a reliable backup
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Spectra Gold Portable pump (I highly recommend a portable pump unless you have a powerful battery bank)
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Pump cleaning wipes and a collapsible wash basin for easy cleaning at camp
Backpacking With Your Pump
We’ve even done backpacking trips where I hiked in carrying my pumping gear. On overnights, I often use my hand pump and give the milk to my older girls instead of packing it back out. If I wanted to save it, I’d use my Ceres Chill and refill the outer chamber with icy glacier-fed river water (filtered first) to help keep everything cold.
Overnight Milk Storage at Camp
On longer camping trips, we bring a cooler with plenty of ice so I can safely store my milk. I also like bringing a second milk chiller into the tent at night so I have bottles ready to go. Anyone who’s camped with little kids knows sleep can be unpredictable, so having a bottle ready and extra pacifiers nearby makes those middle-of-the-night wake-ups much easier.
My routine is usually simple: breastfeed, pump with my portable pump, store the milk, and repeat overnight using whichever pump is clean. In the morning, I wash everything and start the day fresh.
Camping while pumping takes a little extra effort, but don’t let it stop you from making memories with your family. With a little preparation, you can enjoy the outdoors and continue your breastfeeding journey.
The Cleaning Routine That Worked for Both of Us
Here’s what worked well for me, along with her tips:
Bring a washbasin specifically for pump parts.
Pack plenty of clean water dedicated to washing feeding equipment.
Use pump wipes when washing isn’t immediately possible.
Allow parts to air dry on a clean drying rack or clean towel.
Store clean parts in a sealed container or zip-top bag to keep dirt away.
If you have access to soap and clean water, wash as recommended. Pump wipes are a great option for those moments between full washes when you’re out exploring.
You Don’t Have to Stay Home Because You’re Pumping
That trip ended up becoming one of my favorite memories. There was something really peaceful about pumping surrounded by trees while Sean slept nearby. It reminded me that motherhood didn’t end the adventurous part of me... it just meant adventure looked a little different now.
I know camping while exclusively pumping sounds intimidating. Honestly, so did flying. So did road trips. So did the grocery store the first few times.
Then one day they’re just normal.
You don’t have to stay home because you’re pumping. You don’t have to wait until you’re done breastfeeding to make memories. With a little planning, safe milk storage, and the right tools, you can absolutely take that camping trip you’ve been dreaming about.
If anything, I hope my story reminds you that motherhood and adventure can absolutely exist together.
FAQ: Breastfeeding and Pumping While Camping
Is breastfeeding while camping really possible?
Yes. I took Sean remote camping at just a few weeks old while exclusively pumping. It takes extra planning, not superpowers.
How do you keep breastmilk cold while camping?
Freeze your Ceres Chill inner chamber completely before you leave, keep it out of direct sun, and open it as little as possible. On longer trips, a cooler with plenty of ice works as backup storage.
How long does breast milk last in a cooler while camping?
According to the CDC, freshly pumped milk stays safe in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours. After that, use it, refrigerate it, or freeze it.
How do you wash pump parts while camping without running water?
Pack clean water dedicated to washing, use a wash basin so parts stay together, and let everything air dry on a clean towel. Pump wipes cover you between full washes.
Can you pump while backpacking?
Ivory does it with three kids in tow. She hikes in with a hand pump and a portable pump, and on overnights she either gives the milk to her older girls or chills it with filtered river water in her Ceres Chill.
What should I pack for pumping while camping?
Every pump fully charged, a manual pump as backup, extra pump parts, more cleaning supplies than you think you need, and your Ceres Chill with the inner chamber frozen solid.