Kids backpacks

[Scrollner]

My two sons are starting to hike with me and I had a question about what to put in the youngest ones backpack. He's 11 but is somewhat small for his age. (about 60 lbs and 4 1/2 feet tall) What would be a good weight for him to carry?

[Santa]

I would say no more then 20 pounds and even that will feel heavy for him. I know when i was in scouts and doing my first treks they always said no more then 1/3 of your weight.

[beeman]

Twenty would be a lot. If that much plan on plenty of stops and energy food to snack on. I'm for 10 to 15 pounds as the top weight.

[LIhikers]

I wouldn't have him carry much weight.
Instead give him some items that will relieve your pack of bulk.
Things like his sleeping bag, pad, and clothes.
That wouldn't weigh him down very much but would free up considerable room in your pack for his food and the larger tent you'll need for 2, or 3, people.
Whatever you do, just make sure there's time in your schedule for the boys to play, explore, and have fun

[7Sisters]

Originally Posted by Scrollner

My two sons are starting to hike with me and I had a question about what to put in the youngest ones backpack. He's 11 but is somewhat small for his age. (about 60 lbs and 4 1/2 feet tall) What would be a good weight for him to carry?

With your son being 11, I would want to make sure he carries enough stuff that he feels part of the trip and feels like he's doing his share. However not enough weight to feel like carrying a backpack for a full day is stinks.

From my perspective the most important thing to accomplish would be developing an interest / bond around backpacking. Gsingjane has led many girlscout trips and would be a good person to contact in this space.

Peace be with you.

[FamilyBackpacker]

So, we have been taking our 8 year old son and 5 year old daughter backpacking (just overnight trips) since my son was 5 months old. Both of our kids are small for their age. To help answer your question about backpacks for your son here is what we have done and it has worked out great. We did not have our kids carry a backpack until age 5 1/2. We bought a camelpack (water bladder backpack) and only filled the bladder pack 1/2 full with water. Then we also had the 5 1/2 year old carry the footprint for our tent and maybe one other small item (snack or small toy). THis was the first year that we bought our 8 1/2 year old a "real" backpack. We bought it at REI and had one of the associates fit him properly for it. We had him carry his sleeping bag and the first aid kit, as well as one or two other light items. He also carried a 1/2 full water bladder. Honestly, we tend to go lighter on what the kids are carrying so they enjoy themselves and hopefully want to continue backpacking with us. My husband and I carry the rest. Every year, we will add a little more. We just got back from a 10 mile hike (overnight; 5 miles each day) and both kids did fantastic and can't wait for our next trip! We also try to pick trails/trips that my husband and I have done in the past (so we know the terrain and know that there is plenty of interesting things for the kids to check out. Also, so we know the water situation!)

Hope that helps! Good luck on your trips. I hope your family enjoys it as much as ours does.

[FamilyBackpacker]

I forgot to add the photo of the kids hiking and their packs.

[dmax]

I like the red hats.

When I was a kid and went to Disney Land my parents dressed my brother, sister, and me in the same colored shirt. It was the red and blue thick stripes. It made it easyier for them to find us if we got seperated.

[Pennsylvania Rose]

Sounds like your son is about the same size as my almost 8 yo daughter (she's big for her age). Here's what I pack for her: sleeping bag & pad, water bottle, raingear, a snack, and something small that is essential to the group. Keep in mind that the weight of his pack is part of the total load. Get a light pack that fits well! Same goes for the sleeping bag.

Your son may be able to carry a little more than my daughter. He's old enough to have more mental fortitude. But, you don't want to overburden him on his first trip, so go as light as possible. If he's still rarin' to go the first evening, give him a little more weight the 2nd day or on the next trip. He's old enough that you can ask him how he feels and get a good answer.

[mellowdave]

My daughter has been hiking and camping with me since she was a baby. She's ten now, almost 11 actually, and she caries her own gear complete. She has a JIB 35 pack, and she does fine. All the joint use gear I carry (tent, stove, fuel, etc) and she carries her food, water, clothes, bag and pad. She's not big for her age, but pretty athletic.