Back packs for little ones

[jeepmedic46]

I was thinking of getting back packs for my soon to be 5 yr old twins in Aug. Not sure what to get them.

[offroad_nomad]

I got a backpack for my 5 yo daughter from REI. (http://www.rei.com/product/733493) She's worn it on several hikes and likes it alot.

http://www.rei.com/zoom/ee/36494712-f20d-4fd0-8e20-db1d95a98c3e.jpg/150

[kjp1969]

My 2 older kids (7 and 9) each saved their allowances and bought pink camelback backpacks in kid sizes. They were about $40 each from REI. I gasped at the price, but it was their money and they use them all the time, plus it keeps them drinking which was always a challange. They don't hold very much- just a first aid kit, pocket knife and flashlight and maybe an extra sweatshirt- in addition to the bladder.

[jeepmedic46]

Thank you, I will definately check that pack out. My daughter likes pink and my son likes blue so everyone can be happy.

[case]

My daughter has the small camelback, the Mini Mule.
It has a great deal of adjustment built in to the straps so a child can use it for many years as they grow.
I also have a friend who uses the MiniMule as her bike pack.
It's big enough for a rain/windshell, small FAK and a few small things.

$40 and totally worth it.

[Superu]

My 3 boys all have their own Camelbacks and love them. Check out backcountry.com (http://www.backcountry.com) or backcountryoutlet.com (http://www.backcountryoutlet.com) to try and get them for less than REI. They often have specials running. The skeeter is good for a smaller child (3-5) and the mule is good for one a bit bigger(6-?).

[Herbie]

My best advice is not for a specific brand or model, but rather that you go to REI (or some other Full-Service Outfitter if you have one near you) and have the kids professionally fitted for packs.

A good fitting should involve measuring the hip-to-shoulders distance, then trying a variety of packs WITH WEIGHT in them.

Now, on the one hand this seems a bit like overkill for children who (a) will have a limited selection of packs anyhow, (b) won't be carrying that much weight, and (c) will likely grow very quickly, but I still feel this is a worthwhile activity.

First, there's all the considerations about having a pack actually fit. Even after many years backpacking I will still sometimes select a pack for myself that I think fits only to be proven wrong either on-trail (Bad) or by an in-store measurement (Good). An ill-fitting pack with even just a few pounds in it will make the experience uncomfortable for the kids and could be enough of a turn-off to sour them on the experience.

Secondly, I've yet to see any kids NOT enjoy a test fitting, as long as the experience doesn't take forever. A good fitting should involve loading up the packs and then having the kids hike/march all over the store. Most seem to take it very seriously and really enjoy it!

If you absolutely MUST save every penny by shopping equipment online, etc. then I still recommend you do the fitting at a FS Brick & Mortar store, THEN do your bargain hunting. Although personally I try to reward service with my patronage...

[preacherman]

My daughter has the small camelback, the Mini Mule.
It has a great deal of adjustment built in to the straps so a child can use it for many years as they grow.
I also have a friend who uses the MiniMule as her bike pack.
It's big enough for a rain/windshell, small FAK and a few small things.

$40 and totally worth it.

x2

Both my boys (ages 4 and 6) have one and they work well.

[bucketosudz]

Lucky Bums http://luckybums.com/ They have child specific items. I will likely be purchasing a couple of their packs to see how they work out for my kids.