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. She's worn it on several hikes and likes it alot.

[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 or 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.