Seeking pack advice

[Hoop Time]

I am looking at backpacks for Cookie Monster and could use some advice. She saw one she really liked that was made by Camelback and had a bladder built into the pack. Good idea? Or are there problems/issues with such a pack that should be taken into consideration.

She is 12, weighs about 90 pounds, and obviously won't be able to carry a whole lot of weight when we hike. Should I get her a little bigger pack than she will need now so she can grow into it, or stick with a smaller pack?

Any reccomendations would be helpful.

[BookBurner]

I've never liked built in bladder systems because you have to unpack everything to re-fill them. As for size, I know kids grow like weeds. But if you buy a pack that is a little large now, it won't ride correctly and she'll be uncomfortable. After that type of initial experience, she might not be real keen on backacking again. Since she won't be carrying a lot of weight and will grow out of whatever you do buy her, you might consider going with a frameless model, i.e. GoLite, Fanatic Fringe, etc. if they'll fit her body. They're cheaper than framed packs, and when paired with a closed-cell foam pad, will provide all the support your daughter needs. Food for thought.

[Seeker]

kelty makes some sort of youth pack that has a frame that you can expand as she grows. deuter makes a kid's pack too, that's along the lines of a rucksack... not sure it shows up on the US website though... seems like i had to go to either a british or canadian site to find it.

as far as the bladder, i'm not keen on 'hydration systems'... the weight benefit's just not there for me... others will disagree, i'm sure, but i'm pretty big on the KISS principle. it makes no sense to me to carry more than a couple quarts of water at a time, and less for a child to do so. My daughter's water bottle is a 32oz Aqua Fina bottle, same as mine. Just about free too. And if you stop to drink, vs walk and drink, you might just find something else-a cool bug, a rock, or a thought that your kid had and now has the opportunity to share.

[Greentick18d]

I am looking at backpacks for Cookie Monster and could use some advice. She saw one she really liked that was made by Camelback and had a bladder built into the pack. Good idea? Or are there problems/issues with such a pack that should be taken into consideration.

She is 12, weighs about 90 pounds, and obviously won't be able to carry a whole lot of weight when we hike. Should I get her a little bigger pack than she will need now so she can grow into it, or stick with a smaller pack?

Any reccomendations would be helpful.

My buddy Greengoat wrote an article on hiking with kids:

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=35962

I think his 6y/o carried one of REI's UL packs.

[Lone Wolf]

i have a brand new, never used, Mountain Hardware "Drifter" pack that was given to me me by a local man who's son passed away suddenly at age 25 a few months back. "Rosebud" always wanted to hike the AT . he bought this pack to start doing day hikes. he never got to use it. his dad gave it to me to do something with it on the AT. i have many packs. i don't need it. your daughter may have it if it's what you're looking for. here's what it looks like but the one i have is all black. trail magic http://www.joessports.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2956414 http://www.joessports.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2956414 PM me your address and i will send ASAP free of course

[ed bell]

She most certainly could grow into that and considering the fact that it will not be filled to even half capacity, fit will be a secondary concern right now. A generous offer.:sun

[Ashman]

I got that for my 8 year old it was great for her first pack!

[Hoop Time]

Thanks LW. That's a mighty kind gesture!

[Lone Wolf]

i'll get it out tomorrow. it'll hold a lot of cookies