View Full Version : Youth packs
which youth packs are worth checking out? I 'd like to start my 10 year old son out in something that doesn't resemble the midieval torture equipment I started out with in scouts.
Outrider
05-09-2011, 16:14
http://www.rei.com/product/813846/rei-comet-pack-kids-special-buy
I started my daughter on this pack when she was 8 and it has been working out great for her.
Feral Bill
05-09-2011, 16:59
My kids grew up with an older model kid's pack from REI, the Rising Star. They are very adjustable for size, tough, and I have had no comfort complaints. My daughter is now almost 21 and still uses hers. You might find one on EBay. Not ultra light.
check out osprey's ace 48 we got our 12 year old one ans its an awesome pack
If you are looking for an external frame pack here are a few that are available:
http://www.kelty.com/p-434-jr-tioga-34.aspx?category=backpacks
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___60987
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___48429
Kia Kaha
05-10-2011, 17:02
Jansport Scout is a great pack for kids, and you can usually find it at a discount if you look around a bit. It is nice to have a broad adjustment range for growing kids.
bigcranky
05-10-2011, 18:15
The Osprey kid's packs look really nice. Our personal kid had an REI Long Trail Jr external frame pack first, then got a Kelty Coyote, then an REI UL Flash 50 women's pack which she still uses today.
I bought my son the Dueter Fox 30. It has worked out pretty well for him so far.
CrumbSnatcher
05-10-2011, 20:14
kids external frame backpack
kids external frame backpack
Profound, man
Lots of good leads thanks, that Mountainsmith looks nice. I never really gave any thought as to internal or external. External would give us more fitting options correct?
CrumbSnatcher
05-11-2011, 07:44
most people turn there noses up to externals
IMO its still is the perfect pack for the Appalachian trail
you don't have to overload the pack and the kid will love all the pockets
but it all matters to the kid, if he likes one over the other, go with it.
i hope you have a great time...
We always had externals, nothing wrong with them at all, especailly for kids and in hot weather
the problem when I was younger was fit. I was real skinny and the department store clerk knew nothing about adjusting packs. Hiking was misery for me for a long time, not sure why I stuck with it,lol. My hope is to start my boys out on the right foot.
CrumbSnatcher
05-11-2011, 09:28
good for you ANDY, keep us up on those trip reports :)
i have a 4 yr. old daughter(in oct.)who i hope enjoys the hiking world
we will be camping/hiking in minnesota next month
just dad
05-11-2011, 20:42
The Deuter Fox 30 worked well for my kids, but it was heavy in proportion to the weight they carried. Mountain Laurel Designs makes a very light kid sized pack designed for light loads, but it was pricy. My kids (ages 11 and 13) have now grown enough to where they fit and carry the ULA Equipment Circuit pack in the small size. This is my favorite of the three packs.