View Full Version : pack suggestions for a 9 year old boy
miloandotis
03-09-2012, 18:06
Anyone have a pack they or their child likes? He carries up to 12 lbs in a regular school bag type back pack. I am looking for a packer/hiking pack with shoulder, chest and hip straps for more stability and support.
Well, I think it depends on the ability of you child and the amount of weight they will carry (without complaining). I have a daughter that started to pack with me when she was 12. I got a full frame pack for her. A full frame pack may be more comfortable but it will add to their total weight. Although it was hard to find one that fit her small frame (<80lbs), we ended up with a Gregory Jade 50 with the waist straps all the way in. She did a 2 week section hike with me with 20+ lbs. and never complained once about it. She even took some of my weight along the way when I was having knee issues.
On a similar note, if you want something a bit smaller with minimal support I have a deuter Fox 30 that I be willing to sell. Just drop me a PM.
rocketsocks
03-09-2012, 20:33
Anyone have a pack they or their child likes? He carries up to 12 lbs in a regular school bag type back pack. I am looking for a packer/hiking pack with shoulder, chest and hip straps for more stability and support.Think "Tech" pack,like climbing gear.
For my son's 10th birthday back in the fall, I got him one of these (http://www.rei.com/product/808326/rei-passage-65-pack-youth). There's also a 40 liter version (http://www.rei.com/product/808325/rei-passage-40-pack-kids).
just dad
03-09-2012, 20:58
Deuter Fox 30 is a decent pack for kids. My kids used these pack for a couple years. Our packs adjust for different torso lengths, but I don't see this feature on the website for the new packs. Here is the link to the company website: http://www.deuter.com/en_US/backpack-details.php?category=120&id=1656&title=Fox%2030
The pack is a touch heavy at nearly 3 pounds. More recently I have put my kids in ULA Circuit packs, but my kids were about 11 years old before they fit the small size ULA pack.
Feral Bill
03-10-2012, 03:38
My kids use an older REI youth pack, the Rising Star, for years. My son outgrew his, daughter (now 21) got hers at 9 and still uses it. I took them to REI periodically for refitting, no charge. I suggest looking for a comfortable pack with a lot of adjustment that's fairly sturdy.
My maximum weight recommendation for kids is height in feet squared, divided by two. My daughter is still only 4'6" at 12 1/2 years old, so 4.5 x 4.5 / 2 = 10.1 pounds. This might seem rather conservative for some people. If the kid is lean and tough you might double it if you need to. I wouldn't base it on body weight because like adults overweight kids should be carrying less, not more.
Anyhow, once you figure that out it would be nice to find an ultralight pack that fits kids, but there simply aren't any, so you have to improvise. You can go with an overbuilt pack that fits them, or a ultralight pack or daypack that is light enough but might be a little oversized. I have gone the latter route, using a 10oz patagonia daypack or totebag which she essentially uses like a ruck sack, but for 10 pounds or less it works just fine. It has water bottle holders, a nice zippered pouch in the lid, and a slot to slide in a blue foam sitting pad for some rigidity. She can also slide in her rain poncho there. She mostly uses the pack to carry he extra layers that she takes off as she gets heated or it stops raining or whatever, so its just loose stuff, not heavy stuff. It's a little long but fits her hips instead of her waist so it sort of works out.
There is no one size fits all, especially for kids.
Feral Bill
03-10-2012, 13:53
Anyhow, once you figure that out it would be nice to find an ultralight pack that fits kids, but there simply aren't any,
.
There is a reason for that. Kids (with some exceptions) are hard on gear and tend to destroy anything they touch.
CrumbSnatcher
03-10-2012, 14:03
kelty external frame for juniors :-)
kids love all the pockets
Wise Old Owl
03-10-2012, 14:56
Use his book bag - have him carry some food and see if the bag fits....
Feral Bill
03-10-2012, 16:49
15477
Use his book bag - have him carry some food and see if the bag fits.... I have to disagree. Even a smallish 9 year old is able and usually eager to carry a fair share of the load for his or her size. This requires a"real" pack of some sort.
miloandotis
03-10-2012, 22:38
Use his book bag - have him carry some food and see if the bag fits....
This statement and a few others makes me think I didn't explain well. My son already carrys 12lbs of gear NOW, but in a school/book bag type bag. These have shoulder straps, only. I am looking for suggestions from folks who have kids with a true hiking pack that is working well for them because it is so difficult to find a pack for this age group. He has been hiking with us since he was 5 years old doing up to 10 mile day hikes in Shennandoh and the Smokies. He is a very fit and active kid. (all my mom pride oozing out here??) We are now going to include him in overnight trips, 3-4 days for now. (His torso length is 13 inches, if this helps anyone with possible suggestions.) I wanted a few specific option when I walk into the store for him to try. Thanks "Just Dad" and "Hooch". These do look like really good posibilities.
Feral Bill
03-11-2012, 02:16
How about this, (http://www.rei.com/product/808325/rei-passage-40-pack-kids) this, (http://www.rei.com/product/768244/osprey-jib-35-pack-youth) or this? (http://www.rei.com/product/781283/deuter-fox-30-pack-juniors) If you can keep his gear volume low, any of these might do the trick, depending on fit.
Wise Old Owl
03-11-2012, 11:08
Well I remember the first trip on the AT with my dad and I was 10 - The bookbag was ok - At some point he switched it to the outside frame pack with hip belt "because I was complaining too much" and it was hell.(anything but eager)
9 and over twelve pounds? I would not do that to Cub Scout.... So go ahead disagree, I say let him work up to it. keep the weight the same... I would recommend a golite as he price was recently reduced. Or something from the REI outlet. (http://www.rei.com/product/808325/rei-passage-40-pack-kids).. 9 is on the verge of a growth spurt and his frame is going to change.
Click on REI OUTLET ABOVE
miloandotis
03-20-2012, 22:26
Thanks for the suggestions! He's decided on the Deuter Kids' Fox 40.
scooterdogma
03-21-2012, 06:28
This statement and a few others makes me think I didn't explain well. My son already carrys 12lbs of gear NOW, but in a school/book bag type bag. These have shoulder straps, only. I am looking for suggestions from folks who have kids with a true hiking pack that is working well for them because it is so difficult to find a pack for this age group. He has been hiking with us since he was 5 years old doing up to 10 mile day hikes in Shennandoh and the Smokies. He is a very fit and active kid. (all my mom pride oozing out here??) We are now going to include him in overnight trips, 3-4 days for now. (His torso length is 13 inches, if this helps anyone with possible suggestions.) I wanted a few specific option when I walk into the store for him to try. Thanks "Just Dad" and "Hooch". These do look like really good posibilities.
My 7 year old grandson graduated from a book bag to and REI Youth 40. I was impressed with this pack, all the features of an adult pack, but in kid size. Construction was first rate. We started him with the 40 because we didn't want to be tempted to overload him. He scrambles up mountains and rock faces like a goat or kid.(pun intended) He loves his pack and I love taking him out into the woods!
Nutbrown
03-21-2012, 08:29
Oh I can't wait! I have a peewee 6yo. She is so small that I am considering one of the small Camelbak paks made for hydration. It will fit her water, food, and a clothing layer. The more tech ones have a hip belt that seems to be just right.
Country Roads
03-24-2012, 19:18
Gossamer Gear Gorilla, size small (unless he has a pretty long torso). Shoulder straps are narrower, hip belt is comfy, has a sternum strap with a whistle. It has a single aluminum stay, has a hydration pocket with duel ports. It is not extremely "thick", so the load will be close to his body. It can haul up to 35 pounds, but is small enough so that he won't be tempted to overload it. It is made pretty tough. The pack is also light weight at around 23 ounces. Only knock I have is that it can be hot against the back.
hunter121
03-25-2012, 22:50
Thanks for this post guys I was going through the same thing.
http://www.primeaffiliate.com/track/images/20.creation.jpg
http://www.canadablackberry.com/imgs/images/2.tod.gif
For my son's 10th birthday back in the fall, I got him one of these (http://www.rei.com/product/808326/rei-passage-65-pack-youth). There's also a 40 liter version (http://www.rei.com/product/808325/rei-passage-40-pack-kids).
4lb 9oz. wayyyyyyyy to heavy.