WTB Backpack for Children

[mickellay]

Would anyone have a small backpack (or even 2) that would suit a child/children of 10 years. Im thinking something about 35L max 50L may be good. Not that they will need to utilise 50L , but it would give them a greater use in the next few years.
Any help or suggestions appreciated.

[Moondog55]

Too big
Measure the childs back length and then work out which pack will fit the best, my D used a 12 liter pack at that age for day walks and her O'nite pack was only 25. Remember you will most likely have to carry it at some stage

[pastavore]

My (large) 9yo son easily carried a 28l backpack on an overnight trip recently. It only contained large, light items though, and he is a pretty active kid.

[mickellay]

Thanks for the thoughts. I wouldnt want to go below 25L and I think 35L would be what we need. Theres no plan to load him up, but its more for to take several bulky items eg sleeping bag, wet weather gear and sleep mat.
I thought there may be some members who have been through this phase and may have small packs put away.

[Giddy_up]

I purchased an Osprey Ace 48 for my 7 nearly 8 year old son. Just fits him so well. It has a fully adjustable hip belt that can be pulled in for the narrowest of waists and has so much harness adjustment from just under 14" inches of length through to 20" inches. He loves it and has used it now on a couple of day walks. It will get a proper baptism of fire these school holidays I'm sure.

When he gets home I will get some pics with him wearing it.

Here are some pictures



"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards"

[Giddy_up]

Here are some pics with it on.




"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards"

[Lizzy]

Thanks for the photos Giddy-up I was wondering how big those osprey kids packs are. It's a shame more local stores don't stock decent kids gear

[Giddy_up]

It is hard with kids sizing. I measured him and took the punt it would fit. He has a very narrow waist and he uses just about all the adjustment there but that shoulder harness really does fit well. He will use that pack now well into his teens.
I purchased online from Kelly's Basecamp. They were very good and it arrived up here in QLD in a couple of days.

With regard to load, all that goes in that pack for a walk would be a 1.5l hydration bladder and and sleeping bag and Exped mat, headlamp and pillow.

No affiliation with Kelly's.


"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards"

[mickellay]

Thanks for posting the information and photos. I was wondering about the fitting of the pack as after having a look on line I think it is marketed toward 12 years and up.
My sons 10 but hes not tall, but it looks as though one of these may fit. I shall have to measure him up when he gets home. I think these are available for $150 posted which isnt too bad. So if nothing turns up, I shall likely order one.

[wazzawalkin]

Hi,
We have used the Tatonka Baloo which is 20l day pack made for kids. It’s a great pack and has survived many years of service. I don’t know what Tatonka offer in large kid’s packs but it might be worth a look. We still have a (new with tags) Barloo let me known if you are interested.

I also have a Kathmandu, Extrados 2 this is a basic (about 40l) backpack which supports their clip on range of accessories such as small day packs and gear racks. This back has plenty of range in the adjustments and we have no trouble fitting to a 150cm tall child.

Good Luck,
Wazza

[Giddy_up]

Hey Wazza,

We tried on the Tatonka and they were excellent packs but they did not have the level of adjustment or fit that the Osprey had. The Osprey will fit smaller children better I believe.

[Moondog55]

Lowe used to offer a narrow framed pack aimed at small women, my middle daughter borrowed her mothers pack once and it was a good fit on the smaller frame, there may be some of those floating around S/H.
It's been 3 decades since my kids were that age and I have no idea what my ex did with all the kids gear or you would be welcome to it, my sister tho may still have some waterproof coats in her wardrobe, I'll ask.

[mickellay]

Thanks for all the thoughts and suggestions. Its much appreciated.
I shall have to see if there are any Lowe packs around s/h that would be suitable,
If I have to get a new pack, the Osprey at this point seems to be the only one being child specific by design. I thought that there would be many around second hand since kids would out grow them, but it appears not to be the case.

[Moondog55]

They get passed on to other members of the family and gradually fade from memory. I simply can no longer remember who had what and when.
Then along come the grandkids and the cycle starts again.