The Big Three for Kids: pack, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. These are often described as the most important gear decisions to keep weight low. And other than clothing, these are basically the only three things kids need to carry for themselves while backpacking – because you carry the rest. (Note: “The Big 3” is usually shelter, pack, and sleeping gear, which is actually 4 items total. You get to carry the tent, so they actually have 3 items).
Here’s the gear for my 8-year old and 7-year old in 2017.
Pack: REI Passage 38
Click here for the updated Gear Selection: Kids Pack. The first REI Passage 38 in our home was purchased for my middle son’s 6th birthday in August 2015. The second was purchased in April 2016 because we liked that one so much and didn’t find any reason to get anything different.
The Passage 38 is light, fully-featured, a perfect size for what they need, and fits a wide range of sizes so that it will last several years (and several kids).
This pack is 1000 g (2.2 lbs), fits waists from 22 to 36 inches, and fits torsos from 12 to 16 inches with the adjustable straps.
Hipbelt pockets for snacks or compass:
10 essentials printed on the inside of the lid:
Stretch front pocket, perfect for a rain jacket or discarded layers:
Sneaky pocket great for a raincover (raincover not included):
Pad straps if needed:
Whistle on the sternum strap (sometimes used for entertainment, but important to teach about the safety importance of a whistle as well!), and adjustable torso length:
Lid pocket, great for utensils, toiletries, and headlamp:
Nice stretchy side pockets, which work well for a water bottle and snacks:
Hydration reservoir compatible:
Bag: Lafuma GR Junior +35
This sleeping bag, rated to 35F, is a simple, child-sized bag with a stuff sack. There is a small pocket for little treasures. It is 1040 g (2.3 lbs) and when stuffed, shrinks down to easily fit in their packs.
Unfortunately, this bag is no longer available. Instead, a future gear selection post will soon find a suitable replacement.
Pad: Thermarest SOLite Small
As I’ve said before, I’m a big fan of non-inflatable sleeping pads, especially for kids. This pad is crazy light at 255 g (9 oz), indestructible, and comfortable enough to keep the kids happy and well rested. Then again, who knows what actually goes on at night when kids are sleeping…
I think the Thermarest Ridgerest Classic is a great fit, and with it’s low price, it’s an easy decision. Or step up to the radiation-reflective Thermarest SOLite.
In either case, this gets strapped to the bottom of their pack, leaving room for other items inside.
Summary
Together, the big 3 carried by my kids weigh 2295 g (5.1 lbs). For my youngest backpacker (7 year old at 45 lbs), that’s just over 11% of his body weight, leaving 1785 g (3.9 lbs) left for other gear to get to that 20% maximum target.
