Backpacking gear for kids

[Karl Blanchard]

KF's thread got me thinking about this topic.. As my little mouth breathers get older, we are slowly easing them into the ways of a backpack hunter. A big struggle is finding stuff that works for the kiddos without spending a fortune and if you do have some extra coin, what do you allocate it towards?  My kids are both pretty small for their age and polar opposites when it comes to things like hot and cold. My daughter wears sweatshirts when it's 90° and my son has to be forced to put on pants when we head out to build a snowman. 

So what gear/clothes have been good pieces for hunting/backpacking? These are some of the things I've been messing with for the kids that have worked well.

Packs:
For my daughter I got her a Deuter Fox 40. Its a few bucks more than a few other options but is a tad bit better as far as fit and layout.

For my son, we have an rei tarn 18 pack. Its super light and is perfect for a bottle of water, some food, and his fire starting kit. It could definitely fit his sleeping bag if I was taking him hunting and needed him to take some space eating bulk out of my pack.

Sleeping bags:
This has been a struggle. Kids bags are absurdly heavy for as small as they are and there are literally no cold temp kids options. Currently using a set of kelty bags that kinda suck.
For Wyatt I think I'm going to try a Big Agnes Duster 15°. For Addison I think I'm gonna bight the bullet and get her a solid 0° or even negative degree down  women's bag and just stuff the bottom or tie up the extra material to kill space until she grows some.

Boots:
Exclusively rocky boots right now as they are pretty much the only affordable boot with insulation. Wyatt can take Addisons hand me downs but that still only means 2 seasons total on a pair of boots.

Coats:
This is a definite "need to buy" item this year. We've been limping buy on bulky snow jackets and various things but need to pin down a good puffy jacket for Addison.  Been thinking of just ordering half a dozen off Amazon and returning the losers.

[millerwheeler]

Tagging along on this one

[Stein]

Karl pretty much summed it up, I'm on the other side of that gear train.

At the end of the day, it's the price of admission, you will be buying boots and coats that on a good year will have one season of use.  For big game, that's maybe a week and then try to squeak out some other trips and they are too small before you imagine it possible.

Some years we got 3-4 days, others 10-20.  Even if it's a single trip, it's still worth it in my mind.

For boots, I was always super vigilant on sales and the Bargain Cave (back when there were actually bargains there). I could usually get a decent quality insulated boot for $50-75.  Same with coats, find them on clearance somewhere and buy in advance.

REI is the best bet for kids sized packs beyond daypacks, the annual coupon brings them to the $130 range, maybe less for the real small ones.

On the flip side, it's a good reason to buy stuff I might not otherwise buy.  I'm looking at picking up a nice stove for my son for hunting and Scouts, I wouldn't buy it for myself but there will be plenty of days he isn't using it or we're hunting together.

Amazon hasn't been good to me for hunting clothes, TONS of absolute junk.  I tried buying a pair of insulated bibs and you could literally hold them up to light and see through them.  There are probably some decent stuff, but I haven't had luck compared with clearance or just great sales or coupons from the big stores.  Their house brand stuff is usually good quality and much less expensive.

Finally, we ended up with about 1/2 the things being hunters orange vs camo (or even solid colors).  The price difference is usually pretty big and they are much more likely to end up on sale or clearance as nobody around here is too excited to be wearing orange bibs.  A quick trip through the wash with dye can at least tame it a bit.

If you have boys and girls, think twice about anything pink as it doesn't hand down well.   

Hand it down, give it away or sell it here and remember how much you spent on that last bowl of tag soup to keep things in perspective.

[jackelope]

For a jacket, I'd hit an Eddie Bauer outlet and pick up a puffy or 6. They can be had for $40 if you watch for sales. My kid has had a nice puffy every year since she was probably 5 including this year, all of them under $50.00

[cbond3318]

My two older boys have been going on backpack trips with me since they were 4 (8 and 6 now), the third is almost 3 and will be along when he is 4. The packs I’m using are an REI Tarn and an Osprey Passage 40. This year they both used Trekking poles for the first time, I think they’re an REI model youth. They really liked them for poking critter dens and holes.  Sleeping setup, bags are a standard youth bag , not sure of the brand. I do bring each a lightweight down quilt to line there bags on colder trips. Each have a youth REI pad. I keep them in a synthetic base layer , we buy a few sets each year of the 32 Deg Costco stuff, both boys run hot and they haven’t complained of being cold yet. Fred Meyer has been good right after winter season on picking up next years coats at tremendous discounts. From light rain coats to mid to heavy. I basically layer them and set them up just as I am. Costco had this year Eddie Bauer hiking pack that zipped off at the knee, picked up 2 sets for each and they’ve been good. It’s wet in North Idaho so quick dry is key.  This year on our high country summer trip, they each carried a water, their bag, quilt, pad , poles and coat and I slipped some snacks in each of their packs. Gloves we again buy the Costco brand (head) gloves, waterproof set and the regular jogging style gloves.

Boots has been my hang up and bridge I’m yet to successfully cross, summer fair weather stuff they have been using their cross shoes, for cold , snow and wet I found some off brand insulated snow style boots that fit snug and cinch from the ankle up. Seem to do well enough.  This coming fall I may put my older son in an actual quality boot that can be passed Down through the boys.

So far everything has been working well for them with out breaking the bank. We’ve been in flash snow sleet storms, rain and lightning and smoking hot summer sun. With kids, their gear and set up will be ever changing so buy second hand, shop deals and pay attention to their needs.

[Karl Blanchard]

Costco has definitely been great for kid clothing for us. Quarter zip fleeces, long johns, gloves, socks, etc. Even picked up new skiing helmets there a few weeks back.

[cbond3318]

Hardest part is explaining to them just cause it’s waterproof doesn’t mean you can play in the water. 

[Hillbilly Zen]

My two older boys have been going on backpack trips with me since they were 4 (8 and 6 now), the third is almost 3 and will be along when he is 4. The packs I’m using are an REI Tarn and an Osprey Passage 40. This year they both used Trekking poles for the first time, I think they’re an REI model youth. They really liked them for poking critter dens and holes.  Sleeping setup, bags are a standard youth bag , not sure of the brand. I do bring each a lightweight down quilt to line there bags on colder trips. Each have a youth REI pad. I keep them in a synthetic base layer , we buy a few sets each year of the 32 Deg Costco stuff, both boys run hot and they haven’t complained of being cold yet. Fred Meyer has been good right after winter season on picking up next years coats at tremendous discounts. From light rain coats to mid to heavy. I basically layer them and set them up just as I am. Costco had this year Eddie Bauer hiking pack that zipped off at the knee, picked up 2 sets for each and they’ve been good. It’s wet in North Idaho so quick dry is key.  This year on our high country summer trip, they each carried a water, their bag, quilt, pad , poles and coat and I slipped some snacks in each of their packs. Gloves we again buy the Costco brand (head) gloves, waterproof set and the regular jogging style gloves.

Boots has been my hang up and bridge I’m yet to successfully cross, summer fair weather stuff they have been using their cross shoes, for cold , snow and wet I found some off brand insulated snow style boots that fit snug and cinch from the ankle up. Seem to do well enough.  This coming fall I may put my older son in an actual quality boot that can be passed Down through the boys.

So far everything has been working well for them with out breaking the bank. We’ve been in flash snow sleet storms, rain and lightning and smoking hot summer sun. With kids, their gear and set up will be ever changing so buy second hand, shop deals and pay attention to their needs.

My kids are set up almost identical.  Started them in the Gila at 2 and 3 years of age on their own two feet, and I carried them around the mountains before they could walk. In winter, around the house or playing in snow, they have big coats from 2nd hand stores and are replaced yearly.  For backpacking we go with layers.  Columbia fleece jackets seem to be in good supply at 2nd hand stores, costco thermals, columbia rain jackets (from fred meyer i think).  Pants are usually some kind of cotton blend or track suit polyester thing over thermals.  I know i know, cotton kills.  But I started out in jeans and flannels and learned to stay dry and lived to tell the tale so...  one thing i learned quick: buy good socks!  Darn tough kids sizes or similar quality.  Nothing will try your patience more than a kid who keeps stopping to pull a slipping sock up ALL DAY LONG.  I think dry feet, good snacks, pockets full of treats, and you could dress a kid in a garbage bag over a blanket and they probably wont care.  Crappy snacks = crappy morale in my unit.  We march on our stomachs. 

Kids are 7 and 9 now, and seemed to increase their range by about a mile each year.  We go slow, real slow.  They carry their sleeping bags, clothing, water, headlamps, and whatever else they choose to hump around.  I found a handful of rocks in one backpack last time we got home.  Guess its time to increase the load 😂.  Excited for you!  Being out with your kids is a crap ton of work until they start learning how to look after themselves in the backcountry, but its awesome to see them do it. 

[cbond3318]

My two older boys have been going on backpack trips with me since they were 4 (8 and 6 now), the third is almost 3 and will be along when he is 4. The packs I’m using are an REI Tarn and an Osprey Passage 40. This year they both used Trekking poles for the first time, I think they’re an REI model youth. They really liked them for poking critter dens and holes.  Sleeping setup, bags are a standard youth bag , not sure of the brand. I do bring each a lightweight down quilt to line there bags on colder trips. Each have a youth REI pad. I keep them in a synthetic base layer , we buy a few sets each year of the 32 Deg Costco stuff, both boys run hot and they haven’t complained of being cold yet. Fred Meyer has been good right after winter season on picking up next years coats at tremendous discounts. From light rain coats to mid to heavy. I basically layer them and set them up just as I am. Costco had this year Eddie Bauer hiking pack that zipped off at the knee, picked up 2 sets for each and they’ve been good. It’s wet in North Idaho so quick dry is key.  This year on our high country summer trip, they each carried a water, their bag, quilt, pad , poles and coat and I slipped some snacks in each of their packs. Gloves we again buy the Costco brand (head) gloves, waterproof set and the regular jogging style gloves.

Boots has been my hang up and bridge I’m yet to successfully cross, summer fair weather stuff they have been using their cross shoes, for cold , snow and wet I found some off brand insulated snow style boots that fit snug and cinch from the ankle up. Seem to do well enough.  This coming fall I may put my older son in an actual quality boot that can be passed Down through the boys.

So far everything has been working well for them with out breaking the bank. We’ve been in flash snow sleet storms, rain and lightning and smoking hot summer sun. With kids, their gear and set up will be ever changing so buy second hand, shop deals and pay attention to their needs.

My kids are set up almost identical.  Started them in the Gila at 2 and 3 years of age on their own two feet, and I carried them around the mountains before they could walk. In winter, around the house or playing in snow, they have big coats from 2nd hand stores and are replaced yearly.  For backpacking we go with layers.  Columbia fleece jackets seem to be in good supply at 2nd hand stores, costco thermals, columbia rain jackets (from fred meyer i think).  Pants are usually some kind of cotton blend or track suit polyester thing over thermals.  I know i know, cotton kills.  But I started out in jeans and flannels and learned to stay dry and lived to tell the tale so...  one thing i learned quick: buy good socks!  Darn tough kids sizes or similar quality.  Nothing will try your patience more than a kid who keeps stopping to pull a slipping sock up ALL DAY LONG.  I think dry feet, good snacks, pockets full of treats, and you could dress a kid in a garbage bag over a blanket and they probably wont care.  Crappy snacks = crappy morale in my unit.  We march on our stomachs. 

Kids are 7 and 9 now, and seemed to increase their range by about a mile each year.  We go slow, real slow.  They carry their sleeping bags, clothing, water, headlamps, and whatever else they choose to hump around.  I found a handful of rocks in one backpack last time we got home.  Guess its time to increase the load 😂.  Excited for you!  Being out with your kids is a crap ton of work until they start learning how to look after themselves in the backcountry, but its awesome to see them do it.

  the rocks is funny! My boys pack home E V E R Y bone they find. I could put together a whitetail doe skeleton from the pile in my garage. 

[pd]

Karl, you are close to Yakima, right?  I don't know if this is an option for you, but Goodwill stores have lots of stuff that your kids could use.  If you ever get to the westside, Bellevue etc. would be a great place to shop.

[Karl Blanchard]

Oh don't misunderstand me, we have mountains of gear and like others,, ive been dragging my kids around the mountains long before they could walk.. Simply started this as a sounding board for ideas and experiences.  You Westside guys are lucky as in you have Eddie Baeurs and rei's and your second hand stores are probably a ton better than crakima

[jackelope]

I’ve likely spent more time in the Eddie Bauer store in Lewiston, ID than I have at the store in Woodinville. 

[Karl Blanchard]

I’ve likely spent more time in the Eddie Bauer store in Lewiston, ID than I have at the store in Woodinville.

which is equally as far from Yakima 

[cbond3318]

We lived in Bozeman for a year and there was a couple second hand sporting goods stores, holy crap there was some awesome stuff to be had.

[Hillbilly Zen]

Oh don't misunderstand me, we have mountains of gear and like others,, ive been dragging my kids around the mountains long before they could walk.. Simply started this as a sounding board for ideas and experiences.  You Westside guys are lucky as in you have Eddie Baeurs and rei's and your second hand stores are probably a ton better than crakima

The Chelan re-store and Twisp senior center certainly  can be gold mines in spring.  Clearing the closets of those westside 2nd vacation homes I guess?  Still not close to Yakima.  Where is Crakima anyway? Across the tracks from Yakivegas i assume?

Does anybody make gaiters for kids?  That would make backcountry boots not even a concern for me until winter.  And then its all rubber boots with liners anyway until april or may. 

[actionshooter]

When my kids were the age of yours ( which was a while ago) I bought a fair amount of used gear from this site... I'm sure you already know about it, but there are good deals here occasionally.  I have a couple more years but am looking for the same for a couple grandkids

http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewforum.php?f=14&sid=52110b286a8fc2e0b17b80ed879abbaa

[cbond3318]

I will say this year I am switching to a 10 deg quilt that is a bit less expensive then the EE.  If it’s a win, I will be getting my boys the same. At a little over 2 lbs and small pack space expense, they’ll never grow out of it, can pack it themselves, , always be warm in anything and if taken care of should last years and years. They are almost too big for the bags they have now.

Like you said, I’ll probably just get tricky with the extra material while they’re still hobbits.

[444Marlin]

I just upgraded my bag and will hand down my down bag to my kids.  There's only a handful of seasons before they'll outgrow the heavy - bulky synthetic bags.  The extra space in the adult size bag is nothing to worry about.

[Vek]

Deuter Fox 30 is a good one, and the 40 looks like more of the same.  Kids won't need more pack than that until Pubert shows up.   

Boots are whatever you can make work.  Long uphill hikes means you bring light lace-up tennis shoes as well, unless you KNOW they won't blister on their heels. 

Little kids 5-8 sleep pretty warm in my experience.  Have used the little North Face kids mummy bag for them at temps below freezing.  I also stumbled into a junior size down bag by Icicle Creek that's about the same weight as my MH phantom 15, so not a total disaster.  They're out of business so tough luck there!  They still sleep pretty warm at 9-13, and the Kelty Cosmic 20F that I picked up is fine if a bit long.  Gotta watch weight with kids bags.   

Clothing layers are whatever you can make work.  My wife picks up candidate fleece and puffy layers as she haunts thrift stores for low $$$.  It's generally possible to find a name brand breathable raincoat on par with marmot precip for very little dough at the thrift store.  I've had the kids age 5-9 hunt in fleece pants, but now have some amazon softshell pants that work fine but are super swishy. 

Temper your expectations and hedge on weather.  I've been bit a couple times, but the boys are pretty cooperative and they both sleep warm.  A few years back when the opener was really cold, we were out in the tipi at 6800', and I'd lost my bet with the weather.  The younger boy slept under my primaloft blanket, blocked in between his older brother and me.  Would have been better to take the heavier sleeping bag, but he was fine.  They're 13 and 11 now.  The oldest first hunted with me at 5, and then I took them both when 4 and 6.  This out of a backpack.  Success would have been difficult, but they were game to do some walking.  The next year we were awful close on a big wide one at ages 5 and 7, again out of a backpack.  It's like hunting with a mariachi band until they're about 10 or so.

[KFhunter]

"Does anyone make gaters for kids"

No. Just crappy amazon ones, I did find womens small on outdoor research and I think I'll go that route, without the first responder/mil discount it would be spendy!

[Vek]

Ebay "women small" for gaiters and puffy coats.  These will fit fine starting at age 9 or 10. 

[pd]

It's like hunting with a mariachi band until they're about 10 or so.

Thank you.  You have made my day.

[Karl Blanchard]

Ebay "women small" for gaiters and puffy coats.  These will fit fine starting at age 9 or 10.

you haven't seen my midgets 

[BULLBLASTER]

Ebay "women small" for gaiters and puffy coats.  These will fit fine starting at age 9 or 10.

you haven't seen my midgets 

A womens small puffy could double as a sleeping bag tho!

[whacker1]

tagging along

[Karl Blanchard]

Ebay "women small" for gaiters and puffy coats.  These will fit fine starting at age 9 or 10.

you haven't seen my midgets 

A womens small puffy could double as a sleeping bag tho!

  I know Jon's puffy could definitely be a sleeping bag 

[bracer40]

Ebay "women small" for gaiters and puffy coats.  These will fit fine starting at age 9 or 10.

you haven't seen my midgets 

A womens small puffy could double as a sleeping bag tho!

  I know Jon's puffy could definitely be a sleeping bag 

That perspective makes those sleeves look like they fit arms like tree trunks!

[Karl Blanchard]

FYI, Eddie bauer is clearing out some kids coats. Picked up puffy coats for $25 a pop. Not the best time to buy stuff for fall but I sized up on both. A bit of extra room in a puffy layer isn't a bad thing in my opinion.

[highside74]

For a jacket, I'd hit an Eddie Bauer outlet and pick up a puffy or 6. They can be had for $40 if you watch for sales. My kid has had a nice puffy every year since she was probably 5 including this year, all of them under $50.00

Yes for Eddie Bauer affordable puffies. For kids and adults. Bought one for me and my son this last December. Both with hoods for $87 delivered

[fowl smacker]

FYI, Eddie bauer is clearing out some kids coats. Picked up puffy coats for $25 a pop. Not the best time to buy stuff for fall but I sized up on both. A bit of extra room in a puffy layer isn't a bad thing in my opinion.

Just bought the same one for one of my kids

[Pathfinder101]

I have bought a lot of kids gear used on Ebay for good bargains.  When PathfinderJR was little, I used to buy cheap stuff because I knew he was going to outgrow it all in like, 5 minutes.  He tells me now (he's 22 now) that often he was miserable.  His little brother is 8 years younger than him, so when Little Pathfinder started hunting, JR insisted that we buy him "good" gear.  He promised that whatever I bought that LP outgrew, we could resell on Ebay and recover enough that it would be no less expensive than cheap gear would have been.  So I bought him Sitka, Kryptek, etc...  When he outgrows it, we resell it and recover much of the cost.  Someone gets a good deal on gear that is lightly used, and we have some cash to turn around and buy some more stuff that fits.  Sitka has always had a good line of youth-sized gear and much of it isn't nearly as expensive as you think. 
As was mentioned earlier, watch for when your kids get to be the size that women's sized adult gear will fit them.  Lots of good deals on used women's Kenetreks on Ebay.