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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.
Quote from: cbond3318 on December 30, 2020, 05:23:27 PMMy 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.
I’ve likely spent more time in the Eddie Bauer store in Lewiston, ID than I have at the store in Woodinville.
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
