How to Buy a Child's Backpack

The right backpack will allow your child to participate fully in backpacking, without feeling like he or she is your beast of burden.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Child's Backpack

1. Expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $140 for a backpack for your child. If planning long expeditions, you'll need to pay more for features that will keep your child comfortable.

2. Look for an internal frame pack for maximum comfort and learning potential for your child, especially if you're expecting your child to carry more than just a sack lunch and a few books.

3. Bring your child with you when shopping. Try the bag on for size and have it properly fitted by a knowledgeable salesperson.

4. Look for a pack especially designed for children. There are internal frame packs designed for children as young as five, and larger packs for children aged 11 to small adults.

5. Look for the following features for maximum comfort: padding in the shoulder straps, backpad and hip straps; adjustable back, hip and sternum straps; side compressors to distribute load.

6. Look for a quick-release button for ease in getting the pack on and off.

7. Consider getting a pack that can serve as both a bookbag and day pack for children 9 and under, especially if you don't expect your child to be carrying much of his or her own gear. These packs will be significantly cheaper and are more versatile than internal frame packs.

8. Look for a water-repellent pack.

9. Look for a pack with a holster or pocket especially designed to hold a water bottle. This is a great way to get your child used to thinking about carrying water and drinking it frequently on the trail.

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on 11/22/2005 Make sure that the backpack is big and sturdy enough to haul a load of heavy books around, especially if your child is in late elementary or middle school. Jr. High kids have to drag more stuff around than you could believe!