child's pack

Osprey are a very good brand, they do a kids range of packs.

My two boys have macpac kids tramping packs they are great. Specific for kids.

As you are probably aware, start with the kid's pack light (sleeping bag, clothes, water bottle, snacks) and gradually build up the weight as strength and interest develops. Traditional rule of thumb is 20-25% of their bodyweight. My kids started out with their school packs (~20-25litre). My 13yo daughter (short-average height for her age) has been using a One Planet Traverse (~40l) for the past 5 years. A quality pack that probably last the next 20+ years (or less given how hard she is on gear!) The key feature that makes it comfortable to her is the proper harness/waistbelt that adjusts in backlength. https://www.oneplanet.com.au/product/packs/day-and-a-half/traverse/ My 10yo son (v. large for his age) uses an old size 2 Macpac Pursuit. Other kids in the tramping club's family group use on weekend tramps either Vaude, Deuter, or Mountain Designs 30-40 litre packs, again all of them have harnesses with adjustable backlengths so the pack fits them properly.

thanks all. My wife and I will be off to Macpac and Kathmandu today - let you know how we get on. Often the salespeople don't have kids or tramp with kids so can't really provide first hand experience. Think we've settled on something around the 30l mark.

Another vote for the Ospreys. They make two sizes (we've got a kid on each) and are of high quality. I've not figured out why but, when on sale here (as at Bivouac), Osprey can be cheaper than anywhere else (such as the US). Not normally the case...