Children need to spend time outdoors and breathe the clean air of nature. And what better way to live an extraordinary adventure than to go hiking. Nature provides an incredible playground, which fuels the imagination and teaches the child the importance and beauty of the natural world.
One of the elements that is part of this experience is the backpack!
But before we start, the first thing that comes to my mind is that your child might not like carrying a backpack at first, especially if they’re not used to it. Be patient and introduce the backpack as soon as possible!!
Here are 5 Tips for preparing your child’s backpack to make the most of this family adventure !
1) When can kids start carrying their own backpack?
First, make sure your child is physically able to carry a backpack. Children as young as two or three years old can carry a backpack, but they are unlikely to carry their own for an entire hike. And to be honest, you might even end up carrying your child with the backpack !!!
For the older ones, between 4 and 7 years old, I would say that it also depends on the character of the child. Some will be very happy to have a backpack and others will find it extremely cumbersome. Introduce it slowly and be patient !
And by eight-years old, kids should be able to carry their own pack for an entire hike, as long as you keep it light.
2) How to choose the backpack ?
When choosing the size of a backpack, we will avoid talking about age because children grow at different speeds. Instead, choose a backpack adapted to the size of your child: the bag should not protrude over the sides of the back, nor at shoulder level.
The best thing is to have your child try the bag directly in the store. And do not hesitate to ask for help from the sellers in the hiking department.
You can try for the older one the all in one system called the hydration pack : a little backpack + hydration reservoir. And it’s a good way to ensure that your child drink enough water throughout the hiking, have access to some snack and clothes.
If you want to buy a cheap one to try it out, check out Decathlon you can find a kids backpack between 5€ and 25€ (not sponsored, I just use the product myself).
3) What do I put in the backpack ?
Keyword : Keep it light !
It is recommended that kids carry no more than 10% to 15% of their body weight in their packs. For example, if your child’s weight is 20 kg, the backpack must not exceed 2 kg (20/10=2).
Recommended items to put in the bag :
- Water : a bottle of water or a water bladder (very practical, they don’t need to stop to drink !). The size of the bottle or water bladder will depend on the age of the child. You can start small and refill when empty ∗
- Snacks : a few healthy snacks. To minimize weight, choose “dry” foods such as dried fruits or cereal bars.
- Clothes : a light jacket, windproof or waterproof
- Security items :
-
-
- his whistle hanging from the strap of his bag,
- his own headlamp
- an emergency blanket ∗∗
- for older children, a small, simple first aid kit and teach them how to use it. But in any case you have the full version in your bag.
-
∗ The Opinion of the EFSA reference values for water for specific age groups :
The reference values for total water intake include water from drinking water, beverages of all kind, and from food moisture and only apply to conditions of moderate environmental temperature and moderate physical activity levels. Total water intake recommandation :
- for boys and girls 2-3 years of age : 1300 mL/day
- for boys and girls 4-8 years of age : 1600 mL/day
- for boys 9-13 years of age : 2100 mL/day
- for girls 9-13 years of age : 1900 mL/day
- Adolescents of 14 years and older are considered as adults : 2.0 L/day for females and 2.5 L/day for males.
∗∗ Emergency blanket use :
⇒ golden side outside to warm up
⇒ silver side outside to protect against heat
It is used to protect :
- against the cold (fight against hypothermia).
- from the sun (avoid sunstroke).
- from bad weather (wind, rain).
It is necessary to distribute the load well so that the portage is comfortable.
- It is recommended to put:
- the heaviest against the back: the pic nic and the water bladder for exemple, but if you don’t have one, the water bottle must be easily accessible.
- snacks: in small external pockets, belts, etc. easy access
- the windproof or waterproof jacket just above, ready to go out at the first shiver!
Also make sure that all the contents are well wedged so that nothing moves during the walk.
4) Motivation
Motivate your kids by allowing them to add fun objects in their pack :
- map and compass,
- binocular,
- hiking pole,
- magnifying glass box,
- notebook and pencil,
- book about animal print, flower, wildlife,
- toys,
- ask them, I’m sure they have an idea!!!
5) Anticipation
Sometimes that’s too much for them, so… leave room in your backpack to fit your child’s bag or bring carabiners so you can attach your child’s pack to your backpack. It’s much easier than carrying the rucksack in your hands.
You are all set, Enjoy ! 🙂
Disclaimer : The contents of this website do not constitute advice and are provided for informational purposes only. See our full disclaimer
