Last updated on April 13th, 2021 at 09:20 pm
When it comes to hiking the more the merrier! We understand that you will want to bring the whole family on your great outdoor adventure. But the big question remains “How much can kids carry on a hike?!” This post intends to answer that for you! We hope to help you get the most out of your family time and ensure your kids are carrying an amount suitable for their age range. You may also be wondering what exactly should go into that backpack of theirs? Well we’ll help you with that too.
Children can carry between 5% to 15% of their body weight depending on age (source). They can carry their water, some snacks, an extra layer and a basic first aid kit. The volume and capacity of the backpack should be checked upon purchase, as great fitting gear makes the whole experience easier and more enjoyable!
Packing for Independence
Kids love to have their independence and to get a great sense of achievement from their activities. What better way to achieve this than by carrying their own backpack!
Ensure that your child is carrying a backpack and contents that are age appropriate and the correct weight for their age group. They love to replicate what you are doing, so give them a snack, water, an extra layer and some basic first aid equipment to carry for themselves.
Toddlers (1 -3)
This age group understandably won’t carry too much. But should they carry anything at all? Well the answer to that question is a resounding ‘yes!’ Medical experts have said that a child may carry 10% to 15% of their own body weight (source).
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Toddlers, however, can carry up to 5% of their body weight if they’re up for it. Considering the majority of child’s backpacks weigh around 2 pounds, here’s an example of items toddlers can carry:
- A light, small water bottle
- A snack; e.g. a cereal bar or bag of cheddar snacks
- An extra layer; such as a fleece
- Their favorite stuffed hiking pal
Preschooler – Second Graders (4-7)
When bringing a child from ages 4 to 7 on a hike, you need to once again consider how much weight they can or are willing to carry. It’s recommended that this age group carry 10% of their body weight. They should of course carry their own backpack, but again keeping it light and easy to manage on the trail is best! What to include in this age group’s backpack? Well below are some examples to help you answer that very question.
- Their water bottle
- A snack; e.g a peanut butter sandwich
- An extra layer
- A small first aid kit
- Exploring gear; e.g. magnifying glass and play binoculars
Big Kids (8+)
The big kids can carry the most weight as they weigh heavier and are more developed than their younger counterparts. This age group can carry between 15% to 20% of their body weight, again taking into account the weight of the backpack they will be carrying. If only to keep them moving and happy, we recommend that you stick to 15% of their body weight, especially if the back pack in question is any bit heavy on it’s own. So what could kids aged 8+ be carrying on their hiking journey? Kids 8 and up could carry:
- Their water bottle
- A snack; e.g a sandwich and a cereal bar
- An extra warm layer; e.g fleece or light rain jacket
- A small first aid kit
- Hiking journal and binoculars
Good Fitting Gear
No matter what the age group, good fitting gear is essential. So how do you know if you have purchased a backpack suitable for your child’s weight and needs?
Well first of all you need to ensure that the backpack has an adjustable sternum strap. With this, the backpack can grow with your child! The backpack also needs to be durable and light in weight. Easy, washable material is always best when purchasing a kid’s backpack. Parents will find this in a hiking appropriate backpack as well, which are breathable and padded for comfort.
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Even though an adjustable sternum strap is a great bonus! In my opinion, it’s a must have! At the same time ensuring that the backpack itself is not too big or too small for your little kiddo is essential.
Therefore, when buying online or in store check the weight and volume capacity of the backpack you intend to purchase. An age appropriate backpack will balance weight properly for your child and hold its contents effectively.
Have fun purchasing your backpack and remember that kids love color and design. So, a bright child friendly design will appeal to your kiddo the most and encourage them to join you on that very first or twenty first hike!
Let the Good Times Roll
Nature is a great place for learning, burning excess energy, and building bonds with family and friends. With this in mind, fostering their curiosity and independence starts with their pack. And, with the right contents and comfort, your child is well on their way to appreciating all that mother earth has to teach.
Image Credit: Donnie Ray Jones|(source)|Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) — reduced file size and image
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