Lol....oh you can hike a LONG way with kids. The key is super fitting gear and a great attitude. My oldest son is well known for his ability to hike long days that are hard. By the time he was 4 1/2 he was doing 10 mile days.

The key was we went out often, he is super tall for his age (at 14 he is well over 6 feet tall), rail thin and I always bought him mini-me gear. I did not though put Ford in SUL packs for a reason - suspension is everything for a kid's frame. He wore a Deuter Fox 30 for years but with trail runners on.

Oh yes Sarah I know kids can hike a long ways. I meant spending extra money to save a pound on a pack probably wasn't worth it since they aren't doing 30 mile days. If I was going to spend extra money to save weight, I might spend it one other gear that won't be outgrown.
+1 on a frame (well normally anyway)

Edited by Cameron on 11/28/2011 17:34:06 MST.

My daughter is 11 and very petite for her age (as she'll most likely always be as mom is only 5'2" and I only a few inches taller) and purchased a Deuter Fox 30 two years ago knowing she'd get at least a few years out of it. At the time her torso was on the small realm of the pack and has since grown into it quite nicely.
I agree with having a framed pack with kids and she has found the pack incredibly comfortable with many adjustments and has never complained about shoulder and/or pack discomfort.
Additionally, it is incredibly durable.

Edited by Trailmouse on 11/28/2011 17:33:41 MST.

I suggested the circuit because :

1) its high quality , but much lighter than many others
2) the adjustable shoulder strap panel gives it a torso fit range from about 13-18"
3) the big side pockets and mesh back pocket are just as great for kids usage as adults
4) the resale will be very good if you decide to get rid of it, so in the long run cost is probably a wash. You will eat the full cost of many cheaper packs.
5) she likely wont carry >20 lbs, and need any more pack/padding than that anyhow.
6) can get it with S curve straps, or change them in future as she gets more womanly
7) the service is pretty much unbeatable. If you want modifications, changes, repairs, customization, etc it can be done.

Edited by livingontheroad on 11/28/2011 18:22:19 MST.

IMO well fitting gear is important no matter the miles or types of trips - because it prevents the dreaded whining and sitting down in the middle of the trail........

I guess I have run by the theory as well that if I can afford to have cool gear so can my kids - no reason for them to wear/use clunky gear if I wouldn't use it!

Is so very true I can already see how expensive this it's going to get cause good gear goes along way..

No need to spend $$$$ (everyone knew id say that)

Mec/rei/ems all have store brand packs for cheap that are a fairly decent weight

That should suit her for now ... Later in life she can use them a daypack or to carry her ipad

They usually have no questions askes warranties as well ... So if anything goes wrong yr covered

I wouldnt expect to spend more than 50$ ... they come in different colours and u can try em on

Fit is everything for someone that size

My son is 10 and has been using a Golite Jam (women's small) for 2 years, he's very skinny. The old style without the hip pockets cinches tighter on the waist. He carries his North Face Tigger, all his clothes, his foam sleeping pad and snacks and water all at around 10 pounds total.

The Osprey Hornets run small, at least this year they did. Maybe that would fit, REI probably carries them too...
sandy