How Much Can Kids Carry Backpacking?

By Alice Nichols

When it comes to backpacking with kids, there is a lot to consider. From the right gear and clothing to the right amount of food and water, packing for a backpacking trip with children can be a daunting task.

But one of the most important considerations when it comes to backpacking with kids is how much they can carry.

It’s important to remember that kids are not miniature adults and shouldn’t be expected to carry the same amount of gear as an adult. Depending on their age, physical stature, and experience level, what is an appropriate load for an adult may be too much for a child. So it’s important to take into consideration their size and physical strength when deciding what they can carry.

When it comes to gear, most experts recommend that children ages 5-7 should only carry around 10% of their body weight in gear. For 8-11 year olds this increases slightly to around 15%, while 12-15 year olds should not exceed 20% of their body weight in gear.

In addition to gear, backpackers also need to consider food and water when packing for a trip. This means that kids will need their own supply of snacks, meals, and drinks that will sustain them throughout the trip. When considering how much food they can carry, most experts suggest that kids should not exceed 10 pounds in total weight.

Conclusion:

When it comes to backpacking with kids, there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration – including how much they can carry. Most experts suggest that depending on their age and physical stature, children should not carry more than 10% – 20% of their body weight in gear or more than 10 pounds of food and water in total. By taking into account these factors before embarking on a backpacking trip with children, parents can make sure everyone has an enjoyable experience safe from any unnecessary strain or injury.