http://sub60.wikispaces.com/home
I have been searching/trying backpacks for my 4 year old son for a little over a year. I am not going to bore you with the failures I ran into, but I will sum them up into one sentence: The backpacks designed for "kids" are too heavy and ill fitting.
Thanks to John Abela – Hikelighter.Com Facebook posts I was introduced to the Sub 60 Fast Pack and Matt Kirk's amazing sub 60 day AT thru-hike. I initially looked at the pack and thought "cool backpack kit" then it dawned on me that I could possibly roll and cinch the pack down for my son to use. I placed an order and quickly received an email from Matt with my pack's shipping status. I received it a few days later and began unpacking. Everything was received as described. The craftsmanship is top notch and I couldn't find a single thread out of place. I than began rolling, cinching, and having my son try it on. 2 hours later it was fully assembled. I stuffed the bag with my summer bag and pillow. The total packed pack weighed in at 2.5 lbs (right at where I want it for my 40lbs son). I strapped it onto my son's back and we went off for a 1/3 of a mile walk/run. Not one complaint! The following day I tweaked the placement of the sternum strap and we went off on a 1/2 mile walk/run. Again no complaints and a happy kid. He is ecstatic to go backpacking with me, and I'm happy to now have my son with me backpacking. I already have a trip planned in 2 weeks around his capabilities (3 miles max with elevation).
Another benefit with this pack is that I can unroll the main mesh bag, should straps, and hip belt as he grows.
-Rudy
