Kifaru for a Kid?

[Grumman]

Hey everybody I was wondering if anybody has fit their kid with a Kifaru. My 8 year old son has really enjoyed getting out shed hunting and going on training hikes with me. I'm glad he likes it and it keeps him away from the video games. I know there are cheaper routes, but I'd like to get him a bag that he could grow up with. I'm not rich and he's not spoiled but he does have spina bifida so I don't mind spending more to get him something comfortable to compensate for his weaker back and legs. Has anybody found a pack that works good for a kiddo? He's 52" tall and growing like a weed. Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[Beastmode]

Awesome job getting the kid out! Love hearing plans like this! I would consider getting him one of the smaller bags with a built in smaller frame. In all honesty though this is a very special circumstance with his spinal bifida. I would highly recommend you call Aron at Kifaru and he should be able to set you up with something that would work.

 

[mrbillbrown]

At his age I'd look into the Antero or Urban Zippy for a backpack style pack or the Spike Camp or Late Season for a more heavy duty pack style.

The spike camp sounds perfect for a bag to grow with.

 

[mrbillbrown]

I've got a late season to sell if you want to go the bigger route. It's belt less now and you'd just need to order an XS belt. Would save you some cash on a pack both of you could use. Shoot me a pm if you're interested.

 

[dotman]

Get him a spike camp before it is discontinued or a 22" UL frame and cargo panel or tahr.

 

[bcimport]

I would get him a cheaper lighter REI type pack. He physically can't carry big weight yet and a smaller youth pack will fit him better. When his growing slows down then I could see outfitting him with a top shelf durable pack capable of big weight.

 

[Matt W.]

My 9 year old does well with the Deuter Fox 40 pack. On sale at REI right now.
http://goo.gl/QO1wYX

 

[Tod osier]

My 9 year old does well with the Deuter Fox 40 pack. On sale at REI right now.
http://goo.gl/QO1wYX

Excellent pack, my 8 year old has the same one. Do some reading on pack weight for kids if you haven't yet - kids can't carry much given their size and having a pack that fits them and can grow with them is great.

 

[justinspicher]

My daughter is 9 and runs an MC E/E. She takes that pack everywhere.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

I have spina bifida and kifaru works well for me but I am a grown man that has learned how to read my body and know how I can push it and when I am going to pay for it. Doctors will likely recommend against any heavy packing but this may just be precautions that are ultimately unnecessary, however be careful. You likely know more about his condition than your boy does at this point so watch things very closely. I am all for living as normal of a life as possible so I'm in no way suggesting against this kind of activity just caution. With me kifaru packs place most of the weight on my hips and the belt placement seems to shore up the weak area in my back allowing me to pack heavy in relative comfort but every case is different. Talk to your boys doctor and glean what you need to know. Talk to Aron and get his advice based on what your boys doctor says, he knows a fair amount about how the pack is going to strain the body. My advice would be to limit the size of the pack and therefore it's carrying ability to prevent him from overloading and pushing too hard and upgrade as needed and as you learn his abilities and more importantly he learns his own, don't let things hold him back just figure out how to work around problems.

 

[larryschwartz]

My first thought, since you wanted something that he could grow with would be either a Scout or an XRay with shoulder straps and an Omni belt. The Scout is 13 inches high and the XRay is 17 inches, which would work well for someone who is only a bit over four feet (48") tall. I would suggest the Scout though. It will serve him as a day pack now and as he gets older and taller he can use it as a lumbar pack instead of as a backpack.

 

[toddb]

Sent a pm. Might have something.

 

[mrbillbrown]

How about a KU3700? It's got a lot of ci's but compresses small and only weighs 2.5#. Something he can grow with forever.

 

[mrbillbrown]

And yes I know they're not currently available. I've got a buddy with a brand new one he's about to sell.

 

[Grumman]

Hey guys I've been kind of overwhelmed with the kind words, advice, and many PM's from folks. There are a lot of great people on this site no doubt. I did have a chance to talk to Aron briefly this morning. His recommendation was to go for a Spike Camp as a good option. After work today I took my boy on a walk and let him wear my 24" bikini frame with a Highcamp bag just for kicks. The small belt adjusted to him well, and he couldn't get the grin off of his face. He started calling it HIS pack and took it up to his room afterwards and put it in his closet. It's not going to work for him yet though due to the composite cross bar and shoulder straps. At his height the cross bar was hitting him in the head some and you could have set a Coke can between his shoulders and the straps. That did drive home the fact that he wants one as he started talking about going elk hunting immediately and calling it HIS elk pack. His name is Deacon and he announced himself as Deacon from Elk101 and Gritty Bowmen as he talked about the mountains. I drive him to school every morning and we normally listen to the hunting podcast on the way so that is where that comes from.... I'll get him something to foster that dream and keep it going. Thanks to everybody who responded I really appreciate it.

 

[aclawrence]

Awesome! Sounds like he'll really appreciate that gift.

 

[MattB]

I'd call Kifaru and ask their opinion.

 

[gmajor]

I would get him a cheaper lighter REI type pack. He physically can't carry big weight yet and a smaller youth pack will fit him better. When his growing slows down then I could see outfitting him with a top shelf durable pack capable of big weight.

Gotta agree with this. A box store internal frame probably fits the bill.

 

[mrbillbrown]

Grumman, your inbox is full and I can't send you any messages. Delete a few and give me a shout. Bill

 

[Grumman]

Should be cleared now, sorry about that.