Pack for Son

[JoMa]

I’m looking to get a pack for my 13 year old son. He is about 5’-6” and 125 lbs. I’d like to get a pack that can be used for the dual purposes of hunting and 2-3 day backpacking trips with the family. I’m not expecting him to carry a super heavy load (<40-50 lbs max), but do expect him to carry his own clothing, food, water, etc. Since he is still growing and his body will likely change quite a bit over the next few years, I don’t necessarily want to break the bank so a pack that may not fit him for very long. So, I’d like to keep the budget under $150, if possible.

I’ve been considering a couple options:

• I found a few used Eberlestock X2’s, Tenzing 2200/3000’s, Badlands Sacrifice, etc. in the $100-$150 range. I understand these packs are pretty bullet proof, a little on the heavy side, and may not pack heavier loads as well. I know these aren’t top tier packs, but they may be suitable for my needs.
• The other option is to buy a new backpacking style pack (Gregory, Osprey, Deuter, etc.). I can get most of these packs at around 40% off, which puts them within my budget. These will be lighter weight and comfortable, but maybe not as durable(?).

Any thoughts on these options? Are there other packs I should be considering? Thanks!

 

[bozeman]

Following- similar situation

 

[larryschwartz]

I would look for something with a hip belt to support the weight (now and as he gets older and taller), that is about the size of a day pack that he would use when he grows up. Around 30-40L I would guess.

As for the type, I like your idea of getting a backpacking pack, since that is what he will be using it for the most, AND you can get them in subdued/earth tone colors so it would work for hunting. Some of the brands you listed carry packs with fabric around 500D or heavier, but you don't have to get 500/1000D packcloth for backpacking or even hunting. The heavier weight fabrics are needed for abbrasion resistance, like when it is bouncing around in the back of a pickup truck or falling down a cliff face. These companies would not be in business long if their stuff fell apart with "normal" use and the wear and tear that goes along with it.

 

[Longshot]

I have a j34 and a blacks creek I’d part with. Both used but plenty nice. I think the blacks creek would suite a kid nicely

 

[the0thermrt]

HPG Connor, or Aston House Backcountry

 

[mistertrustee]

My son is same age and weight and he's currently using a mystery ranch longbow with a nice frame. I was able to find one for a decent price when the guide light frame came out and he's really been enjoying it. He regularly carries 40-50 lbs with it and hasn't complained about the weight.


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[aion2come]

When my son was that age, and about that size, we used an old Black's Creek. Worked great.

 

[JoMa]

I would look for something with a hip belt to support the weight (now and as he gets older and taller), that is about the size of a day pack that he would use when he grows up. Around 30-40L I would guess.

As for the type, I like your idea of getting a backpacking pack, since that is what he will be using it for the most, AND you can get them in subdued/earth tone colors so it would work for hunting. Some of the brands you listed carry packs with fabric around 500D or heavier, but you don't have to get 500/1000D packcloth for backpacking or even hunting. The heavier weight fabrics are needed for abbrasion resistance, like when it is bouncing around in the back of a pickup truck or falling down a cliff face. These companies would not be in business long if their stuff fell apart with "normal" use and the wear and tear that goes along with it.

Thanks for the feedback! I'm generally leaning towards a backpacking pack, but wanted to see if there were other suggestions.

 

[JoMa]

I have a j34 and a blacks creek I’d part with. Both used but plenty nice. I think the blacks creek would suite a kid nicely

Sent you a PM. I'm not familiar with Blacks Creek.