Well maybe the younger one doesn't need a pack ?? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Hear me out before you all jump on me. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> At 10 years old, he is pretty small to carry what he may need for a long time, they like to play around and well they are just kids. Maybe a small pack (or backpack) with no frame for him to carry his water, strap on a small sleeping bag and some personal items would be enough ?? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

At a group of 4 people, having 3 people carry the amount of food and clothing it wouldn't weight down the packs much more.

But before you go camping with the new packs and gear, remember take a small walk or 2 around the neighborhood with the packs carrying the same amount of items they will be carrying, wouldn't be fun to head into the trail, a couple of hours later realizing the packs are weighting down the kids too much.

For shelter (I know you didn't mention it but I consider shelter MORE important then sleeping comfort in cold weather you can always add extra layers on before sleep, but in rain, or snow a shelter in my opinion is a must), you can carry a few tarps and some rope, weights less then many tents out there, and that is what I generally use. Not the best method, there are light weight tents out there that work, but the tarp/GI Pup tent system has worked for many years for many people.

Remember, pack alot of water, if you think 3 quarts of water per person will be enough lets say, pack 4 quarts per person of water minimum.

Dimitri