Glenn you sent me a big pdf list a year or so ago but I seem to have misplaced it. You wouldn't by any chance still have that would you?

Let me check to see - I may have revised it since then. Send me a PM with your email.

It may be too late in the year, but try Costco. Lots of smaller size adult hikers recommend their kids' jackets!

Thank you both. We don't have a costco around here so I'll have to look online.

I am an Assistant Scoutmaster for the Troop and the coordinator for our High Adventure Group. We will not permit any Scout under the age of 14 to go on our backpacking trips as we have gone recently to the Winds, Mt. Sneffels Wilderness and this year we are looking at North Cascades. It is just too much of a risk at that age and maturity level. Of course all the Scouts have the opportunity to go to a week-long summer camp with those not going on the HAG trip. (And I was not a Scout, so this was totally new to me when I started a few years ago.)

I know this weekend he goes to a camp with just the scout masters and other scouts. I wanted to go but its being strongly discouraged. I guess its so the boys have time to bond as a new troop. Its not a backpacking trip just another camp. He'll be indoors at night in a warm cabin but most likely outside for most of the day. Practicing fire building and shelter making as well. Just sounded like fun to me but I guess I'm out of this one. Still don't know if he'll be backpacking this year. I may have jumped to conclusions hearing about the boyscouts backpacking and not taking in account that it might be just for the older scouts.

I think a good option for an overnight pack would be to use a PVC frame with alice pack straps and then attach a dry bag to it that can fit all of his stuff. That will teach him how to pack properly and you should be able to get away with that for relatively cheap. You could teach him how to spray paint it camouflage or whatever his favorite color is too.

Here are two good videos for ideas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6E2Dpas0ss
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9fOa98ry1o

Love the Osprey Jib and Ace packs! I have provided them for the scouts in my troop, as well as other youngsters in the 10 to 13 age range. They are full featured packs and can be adjusted to fit like a glove. They do run retail in the $150 range however.

I would rather get a pack that fits them well, so that there are no pressure points on their shoulders, back or waist.