My kids are 8,5,2, and 11months. The 8 and 5 year old each carry a little canteen and a backpack with some of their gear in it like their led headlamps, a couple of small toys, snacks, and usually a sweater. They love backpacking but I know that one of the reasons that they love it is they don't carry any weight. lol. I'll deal with the pain to make it so I don't have to listen to whining all day on the trail.