Kid’s Pack Is No Toy
Product: Osprey Pika Kid’s Pack
Description: A true 1,200-cubicinch internal frame pack for children.
Pro: The suspension system with diecut foam padding on the hipbelt and shoulder harness is every bit as good as that found on Osprey’s adult-sized versions and is fully and easily adjustable to accommodate a growing child. If junior ever tires of carrying his or her pack, it is a simple matter to attach it to any other adult-sized Osprey pack so you can become a pack horse while your little one runs free - an outstanding feature! The pack is plenty large enough to carry a spare jacket, a small teddy bear, a bottle of water, some snacks, raingear and a book or two. If the load is not a full one, the side compression straps compress and stabilize the load well and the shock-cord lace system on the front also assists in preventing “floppy pack” syndrome. The shock-cord also provides an excellent place to stow a jacket or small sleeping pad.
Con: The long and deep main compartment can become a bit frustrating for little hands trying to locate a flashlight or extra candy bar - now buried deeply within. There is one small slash pocket located at the top of the pack, but it really doesn’t amount to much other than a place to toss a small snack, some sunscreen and maybe a pencil or two.
Comments: If you are planning a real backpacking trip with the kids this year, and your child is old enough (five years or older would be my recommendation) then your child deserves to carry a “real” backpack and not just some discount schlock-pack with some silly cartoon emblazoned on the front. The bottom line is, if you want your child to enjoy the trip, it starts with comfortable footwear and a comfy pack. If a pack isn’t comfortable, a child won’t wear it willingly and certainly won’t find any virtue in backpacking. With the Osprey Pika, I can’t guarantee that your trip will be challenge-free, but I can guarantee that it won’t be the pack’s fault if your child doesn’t take to the outdoors.
Suggested Retail: $95
Company: Osprey, P.O. Box 539, Dolores, CO 81323; (303) 882-2221.