Outdoor Retailer: New Kids Outdoor Gear

Posted Monday, October 6, 2008 at 8:48 pm by Alicia MacLeay

Getting more kids actively outdoors has become a mission for the outdoor industry in the past couple of years, and a number of companies introduced new children's outdoor gear, footwear, and technical clothing at Outdoor Retailer in August.

For various reasons (blame it on the economy, a glut of new outdoor products, or lack of interest), quite a few of those debuts didn't make the final cut for spring/summer 2009 (a disconcerting trend on its own). However, here are some new-for-2009 items that did make the cut, and that may help your little one gear up and get out.

	Deuter Climber A smaller version of Deuter’s adult Guide packs, the Climber is a technical alpine backpack for kids ages 7 and up. It uses Deuter’s Alpine Back carry system and features ice axe/trekking pole straps, side compression straps, mesh side pockets, gear loops, a zipped lid pocket, chest strap with emergency whistle, built-in rain cover, and hydration compatibility. Weight: 1 lb 12 oz Capacity: 1,350 cubic inches Torso: 10"-17" MSRP: $69
	Deuter Junior A backpack for mini hikers and explorers ages 3 and up, the Junior has a padded back, S-shaped shoulder straps, chest strap with safety whistle, two zipped front pockets, safety reflectors, and child-friendly buckles. Weight: 15 oz Capacity: 1,100 cubic inches Torso: one size MSRP: $39
	Slumberjack Kids Composite Mat The Kids Composite Mat is made from multi-density, layered composite foam and has a nylon exterior with a DWR coating for added durability and water resistance. A removable cover can be tossed in the washing machine for cleanup, and roll straps and a carry handle allow for easy transport. Weight: 1 lb 12 oz Dimensions: 20" x 50" Thickness: 1.25" R-value: 4.5 MSRP: $44.99
	Roonwear “Mountain to C” and Roonbug Collections For its third year, Roonwear added two new collections of technical children’s clothing: the “Mountain to C” line of activewear made from wicking Dri-Release fabric and the Roonbug collection, which features Buzz Off Insect Shield bonded to Dri-Release fabric. The odorless and invisible repellent repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges (no-see-ums) and lasts through 70 washings. No See Em ActiviT Sizes: 12 months-5T MSRP: $31 No See Em Haulin Cargo Pants Sizes: 12 months-5T MSRP: $43
	Sierra Designs Boulder and River Rock Pants For 2009, Sierra Designs added the Boulder (girls) and River Rock (boys, at left) performance trail pants to its offerings of kids clothing and sleeping bags. Made from a quick-drying fabric with a DWR finish, the Boulder and River Rock Pants have elastic waistbands with a drawcord and are also available in shorts versions. MSRP: $45
	Merrell Chameleon Strap Mid Merrell is no newbie to the kids footwear market. It's Chameleon Strap Mid is a kid-specific boot with reflective heel webbing, water resistant uppers for wet treks, and Aegis antimicrobial footbeds to control stinky feet. Weight: 14 oz Sizes: Kids - 3.5-7 half sizes; Youth - 10-3 full sizes MSRP: $60
	Merrell Chameleon Leather Mid Waterproof Merrell's Chameleon Leather Mid Waterproof is a more rugged boot for boys with waterproof uppers for wet treks, reflective heel webbing, and Aegis antimicrobial footbeds. MSRP: $70

For more kids outdoor gear available now from these and other brands, visit Trailspace's reviews and information on kids backpacks, sleeping bags, clothing and outerwear, and footwear.

And remember, even more important than the gear, is getting out there in the first place.

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Comments

I'm looking for a more functional kids backpack. Most of the models I've looked at for my 7 and 9 year old won't provide enough room for a sleeping bag, clothes, and other items. Right now, the Kelty Tioga Jr seems to be the best solution. But, I'd like to give these new packs a try.

Posted by tbastress on October 8, 2008 at 11:08 am

Hi tbastress. You will have to report back and give a review of any kids' packs you end up using. I know there are others who want more feedback in that area.

The Kelty Junior Tioga you mentioned has some good reviews:
http://www.trailspace.com/gear/kelty/junior-tioga/

Osprey's new kids internals (http://www.trailspace.com/gear/osprey/backpacks/kids/) might work, though they're more expensive. I happen to like my own Osprey packs, so I'm interested to hear what users think of them.

You might want to post about your search over in the gear selection forum too: http://www.trailspace.com/forums/gear-selection/. A number of other members have experience with backpacking kids and might point you toward some other models to try on.

Posted by Alicia on October 9, 2008 at 3:35 pm

Most of these items are still poorly designed. The packs are too heavy (and well over a 100ci/1 pound standard), the clothing has seems that go right over the knee (poor for comfort, poor for wear), and the boots are curiously overbuilt for kids weights (heavy uppers, yet *flimsy* soles). Kids' gear cannot be Mommy/Daddy miniatures; you cannot consume kids' carry capacity with style and still have a viable product (or a comfortable kid). There ARE products out there that are smart and comfortable for kids to go thousands of miles (looking back and saying "Dad! You coming??")...

Posted by sloetoe (Guest) on October 16, 2008 at 9:48 am

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Outdoor Retailer: New Kids Outdoor Gear

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