This year I’d like to introduce my daughters to the bwca. I need to get them sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Do you guys use a pad designed for kids or just buy them an adult one and let them grow into it? Any suggestions on good kids sleeping bags?

When our group of dads started bringing our sons they were 12 or 13 years. They used adult size gear from the start. How old are your daughters?

bobbernumber3: "When our group of dads started bringing our sons they were 12 or 13 years. They used adult size gear from the start. How old are your daughters?"

Two and eleven

I can't speak to the 2 year old, but when my son starting camping a lot at age 12, we got him an adult sized sleeping pad, but a youth sized sleeping bag. If weather is cool or cold, having an oversized sleeping bag can be hard for a small body to heat up, especially the foot area.

The sleeping pad lasted him for many, many years. We bought him an adult sized bag around age 15 and bought him a really nice bag before his Arctic trip at age 18.

These are the bag we bought for our kids: Marmot Banzai Trestle 35

Bought a bag for each kid when they turned 3 and my son (now 10) still fits. Though he will probably need a new bag next year. We've only used them down to maybe 45 degrees so not sure about the rating.

An excellent tip for "shortening" a too big bag is to cinch the stuff sack around the toe box (or however high it needs to go) to seal off the extra length.

For sleeping pads we had a couple of old 3/4 length thermarests that are the perfect full size length for the kids.

prettypaddle: "...An excellent tip for "shortening" a too big bag is to cinch the stuff sack around the toe box (or however high it needs to go) to seal off the extra length.."

Great technique. Also, stuff the end with loose clothing to help fill the void.

My kid is 7 and camps every summer since he was 1. We used for awhile a light foam pad that doubled as a canoe seat when rolled. Now as he's over 50lbs, it's the same pad for nights, but 2 pads rolled one inside the other for a seat. On portages pads are attached outside of a canoe pack. For a sleeping bag it used to be a Kelty kid's model, now it's an adult goose down bag rated at 20F.

This year I bought for my 11 year old grandson a BA Duster 15 and a BA Insulated Air-Core 20x66 he could do with the 20x48 but the 66 gives growing room and use by adults. He camped last March with his scout troop in the snow and stayed warm both nites.

butthead

I’ve had good luck with the kids version of the REI Co-op Down Time 25 degree sleeping bags for my boys, who are 6 and 8. They use adult pads in the form of the Klymit Static V insulated pads.

straighthairedcurly: "I can't speak to the 2 year old, but when my son starting camping a lot at age 12, we got him an adult sized sleeping pad, but a youth sized sleeping bag. If weather is cool or cold, having an oversized sleeping bag can be hard for a small body to heat up, especially the foot area.


The sleeping pad lasted him for many, many years. We bought him an adult sized bag around age 15 and bought him a really nice bag before his Arctic trip at age 18."

This same approach worked for us. My daughters started camping in the wilderness with me by the time they were two. We started with smaller sleeping bags and sized them up as the girls got older. The pads have always been full sized-adult versions. Good long underwear is also very helpful. I bring along a few hand warmer packets in case it is really cold. Stick them in a wool sock first so they don't cause burns on the skin. We also camp locally in the state parks during the colder months. Hope your adventures go well!

Sleeping pads/bags - I previously had 2 - 3/4 Thermarest pads which worked well for the grandchildren. After they outgrew them they were sold. The same with a NF Tigger sleeping bag which was used by both when they were small. As they outgrew that bag they started using my adult bags.

Not sure if 3/4 length pads are still available but I know the NF tigger bag is.

Check out Hyke and Byke, good prices, and they have kids sized stuff. I haven't used them personally, but have read good things.

Short inflatable pads are made. BA has them to 48 inches and 66. I have an Exped 5s lite at 60 inches. These are popular in the lighter weight backpacking community. I use the 60 inch for 3 seasons only switching to full length in winter.

butthead

My oldest went on her first trip with me at age 11. She was nearly as tall as me (I’m 5’3”) so she just used one of my adult sized sleeping bags. Adult sized foam Thermarest pad. This past year all 3 girls went with us (13, 9 & 7) and used adult sized foam pads and adult sleeping bags. My littlest sleeps very warm, and it was August, so no issues with being too cold. Our regular “kid” sleeping bags are cheap thin stuff, not BWCA quality, so all 3 kids used some of our extra adult good quality sleeping bags. I’d think an older kid could use adult stuff but the little might be better off with a good kid sized bag, since there’s a few more years left that could get some good use from it!