Outdoors

Just the right size

By TERRY TOMALIN, Outdoors Editor
Published January 4, 2008

When it comes to camping equipment, kids don't have to make do with their parents' hand-me-downs anymore. Most outdoors equipment manufacturers now design and produce gear specifically for smaller bodies. Here are a few suggestions for equipping your little adventurers:

Sleeping bag

This 2-pound 14-ounce Go-N-Grow bag from Slumberjack is rated to 30 degrees and is made with a synthetic fiber blend joined with solid-core polyester crimped fiber, a combination that offers great warmth and high loft. It features an expandable foot section, so the bag grows with your child. www.slumberjack.com. Cost: $49.95.

Sleeping pad

The 20-by-47 inch RidgeRest by Therm-a-Rest is superlight (9 ounces). The ridges increase softness and valleys trap warm air. The durable closed-cell foam can take years of abuse. www.thermarest.com. Cost: $17.95.

Backpack

The Lynx 2650 is Kelty's junior-size internal trail pack. This pack is perfect for smaller hikers who want to tackle the same trails as their parents. A hydration tube port makes it easy to hydrate on the go. www.kelty.com. Cost: $110.

Footwear

Kamik has been making quality footwear for more than 100 years. The Panther boot from the kids line is built to deliver superior comfort and reliable protection in the most extreme conditions. www.kamik.com. Cost: $29.95.

Rain poncho

Protection from the elements for kids under 4 feet. This poncho has an elongated hood with tie closure and snap side closures. The grommeted corners mean the poncho can be used as emergency shelter. Includes a mesh carrying bag. www.campinn.com. Cost: $15.95.

Hiking socks

Smartwool makes a medium crew-length sock with a full-cushioned leg and foot area. The elastic arch brace, for enhanced fit and support, is made of 67 percent wool, 32 percent nylon and 1 percent elastic. www.smartwool.com. Cost: $9.50.

Mess kit

The six-piece Glacier set from GSI Outdoors has rugged 18/10 stainless-steel cooking utensils and a plastic cup and bowl. Includes mesh storage bag. www.gsioutdoors.com. Cost: $27.95.

Base layer

PolarMax's youth double base layer crew and pants pull sweat away from the body and dries faster than other base layers. The crew top is ideal for layering or wearing alone. www.polarmax.com. Cost: $15.95 each.

Headlamp

Water resistant with three ultrabright LEDs, a five-mode switch, hinged bracket and adjustable strap, this headlamp from Princeton Tec runs on three AAA alkaline or rechargeable batteries to produce a 160-hour burn time. www.princetontec.com. Cost: $24.99.

Tent

Ideal for casual backpacking or recreational camping, Eureka's Tetragon 5 is a two-pole, rectangular, dome tent that sleeps two. Added features include a hanging gear loft and detachable storage pockets. Two vents and large areas of mesh enhance air circulation. www.eurekatent.com. Cost: $59.95.

Products courtesy of Bill Jackson Shop for Adventure in Pinellas Park.

[Last modified January 3, 2008, 21:01:49]