UKC

My son, 11 but quite big for his age, is off to the Brecon Beacons [Ed. please insert Welsh name here] on a school trip and has rather grown out of taking his normal school daysack, especially as their walks are getting more and more ambitious.

Accordingly I am looking for a decent "proper" rucksack, which we can also use for the upcoming family camping trips. I'm guessing 20-25 litres would be about right, any recommendations for a child-friendly model?

I'm a fan of the Osprey Exos range for being lightweight but comfortable, with a good supportive frame. They come in different back lengths, and we got our daughter an Eja (female version of the Exos) 38 at around that age. Its served her well on many family backpacking / camping trips, and multiple D of E expeditions - she still uses it now at the age of 17. They're not particularly cheap, but they're good rucksacks.

Check the kit list, 1 of my 3 kids (one didn't due to start of COVID and one was older and they went somewhere else) recently was lucky enough to get a week on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog/Brecon Beacons near Hay on Wye, just below Twmpa (not using the English name for it "Lord Hereford's Knob" in front of the kids or you'd never hear the end of it 🤣) and they didn't need much at all, even wellies and waterproofs supplied by centre. So double check your kit list!

But +1 for Osprey if you can invest in good kit and need to buy one

thanks all - the place they're staying provides boots but that's it (though I'd rather he has his own)...in any case he'll need it (I hope!) for family trips

Do you have a rucksack of your own that they could borrow rather than the expense of buying?

TBH many smaller bags don't have any adjustment, so look for one that's an ok fit for you as well as him, so long as it's not too heavy fit isn't too important*. Decathlon seem to do an ok range of budget options, I would err towards 25, as once he moves into adult sized clothing you can't fit much into a 20 litre bag.

* Although that said my husband has a bag that looks lovely but I can't carry at all even with no weight in it, as the back is much much too long. The waistband is round my bum or the shoulder straps by my ears, I do have a short back but for a one size model it's ridiculous.

If by "upcoming family camping trips" you mean backpacking trips, then I'd say 20-25l is too small. Our kids in their early teens were certainly carrying their own sleeping bag, mat and clothes, and quite often would take some of the food or cooking gear too. Unless you've bought them particularly fancy ultralight (and compact) kit, that's likely to need something in the 30-35l range at least. As I said above, our daughter has got on well with a 38l bag through her teens - and even that was pushing it for space on DofE expeditions (annoying DofE kit lists - everything but the kitchen sink!!!).

Understood, I think a 35L would be over the top for the current requirements, I'm happy to upgrade him (and twin sister) when needed.

I have a Montane Trailblazer. It's designed to be running/ fast packing type bag, so has really good adjustments for keeping it really snug on the body. 

I'm about the height of your average 11 year old, but not the same shape!! But I feel like this has enough adjustment to be snug on a smaller body too

Edit: I think mine is the 30l one and it honestly doesn't feel huge. The fabric is really light 

How about a Deuter Climber or Fox? Both reviewed here on UKC a couple of years ago:

https://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/rucksacks/small/deuter_climber_-_a_kids_pac...

https://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/rucksacks/medium/deuter_fox_-_a_proper_trek...

The school should be able to provide a kit list. I suggest you get all the stuff together your son will be carrying on the Brecons / family camping  trips and weigh it. If possible you could even try to find what size ( litres ) of bag would be needed to fit it all in. Perhaps by checking against your own rucksacks if you have any or possibly borrowing one. 

    Having got the weight ( and possibly what size of bag in litres may be needed ) I suggest your best bet is to spend some time in a shop where he can try lots of different rucksacks on. Most shops will happily let you put weight in the rucksacks ( for example by putting some ropes in it ). Getting the right comfortable fit for your son is really important, ideally with enough adjustment that the rucksack will last more than a year or two as he grows. A good sales person should also be able to advise you as well.

Deuter Fox has an adjustable back length, which would be pretty nice for somebody growing up. Depending on their height, of course!

My boys had one of these each. Fantastic packs, proper packs, scaled for small people.. Well worth the money.

No Need IMO but I would draw a line if you'd called the area "The Brecons"

I can't offer much advice about specific bags but unfortunately you'll probably have to look at the more premium brands to get one with either a short back length or an adjustable back length which would be better as it prolongs the useful life of the bag.

My daughter started using one of these at 11 years old as her first 'proper' pack. It's worked really well. My younger daughter has been using an Osprey Talon 15 which great to give her somewhere to keep a water bottle, snacks and waterproofs. No complaints from either and future proof.

We used to get Jack Wolfskin for our Children. We are not flash but did not mind spending a little more on Ruksacks as we could sell them as they grew out of them, so at the end of the day, did not cost too much.

Take your pick: https://www.magic-mountain.co.uk/collections/rucksacks-luggage

Can't beat those Deuter kids packs!

We bought some jack wolfskin backpacks for our two when they were about 6 or so. They are now mud to late teens, and they still use them. In fact I took one to work, and I've had to get my own so the bit can still use his for volunteering! 

I bought my own jack wolfskin

Lasted really well.