Hey all,
I'm contemplating taking a chance and ordering something like this for our son knowing It may only last a trip or two, but for the price, it might be a good option as we are already at the end of our camping budget for the year and it might be a good bridge until he fills out more the next couple years??
Anyone trip with a cheap pack like this?
Or, any suggestions for an "OK" cheap pack?

Just how big? I have a few small internal framed packs. Fitting backpack
Torso length is what I'd need. If I have one you can have it.

butthead

Fit is everything. If your pre-teen is going to be carrying any signifcant percentage of their own body-weight, the backpack must fit well. Don't buy anything, regardless of how inexspensive, that doesn't fit well.

You might consider, using their school book bag as their camping backpack but limit their weight to 10-15 % of their own body weight. If you need to also update their school backpack, this strategy would allow you to tap into your school supply budget and get a better than average everyday school backpack. Kids' also need better book bags starting in middle school judging from the weight my kids started lugging back and forth to school starting in 6th grade.

Edit: Please note that 50-60 L is WAY to much for a pre-teen to carry. 28-35 Liter packs would be more appropriate.

Caveat: The bookbag/ school backpack worked for our family trips as we could limit the gear the kids carried. Once they started Boy Scout trips, we upgraded to adjustable torso size packs with padded hip belts. I got 3 years out of the ULA adjustable torso Curcuit before they outgrew the limits of the adjustment. With the hipbelt, I felt ok with them carrying up to about 25% of their body weight.

Good Luck

Where in Minnesota are you? Maybe a board member lives near you and has a CCS Rucksack (or similar) that you could borrow.

Jackfish: "Where in Minnesota are you? Maybe a board member lives near you and has a CCS Rucksack (or similar) that you could borrow."

I'll throw my hat in the ring on this one. I'm in the Twin Cities, live in the North suburbs and work in South Minneapolis. I have a Gregory Z-Pack you could borrow for your trip(s) if you're interested.

My oldest is 5.5 years old so it'll be a while before it fits him. :) I know that doesn't solve the problem of possessing it for spontaneous weekend excursions, but it could get you by on bigger trips you're planning.
Its a little on the big side @ 50(ish) Liters but you don't have to fill it. I "think" its a small, if not then for sure a medium. Depending on how big your son is, could be an option. Let me know if you want to check it out. I'll confirm the sizing when I get home.
Z-Pack

My preteen boys carried their own backpacks and some equipment with no issues.

Inexpensive equipment can work well. I prefer my $45.00 Mountaintop to my $180.00 Osprey backpack. Quality construction, design features, proper fitment, and proper packing are important.

Thanks for all of the info and generous offers!
I'll keep all in mind. Great group here!
sleepnbag