My 10-year-old daughter will be joining me for an early August trip, and hopefully in future years as well. What life jacket would you recommend -- is this just something we can grab at Target or Wal-Mart?
For a sleeping bag, I do have a $50 REI gift card and don't usually buy anything there because I can get better prices elsewhere. Would you get a Kindercone or Nodder bag, or a different bag somewhere else? Is there still a way to do integrated sleeping pads+bags for kids? I use a BA bag and pad for adults on my trips.

Also, for me, my PFD is an inflatable model, but thinking about a non-inflatable so that I can swim/float with her. Any recommendations for a comfortable PFD for a thin 5'6" dad?

I was impressed with a new offering from Big Agnes, Duster 15 adjustable sizing to grow with her.

Far as PFD's, personally any safety related items I never consider cost instead going with function first. That means a proper fitting easy to maneuver in PFD, something not usually found at Wallmart/Target or discount stores.

butthead

newguy: "My 10-year-old daughter will be joining me for an early August trip, and hopefully in future years as well. What life jacket would you recommend -- is this just something we can grab at Target or Wal-Mart?
For a sleeping bag, I do have a $50 REI gift card and don't usually buy anything there because I can get better prices elsewhere. Would you get a Kindercone or Nodder bag, or a different bag somewhere else? Is there still a way to do integrated sleeping pads+bags for kids? I use a BA bag and pad for adults on my trips.

Also, for me, my PFD is an inflatable model, but thinking about a non-inflatable so that I can swim/float with her. Any recommendations for a comfortable PFD for a thin 5'6" dad?"

Suggest spending your REI gift card on a quality well fitting PFD for the 10 yo. Buy what fits and resist the urge to buy what she will grow into. Another option is West Marine with resonable pricing and decent selection.

August is warm enough that you might consider a light weight down throw or even synthetic equivalent rather than a sleeping bag. This would be cheaper, lighter and easier to vent when it is still warm. Pick a size that when folded in half approximates the size she would need as a sleeping bag.

Good Luck

nrs vista, kids or adult xs.

For girls over 90 lbs, I suggest the MTI Moxie. My 11 year old likes hers.

butthead: "I was impressed with a new offering from Big Agnes, Duster 15 adjustable sizing to grow with her.

+1

I use a Big Agnes Wolverine 15F kid’s bag with a 20x66 inch BA Ultra Core pad for my 7 year old son. The BA sleeve pad system is great for kids who tend to flop around a lot. The BA kid’s line has three sizes so you can pick the best size for your child. Pretty sure REI carries them too.

Double post.

For sleeping bags, I recommend a women's down bag. A sleeping bag should last a long time, so I recommend a higher end bag if it's in your budget, especially if you backpack. However, a decent budget bag is the Kelty Cosmic Down 20.

Bought This EMS bag , $69.00 for my granddaughters who are a bit younger. Depending on your daughters size and height might be a good option. Bag seems to very good but can't attest beyond looking at it.

TipsyPaddler: "

butthead: "I was impressed with a new offering from Big Agnes, Duster 15 adjustable sizing to grow with her.

+1


I use a Big Agnes Wolverine 15F kid’s bag with a 20x66 inch BA Ultra Core pad for my 7 year old son. The BA sleeve pad system is great for kids who tend to flop around a lot. The BA kid’s line has three sizes so you can pick the best size for your child. Pretty sure REI carries them too."

I am familiar with the Wolverine, the Duster is new and adjusts to size by rolling up extra and securing with integrated loop fasteners on the bag. Combine with a 48 or 60 inch Insulated Air Core and a tidy size yet expandable child's sleep system.

butthead

TipsyPaddler: "

butthead: "I was impressed with a new offering from Big Agnes, Duster 15 adjustable sizing to grow with her.

+1


I use a Big Agnes Wolverine 15F kid’s bag with a 20x66 inch BA Ultra Core pad for my 7 year old son. The BA sleeve pad system is great for kids who tend to flop around a lot. The BA kid’s line has three sizes so you can pick the best size for your child. Pretty sure REI carries them too."

Just saw these are 25% off on campmor..com

Thanks, I was also eyeing the Wolverine on CampMor so decided to pick it up. Seems to have been the last one so hopefully inventory was accurate. Duster looks great but being new is still full price everywhere.

I had thought I'd found a youth PFD that fit well and was $30 online instead of $60, but that ended up being a youth large/adult XS. REI had nothing in stock to try so I may head to West Marine.