Back then REI did not even make kids gear. I sewed most of my kids' clothing; they used much of my old stuff. At least I am short! I actually have some REI-Kids gear for myself now!
I had a synthetic half bag that I had used for a climbing bivy- perfect as a kid's sleeping bag until about 4 yrs old (my kids were pretty short too). Then it was my old sleeping bag which filled about half of my old climbing day-pack, which sort of fit them. I would give them the light but bulky gear such as foam pads. I do not think they carried more than about 10-15 pounds, but they felt very proud because the pack looked BIG! They always liked carrying the pots because they clanked while they walked. But honestly from about 4 to 10 years, we used an outfitter to take us in on horses, and then walked out, mostly downhill, after we had eaten most of the food. Horse packers were not as expensive as now.
Osprey makes some nice light simple packs in women's x-sm which work well for kids. Only problem was that my grandson refused to use a purple-pink pack. I really wish they would quite making gear with "girly" colors.
Teens, on the other hand are really quite strong and capable, just lack good judgement. The main complaint I got from my teens was that I did not allow them to do enough, that I did everything myself. I really should have spent the time teaching them navigation and had them help more in trip planning and packing. If I had to do it over with teens, I would have them 100% involved in the trip from the first. If they really participate in the planning they buy-in to the trip a lot more and complain less.
Here are some funny pictures of my daughter "modeling" her backpack clothes for a toddler.
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