When you've got young children, the idea of marching off for day out alone in the hills with just a backpack full of spare clothing and a snack can seem like a wicked luxury. But there's an alternative: take the youngsters with you. Children as young as six months can be safely slung into a child carrier to join in on outings.
Of course, if you are going across rougher ground than your local shopping mall, the pack will need more support than usual, which is where New Zealand's backpack specialists Macpac come in. They have a range of rugged child- carriers which, although not exactly cheap, are designed for use in the mountains.
Voted top child-carrier by Trail magazine this year, the Vamoose is a luxury 4x4 among hatchbacks. The key component is the hip belt, which takes some of junior's weight, while the 35-litre capacity allows enough gear for multi-day excur-sions. There's a zip-off daysack, plenty of pockets and pouches, a removable face-cushion, foot-loops to keep your cargo comfortable and a chest strap to keep the pack stable. The Vamoose comes with Macpac's Sombrero and Rainbow fittings " waterproof hoods with transparent window panels " for no extra cost.
If you're not planning major expeditions, Macpac's Possum is a smaller, 25-litre option, with fewer pockets but the same hinged frame and flexible mirror as the Vamoose. You will need to get a pounds 35 Rainbow or Sombrero attachment separately. Both the Vamoose and Possum suit children from six months to four years.
As soon as they're old enough to make way under their own power, why not suggest that your kids start carrying their own rucksack too? In time-honoured backpacking tradition, if you're clever, you may be able to slip some of your own gear into their pack without them noticing. The Toddler Daysack from LittleLife is a small pack with reflective piping and a large, easily-grabbed handle on top if you see your child stumble. LittleLife also design child carriers and produce a compatible sunshade.
For more active children, Camelbak have a pair of child-size hydration packs in their range, the Skeeter and the Scout. The Skeeter provides one litre of liquid, so children on bicycle rides or long walks can stay hydrated. There is no cargo space, but a litre of water is probably heavy enough. It comes with Camelbak's patented reservoir and hose.
If your children are carrying their own packs, there is no excuse for the family pet to escape similar responsibility. Ruff Wear, a range of packs and accessories for dogs, has just been launched in the UK. Among the items, which include a collapsible water bowl, a float coat for swimming and paw-sized booties, is the Palisades pannier system. Yes, that's right " panniers for dogs. They are available in a wide selection of sizes and will be sold in major outlets such as Cotswold Outdoor. The Palisades even has its own water reservoir, so Rover's water bowl can be easily refilled. At this rate, you won't need to carry anything yourself.
Macpac Vamoose
Expedition-class child-carrier with 35-litre capacity, rainhood and daysack. Suitable for ages six months to four years. Stockists: 0870 442 7755, www. cotswoldoutdoor.com
Price: pounds 190
Littlelife Toddler Daysack
Starter rucksack with padded straps and a handle for parents to grab. Stockists: 0870 442 7755, www. cotswoldoutdoor.com
Price: pounds 10
Camelbak Skeeter
Good value child-size hydration system providing one litre of fluid in a padded pack.
Stockists: 01423 325 325.
Price: pounds 15
Ruff Wear Palisades II
Durable nylon panniers for dogs with bags of features, including water reservoir and assistance handle on top. Stockists: 023 9252 8711.
Price: pounds 80
Macpac Possum
Mid-size carrier with belt-and-strap system. Hood pounds 35. Stockists: 0870 442 7755, www. cotswoldoutdoor.com
Price: pounds 130
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