thanks qjs! the truth is that he just loves this stuff. he can't wait to be a scout. he really looks up to them, and our leaders. the challenge we have is getting him a)not to pack too much stuff, and b)remember where he left his pack. he's always using it But has adhd so when he puts it down he forgets about it, making less weight even more important. too heavy and he's more likely to take it off.