In order to keep them interested, I made everything kid-attractive so that they WANT to carry it. Licensed characters, or at least bright & friendly and things they're able to use at 4 & 6. They'd carry bedding, a toy, food, water, whistle, bear bell (more for locating than scaring off rare VA bears).

For the 11y/o, its a neck lanyard with Day-Glo orange things. She's getting big, so less "kid" stuff for her.

Its been a fun challenge.