You all know your kids best, but some other things to consider…sugar is the simplest way to give energy, won’t melt like chocolate, and doesn’t go bad if it doesn’t get wet. In a practical sense, getting as close to sugar is the best deal. Just something else to think about. You can go more natural, and my bag’s definitely gonna have more natural options, but a pack of Skittles will probably make its way in too!

There at some good ideas in the original post and the remarks. Thank you to those who posted helpful ideas.

I agree with most of the parents here … sugar is the last thing that will calm your kids down, especially if they have Autism or ADHD, like my son. These children tend to be even more sensitive to sugar and high-fructose corn syrup than most. If you are trying to go in stealth mode, sugar will just ramp up your children, and in my son’s case, he would be louder than a coyote. I do agree that for most children, everything in moderation, but if your child has special needs, consider carrying things like a low-sugar applesauce or fruit pouch, banana or apple chips, and other healthy alternatives. Also, protein is a must for my son, so I will have meat sticks and/or jerky in his pack as well. As a parent, you know your children, what is best for them, what ramps them up, and what they simply cannot have (that would be gummy bears for my son). If your child does not start bouncing off the rocks with sugar, then by all means, give them what you feel will help them the most.

Thank you so much for this list. I have been looking for some BOB for kids without luck. But thanks to your post I have a better idea of what to pack. P.S. not a 50 pound BOB for my 5 year old.

I’m sure it’s a small boost for the kids. Can’t do caffeine. Sugar is used up pretty quickly by anyone under 16 while bone growth is still very active.
A little bit of sugar water in a bad spot would give them anyone chive good boost

I have youngest daughter’s packed into a landsend backpack. we have used the backpack for both girls covering a total of 12 years now. it is a sturdy and durable pack and both girls started using it about age four. One of them is even a lightweight herself.

We make homemade fruit leather from the organic strawberries, raspberries and blueberries we grow in our gardens. We also go to a wild patch of dewberries and use those to make yummy leathers, too. Those get dehydrated without any other ingredients and added to our BOBs periodically in very small, vacuum-sealed bags. HOWEVER, my kids are used to eating this way and wouldn’t freak out by not getting drug-like sugar to “calm them down”. :) Homemade, ORGANIC fruit leather ROCKS! :)

My son has asthma too. I asked his doctor for an inhaler or something to use when out camping or in case of snow storms. He gave us a spacer to use with his inhaler because he’s so young.

I’m going to make fruit leather, it’ll provide a sweet treat and not an overload of suger, while you can’t tell in the taste.