A couple years back when my son was 11-12, we did some local overnighters and then rode the GAP trail over 4 days. I happened to have a trailer, so it was easier to pull that with the gear then trying to fit the extra clothes & sleeping gear on my bike. For a quick overnighter, its easier to just bring the needed clothes since you know what the weather will be. I also found that my son's appitite increased and what he really required was more food stops. I tried to keep his load low, so that hopefully that would increase his enjoyment. He's now 16, so its payback time this year and I think he should carry my gear ;-)