When you're eight, appearances are everything. No self-respecting pre-teen would be seen dead trotting through a field three paces behind their parent in an oversized cagoule with uncle's old weekend walking bag slung over their shoulder. But there's surprisingly little smart kit aimed at these young adventurers.

Fortunately, the Brasher Boot Company has brought out a new line of walking boots, socks and even short trekking poles specifically designed for the 4ft-high hill walker. Apparently, the University of Salzburg (no less) has conducted research which proves "over an eight- hour walk, a pair of poles can relieve the strain on your knees by 250 tonnes - the equivalent of 62 African bush elephants". (I measure knee strain in Indian elephants myself.) "And this is no exception for kids."

How a child carries their essential outdoor items (Discman, GameBoy, mobile phone) is also important to their comfort and long-term well-being. Berghaus's ergonomic "youth orientated" Cubic rucksacks (0191-516 5600) are supposed to stop upright young children developing into bent old biddies. They're fitted with a "hydration pocket" to put a "bladder" in. This is the name given to a soft water bottle with a long tube coming out of it, enabling a hands-free slurp of isotonic drink as you stroll.

Or they could keep their bladder in Nomad's travel vest for kids (info@horizons online.co.uk), which handily has pockets in places they couldn't possibly reach, such as on the back. If it had sleeves, they could store their heart there.

When I'm travelling with the kids my heart is usually in my mouth, my head in my hands, and my back against the wall. But at least their bladder will be in the right place.

· If you have any experiences of travelling with kids that you want to share, email deabirkett@cs.com