Sorry to dominate this thread but as I re-read your original post, it occurs to me that this is just you and your son, no other adults, correct? Since your son isn't carrying a lot of weight, he must be young. So this means everything revolves around you. I gotta admit that this is worrisome due to safety concerns. You are carrying a lot of weight. How far from civilization will you be? If you get hurt, turn an ankle or whatever, what is your emergency plan? Will you be in cell phone range and how will they get to you if you can't walk out? I don't want your wonderful father-son experience to become a nightmare. Make sure someone knows your itinerary and you have check-in times. I realize you are probably experienced enough to already know this but I'd rather say it rather than assume. You'd be amazed at how little some people plan a trip they think will be all roses and discover the harsh reality of the outdoors later. Don't be one of them! Day hikes are completely different from multi-day trips. COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!! Different gear, different planning and different mindset!
Thanks again for all the great replies in this thread....
It will be me and my 10yr old son. The hike will be remote, but it is regularly travelled by others - we should not be completely alone. I am a very experienced hiker (usually hike 200-300 miles per hiking season and snowshoe in the winter, and always use poles - saved my wrists on many occasions), but this will be the first time I have taken my son on an extended trip like this. He already hikes with me, but up until now only on day hikes. This past season he had no trouble on a 13 mile single day trip. My main concern was controlling camera weight (while trying to preserve IQ as much as possible) since I will be carrying most of the gear. My son will have a water pack and carry some of his own food, but I want to limit his pack weight so that he enjoys the trip. After reading the advice, I am leaning toward taking my 5DII with one lens. I think I will check into the Cotton Carrier too.