5 Best Hiking Backpacks for Kids [TOP Picks for Boys & Girls]

A couple of years ago, when my first daughter was ready to take on the world, I was a bit lost.

My initial thought was to just grab a smaller-size adult pack she could grow into, but it was a terrible decision. The shoulder straps might as well have been designed for a giant, completely missing the mark on fit, comfort…everything, really.

After a lot of trial and error, we finally came across specialized hiking backpacks for kids. These backpacks are specifically designed to fit smaller bodies, making them more comfortable and secure for little hikers.

What Are the Best Hiking Backpacks for Kids?

Best Overall: REI Co-op Tarn 18 Pack | Check Price

Best Lightweight: Fjallraven Kanken Mini 7 Backpack | Check Price

Best for Overnight Hikes: The North Face Mini Recon Pack | Check Price

Best for 2-7 Days Trip: REI Co-op Tarn 40 Pack | Check Price

Best for 7+ Days Trip: Gregory Wander 70 Pack | Check Price

REI Co-op Tarn 18 Pack

Why do I call it the best overall hiking backpack for kids? One word: versatility. With a capacity of 18 liters and weighing just 17 ounces, your kids are set for almost any hiking trip. It’s the closest thing to perfection it can get.

What makes it stand out is pockets, especially the ones on the waist belt. There are two zippered pockets right where your kids need them, for all snacks or cool rocks and leaves they find.

Usually, you’d see this feature on pricier adult packs, so having them here, at such a friendly price, is honestly a win.

Ever thought you’d end up carrying your kid’s pack? Since my 11-year-old got her hands on the Tarn 18, she’s been Ms. Independent on trails. Comfort and preparedness can really motivate them, and this pack nails it.

The pack doesn’t skimp on quality either. Made with recycled ripstop nylon and sporting a durable water repellent finish, it’s ready for light rain or inevitable stains.

There’s a lot of storage space. A large main compartment, zippered pockets here and there, amazing front pocket, and large mesh pockets for water bottles.

It’s also hydration reservoir compatible but the reservoir is not included.

You’ll also find a cute touch – a sewn-in checklist of 10 essentials. It’s a great way for your kids to learn about being prepared, all while fostering their independence.

Verdict

The REI Co-op Tarn 18 has changed the game for us dramatically. It’s a backpack that encourages responsibility, independence, and a whole lot of fun on the trails.

It’s sized for kids aged 8 to 12 but if you’re a petite hiker, you might just find it to be your perfect companion too!

Fjallraven Kanken Mini 7L Backpack

This backpack is F-U-N! The 48 color options are just out of this world and you can even customize your kid’s backpack to match their personality or even their mood so it can look like this:

Although this version has only 7-liter capacity, its compact size is actually why I love it. Weighing in at only 7.7 ounces, it’s feather-light. Even toddlers can carry their own snacks and water without feeling like they’re lugging around a boulder.

Sure, if you’re planning an overnighter or a day-long trek, this might not be the backpack you reach for. But for a few hours out in the wild, it’s practically tailor-made.

The Kanken Mini has been thoughtfully designed with long, adjustable shoulder straps crafted to fit comfortably whether you’re dealing with a kid or a full-grown adult. The clasp feature ensures the straps stay put, avoiding any dangling.

What truly sets the Kanken Mini apart is its material – Vinylon F. It mimics nature in the coolest way, swelling up when damp to tighten the weave and fend off rain showers. No need for extra coatings. Plus, it’s durable, easy to clean, and lasts ages.

When it comes to packing, you’ve got the main compartment with a large zip opening and two flat side pockets and a front zip pocket for little extras.

The Kanken Mini is perfect for kids of all ages, but if your little explorer needs something with a bit more room, there’s always the 16-liter Kanken. It’s everything you love about the Mini, just bigger, a bit heavier, and priced at $90.

Verdict

The Fjallraven Kanken Mini is a standout choice for shorter hikes. Whether for your kids or yourself (because why should they have all the fun?), it’s a small pack with a big heart and I love it!

The North Face Mini Recon Pack

Priced at only $49, the Mini Recon is a bargain, especially when you consider what you’re getting.

While it doesn’t have some of the specialized features of the REI Tarn 18, like the hip belt and pockets, its slightly larger capacity and robust build make it our go-to for overnight hikes with the little ones.

It has a great capacity of almost 20 liters, which is fantastic for stuffing in all the essentials without feeling bulky. It weighs just 14.5 ounces, which is another bonus.

The durability in hiking backpacks is what I care about in particular because my kids tend to be tough on their gear. The Mini Recon addressed this concern with its strong, 600-denier polyester.

That may sound technical, but all you need to know is that it’s surprisingly tough! Finding this level of durability in kids’ packs is rare, making the Mini Recon a standout choice.

But that’s not the end of surprises. This backpack is also waterproof (or at least is advertised to be). I haven’t personally tested it in heavy rain, but I have taken it on hikes where we encountered light showers and the contents of the backpack stayed dry. That’s definitely a plus for unexpected weather situations.

If I had to nitpick, I’d say I wish it had more pockets. It comes with water bottle pockets and one large spacious pocket for everything else. The front pocket is pretty handy for quickly storing a jacket or similar items, though.

Also, keep in mind that while it’s labeled as a mini pack, it might be a bit too large for kids under 10. That said, for older kids, it offers ample room without being overwhelming.

Verdict

The North Face Mini Recon Pack might look like a simple school pack, but it’s actually a solid option for overnight hikes. It’s a tough, spacious, and weather-ready backpack for your child’s outdoor adventures.

REI Co-op Tarn 40 Pack

The Tarn 40 isn’t just another backpack. REI designed this bag with multiday trips in mind, so it’s built to handle everything from a weekend in the woods to a two-week trek across Europe.

The beauty of the Tarn 40 lies in its superb design. It’s an internal frame backpack with a 40-liter capacity, weighing in just under 3 pounds. Perfectly sized for youngsters, it fits 12-16 inch torsos and 22-36 inch waists. It’s not too big, not too small.

Speaking of packing, the 40-liter size is ideal. It strikes a perfect balance, encouraging kids (and honestly, adults too) to pack smart. It comfortably fits a sleeping bag, pad, and a change of clothes, while also making one think twice before packing unnecessary items.

The top lid pocket is perfect for a toiletry kit, and the mesh hip-belt pockets are great for snacks.

One feature I absolutely love is the adjustable back panel. Thanks to some super strong Velcro, you can easily adjust the height of the shoulder straps as your child grows. The Tarn 40 can literally grow with your kid, offering value that’s hard to beat.

It’s a top loader with easy access to the main compartment. Plus, it boasts two exterior pockets and two mesh water bottle pockets on the sides. In our household, those side pockets are a must-have for staying hydrated on the go.

If there’s one thing I’d tweak, it would be the padded portion of the hip pads. Making them larger would enhance weight distribution on the hips, which becomes crucial when the pack nears a 20 lb load – the maximum I’d recommend for a 10-year-old.

Verdict

The REI Co-op Tarn 40 Pack is a dependable companion that grows with your child, making every trip an adventure to remember.

For the price of $119, you’re getting a versatile pack that’s ready for anything. Whether your kid is setting off on their first overnight hike or packing for a month-long adventure abroad, the Tarn 40 is up to the task.

Gregory Wander 70 Pack

The Gregory Wander has superhero-level storage abilities. With a whopping 70 liters capacity, this pack is like a magic hat – you keep pulling stuff out and it just doesn’t seem to fill up!

The main compartment is simply amazing. Not only does it offer traditional top loading access, which is great for packing discipline, but it also features a front U-shaped zipper. I love this feature because I don’t have to dig from the top to grab that rain jacket buried at the bottom.

With the addition of a floating top pocket and a large front stretch mesh pocket, your kids have room for all extra items they can’t leave behind.

The Wander has ability to carry A LOT. Gregory suggests a max load of 50 pounds, which, is probably way more than your young explorer needs. But it’s comforting to know this pack won’t buckle under the pressure of a few extra sweaters or a massive collection of trail souvenirs.

There’s also a hydration sleeve complete with a universal hanger and integrated hose routing. Once the hydration system is set up, keeping your kid watered-down becomes very easy. They’ll love using it!

The VersaFit design of this pack offers a broad range of torso adjustability (13″-18″) and can fit waist sizes from 22″ to 48″. The Wander can grow with your child through their prime growth years. No more buying a new pack every season – this one evolves with them.

Verdict

The Gregory Wander 70 Pack is a robust, caring companion ready to back up your child on their wildest adventures. From its cavernous storage options to its hydration features, and its adaptable fit that promises to stick around as they grow – this pack ticks all the boxes.

How Do I Choose a Hiking Backpack for My Child?

Check Your Child’s Torso Length

A backpack that’s too big will have your kid toppling over like a clumsy bear cub, and one that’s too small will be plain uncomfortable.

You need to check if the backpack fits your child’s torso length. Most kids’ packs are adjustable, so you can tweak them as your child grows. A good fit is when the bottom of the pack sits just above their waist, not hanging down by their knees or riding up their neck.

How to figure out your kid’s torso length? Just measure from the bump at the base of their neck (where it meets the shoulders) down to the top of their hips.

Choose the Right Capacity

When we talk about capacity, we’re really talking about how much stuff the backpack can hold. It’s measured in liters, and it basically tells you the size of the pack’s main compartment and all handy pockets.

What’s the perfect size? It depends on a few things:

1. Type of trip – Are you heading out for a quick morning hike or a weekend camping adventure? A smaller pack (around 12-18 liters) is great for short trips. It’s enough room for water, snacks, a hat, and maybe a rain jacket. For longer trips, you might want a bigger pack (like 30-50+ liters) that can hold sleeping gear, more clothes, and more food.

2. Your child’s size – This one’s pretty straightforward. The smaller your child, the smaller the pack should be. You want them to carry their own gear but not be overwhelmed by a pack that’s too bulky or heavy.

3. What they need to carry – Think about what your child will need on the trail. Water, food, extra layers, and maybe a favorite small toy or book. Make a list and see how much space these items take up. You’ll get a good idea of the backpack size you need.

Don’t Skip on Adjustability

Kids grow faster than a blink of an eye. One day their pants fit, the next day, they’re like shorts! The same goes for hiking backpacks. What fits them now might become too small in just a few months.

A backpack with adjustable straps and torso lengths is a must-have. It grows with your child, saving you both the headache of finding a new pack every year and some hard-earned cash.

How do you know if a backpack is adjustable enough? Here are a couple of things to look out for:

1. Adjustable Torso Length: The majority oh hiking backpacks come with a sliding system that lets you change the back length. Such backpacks can fit perfectly as your child grows taller.

2. Adjustable Straps: Look for packs that have straps you can tighten or loosen easily. Shoulder straps, hip belts, and chest straps that adjust help distribute the weight evenly, so your young hiker can carry their gear without feeling all wobbly.

3. Load Adjusters: These little straps at the top of shoulder straps can help pull the weight closer to the body, making the backpack feel lighter and more balanced. It’s a small feature but makes a big difference, especially on longer hikes.

Brands like REI, Osprey, and Gregory are known for their adjustable kids’ packs. They’ve got this adjustability thing down to an art.

Besides, teaching your kids how to adjust their own pack is a great way to give them a sense of independence and responsibility!

Weight Matters

A heavy backpack is a no-go. Carrying too much weight can actually be bad for your child’s back and shoulders. We definitely don’t want that.

When you’re starting your search, look at how much the backpack weighs when it’s empty.

Some backpacks, even the ones made for kids, can be surprisingly heavy before you even put anything in them. I always aim for 2 lbs or less for a smaller day pack, and 3 lbs or less for a larger one with capacity 40+. This allows your child to carry their own gear without being weighed down.

We already know what should be the empty pack’s weight but how much should you actually pack to  keep the weight safe for your child?

A good rule of thumb that I always follow is to aim for a backpack that weighs no more than 10-15% of your child’s body weight when fully loaded.

For example, if your child weighs 50 lbs, their backpack should not weigh more than 5-7.5 lbs.

Durability Doesn’t Take a Back Seat

Even if you find the comfiest backpack possible (REI Co-op Tarn 18 Pack in my opinion), but halfway through the season it starts falling apart at the seams, then it’s not worth your money.

Kids are not gentle with their gear. They’ll toss their backpack on the ground, drag it, and test its limits in every way possible. That’s why you need a backpack that can stand up to the challenge and keep coming back for more.

Here’s what you need to look for to ensure you’re picking a backpack that’s as tough as your little explorer:

1. Tough Materials: Look for backpacks made from high-quality, durable materials like ripstop nylon or polyester. These materials are not only strong but also water-resistant, especially if they come with a Durable Water Repellent finish (DWR).

2. Reinforced Seams: The places where the fabric pieces come together need to be super strong. Reinforced seams ensure that these areas have extra stitching or even extra material to make sure they don’t rip easily.

3. Quality Zippers: Check the zippers on any potential backpack. They should zip smoothly and feel sturdy. Metal zippers are usually more durable than plastic ones, but they should also have protective flaps to keep out dirt and water.

4. Adjustable Components That Last: Since we’ve talked about adjustability being key for a growing kid, it’s important that these adjustable parts are built to last. Buckles should be solid and straps shouldn’t fray or tear after a few adjustments.

Conclusion

Hiking backpacks designed for kids aren’t just shrunken-down versions of adult packs. They offer features like adjustable torso lengths, smaller hip belts, and shoulder straps that are a perfect fit for smaller bodies.

They come with smart storage options that help your children learn how to pack and carry their gear responsibly, fostering independence and confidence on the trail.

All these features ensure a love for hiking that can last a lifetime. Backpacks listed in this article have all of them and then some!