Whether you are an avid hiker or just starting out, picking out the best hiking backpack for your kids can be quite overwhelming! With so many choices and features, it is hard to know exactly which backpack will best suit your young adventurer’s needs when heading out on the trail. This is exactly why our TMM Team has pulled together, researched, and thoroughly tested each of the most popular brands of hiking backpacks and created our list of the best hiking backpacks for kids.
From day hikes, travel, and everything in between, these backpack reviews will help you find the right backpack to suit your family’s adventure style while encouraging your kiddo to fall in love with hiking.
For a more detailed explanation on things to consider when purchasing your next hiking backpack for your child, hop down and read about our Things to Consider When Shopping for Hiking Backpacks for Kids section. There you will find some common FAQ’s and much more!
Reviews of Best Hiking Backpacks for Kids
We have broken down the best kids’ hiking backpacks into three sections: the youngest adventurers, growing adventurers, and older adventurers. The recommended ages are listed with each of the packs but many of the age ranges do overlap, so be sure to take into consideration when shopping for the right backpack for your adventurer!
After months of researching and putting these packs to the test, here is our roundup of the best hiking backpacks for kids!
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Table of Contents
Best Hiking Backpacks for the Youngest Adventurers
Empower your tiny explorers by giving them a place to stash their own trail treasures and snacks. From comfy, supportive straps to playful patterns, these pint-sized packs are built to handle the trail while keeping your little ones happy for every mile.
Deuter Pico
The Deuter Pico is a solidly built, simple, practical introductory pack with excellent toddler appeal. Lightweight, brightly colored, and comfortable, it is an excellent option for everything from introductory hikes to toting around daycare supplies. One of our favorite features is the chest clip, it helps straps stay on your little one!
Our Favorite Features
- Bright, fun, reflective designs
- Adjustable sternum strap
- Made of durable, easy-to-clean material
- Toddler-friendly stretch mesh side pockets and zipper pulls
Specs
- Volume: 5L
- Best For: Ages 2-4
- Weight: 7 oz
Read Team Member Jessica’s Full Review of the Deuter Pico here!
Deuter Schmusebar
The Deuter Schmusebar is a durable, fun, well-made pack that can easily grow with a young child for several years. We love the creative, reflective designs, ample storage capacity, and how smoothly the pack adjusts for a comfortable fit on growing bodies.
Our Favorite Features
- Fun, reflective designs for safety and style
- Surprisingly large storage capacity for its size
- Durable, easy-to-clean material for rugged play
- Well-padded and ventilated shoulder straps and back panel
Specs
- Volume: 8L
- Best For: Ages 3-5
- Weight: 10 oz
Read Team Member Jessica’s Full Review of the Deuter Schmusebar here!
CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack
Whether you are on the trail, at the beach, or at a ballgame, this versatile pack allows kids to have water always at the ready. It is the perfect starter pack for little explorers and is great for day hikes or rides where kids don’t need to carry a lot of heavy gear. It is one of the lightest and sleekest kids’ packs available. The Mini M.U.L.E. makes it easy to carry water and essentials, is one of the lightest and sleekest kids’ packs available, and is able to grow with your child indefinitely. If you are aiming for a minimalist, lightweight pack for your kids, the CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. is aces.
Our Favorite Features
- Easy-to-sip CRUX reservoir included
- On/off lever on the straw to prevent leaks
- Narrow construction specifically designed for biking and hiking
- Ultra-lightweight design that won’t weigh them down
Specs
- Volume: 1.5L
- Best For: Ages 2+
- Weight: 7 oz
Read Team Member Emily’s Full Review of the CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack here!
Fjallraven Kanken Mini Backpack
The Fjallraven Kanken Mini features a clever convertible strap system designed for both kids and adults. While it starts as the perfect toddler pack, the straps easily adjust to fit you comfortably once your little explorer decides they’ve had enough adventuring for the day.
Our Favorite Features
- Fun and bright colors
- Surprisingly large storage capacity
- Durable, water-resistant, and quick drying
- PFAS free
Specs
- Volume: 7L
- Best For: Ages 2-5
- Weight: 7.8 oz
Best Hiking Backpacks for the Growing Adventurers
As your kids tackle longer miles, they need a pack that can keep up with their pace and their growth spurts. These backpacks offer more room for layers and snacks, along with adjustable fits that ensure they stay comfortable from the first mile to the final summit.
REI Tarn 12
The Tarn 12 is a well-designed, solidly constructed, and incredibly comfortable backpack for kiddos even when packed to the brim. With tons of storage pockets, a sternum strap, and a hip belt for weight distribution, it’s an excellent go-to pack for all kinds of adventures.
Our Favorite Features
- Stowable hip belt
- Lots of functional storage pockets
- Made of Bluesign approved recycled materials
- Well-padded, comfortable shoulder straps and back panel
Specs
- Volume: 12L
- Best For: Ages 5-8
- Weight: 12 oz
Read Team Member Jessica’s Full Review of the REI Tarn 12 here!
Deuter Junior
This pack is a great transitional option to go from smaller hiking packs to something that can hold a bit more gear. Our younger kids use this for hiking and introductory backpacking to carry a few necessities. The sternum strap helps get a great fit so kids can move freely without the pack shifting.
Our Favorite Features
- Comfortable shoulder straps and a sternum buckle to keep it in place
- Front zippered pocket for small items and two side mesh pockets
- Great for introducing kids to carrying slightly more gear
- Grows with your child and cinches down easily for smaller frames
Specs
- Volume: 18L
- Best For: Ages 5-8
- Weight: 14.8 oz
Osprey HydraJet 12
This is a great step up from a toddler backpack. It is shaped well to store a variety of items and fits close to the body, ensuring comfort while hiking or biking. It comes with a top-of-the-line hydration reservoir that is easy for kids to use without leaking.
Our Favorite Features
- Streamlined fit suitable for active pursuits
- Versatile powermesh pockets including a large center pocket
- Included hydration reservoir with a child-friendly bite valve
- Fleece-lined straps provide extra comfort against the skin
Specs
- Volume: 12L
- Best For: Ages 4-12
- Weight: 0.84 lbs
Read Team Member Kristin’s Full Review of the Osprey HydraJet 12 here!
Best Hiking Backpacks for Older Adventurers
As your hikers get taller and the trails get longer, they need a pack that balances lightweight comfort with more technical features. These models offer the perfect middle ground.
REI Tarn 18
We highly recommend this kid’s day pack for its full-feature set at an affordable price point. One of our favorite features is the double waist belt pockets, which kids love for storing snacks and treasures. It is the perfect size for daytime adventures with plenty of room for essentials and fun extras.
Our Favorite Features
- Double waist belt pockets
- Large front stuff pocket for quick storage
- Comfortable, padded shoulder straps
- Interior security pocket for small items
Specs
- Best For: Ages 7-12
- Weight: 17 oz
- Volume: 18L
Read Team Member Rita’s Full Review of the REI Tarn 18 here!
Gregory Nano 16
The Gregory Nano 16 is a great choice for an older-kid adventurer. The hydration reservoir compatibility and comfortable back panel make this an excellent option for day hiking and everyday adventures. The pack is quality-made and comes in several appealing colors that preteens and teens will love. This backpack was built with versatility in mind and will easily grow with them well into adulthood.
Our Favorite Features
- Internal Hydration Reservoir Sleeve with Hydration Port
- Convenient Top Zippered Pocket
- Breathable Die-Cut Back Panel
- Adjustable Sternum Strap
Specs
- Best For: Ages 10+ (Depends on size of child – fits torso 16″ – 21″)
- Weight: 12.8 oz
- Volume: 16L
Read Team Member Michelle’s Full Review of the Gregory Nano 16 here!
Osprey Jet 18
The simplicity of the Jet 18 is one of its greatest strengths. It has just the right amount of carrying capacity, a large bucket-style opening, and an external sleeve for a hydration reservoir. Ventilation alongside a close fit seems impossible, but the Jet 18 nails it. The airscape backpanel is unique. Functional. And according to my kids, very comfortable.
Our Favorite Features
- Breathable back panel
- Lightweight
- Reservoir Sleeve
- Chest clip and waist belt
Specs
- Best For: Ages 6-12
- Weight: 1.14 lbs
- Volume: 18L
Read Team Member Valerie’s Full Review of the Osprey Jet 1`8 here!
Gregory Nano 18
The Gregory Nano 18 is a fantastic choice for a tween or teen adventurer. This quality made pack is built to be versatile and long-lasting, and will easily grow with your child (and bonus…Mom or Dad can use it, too!) The mesh shoulder straps and the breathable die-cut back panel provide extra comfort for those longer hiking adventures, as well as for everyday use. This pack will serve your older adventurers for many years to come.
Our Favorite Features
- Breathable Die-Cut Back Panel
- Comfortable mesh-padded shoulder straps
- Designated zippered pocket for hydration reservoir
- Versatility for everyday adventures
Specs
- Best For: Ages 10+ (Depends on size of child – fits torso 16″ – 21″)
- Weight: 1.00 lb
- Volume: 18L
Read Team Member Michelle’s Full Review of the Gregory Nano 18 here!
Cotopaxi Batac 16L
The Cotopaxi Batac 16L is a great choice for everyday adventures for older kids. This environmentally friendly pack is made from remnant materials and is repurposed to help reduce waste. These unique backpacks come in many color combinations and no two backpacks are exactly the same. They are lightweight and great for stowing in larger bags when traveling as well. This is a great go-to bag for everyday adventures, hiking and so much more!
Our Favorite Features
- Ultralight mesh shoulder straps and ultralight design
- Adjustable sternum strap
- Versatility for everyday adventures
Specs
- Best For: Ages 10+ (Depends on size of child)
- Weight: 12 oz
- Volume: 16L
Read Team Member Michelle’s Full Review of the Cotopaxi Batac 16L here!
Things to Consider When Shopping for the Best Hiking Backpacks for Kids
There are so many things to take into consideration when you begin hiking as a family. Of course you will always want to keep your kiddos properly nourished with kid-friendly snacks to help them stay happy when hiking.
Or even use some of the many hiking hacks for families that will help boost the family morale while out on the trail! But one of our favorite tips for encouraging kids down the trail is to buy a hiking backpack that they absolutely love!
When shopping for the best hiking backpack for your child, below are several common features and options to take into consideration before you purchase your next kids’ backpack!
Volume
The age and abilities of the child will determine the length and distance for your family hikes. If just starting out, a smaller day pack will be just fine for your child to carry their own snacks, water and a few other items that they deem necessary (that stuffed animal just HAS to come along, Mom!)
For older kids and preteens, consider a slightly larger day pack that will allow them plenty of room to grow and also to carry additional supplies as they begin hiking longer distances. To make sure you’re prepared for the trail, check out our guide on what to pack for a day hike with kids.
Adjustability
Most of the hiking backpacks for kids are designed to grow with the child, which will keep you from having to replace them every time they hit a growth spurt! Things to look for are adjustable straps (like sternum straps, etc.) that will adapt as they grow so you can get more life out of the backpack!
Price
For really young hikers, it’s more about making it a fun experience and building their confidence as they begin hiking. Get a backpack that is lightweight and durable but also reasonably priced. As they get a little older and have more hiking experience under the belt, then consider investing in a backpack that is going to offer more functionality and comfort for longer hikes.
Favorite Features
Here are some of our favorite features to look for when shopping for hiking backpacks for kids!
Sternum Strap
This is a great feature that keeps the shoulder straps from sliding off your little hiker’s shoulders, which is super helpful! Oftentimes, the sternum strap buckle will have a whistle, which is an extra safety feature that will give you peace of mind when hiking with your little ones.
Hydration Reservoir Compatibility
Most kids find a hydration reservoir system a super fun addition to hiking. Some backpacks include a hydration reservoir (take the price into account) And some backpacks are hydration compatible (but do NOT include the reservoir), so you will need to purchase the reservoir separately.
Waist Belt
While not always necessary for shorter day hikes, this feature can be helpful on longer hikes which will help distribute the weight of the pack more evenly. Some waist belts have padding and zippered pockets, which are also super fun for kids to store their treasures on the trail!
Padded Shoulder Straps
While kids should never carry more than 10-20% of their weight in their backpack, the padded shoulder straps will help add extra comfort for your child when out on the trail. Remember, a great pack is only half the battle; pairing it with the best hiking shoes for kids ensures total comfort from head to toe.
Daisy Chains
These loops are typically sewn on the outside of the pack and are perfect for hooking hats, key chains, and other items that kids may want to clip on the outside of their backpack.
Outer Mesh Pockets
If the backpack doesn’t come with a hydration reservoir option, these outer mesh pockets are perfect for storing water bottles or other items for easy accessibility.
Related Articles
- How to Pack the 10 Essentials for Kids
- Best Hiking Shoes for Kids
- Tips for Hiking with Complaining Kids
- Family Hiking Safety Guide
Best Hiking Backpacks for Kids
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thank you for this! i’ve been looking for pack for my daughter (9yo), and haven’t been able to find anything that’s really good (for a reasonable price). thanks for the REI recommendation(s). The Tarn series looks like it’s just what the doctor, er, hiker ordered!
Hi Dan – so glad it was helpful! And yes, the REI Tarn packs are fantastic! Happy hiking! ~ Amelia
My kids’ summer camp does an overnight hike each week. They teach the kids to pack a sleeping bag and tie it in a horseshoe to go around their neck. I remember how much easier it was when my parents finally got me a hiking backpack for camp when I was a kid. Do any of these backpacks have good way to carry a sleeping bag? If not, do you have any suggestions for finding one that does?
Oh good question! We always have our kids pack their sleeping bags in their pack, but the Fox 40 has enough straps that you could strap it to the outside? How old are the kids? Feel free to contact me via email too! 🙂
This was a super helpful post, especially seeing the sizes on real pics of your kids for reference!