The Jet 18 is a great trail-ready daypack from Osprey. If you’re looking for lightweight, comfortable pack for your child, keep reading for our full review!
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Tech Specs
- Volume: 18 L
- Weight: 1.14lbs
- Dimensions: 18.11″H x 9.45″W x 8.66″D
- Hydration Compatible: Yes
- External Pockets: 4+ main compartment
- Material: Recycled Nylon Packcloth
- Ages: 8-14
Key Features
- Large front stretch mesh pocket
- Dual stretch mesh side pockets
- Foam-padded back panel
- Small external zippered pocket
- Lower web-loop daisy chain attachment points
- External reservoir sleeve
- Top-load access to main compartment
Best Uses for the Osprey Jet 18
Lightweight, simple, and comfortable, this backpack is perfect for long days on the hiking trail, or an afternoon spent riding singletrack. It’s equally at home at summer camp, a sleepover, or outdoor school. It has the space for the essentials, and then some.
Fit & Age Range
The recommended age for this backpack is 8-14. I’d say there are some 6 year olds out there who’d love to get their hands on this pack.
My recommendation for the Jet 18 – this is a solid pack for 6 – 12 year olds.
It fits my 53″ tall 7 year old son perfectly. He was able to run & ride comfortably without the pack hopping around thanks to the airmesh hipbelt. Bonus: He has plenty of room to grow with this pack.
My 57″ tall 10 year old tested the pack as well. She loved it for hiking, but said it felt uncomfortable when she wore it on biking. The waistbelt was digging in a bit while she rode.
Adventure Ready!
Need a pack that can do double (triple) duty? Send this pack along to outdoor school or summer camp. Equally at home at sleepovers and playdates, this pack works well as an overnight bag or toy hauling vessel.
The pack features the Osprey Airscape Backpanel making it in ideal pack for summer day hikes, or a trip to your secret swimming hole on a hot day.
Need a pack your child can bike with? The Jet 18 design allows for dynamic body movement with its close to the body carry. It is light and has a slim profile that suits singletrack and pump tracks alike. The sternum strap and airmesh wrap hipbelt keep the pack secure and comfortable no matter the trail conditions.
What Does it Hold?
With an 18 L capacity, your child should be able to fit necessities for a day hike, or an afternoon at the lake. When we biked with the pack, we had ample room for our toolkit, spare tube, water, snacks and first aid kit.
The large front stretch mesh pocket is the perfect spot for overflow items should the top loading main compartment fill up.
The external reservoir sleeve is a great feature of the Jet 18. It holds a 1.5 – 2 L hydration bladder which frees up the dual stretch mesh pockets for treasures or treats. Whether you kiddo is headed to the trailhead or for a playdate down the street, the Jet 18 is a great pack choice.
Bottom Line:
What we love!
The simplicity of the Jet 18 is one of it’s greatest strengths. Just the right amount of carrying capacity…large bucket style opening for easy access…external sleeve for optional hydration reservoir.
Ventilation alongside a close fit seems impossible, but the Jet 18 nails it. The airscape backpanel is unique. And functional. And, according to my kids, very comfortable.
What we aren’t so crazy about
My daughter would request a longer section of airmesh in the hipbelt, but that was only on the bike, it seemed to fit perfectly hiking.
Where to Buy
The Osprey Jet 18 is available for purchase here!
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