Last updated on April 13th, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Getting kids out into nature is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a family. Not only is it an opportunity to spend time together, hiking is proven to be a highly beneficial activity. However, having the right gear is a must for an enjoyable trip. Finding the best kids backpack for hiking will ensure that, no matter what your child is taking, they can do so safely and comfortably.
What Makes a Great Kids Hiking Backpack?
Before you commit to buying, make sure any backpack lives up to your expectations in terms of durability, adjustability, and material. What’s more, you should always compare the backpack with your child’s specific needs. We found the best options for long and short hikes while keeping these factors in mind.
- Adjustable as they Grow: child-specific packs should be designed for a smaller-build and adjustable to accommodate their rapid growth.
- Durable Build: for kids, durable materials are a must, especially if this pack is to be used for years to come.
- Sport Specific Materials: packs made for sporting applications will feature things like breathable materials, padded back cushions, and a slim profile.
- Function and Features: whether you are heading out on a small hike, a day hike, or a backpacking trip, your child’s backpack will change based on their needs for the trail.
Our Favorite Backpacks for Young Hikers Are...
We have tested a variety of kids backpacks for hiking against our intensive criteria. Some were not able to meet our expectations whereas others really stood out from the crowd and earned a special place in our top picks. Below are our front runners.
Best for backpacking: Osprey Ace 38
Our favorite for short hikes: Quechua Kid’s Athletic
Best to take on day hikes: Osprey Jet 18
To know more about our favorites, take a look at our reviews below where we take a deep dive into each backpack.
Comparison Table of Hiking Packs for Kids
First, we’ve placed all of our final contenders in an easy to reference table here. You can quickly view each below and follow their links for more info including current pricing.
| Picture | Name / Link | Price |
|---|---|---|
 
|
Osprey Ace 38 | $$$ |
 
|
Quechua Kid’s Athletic | $ |
 
|
Osprey Jet 18 | $$ |
 
|
Bseash Kid’s Sports Pack | $ |
 
|
CamelBak Kid’s Scout | $$ |
 
|
Deuter Unisex Kid’s Pack | $$ |
As you can see from above, there are plenty of options for young hikers. And, depending on how serious they are about the hobby, we always suggest getting one with adjustable straps that can grow with them as they age. We’ll go over attributes of our favorites further below to help you make the best choice.
1. Osprey Ace 38
As mentioned above, you won’t want to replace a perfectly good pack every year as your child grows. Namely, we loved the Osprey Ace 38 for its excellent adjustability and features that will see your kid from their first steps on the trail through becoming a full-fledged teen hiker.
Excellent Adjustability
In fact, the osprey Ace 38 is a great option designed to last for years, and we all know how quickly kids can grow. For instance, parents will love the huge 4-inch height adjustments on this backpack demonstrate how it will grow with your little hiker.
What’s more, the Ace 38 features an extendable hip belt that can be adjusted within three inches. Not only does this mean the Ace 38 lasts much longer, but the correct fit will also offer more comfort and less complaining.
In addition, comfort is further enhanced with a mesh back and compression straps.
Spacious and Well Oganized Design
Moreover, if you’re teaching your little explorer self-sufficiency, they’ll need just about the same space as an adult pack. And, even if it’s only a day hike, chances are that your child will have a long packing list. Whether a small hike or a big adventure, one thing is for certain; kids need a backpack with a lot of space.
The Osprey Ace 38 offers 38 liters of internal space for everything your kid needs to carry.
Additionally, it also features an outside sleeping pad strap so that your little one has room for their camping equipment for overnight adventures. Finally, there are various daisy chain straps for additional exterior storage. We found these useful for carabiner mugs, extra boot laces and hand sanitizer.
Osprey Ace 38 Pros and Cons
Osprey Ace 38 PROS
- Lightweight yet spacious
- Large 38 liter capacity
- Adjustable
- Rain cover included
- Sleeve for 3 liter hydration bladder
Osprey Ace 38 CONS
- No attachment for trekking pole
Why Is This Backpack Perfect for Young Hikers?
This is an incredible backpack for children who are going through a growth spurt since it has some great adjustability. If your little hiker is heading out on a long backpacking trip, this is the choice. View more information, including current styles anf pricing, here: Osprey Ace 38
2. Quechua Kid’s Athletic
Next up is our favorite for short hikes and with the Quechua Kid’s Athletic. Even the littlest scouts need something to carry their essentials.. And, where kids are concerned, durability is a must. The Quechua Pack offers a tear-resistant material that will stand up to everything your child puts it through.
Ideal For Essentials
While this backpack isn’t the largest, it offers more than enough room for everything a child might need. For instance, with ten liters of storage space across two main compartments, this is an ideal bag for younger children who might struggle to carry a larger packs.
For example, the Quechua pack is large enough to carry maps, an iPad, a change of clothing, drinks, snacks, and binoculars. Moreover, it also features adjustable shoulder straps for a better fit so the weight of the pack can be evenly distributed, making it more comfortable for your child to carry.
Unparalleled Durability
There are many ways the durability of this backpack was obvious in trials. Primarily, it boasts a tear resistant material which is ideal for trails where the chance of getting snagged is inevitable.
Not only that, the pack benefits from being fully water resistant. So, if you may encounter unpredictable weather, feel confident that this pack will keep your child’s belongings secure and dry.
What’s more, the pack remains lightweight and comfortable, even on longer hikes.
Pros and Cons of the Quechua Pack
Quechua Kid’s Athletic Pack PROS
- Very durable
- Water resistant
- Lightweight
- Great capacity for shorter hikes
Quechua Kid’s Athletic Pack CONS
- Small
- No daisy chain straps
- No hip belt
- Water resistance needs renewed after about 3 years of use.
Why Will Kids and Parents Love This Pack?
If you are hoping to introduce a younger child to hiking, this would make an excellent first backpack. For one thing, the Quechua pack has everything that your child will need without being overly large and uncomfortable. Check out more information, including current style and price, here: Quechua Kid’s Athletic
3. Osprey Jet 18
Here we have our favorite for day hikes. The Osprey Jet 18 offers excellent durability that will serve them well for years.
We loved the professional look that makes kids feel special. But along with good looks it comes with the perfect capacity, organization, and comfort for weekend trips regardless of distance.
Comfortable for Many Miles
If you want your kid to stay excited about outdoor adventures, their equipment must be comfortable and easy to use. A backpack that weighs them down or causes friction will quickly put them off and have them begging to go home.
However, the Osprey Jet 18 is an immensely comfortable backpack that is packed with features to boost the user experience. Namely, it boasts compression straps to ensure that the weight of the bag is evenly balanced.
What’s more, this pack has an easy-grab handle on top and various daisy chain straps for quick access to important items.
Breathable Materials
This pack is perfectly designed for those hot summer hikes where things get sweaty and sticky. Compared to packs without mesh backing, this one prevents moisture buildup between the pack and their back granting more comfort.
Regardless of how your child is moving around, running, skipping, or walking, the specially designed Airscape back panel ensures excellent air circulation.
Pros and Cons of the Osprey Jet 18
Osprey Jet 18 PROS
- Good for lighter loads
- plenty of space with 18 liters
- Lots of storage pockets
- Wide opening
- Breathable design
Osprey Jet 18 CONS
- No hip belt
- 18 liters may be considered small for longer hikes
- Straps rub neck area
Who Would This Pack be Perfect For?
This is an excellent backpack for shorter hikes where not as much gear needs to be carried. Furthermore, the Osprey Jet18 is just the right size for day trips, yet the many daisy chains and pockets will allow your child to bring all of their essentials. View more information, including current styles and pricing, here: Osprey Jet 18
4. Bseash Kid’s Sports Pack
Another amazing option that we considered for day trips was the Bseash Kid’s Sports Pack. If you are looking for a versatile backpack that will allow your child to show off their style, then the Bseash won’t disappoint. It comes in a great selection of colors and yet boasts some of the most important practical features of a kids trail pack.
Waterproof and Durable
Regardless of whether you are hiking in unpredictable weather or are tackling several water crossings, your equipment needs to perform. Here with the Bseash, you can feel confident that your child’s belongings will be kept safe and dry.
In fact, the Bseash pack is made from a durable nylon fabric which has been coated with a waterproof layer.
As a result, not only will it keep water and moisture out, but it is also incredibly durable for those demanding trails.
Superior Comfort
It can be easy to forget that a child may struggle with a backpack when it comes easy to adults. But a child’s pack needs to be optimized to their stature and strength and this one does that effortlessly. For instance, the Bseash features wider shoulder straps which allow for greater weight distribution, lowering the pressure on the back and granting a more comfortable experience.
Furthermore, the Bseash kid’s sport pack offers a breathable mesh layer to keep the air flowing and prevent moisture build-up. Additionally, this pack is lightweight and has been specifically designed for children up to four feet in height.
Bseash Kid’s Sports Pack Pros and Cons
Bseash Kid’s Sports Pack PROS
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Wide shoulder straps
Bseash Kid’s Sports Pack CONS
- Smaller capacity of 10 litres
- Durability issues with zipper
- Not suitable for longer hikes
Which Kids Would Love This Pack?
In conclusion, we found this to be an excellent backpack that offers a comfortable and waterproof design for the trails. However, owing to its smaller size, it would likely be better for younger children from about 5-9 years of age. What’s more, if your kid wants to pick colors that stand out and allow them to be unique, the great selection here will surely please them. Check out more specs including current styles and pricing, here: Bseash Kid’s Sports Pack
5. CamelBak Kid’s Scout
A real front runner for best day hiker comes in the CamelBak Kid’s Scout. When teaching kids to hike on remote or dangerous trails, we must teach them safety. And, this pack offers much more than something in which to carry their things.
If you’re an avid hiker, you’ve doubtless heard the Camelbak name. And this hydration pack for the kiddos doesn’t disappoint.
Safety Gear
Hiking is an exciting and challenging way to get fit, enjoy nature, and spend time as a family. However, there is always a great teaching opportunity around every corner. For instance, hiking is a fantastic way to teach trail safety. While many kids’ backpacks for hiking are designed for nothing more than transporting their belongings, the CamelBak goes one further.
We love the addition of the safety whistle in case they get lost and of course the easily accesible 1.5 litres of water.
And, since this is a backpack designed specifically for younger children, it provides a great way to teach them how to use these safety features from a young age.
Hydration System
Staying hydrated on the trails is one of the most important things that any hiker can do, especially if you are hiking in hot weather. Moreover, should there be an emergency, you need to feel confident that your child always has access to water.
This backpack features a hydration system that won’t leak and is large enough for an afternoon on the trails with a 1.5 liter hydration bladder.
This backpack is updated with a Crux system that allows your child to get 20% more water with every sip. The system also features an on/off lever to keep the water inside until it is needed as well as an easy to use handle which makes refilling a breeze.
CamelBak Kid’s Scout Pros and Cons
CamelBak Kid’s Scout PROS
- Excellent hydration system
- Bright kid-friendly design
- Comes with a safety whistle
- Breathable materials
CamelBak Kid’s Scout CONS
- No hip belt
- Not adjustable
- Only suitable for smaller children
What Type of Young Hikers Will Like This Pack Most?
Safety conscious families will love the Camelbak pack. In fact, if your child will be heading out just for a few hours, this is the perfect sized bag and a great way to introduce them to hiking life, especially if other family members are carrying the bulk of camp supplies. View more information, including current styles and pricing, her: CamelBak Kid’s Scout
6. Deuter Unisex Kid’s Pack
Finally, the Deuter Unisex Kid’s Pack is a great bag for children thanks to the many design features in which it competes with higher priced packs.
From breathable straps to clasps and buckles that are easy to open for smaller hands; this is the ultimate child-friendly pack.
Breathable on Hot Days
Most families will head to the trails when the weather is warm. Fear not, the Deuter backpack comes with an Airstripe back system that allows for optimal airflow. We found this pack to keep the kids comfortable for the duration of any hike.
For instance, these straps are fitted with a breathable mesh lining and boast a contoured foam airflow channel which drastically reduces moisture and heat build-up. Moreover, there is far less contact with the surface, even when worn snug to the body.
Durable
Whether you’re heading out onto a seriously demanding trail or simply getting onto a local multipurpose trail, this pack will stand the test of time.
The Deuter pack is made from an immensely durable 600D material that will withstand much of the pressure that your kid puts on it.
Dueter Kid's Pack Pros and Cons
Deuter Unisex Kid’s Pack PROS
- Durable
- Soft straps for comfort
- 3m reflector
Deuter Unisex Kid’s Pack CONS
- No hip belt
- Not waterproof
- Side pockets are not secure
Why Is This Pack Ideal for Kids Who Hike?
This is a great all-round backpack that can be used in a multitude of situations. Kids will love the all day comfort and space for lots of gear. Check out more information, including current styles and pricing, here: Deuter Unisex Kid’s Pack
Before Picking Your Pack
- Adjustable. Child-specific packs should be designed for a smaller-build and adjustable to accommodate their rapid growth.
- Durable. For kids, durable materials are a must. Especially if this pack is to be used for years to come.
- Made of sport-specific materials. There are all kinds of backpacks, but packs made for sporting applications will feature things like breathable materials, padded back cushions, and a slim profile.
- Functional for your trip. Whether you are heading out on a small hike, a day hike, or a backpacking trip, your child’s backpack will change based on their needs for the trail.
Regardless of where you’re headed, we suggest getting your kid in on the choice process. It’s easier once you’ve gotten it narrowed down to a few options. And if the styles available aren’t interesting to them, consider sprucing it up with an awesome bandana, a colorful patch or stickers.
Introduce Them to Nature
Taking your kiddos out onto the trails is a decision to show them something you love. What’s more, nature is the best classroom. And class starts from the moment of planning by packing a well-rounded hiking pack. Not only will the best pack keep all of their belongings easily accessible, but it keeps them learning, safe and comfortable for miles. So, get them a pack that makes them feel like a responsible adult hiker and enjoy watching them grow before your eyes.
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Image Credit: Brian Burger | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size