10 Best Kids’ Hiking Backpacks Reviewed in 2024
Stacey Joseph
Brian Price
Whether your child is just starting out in hiking or they have been doing it for a while now, we have the best-selling packs listed in this wonderful guide for you. We rate them according to their ease of use, capacity, comfort, and style to make the differences among them very clear.
It is a good idea for family trips to have your little one tote a pack too to make them feel included in the activity. Bring along their favorite snacks, drinks, and toys to put in their packs, so they will enjoy stopping for breaks and going through their backpack to find their treasures. So here are the best kids hiking backpacks available right now. Happy choosing and happy trails on your next family hiking adventure!
This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:
Handle for carrying by hand
Shoulder straps are well-padded
Back panel is comfortable foam
External pockets for water bottles
Reflective features for visibility
10 Best Kids’ Hiking Backpacks Reviewed
1. Osprey Jet 18
Reservoir sleeve on the exterior
Three mesh exterior side pockets
Good for water bottles and drinks
Inside has two pockets with zippers
Strong shoulder straps are padded
Pull closure can be difficult
Shoulder straps may be too close together
The Osprey Jet 18 hiking backpack for kids comes in red or blue and is made of nylon ripstop fabric. It is best for kids who are old enough to carry their gear on their own while hiking. This marvelous pack features a reservoir sleeve on the exterior and a mesh pocket of good size on the outside.
Read moreThis marvelous pack features a reservoir sleeve on the exterior and a mesh pocket of good size on the outside. The top lid is fixed with a compartment that has a zipper and items remain secure and safe in the underlid section. There is an external pocket for small gear items such as sunscreen and snacks, plus the main compartment is accessed easily from the top. The inside has two pockets with zippers. Included are web loop points of attachment for connecting gear to the outside.
Comfort
The strong shoulder straps are padded for comfort, so kids will not be sore from the pack on their back all day. Just having your own real backpack is terrific to fit in with the family.
Capacity
Having an 18-liter capacity, this small pack for kids can hold a lot of things for them. you may want to get them used to toting their own gear by putting some of their personal items inside. The top lid is fixed with a compartment that has a zipper and items remain secure and safe in the underlid section. There is an external pocket for small gear items such as sunscreen and snacks, plus the main compartment is accessed easily from the top. The inside has two pockets with zippers. Included are web loop points of attachment for connecting gear to the outside.
Ease of use
Children can have readily accessible items handy with the mesh exterior side pockets. This is a good place to keep water bottles and drinks. The pack can remain on the back as these things are grabbed and used.
Style
Made for little ones who are just starting to carry their own hiking backpacks, this wonderful product is lightweight with plenty of pockets. They can tote their favorite snacks, drinks, and travel accessories with this pack.
2. The North Face Recon Squash
Handle for carrying by hand
Shoulder straps are well-padded
Back panel is comfortable foam
External pockets for water bottles
Reflective features for visibility
Too small for older kids
Could have more external pockets
Made of polyester material, the North Face Unisex Recon Squash kids' hiking backpack has a large main section for all sorts of gear items and a smaller front pocket with a zipper too. It has a handle for carrying it by hand and shoulder straps that are well-padded. The back panel is stitched comfortable foam on this pack that is versatile and durable. Featured are outside pockets with zippers for small necessities and external pockets for water bottles. There are some reflective features for great visibility in dim and dark environments.
Read moreComfort
The back panel is stitched comfortable foam on this pack that is versatile and durable. Having padded shoulder straps for the user, this pack is light and unnoticed on the back. It fits the body well to evenly distribute any extra weight on the upper torso of the body.
Capacity
Able to hold quite a bit of gear, children will love all of the space they have inside this pack. It can hold large items in one of the two main sections such as extra clothing or a jacket if needed.
Ease of use
Carry this product in the hand or on the back as it has grip accommodations for both methods. The many pockets make getting to pack items so easy on the inside and outside. Featured are outside pockets with zippers for small necessities and external pockets for water bottles. There are some reflective features for great visibility in dim and dark environments.
Style
Versatile is a good word to describe this pack because it can be used for more than just hiking. Kids can use it for general use or even school because it can carry so much stuff.
3. Camelbak Scout
Added 20% of water with each sip
Handle is ergonomic for refilling ease
Leaks are prevented with the on/off device
Sternum strap has a safety whistle
Reflective features for low or no light
Does not have Velcro or buckles for free end of straps
Shoulder straps can be too close together
The Camelbak Scout Hydration Pack is a way to easily carry water for long trips and extra gear for kids. This model comes in three great colors of blue, red, and purple and is great for both boys and girls. It holds 50 ounces (1.5 liters) of liquid, and you get an added 20% of water with each sip. The handle is ergonomic to make refilling easier, and leaks are prevented with the on/off device.
Read moreComfort
This pack is good for grade-school and preschool kids because of the short length of the torso. The sternum strap has a safety whistle, plus the external pockets are clear. This makes the contents easy to see from a glance. It features reflective features for areas of low or no light and a carry handle for toting by hand. Not having to tote a water bottle or just have one in a pack, this hydration system gives children something to tote as well as gives them their own source of water for the trip.
Capacity
The water bladder holds up to 1.5 liters (50 ounces) of water for travelers. There are several pockets on the exterior that can hold other items the child wants to bring along for the ride too.
Ease of use
There is no need for water bottles with this pack that houses a hydration bladder inside. Kids just sip on the long tube while the pack is on their back to be refreshed when they want.
Style
Mainly used for carrying a good supply of water for long trips, this pack can also hold a good bit of gear items too. It fits on the back well and can also be carried in hand with the short handle.
4. Osprey Ace 50 Youth
Reservoir sleeve on the interior
Straps for upper compression
Bottom has sleeping pad attachment
Pockets on the hip belt
Torso length is adjustable
Interior pockets could be more useful
Can be smaller than expected
The capacity is 50 liters for this Osprey Ace 50 youth hiking backpack. It comes with a removable and integrated rain cover for bad weather and has a LightWire frame to be easier to carry. There is a reservoir sleeve on the interior and a hip belt for load distribution. Included are mesh dual-stretch side pockets for easy to access items and two main compartments with zippers and a top lid for organization.
Read moreComfort
The fit and load transfer can be fine-tuned with the harness and upper panel in the back. Kids will love toting this product around on their traveling excursions because of the added comfort.
Capacity
Children can carry only 20 or 30% of their body weight when backpacking for ultimate comfort. This is a 50-liter pack that they can use for those trips away from home to carry the essentials.
Ease of use
You can alter the fit of this backpack with the straps, hip belt, and shoulder straps to best fit the user. There are two main compartments for large items and many other pockets inside and out for other gear. Made of nylon ripstop fabric, this pack has an adjustable torso length, but it is short to begin with for kids. External gear can be loaded on with the daisy chains. There is a front pocket of stretchable mesh material and more small pockets on the hip belt.
Style
It has a sleeping bag section in the bottom, straps for upper compression, and a sleeping pad attachment in the bottom. Being flexible to the needs of the user is what makes this pack so special.
5. Deuter Fox 40
Technology of VariQuick for back length
Hip belt and compression straps
Emergency whistle on the chest strap
Ergonomic design for gravity center
Lid pocket and bellow side pockets
Too small for some older kids
Straps could be longer for adjustments
The Deuter Kids Fox 40 backpack is offered in red or blue solid bright colors and has the technology of VariQuick adjustment for the back length. It can expand with the growth spurts of the child and has an internal capacity of 40 liters. The backpack volume is regulated with the compression straps, and the ergonomic design is good for the user’s gravity center. The hip belt is adjustable, and the shoulder straps are Soft-Edge comfortable S-shaped.
Read moreComfort
Unlike other kids hiking backpacks, this one can be adjusted for the growth of the child as the years pass by. It expands for the back length, so it is not too large or heavy for the user at any age.
Capacity
Holding up to 40 liters of gear, your child can tote their own possessions for the hiking trip with ease. It is for little kids and older kids since it is a larger pack than toddlers would use.
Ease of use
Store wet clothing in a separate section in this pack that is very compatible with hydration systems. The straps and hip belt allow a perfect fit for the child when wearing this pack. Included is a lid pocket and bellow side pockets plus external loops for hooking on gear pieces too big to put in the pack. Kids can use the emergency whistle on the chest strap and appreciate the cooling airflow between the back Softstripe pads.
Style
This wonderful model has the same features as the adult model but is specially fit for a child. It is a scaled-down version of an adult pack. Nothing was left off. It is just smaller.
6. Osprey Ace 38
Pack is top-loading with a fixed lid
Compartment for a sleeping bag
External daisy chains for gear
Compression straps to stabilize the load
Torso length is adjustable
Straps take some getting used to
Pockets can be very small on the inside
With a drawstring closure and a shoulder drop of 12.25 inches, the Osprey Ace 38 hiking backpack for kids is comfortable to carry for both boys and girls. It is best for kids aged eight to fourteen since the torso length is adjustable.
You can adjust the harness as much as five inches for a great fit, plus the pads on the hip belt expand to suit users of different sizes too. It is comfortable all day with the back panel and shoulder harness of mesh material.
Read moreComfort
The hip belt and harness are both padded on this pack to make the user as comfortable as possible. Once the adjustments are made for a good fit, it will be so easy for the child to wear this product.
Capacity
The 38-liter measurement is just a guide for the capacity of this item. Kids will most likely never carry that much gear with them. You want them to gain the carrying experience but not be overloaded. This pack is top-loading with a fixed lid, a front pocket of mesh, and two pockets on the sides. The top lid has two sections with zippers for small items, and there is a compartment on the bottom for a sleeping bag. It has external daisy chains for hooking on gear and compression straps on the upper of the pack to stabilize the load.
Ease of use
Top-loading packs, such as this one, are easier for kids to use. they know that all items must come out and be put in the same space unless it can fit in one of the smaller side or front pockets.
Style
Made like an adult pack, this Osprey product is built in proportion for a child. It can carry plenty of gear for the trip with its large sections and several pockets and has many adjustable straps for the right fit.
7. Deuter Schmusebar
Colors are easily spotted by parents
Includes a plush teddy bear toy
Buckles and straps are kid-friendly
The back and front are reflective
Waterproof with a PU coating
Pack can be really small
Pockets do not hold a lot
Several bright colors and prints that are easily spotted by parents are available for the Deuter Schmusebar kids hiking backpack. Animal prints include butterflies, dolphins, and dinosaurs. Great for those older than three years old, this pack comes with a plush teddy bear for the side external pocket. Comfortable to wear, the adjustable shoulder straps are S-shaped with edges that are soft, and the back of the pack is padded.
Read moreComfort
Included is a teddy bear for company that fits in the side pocket. Both the back and the straps of this pack are padded well to be as comfortable as possible for first-timers to hiking. It has a chest strap to help with weight distribution and simple to use compression straps and buckles. The interior has a name label, plus the back and front have reflective features for safety.
Capacity
It has side pockets of mesh for small items, a front pocket with a zipper, and a large interior section for gear. Children will love organizing their pack with heir own items for the trip.
Ease of use
With just enough space to carry a few favorite items, kids can be a part of the action when hiking with the family. Put a few things in their pack such as a water bottle, snacks, and toys to make them happy.
Style
Made of durable and lightweight Super-Polytex material, this hiking backpack for kids holds eight liters, is waterproof with a PU coating, and includes a grab handle to carry in the hand.
8. Gregory Wander 50
SideKick removable day pack
Raincover with its own pocket
Pockets for water bottles of mesh
Daisy chains for connecting gear
Attachment for fishing rod or trekking pole
Colors can be off a bit from photos
Not for very young kids
The Gregory Mountain Products Wander kids' hiking backpack is offered in green or blue colors and made of ballistic polyester material. It has an adjustable VersaFit suspension that grows along with the child as they age. Storage sections include a top lid security pocket, hip belt pockets with zippers, a front pocket in U-shape with zipper, and an outside front pocket with zipper. It has an inside hydration sleeve and a rain cover that has its own pocket.
Read moreComfort
Part of the comfort of a backpack is how easy it is for the person to use it and access their items. With the external pockets on this pack, grabbing for things in a hurry will not be a problem.
Capacity
Supporting 50 liters of gear, this is a large pack with plenty of storage space. Internally and externally there are numerous pockets and compartments for anything the child needs to bring along.
Ease of use
As the child grows, you will appreciate that this product can be expanded to match that growth. Just adjust the torso length of the pack to best fit the child every so often for an ultimate fit. Included is a SideKick removable day pack, an attachment for a fishing rod or trekking pole, and daisy chains for connecting gear. Users will love the pockets for water bottles on the outside made of mesh.
Style
Being one of the larger packs we feature in this guide, this pack is perfect for older kids to use on the trail. It can hold everything they need to carry their own weight for the trip plus some favorite items.
9. Deuter Unisex Junior Cardinal
Five choices of two-toned solid colors
Drawstring closure for main section
Mesh Airstripes paneling
Hidden valuables pocket in the top
D-rings to attach other gear
Can be small for older kids
Pockets could be larger
The Deuter Unisex junior backpack comes in five wonderful two-toned solid colors with a reflective strip for safety in dark areas. This pack is made of denier nylon with a water protective PU coating. It is top-loading with a drawstring closure on the main section and a grab handle to tote it by hand if desired. The airflow is increased, and heat is reduced with the mesh Airstripes paneling.
Read moreComfort
The Airstripes paneling and adjustable straps will ensure that your child is the most comfortable with this pack. They will be cool and have a good flow of air as they travel.
Capacity
This is one of the smaller packs that are great for toddlers and little kids to use. you want them to feel a part of the action and lugging of hiking gear but not overload them with more than their share.
Ease of use
Top-loading packs are always the best for kids to use because they are so easy to handle. They know that if the item is not on the outside in a small pocket, then it has to be inside the big compartment. There is a hidden valuable pocket in the top, D-rings to attach other gear, and a sternum strap for stability. The shoulder straps are adjustable for a good fit. It has two pockets on the outside with zippers and double water bottle side pockets of mesh.
Style
Both boys and girls will love the colors of this pack because they are bright and two-toned. It is large enough for a good bit of gear and favorite comfort items to bring along on the hike.
10. Gregory Mountain Products Icarus
Made of 100% nylon material
Front mesh stretch pocket
Hydration sleeve with a hose port
Top loading with a u-zip
Compartment for a sleeping bag
Water bottles could slide from side pockets easily
Might be too big for toddlers
Made of 100% nylon material, the Gregory Mountain Products Icarus kids' hiking backpack has a volume of 40 liters and a u-zip for the full body. This form makes loading and unpacking easy when stopping. The main access section is top-loading and has a compartment for a sleeping bag. With a front mesh pocket, children have easy access to smaller items when walking along the trail.
Read moreComfort
Cushioned shoulder straps and hip belt make this a comfortable pack to have for children. they will get used to carrying gear on their back with this smaller version of an adult pack.
Capacity
As much as 40 liters of gear can be packed into this product. Children will, of course, not be likely carrying this much weight, especially if it is their first time hiking with the family.
Ease of use
External pockets are the best part of backpacks because you do not have to stop to get your items. Just reach for water, juice, snacks, or small accessories in the front or side pockets of this pack. Included is a hydration sleeve with a port for routing the drinking hose. You can also put water or juice bottles in the side mesh pockets for drinking access that is quicker.
Style
Made just like an adult pack but with smaller proportions, this wonderful pack gives kids the chance to not only look like mom and dad with a pack but actually help with the load too.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
Padded shoulder straps, hip belts, harnesses, and chest straps all do their part in distributing the weight of the pack in the upper torso. Kids will be comfortable with these packs that have these pleasant features to make it not seem like such a burden to be carrying a backpack on the body.
One model even includes a plush teddy bear, so the child has a friend to carry with them. The offered color choices can be a comfort for the child too, especially if they can pick out their own. They will want to carry it on the trip because they like the color and print.
Capacity
The capacities for each pack vary so choose one that best fits what the child will be carrying. Toddlers and little kids will not need large packs to begin with because you want them to enjoy the experience. Don’t make them feel like a pack mule in giving them a share of the family’s hiking load in their pack. It is best that they just tote their favorite items to make the experience great and fun for them.
Ease of Use
Top-loading packs are best for small kids, so they know where everything is. They can have their drinks on the outside in the mesh pockets for quick access. Almost all of these products are adjustable to last for several years even as the child grows. It is the length of the torso that will change the most, and manufacturers have built in the adjustability for that. Some of these items have kid-friendly buckles and straps to make them simple to use.
Style
Of course, each one of these hiking backpacks for kids if different in their form, but they all have one thing in common. Each one is perfect for a child to bring along on a hiking or backpacking trip. Most of these are top loading to be the easiest for kids to manage. With the side pockets for snacks and water bottles, they will be able to access their essentials quickly and easily.
Comfort Capacity Ease of Use Style 
When hiking with small children you will have to take things much slower than you normally would alone or with other adults. You must point things out to them that they should notice and appreciate along the way. breaks will have to happen more often to give them time to rest and have snacks and liquids.
When just beginning to take toddlers and little kids out for their first excursions, go slow and pick routes that are short. Gradually build up the distance and the speed with which you travel with each outing. They will eventually be experts that can go great distances with you.
Other Factors to Consider
Durability
You can expect these kids’ backpacks to last for several years of regular use. The child will most likely outgrow the size of the pack before it would show signs of wear and tear. These are constructed of good materials with sturdy stitching to last a long time. Even with continuous use on the trip, these packs can take the repetitive movements of grabbing items and putting them in the pack often.
Materials
The majority of these backpacks for kids are made out of the ripstop nylon or polyester that adult packs are constructed of too. It is a strong material that is lightweight and rugged to handle the rigors of tough life on the trail. Heavier fabrics would add unnecessary weight to the overall pack and make it very uncomfortable to carry.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Any advice for getting kids interested in hiking?
Use snacks as a positive reinforcement to break the boredom that can set in for kids. Set a goal of a mile or so for stopping for treats. Use trail mixes and good candy choices such as licorice strips, M&Ms, or chocolate covered nuts for rewards. Bring along a Kindle for reading, cards for games, or a child’s compass for scavenger hunts.
q: How do you prepare kids for the physical aspects of hiking?
If you have a wooded area near your home, try going for a long walk with them for about one or two hours to get their legs accustomed to the walking constantly. You can also pop up a tent in the backyard to get them used to sleeping outdoors before having to do it for real. This will make the real trip much less stressful and scary for them. It is a good idea to go with another family that has kids too. This will give them peer companionship when they get bored with adults.
q: Are these packs good for both sexes?
Yes, they are. You will find that some of them offer a good range of colors and prints to choose one the child likes. As far as weight, that will really depend on what is put in the pack for carrying it.
q: What should be put in a backpack for a small child just starting out with hiking?
Let them choose some favorite items to bring along such as toys, games, clothing pieces, drinks, and snacks. This will make them feel safe and give them something to do along the way. Put just what you think they can carry in their pack. Let them tote an item needed for hiking for everyone, such as tent poles, a food item, or a compass or light.
q: What negative remarks did parents have about these backpacks?
The amount of space in the packs and how it fits on the child are the main complaints from parents. The pack can be too small in the shoulders for some children, so be sure to pay attention to the dimensions when they are given by the manufacturer.
q: What are the most important factors when choosing a backpack for a child?
The size and storage space are the main concerns for a child. if the kid is very young, get a pack that can be adjusted for torso height, so it will last a few years. You do not want them bogged down with a heavy pack to start out. It will make them not like the activity. Let the child choose the color of the pack to include them in the decision to get one.
Sources
- , How to backpack with a toddler, Online Article
- , 8 Tips For Taking Your Kids On Their First Backpacking Trip, Online Article
- , Backpacking with Kids, Online Article
