10 Best Kids Hiking Backpacks In 2021

Spacious, comfortable, and easily adjustable, the Deuter Fox 40 ranks among the best hiking backpacks for kids that you can buy. The flexible back adapts to the child's frame, while the S-shaped harness and padded hip belt provide all the support that your child needs on a longer hike.

Construction and Design

For improved support and stability, this top rated hiking backpack for kids comes with a strong internal frame. This, in combination with the chest strap and the mentioned waist belt, allows the backpack to transfer all the weight to the hips instead of the shoulders. Both the back and the sternum strap easily adjust so your child can have an ideal fit.

Storage and Extra Features

Considering that it’s a children’s backpack, the 40-liter storage capacity is pretty impressive. It allows your kid to pack everything they need for up to three days without putting too much strain on their back. Last but not least, the Fox 40 backpack also features several gear loops, zippered pockets, and even a hydration sleeve to make the hike as comfortable as possible.

Thanks to its kid-specific design, great fit, and abundance of extra features, the REI Co-op Tarn 18 is one of the best youth hiking backpacks for short hikes. The backpack features an 18-liter main compartment as well as a multitude of pockets so organizing gear will be easy.

Construction and Design

Made from high-quality ripstop nylon, the shell of the REI Tarn 18 backpack can withstand almost any challenge both on and off the trail. At the same time, the backpack weighs only 17 ounces so it won’t be too heavy for your child to carry. It doesn’t have a frame, but it’s very firm and stable even when loaded. Even though the straps on the pack are highly adjustable, it works best for slightly older children (8-12 years).

Storage and Extra Features

Unlike the previous model, the REI Tarn comes with a significantly smaller 18-liter storage capacity. While this won’t be enough for multi-day adventures, it’s great for shorter trips or daily use when going to school. As we’ve pointed out in the beginning, the backpack comes with many great features including chest and hip straps, compression straps, and three outer pockets for keeping water and snacks close to hand.

If you’re looking for the best value for your money, the Osprey Jet 18 kids outdoor backpack offers impressive quality and functionality at a very reasonable price. The backpack is user-friendly and has a capacity of 18 liters which should be more than enough for one-day hiking adventures.

Construction and Design

The outer layer of the Osprey Jet 18 is made from high-denier nylon that provides excellent protection against tears, punctures, and abrasion. The fabric is recycled and eco-friendly, and even comes with a coating of DWR (Durable Water Repellent) to prevent water from getting in the backpack.

Storage and Extra Features

To provide a high degree of portability without weighing your child down, the Osprey Jet 18 backpack comes with a storage capacity of 18 liters. Besides the main compartment, the backpack also features a couple of water bottle pockets, a large front mesh pocket for wet clothing, and a small zippered pocket for keys and money. Last but not least, it has an external hydration sleeve where you can insert a small bladder.

The North Face Sprout is a perfect backpack for toddlers and young children. It’s compact and easily adjustable so it fits on their back perfectly, while the 10-liter carrying capacity still allows your little one to participate and carry some of their gear. As a bonus, the Sprout pack is a great choice as a school bag or a kids travel backpack.

Construction and Design

Measuring only 11 x 9 x 7.5 inches, the North Face Sprout backpack will be ideal for the smallest hikers. The webbing straps are strong and easily adjustable so the backpack will stay firm on your kid’s back. As for the material, it’s made from 600D polyester which is known to withstand hits, drops, and sharp objects without tearing.

Storage and Extra Features

As we’ve pointed out at the beginning, the Sprout childrens hiking backpack comes with a 10-liter capacity. While this is pretty limited, it still allows your child to bring some items like snacks, water bottles, and spare clothing. The bag also features a double-zippered front pocket for smaller items as well as reflective patches that make your kid more visible in low-light conditions.

The thing we like most about the Quechua Athletic youth hiking pack is the weather protection it provides. Its high-quality nylon shell is water-resistant, which means that your child’s clothing and gear won’t get wet if they are caught in light rain. In addition to the great construction quality, the backpack is available in 10 colors so it's easy for your child to find their style.

Construction and Design

The design of this kid travel backpack is fully focused on functionality – the bag sits close to the body and features an adjustable harness so it can be in the optimal position on the torso. Furthermore, both the straps and the back panel feel very nice and won’t cause any discomfort to your child.

Storage and Extra Features

The main compartment of the Quechua Athletic backpack has a storage capacity of 10 liters which is ideal for day hikes and a short backpacking trip. In addition, the bag also features a handy zippered pocket on the front. Keep in mind, however, that this is probably the only model without mesh water bottle pockets on the sides.

When talking about well-organized storage, the Osprey Youth Jet 12 is potentially the best hiking backpack for kids that you can buy. It features a panel load access to get the gear in and out quickly, as well as several pockets for snacks, water bottles, clothing, and valuables. In addition, it also comes with a reservoir sleeve for adding a hydration bladder.

Construction and Design

To provide reliable protection for your child’s gear, the shell of the Osprey Youth Jet 12 is made from high-quality tear-resistant nylon. On top of this, the backpack also combines a few other materials that improve the overall comfort – a mesh layer on the back to boost ventilation and fleece lining on the shoulder straps to prevent chafing.

Storage and Extra Features

With 12 liters of storage volume, the Osprey Youth Jet 12 is one of the smaller models on our list. As such, it’s ideal for younger children between the ages of 3 and 7. As we’ve pointed out at the beginning, the backpack comes with many great features that make it one of the most popular models for both hiking and everyday use.

The Osprey Ace 50 backpack is an excellent choice for older children that are going on more serious expeditions. It comes with a generous 50-liter capacity that can be used to pack multi-day equipment. On top of this, the entire design is the same as you would find on Osprey’s adult models and features an adjustable torso, adjustable hip belt for weight distribution, and a LightWire frame for improved backpack stability.

Construction and Design

Unlike most hiking backpacks for kids on the market, the Osprey Ace 50 comes with an internal frame that makes the backpack more stable and combines with the waist strap to transfer the pack weight as well as side compression straps to reduce the bulk. As for the fabric, the backpack uses a combination of 400D and 600D nylon for an optimal balance between strength and low weight.

Storage and Extra Features

As its name suggests, the total storage volume of the Osprey Ace 50 is 50 liters. While most of it goes on the main storage compartment, the backpack also features an additional lid pocket, side mesh pockets, a large shove-it pocket, and a sleeve for a hydration bladder.

Owing to its compact design and small 7-liter capacity, the Fjallraven Re-Kanken Mini Kids is one of the best hiking backpacks for kids that are between 2 and 4 years old. The backpack is incredibly versatile and works great for just about anything – hikes, walks, theme parks, and even going to school.

Construction and Design

A thing that we particularly like about the Fjallraven Re-Kanken Mini is that it’s made from recycled plastic bottles which makes it very eco-friendly. Don’t let the choice of materials fool you though – the fabric is incredibly strong and can withstand anything your child subjects it to.

Storage and Extra Features

As we’ve mentioned at the beginning, the Re-Kanken Mini kids' backpack comes with a storage capacity of only 7 liters. Still, this will be just the right amount of gear for your toddler to handle without being overburdened. Besides the main compartment, the backpack also features side mesh pockets as well as a handy zippered pocket on the front.

One of the features that separate the Osprey HydraJet 12 backpack from the competition is its integrated 1.5-liter hydration bladder. This makes the backpack an excellent choice for the summer as it allows your little one to stay hydrated while they’re on the go. In addition to this, the backpack is also highly adjustable so comfort is guaranteed.

Construction and Design

For better ventilation and improved wearing comfort, the HydraJet 12 backpack comes with a special AirScape mesh panel on the back. Even though the backpack is close to the body, the panel allows air to circulate and prevents sweating. The rugged shell is made from nylon and the backpack weighs around 19 ounces when empty.

Storage and Extra Features

Besides the hydration reservoir, the HydraJet day pack comes with a few more great features – a chest strap for stability, stretch pockets on the sides, a large front pocket, and a web-loop daisy chain that you can be used for attaching other gear. Lastly, the backpack has a capacity of 12 liters which is excellent for shorter adventures.

If you and your little one enjoy climbing, the Deuter Climber kids backpack is among the best hiking backpacks get. It’s a well-balanced model that stays close to the body and allows full freedom of movement without weighing your child down. It’s padded and easily adjustable for optimal comfort, and features a 22-liter main compartment that fits a daily supply of food and clothing.

Construction and Design

Instead of nylon or polyester, the outer layer of the Deuter Climber kids backpack is made from polyamide. This is a good choice of materials because it gives the backpack great tear and puncture-resistance while keeping the weight at only 1.9 pounds.

Storage and Extra Features

To ensure the backpack stays in place when tackling difficult terrain, the Deuter Climber features an easily-adjustable chest strap and a waist belt. Furthermore, it’s also equipped with webbing loops for hanging gear as well as double buckle closure to keep the gear inside secure.