9 Best Youth Backpacking Packs 2025 in the United States

The Deuter Unisex Kid's Fox 40 Backpack is a well-rounded choice for young adventurers with its 40-liter capacity, which is ample for extended trips or camping. Its ergonomic design focuses on comfort with back pads that evenly distribute weight and ventilation through channels and 3D AirMesh, making it a practical choice for long treks. The backpack is highly adjustable, thanks to the VariQuick back length adjustment system, allowing it to grow with your child and offer personalized comfort.

Weighing just 2.8 pounds, it is relatively lightweight for its size, which is crucial for maintaining ease of carry for kids. The frame type and structure of the backpack are well-thought-out with pull-forward hip fins and load adjustment straps, ensuring the load is balanced and secure.

In terms of organization, the backpack includes specialized compartments for hydration systems, valuables, and wet gear, which is convenient for adventurous young backpackers. The SOS-Label with life-saving tips is a thoughtful addition for safety-conscious journeys. Constructed with 600D PES and 210D PA Ripstop fabric, the backpack promises durability and resilience against water and abrasions, making it suitable for rough usage.

The North Face Teen Terra 55 Backpacking Backpack is designed specifically for young adventurers. With a capacity of 55 liters, it offers ample space for gear and essentials, making it suitable for extended trips. The OPTIFIT suspension system is adjustable, ensuring a comfortable fit, while the patent-pending Dyno Lift System helps distribute weight evenly without adding extra load, which is crucial for young users.

Weighing just 2 pounds, the backpack is lightweight and easy to carry, enhancing the trekking experience for youth. The supportive molded hip belt and cushioned back panel deliver additional comfort and support during hikes. The backpack features organized storage with a full J-zip opening for easy access and multiple compartments, including hydration compatibility, ensuring all essentials are well-organized and accessible.

The durability and material choice, along with breathable mesh, ensure the backpack withstands outdoor conditions while ensuring ventilation, preventing discomfort from sweat. However, the backpack might be too large for younger children within the recommended age range of 3-12 years, making it more suitable for older kids and teens. It appears to be a reliable and thoughtfully designed backpack for young backpackers.

The Osprey Tempest Jr Girl's Hiking Backpack is designed for kids aged 4 to 12, making it a good choice for young hikers and backpackers. With a 14-liter capacity, it offers enough space for day hikes and outdoor adventures without being too bulky for small frames. The lightweight design, just over a pound, helps kids carry their gear comfortably without feeling weighed down. Its adjustable harness and chest strap with a safety whistle ensure a secure and customizable fit, which is important as children grow.

The pack’s dual-zippered main compartment and multiple mesh pockets, including side panels and hipbelt pockets, provide good organization for essentials like water bottles and snacks. The external hydration sleeve is a nice touch, although the water reservoir needs to be purchased separately. Made with durable materials and featuring a stretch mesh front panel for quick-access items like rain gear, this backpack can handle typical outdoor use.

While the pack doesn't have a dedicated frame, it’s designed to offer decent ventilation for comfort during activity. This backpack strikes a good balance between functionality and comfort, though parents should keep in mind the smaller size and limited capacity if planning longer trips.