10 Best Youth Backpacking Packs 2025 in the United States

The Deuter Climber Children's Hiking Daypack, designed for kids aged 6 and up, is a solid choice for young adventurers exploring alpine terrain. It offers a total capacity of 22 liters, which is ample for day hikes and short trips. The backpack is lightweight at 680 grams (1.5 pounds), making it easy for children to carry without feeling weighed down. Its Alpine System technology ensures a secure and comfortable fit, with an adjustable sternum belt to keep the pack in place and Softstripe back pads to enhance ventilation.

This design allows for flexibility and movement, important for active kids. The pack's durability is notable, crafted from robust materials suitable for rugged use. Storage options are well thought out, featuring an elasticated inner compartment for wet clothing, a lid compartment for essentials, and an inner pocket for valuables. Additionally, it is compatible with a 2.0-liter hydration system, which is a great feature for keeping kids hydrated on the go.

Safety is also a priority with an included SOS label providing emergency instructions. However, some might find the number of pockets limited compared to other options, which could affect organization for certain items. Additionally, while the ventilation system is effective, it may not be as advanced as some higher-end models. Despite these minor drawbacks, this daypack delivers on both comfort and functionality for young hikers.

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.