The best kids hiking backpack should be both comfortable and durable, as it will be carrying your little one’s essentials. In this hiking resources guide, we’ll list down our top picks on the market.
Having the right bag helps ensure that your children are comfortable while they’re out on their hike, which makes them more likely to enjoy themselves and want to go back out again.
Kids grow up so fast. One day they’re this tiny little nugget and the next they’re ready to explore the outdoors and set out on their first hiking adventure.
When your kids are ready to get out of the hiking backpack and get their own, be sure to get one of these best kids hiking backpacks.
What To Look For When Choosing A Kids Hiking Backpack?
Here are a few of the most important things to consider when searching for the best hiking backpack for kids.
Volume
The distance and difficulty by which your family can hike will depend on the age and ability of your kids to do such activity. For starters, a small day pack will do, which is enough to carry water, some snacks, or a few little items that they want to bring along.
The capacity or volume of the backpack we choose tends to increase as the child ages, big enough but still comfortable for them to wear.
Price
For younger kids who are just starting to hike, it’s okay to go for backpacks that are more budget-friendly but make sure it’s comfortable to wear for the kids, something lightweight yet sturdy enough to keep up with their energy.
For older kids who have more hiking experience, this is the time to start investing in bags that are pricier that can offer greater functionality and durability while hiking.
Adjustability
To avoid replacing and buying new backpacks for your growing kids, you should choose a hiking backpack that has features such as adjustable straps, so you can always adjust these bags to get the ideal fit for your kids.
Weight
It’s important to keep it lightweight, kids have tiny frames that can only take so much. Take into account the weight of the backpacks when empty and how heavy it will get when you finally stuff them with things. Heavier backpacks can take a toll on their bodies and can affect their moods as well.
Features
Hydration Reservoir Compatibility– Keeping hydrated during outdoor activities is one of the most important things to remember. It’s better to get a kids backpack that has a space for a hydration pack, you won’t have a hard time looking for this feature as this is a common feature for most hiking backpacks which you can also find in our list.
Sternum Strap- This strap holds the shoulder straps in place and prevents them from sliding off your kids’ shoulders.
Padded Shoulder Straps- This serves as an added support for your child while carrying the backpacks. It also makes the bag more comfortable to wear because of the cushioning function that the padded shoulder straps provide.
Waist belt– A waist belt feature helps in distributing the weight of the backpacks, they can carry it with much ease.
Compression Straps- These straps help in tightening the backpack’s load thus keeping the things inside more secure and balanced for your child to carry.
Pockets- Instead of stuffing everything inside the bag, these pockets help in holding little items that your kid would need.
Your kids should like it
After all the research that you did to pick out the best hiking backpacks for your kids, there’s one important thing to consider that can make or break your decision.
Make sure that your kids like it and would want to actually wear it. It’s pointless to get high-end and pricey hiking backpacks for your kids if they don’t want to use them.
One thing you can do is pick out your top backpack choices and from there, let your child decide which one they like the best.
Choosing the right hiking backpacks for your kids is important because a backpack that is not suited for their ages and body can definitely harm their bodies and create a negative attitude towards hiking in the long run.
Best Kids Hiking Backpack
Taking your kids on a hiking adventure can be a great way to bond as a family and explore the outdoors. But in order for it to be enjoyable, you need the right equipment – and that includes having the best kids’ hiking backpack available.
Best For Ages: 3-5 y/o
Weight: 3.52 oz.
Volume: 8 Liters
For hiking toddlers this backpack is one of the top choices out there. Aside from its functional features it also comes in different cute designs that your toddlers will absolutely love. It's not the most spacious bag out there but is enough to hold on to your kids absolute essentials.
Features
- Airstripes Back System
- Padded and adjustable shoulder straps
- Chest strap
- Made from 600D PES
- Side pockets
- One main compartment
- Accessory loops
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Adjustable padded shoulder straps
- Padded backpanel
- Cute designs for your kids to choose from
Cons
- No hip belts
- Lacks external zipper pockets
- Chest straps do not adjust height
Best For Ages: 5 and up
Weight: 14.8 oz.
Volume: 18 liters or 4.7 gallons
This is the perfect hiking backpack for your kids. Its neat and alpine design makes it a comfortable backpack to wear when hiking. Every feature of this bag is tailored to help kids hike with ease even for longer periods of time.
Feature
- Adjustable shoulder and chest straps
- Large main Compartment
- Airstripes Back System
- Mesh side pockets
- 2 front zip pockets
- Crafted from 600D PES
- 3M reflector
- Kid-friendly buckles
- Compression straps
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Breathable
- Adjustable straps for the perfect fit
- It has reflectors for increased visibility
Cons
- No Waist belt
Best For Ages: 4 y/o and up
Weight: 10 oz
Volume: 1.5 Liters
Cargo Capacity: 12.5 Liters
This pack is not just a hiking backpack, its a hydration backpack perfect for your your young explorers. it's tailor-made for preschoolers and grade-school students who also loves to hike. It's a full-featured backpack that is perfect to keep your kids hydrated all throughout the hike and spacious enough to hold on to your kids necessities.
Features
- Crux Reservoir
- Crux On/Off Lever
- Built-in reflectivity and safety whistle
- Air mesh back panel
- Transparent external pocket
- Sternum strap
- Adjustable and padded shoulder straps
- Side pockets
- 1 main compartment and smaller compartment in front
Pros
- Breathable
- lightweight
- Equipped with hydration packs
- Safety features like reflective accents and whistle
- Thick yet breathable back padding
- leak proof water reservoir
- BPA Free
- Compartments are large enough to contain not only the essentials
Cons
- Its a bit on the pricey side
- Reservoir cap is a bit tricky to use
Best For Ages: 3-8 y/o
Weight: 9.9 0z
Volume: 10 L
If you love its adult counterpart, you're also gonna love this smaller version that's perfect for your little hikers. It packed with awesome features that you can also find with its adult counterpart. Aside from the fact that its great for your kids hiking adventure, it can also work as a travel, school or sports backpacks for your kids.
Features
- Panel-loading main compartment
- Dual side mesh pockets
- Small front pocket with key clip
- Multi-functional interior sleeve
- Internal name tag
- Sternum strap
- Adjustable and padded shoulder straps
Pros
- Affordable
- Made from recycled materials
- Water-resistant
- Multiple pockets for added storage
- lightweight
- Spacious compartment not including a water reservoir
- Breathable
Cons
- Hydration bladder not included
Best For Ages: 2 y/o and up
Weight: 7 0z
Volume: 1.5 L
CamelBak has been a global leader in outdoor hydration. Known for making high quality and durable products, its definitely on the top of the list.
It is specifically designed for kids that are ready to explore the outdoors. Great hydration capacity is what makes this back one of the top choices for kids hiking backpacks. Just like CamelBak's adult hiking backpacks, this hydration backpack for kids has features that works well just like its larger counterparts.
Features
- Crux Reservoir
- Crux On/Off Lever
- Built-in reflectivity and safety whistle
- Organizer pocket
- Zippered compartments
- Sternum strap
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Safety features like reflectors and whistle
- Leak proof water reservoir
- Affordable
- Crux reservoir delivers 20% more water per sip
- Durable
- Comfortable fit
- 100% Free of BPA and BPS
Cons
- No padded shoulder straps
- Smaller space for other items due to the water reservoir
Best For Ages: 4-12 y/o
Weight: 0.84lbs
Hydration Capacity: 1.5 liters
Total Capacity: 12 Liters
If you're looking for a hiking backpack for your kids that is durable and well constructed, then the Osprey Hydrajet 12 Backpack is the one to choose. It can carry enough water needed for the hike and still leave a lot of room for your kids necessities.
Features
- Bucket-style main compartment
- Airscape back panel
- 400D Recycled Nylon Packcloth
- Dual mesh side pockets, Front Shove-It Pocket
- Daisy-Chain
- Adjustable and padded shoulder straps
- Adjustable sternum strap
- External reservoir sleeve + 1.5L Hydraulics reservoir
- Fleece-lined harness
- Durable Water Repellent finish
Pros
- Large Compartment
- Includes water reservoir
- Breathable
- Durable and well constructed
- Fleece-lined harness offers edgeless comfort
- Lightweight
- Water resistant
Cons
- No hip belts
Best For Ages: 10 y/o and up
Weight: 14.03 oz.
Volume: 16 L
This hiking backpack is ideal for older kids who are starting to transition from small to a bigger sized backpack. It has large enough space for your kids necessities and gears for hiking. Although its a bit bigger, it is still lightweight and can be carried by your kids for a loner period of time.
Features
- Quick-Pull drawcord closure
- Secure zipper pocket
- Padded backpanel
- Twin sided pockets
- Removable hipbelt
- Internal hydration sleeve
- Reflective webbing loops
- Sternum straps
- Adjustable and Padded shoulder straps
Pros
- Spacious compartments
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Reasonable Price
- Water resistant
- Adjustable straps
- Quick access zippered pocket
Cons
- Easy access to the main compartment is hindered by the drawcord feature
How Much Weight Can Kids Carry?
When it comes to hiking backpacks for kids, weight is always going to be a concern. A lot of experts suggest that the ideal weight that a kid should carry is between 10% to 20% of their body weight, but this suggestion usually pertains to kids and their school backpacks.
Hiking is a totally different environment where kids can face challenging terrains while traveling for long hours under the sun. Heavy backpacks can lead to injury and can dampen the mood of the kids along the way.
Ages 2-4
Pack weight: less than 5% of the bodyweight
In this age group, you should keep everything to a minimum. You can let them wear an empty backpack or put tiny little things inside, this can serve as an early training ground for them.
Ages 4-7
Pack weight: 5% of body weight
Kids this age cannot carry a backpack for a longer period of time, it can tire them easily. A pack that is 5% of their body weight(around 2-4lbs) is just enough to keep them going.
Ages 8-10
Pack weight: 5%-10% of body weight
Kids would have some experience in hiking by this age and can carry slightly heavier packs. But make sure to check every now and then to know if the weight has some effect on the posture of the child.
Ages 10+
Pack Weight: 10%-15% of body weight
Growth spurts happen in this age group and by this time they should be able to carry a heavier load for longer periods. Since this is a critical stage in the kids’ development and growth, it’s important to check them and their overall posture every so often during the hike.
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