REI Co-op  Tarn 40 Pack - Kids'

These were great...for a little while. Backpack trips with preteens in NorCal mountains, a week in Barcelona when they were teens, great that the packs grew with them. But today I got the packs back out after a 3 year hiatus in the garage, and the main waist strap on 2 of my 3 Tarn 40 packs (the red ones) has somehow disintegrated into tear-in-half-in-your-hand fragility. My other Tarn 40 (orange) has no discernible failures, my REI Flash 60 and Flash 65, no problems. But the red Tarn 40s both failed. And in exactly the same way, at the same place, having been used only a half a dozen times and stored carefully in the shade in the garage. Someone at REI got cheap in the production of the red Tarn 40 pack. Buyer beware!

I had a great time during the 3-night, 4-day trip to Jirisan in Korea

I got this pack for my 8yo and he loves being able to carry his own gear now (see attached photos as proof)! It's big enough to carry his sleeping bag, clothes and hammock. Plus we can attach his sleeping pad to the outside without a need for additional straps. It's a well made pack!

I got this for my 7 1/2 year old son. It is super adjustable and seems to be a good quality. It is on the lowest height adjustment now so there is plenty of adjustments left as he grows. We put a 5lb tent in it to test the fit and he says it is very comfortable. We are excited to try it - I'm happy with this purchase.

This is a really good size backpack for kids with small waists. Unfortunately, the fabric on the hip pockets is a very stretchy and easily damaged mesh. After one outing with normal use, both pockets had developed holes. REI says we can't return it because it isn't a manufacturing defect, so I'll have to patch with better fabric or go without these pockets. As easily as these wore through, I would anticipate making the same choice when considering your purchase. As an alternative, I recently got a Deuter Fox 40 and think that is the better option for durability and functionality at nearly the same price.

I picked up 2 of these for my boys, 6 and 8 years old. The packs fit them both perfectly after an easy adjustment of the torso length. The size of the pack is perfect for the essentials for my kids and even some comfort items. My boys both carry a sleeping bag, pad, pillow, 1L water bottle, hygiene bag, snack bag, meal bag, some extra layers, rain gear and 1 toy. This bag accommodates all with room to spare. Side pockets are nice and deep. The Hip belt w/ pockets is great for stability and on the go snacks. The Small top zipper pouch is great for headlamp and other small loose items. The top and bottom straps both have enough length to stow a full-size therm-a-rest Z-light sol Pad.

This pack was the perfect upgrade for my 10-year old daughter. The adjustable shoulder straps are key and will allow her to use the pack for years to come. We did a 7 mile loop a few days after getting the pack and she loved it, comfortable and proud to be carrying more of her own gear. No complaints whatsoever.

My very petite 6 year old (40lb), was able to carry this for 90 % of the duration of our back country hike in cold, rainy Alaska weather! Material is durable, love the whistle on front strap and other side and pouch pockets. It will grow with her for years! My only complaint is the cost, but It will be passed on to my next kiddo, so it was worth it.

My 9 year old daughter wore this pack on a backpacking trip and seemed to carry it well - it was maybe 12-14 pounds of weight and she weighs around 69 pounds. It adjusts easily and we are very pleased with the quality and the extra large storage "water bottle" pockets on the outside

Love this! I’m only 4”10 and have a 13 inch toros. Did a 200 mile section with the Osprey Aura Ag 50 xs which was too big for me despite being the smallest adult 44 L backpacking pack. Wrecked my tailbone and hips. Switching to the REI Tarn has been a life saver !! Fits just as much, is more comfortable, and has an adjustable torso that fits me. The hip-belts are thinner making it more comfortable on my short torso but hold just as much as the Osprey Aura. Personally, I think the back is more comfortable than the Aura too. It’s squishier. It doesn’t have the anti-gravity tech that the Aura does, but I don’t really notice a difference. Highly recommend for any children or petite adults (probably under 5”2). Just wish it came in more colors.