How to Choose Daypacks
Bend, Oregon
REI Co-op Tarn 12 Pack - Kids'
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
This is a real pack—not a toy. That's why the kids' REI Co-op Tarn 12 pack gets youngsters excited to hit the trail carrying their own stuff in their own pack.
Shop newer version- Sized to fit kids 5 to 8 years old
- Made from recycled ripstop nylon with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to shed light rain and stains
- Large main zippered compartment; front stuff pocket with stretch mesh side panels is great for a light jacket; zippered front pocket stores essentials securely
- Padded shoulder straps are comfortable and a padded back panel with built-in airflow channel improves ventilation
- Sternum strap keeps shoulder straps from sliding off small shoulders
- Buckled hipbelt distributes the weight on longer journeys; belt stows away in hidden pocket when not being used
- Large mesh water bottle pockets make it easy for kids to stay hydrated
- Compatible with a hydration reservoir (not included)
- Zipper pulls and lash loops double as reflective accents, improving nighttime visibility
- Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Tarn Product LineView all REI Co-op Daypacks| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Bag Style | Backpack |
| Frame Type | Frameless |
| Gear Capacity (L) | 12 liters |
| Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 732 cubic inches |
| Weight | 12 ounces |
| Material(s) | Recycled ripstop nylon; recycled nylon (bluesign® approved) |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 5 + main compartment |
| Hipbelt | Yes |
| Raincover Included | No |
| Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
| Dimensions | 14 x 10 x 5 inches |
| Gender | Kids' |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria From a Climate Label Certified brand |
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Great for children with medical needs
Ladybug4 years ago
We bought this to be a hiking backpack but it ended up being very important to my 3 year old son’s leukemia treatment. He is on a study and did two months of an immunotherapy called Blinatumomab. This is a continuous 24/7 infusion. This backpack held the little pump and we used the clip inside to hang his infusion bag. The chest and waist clips kept the backpack on him securely. This was much better than other backpacks we tried (the one the hospital gave us was adult-sized and wouldn’t stay on him) and helped him to be mobile (other option was to be hooked to an iv pole in our house). This backpack helped my little guy so much, and I’m so glad that now we get to use it for hiking :)
Ladybug
Cincinnati, OH
85 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Pinks and purples please!
Mom of 2 girls5 years ago
I bought this backpack four years ago for my eldest daughter in a lovely purple color. Now it’s time to get her little sister one ‘just like’ hers. I know my youngest would take any color in the pink-purple-teal range, but the colors you have now are all ‘boy’ colors and she won’t have any of them! Girly girls like nature too. Please give us some colors they will enjoy. Thanks!
Mom of 2 girls
New York, NY
50 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Ladybug
Cincinnati, OH
Great for children with medical needs
4 years ago
We bought this to be a hiking backpack but it ended up being very important to my 3 year old son’s leukemia treatment. He is on a study and did two months of an immunotherapy called Blinatumomab. This is a continuous 24/7 infusion. This backpack held the little pump and we used the clip inside to hang his infusion bag. The chest and waist clips kept the backpack on him securely. This was much better than other backpacks we tried (the one the hospital gave us was adult-sized and wouldn’t stay on him) and helped him to be mobile (other option was to be hooked to an iv pole in our house). This backpack helped my little guy so much, and I’m so glad that now we get to use it for hiking :)
Yes , I recommend this product
Hlove
Tennessee
Probably great for its intended purpose
4 years ago
Was hoping to buy a lightweight ergonomic book bag for back to school that could also be durable enough to use on the trail. It seems very well constructed. Obviously I don’t know how big/small12 liters is until I see it in person. It will hold a Bible and maybe the size of a composition notebook. Not big enough for teacher’s folder. My husband saw it and said “we’re sending that back.” Back to the drawing board.
wrensnest
Bristol, VT
Forest Pre-school Friendly
3 years ago
This is our favorite backpack for our forest preschoolers at Wren's Nest Forest Preschool in Vermont. It is a manageable size for 3-4-5 year olds. It holds a lunch, a change of clothes, and has an outside water bottle holder. We love the external clip so children can lash a rain coat or extra clothes as they layer up or down during the day. The sternum strap keeps the shoulder straps from slipping off little shoulders. Some of our students have used this backpack three years in a row and it is still in good shape to pass down to a sibling or friend. And there is plenty of extra pockets to stash treasures to bring home at the end of the day.
Yes , I recommend this product
dayhiker
Minnesota
Love it, need kid colors!
4 years ago
We have all loved the Tarn 12 for my son! He loves being able to carry his own water and snacks on the trail. At 4 years old he's in the 50th percentile for height and this fits him really well with room to grow. He loved it even at 3 years old despite it being a bit big. We are looking for another for our daughter and were quite disappointed with the color selection this year. We were hoping to find bright kid-friendly (not gray) colors like the one we have now. It's trivial to a piece of gear - we know - but it makes a difference for how excited our kids get over carrying their own gear.
Yes , I recommend this product
Little Traveler
Pacific North West
Functional, Adorable Backpack
4 years ago
First outdoors backpack purchased for our almost 3 year old. Comfortable fit, even while closed with multiple layers on. We were able to fit everything needed. Super versatile and useful from the airport to the outdoors. Made hiking extra exciting! Pockets were sturdy and held cups/liquids well to reduce spilling. Extra pockets for holding important items such as rocks and legos. Would highly recommend. Love the bright, reflective colors.
Yes , I recommend this product
Camp yeum
Oregon
Great for my kids!!
1 year ago
Great for kids !!!!! I love it !!!!!!!!!
Yes , I recommend this product
LesH
Williamsport, MD
Perfect for small kids (my 5 year old)
4 years ago
This pack fit my 5 year old girl perfectly. We were able to put her watter bladder in there and she didn't complain about the pack or the extra weight. It's a good way to get them to start carrying their own stuff little by little.
Yes , I recommend this product
Anonymous
Tarn 12 Children's Backpack
3 years ago
I have bought 4 of these packs over the last couple of years. I give them to my grandchildren as they turn about 6, filled with all the things they might want to go camping and hiking with their grandpa and me. This includes a Golden Guide about mammals and another about insects, a bandana, a headlamp, a maglite flashlight, an emergency whistle, and a few snacks (all available at REI except the books). These packs are great because they are sized for children, are lightweight, and contain lots of external and internal compartments for sorting and clipping things. They have held up well through multiple excursions, rain, snow, and mud. The kids are very happy with them!
Watchdog2022
Amazing pack for little people
3 years ago
We’ve used this as a hiking pack for the last two years for my youngest child, age 5 last summer and 6 this summer. I can’t imagine a better pack for this age. My goals are for her to get used to hiking with a pack, develop a little more independence, learn about being prepared for outdoor adventures, and carry her own found treasures, lol. This is ideal. The checklist reminds her what to pack, and it’s just big enough for day hike essentials + a bit extra. It’s big enough without compromising on carryability- it’s so lightweight and well-fitted. She can almost always carry this on her own for miles. The pride and competence she feels is so special.
Yes , I recommend this product
Nikki
Hawaii
Great for little hikers!
1 year ago
My son is 3 and loves hiking with this pack! We got it for him 8 months ago and it’s holding up nicely. I like it so much that I’ll be purchasing the larger size for his older sister as she keeps asking for a camelback but I much prefer these packs with more storage options for snacks and extra clothing.
Yes , I recommend this product
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