How to Choose Daypacks

This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
Turn your aspiring young hiker loose on the trail with the durable REI Co-op Tarn 18 daypack. They'll love the kid-specific comfort, thoughtful design and variety of pockets.
Shop newer versionImported.
View the REI Co-op Tarn Product LineView all REI Co-op DaypacksBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Bag Style | Backpack |
Frame Type | Frameless |
Gear Capacity (L) | 18 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 1,098 cubic inches |
Weight | 17 ounces |
Material(s) | Recycled ripstop nylon; recycled nylon (bluesign® approved) |
Pack Access | Top |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 7 + main |
Hipbelt | Yes |
Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
Raincover Included | No |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Dimensions | 16.5 x 9 x 4.5 inches |
Gender | Kids' |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials From a Climate Label Certified brand |
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
This is our second Tarn kids pack (started with the smaller size at age 4) and the main pack is fantastic (with one caveat)! The material and zippers are very durable and continue to look good, even with the daily abuse of being used as a school backpack. And has fit comfortably from age 6-7. BUT, on both packs, the mesh side pockets tore quickly. They are a great size for a water water bottle, but at the bottom edge of the bottle, they get worn through in about 4 months, no longer securing the water bottle. I’ve patched them with some success, but even the patch doesn’t last long because the material underneath doesn’t hold the patch well.
I am 5’1,125 pounds, and a women’s size S and this backpack is PERFECT for me! Lately my full size adult backpacks have been giving me back pains, not to mention how hefty they can be for short hikes. I bought this to use for day trips and short camping trips, but now I’m using it as a school backpack because it is just way too comfortable (can fit a 13” laptop snugly). The chest buckle hits at just the right spot on my chest to relieve my lower back of pressure. People with bigger chests or larger in general may find this too small, unfortunately, so I hope they also decide to make a pack this size but with larger straps. I really hope they restock these soon because I would 100% recommend this backpack.
I bought this for my daughter’s first overnight backpacking trip. She was 6 and we did 18 miles in three days. This pack allowed her to comfortably carry the ten essentials, her down sleeping bag, a cut-down pad, her clothes, and a stuffed cat she sleeps with (in the outside pocket so Kitty could take in the views). The pack is very well made and comfortable. It’s a “real” pack that’s scaled down where many kids packs are frankly junk. I’m impressed by the design features, materials and build quality. My daughter is the oldest of four kids and I’m sure this pack will serve her and eventually her siblings for many years to come.
I highly recommend these backpacks for both hiking and school for elementary kiddos. We are on year two and they still look like new! We have had no issues with tearing (though they are mainly used for school use). I love the large front pocket- it’s so handy for younger kids to put items like snacks/ mittens/ etc that would otherwise get lost in the abyss of the main compartment! If the backpack is heavy it comes with two support straps (chest and hip) that help keep it on their back and take off some weight. Highly recommend!
My kids absolutely love this pack, we’ve taken it on several hikes and it’s perfect. It’s the right size to fit all of their essentials and fits them well so they carry it with ease (over rocks, across streams and up trees because that’s how my kids do hiking) The pack has held up to everything they’ve put it through and also cleans up well after their adventures. I have two kids age 7 and 9, one on the small side and one on the tall side for his age and this pack works well for both of them. This is one of the best kid day packs on the market and at a nice price point.
I originally bought this for my then 6 year old to carry her own "stuff" on hikes and other adventures. But I soon found it was perfect for me to wear with both of our gear. It holds a lot and with the waist belt and chest strap, it doesn't weigh your shoulders down or make your back hurt by the end of the day. The placement of pockets and zippered compartments is perfect. We use it for every day outing...beach, Disney, park, hiking, etc. Very durable; this pack has been thrown around and stuffed into many a tight spot while traveling--hardly shows any signs of wear and wipes clean easily. (My only wish would be more color options.)
I bought this backpack for my 6 year old son and ended up carrying it on a recent trip when I needed a smaller pack for essentials. I was blown away! The top and top inside pockets are great for quick reach items. The pack stays upright for “digging” unlike my Marmot lightweight hiking pack. The two side pockets are great for water bottles and the front pocket has a duel purpose or carrying a stuffy (for him) or an extra jacket (for me). At only 5ft tall the smaller bags for women are still too big for my short torso. I never thought to get a kids bag! I’m sure to be fighting over it with him or I’ll just by myself another one!
I bought this for my 7-yr old for biking around and backpacking. We went on a 16-mile trip with this pack and it held all her snacks and clothes, which was super helpful! It has about 11(?) pockets, she counted and for some reason that makes her LOVE this pack. There's even a whistle on the sternum strap. I'm very happy with this because up until this bag, she was resistant to carrying a backpack. The best part, I could packl this with 5 liters of water, snacks and extra layers for the 2 of us and I could wear it when we did day hikes up mountains. I'm 5'6, 135 lbs and it fit me comfortably but would NOT fit anyone bigger than that!
I've spent so much time and money over the years trying to find the "perfect" daypack for hiking. I wasn't satisfied with any of the packs--there was always something wrong with them. The REI Tarn 18 pack is absolutely perfect--it's simple, but has everything you need; plus it has just the right number of pockets. Plus, this pack fits me better than any of the $100+ packs I've tried. I bought an extra one in case they stop selling it (please don't stop selling it!). I absolutely love this pack. I would also love to wear the 12 pack for shorter hikes or walks in the park, but unfortunately that one is too small.
This backpack is the perfect size for an elementary school child. However, within a year holes began appearing in the bottom and on the front pocket.