REI Co-op Tarn 12 Pack - Kids'
Get youngsters excited to hit the trail carrying their own stuff in their own pack with the REI Co-op Tarn 12. It features easy-use buckles, a tuck-away waistbelt and kid-friendly storage.
- Optimized for ages 4 to 7 years
- Built for durability with a nylon ripstop body and a double-layered, recycled-nylon bottom
- Shell and lining fabrics are made with a nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) to help moisture bead up on the surface
- Air-mesh back panel is light and breathable
- Padded straps offer an improved fit from the previous version, wrapping securely around kids' shoulders
- Removable, tuckaway safety whistle on left shoulder
- Adjustable chest strap cinches and slides to just the right spot
- Low-profile waistbelt can be tucked away when not in use
- Easy-open buckles throughout are designed for kids' hands
- Internal sleeve holds a 1.5-liter hydration reservoir (not included) and can also fit a composition notebook or small tablet
- Top handle is designed for kids but fits an adult hand for easy carry
- Front stuff pocket with quick-access buckle stretches to hold overflow items—like a treasured toy
- Front loops and lash points let kids hang gear and attach a favorite keychain
- Durable side pockets stretch to fit water bottles and other items and feature improved durability
- Internal zippered stash pocket with mesh for better visibility
- Reflective details
- Let's Go Outside packing list and ID label are printed on the interior for easy access
- 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
- Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Tarn Product LineView all REI Co-op DaypacksBest Use | Hiking |
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Bag Style | Backpack |
Frame Type | Frameless |
Gear Capacity (L) | 12 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 732 cubic inches |
Weight | 12 ounces |
Material(s) | Main: nylon ripstop; bottom: 100% recycled nylon; lining: 100% recycled polyester; back panel: 100% recycled polyester air-mesh (all bluesign approved) |
Pack Access | Top |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 3 + main compartment |
Hipbelt | Yes |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Dimensions | 13 x 9 x 5.5 inches |
Gender | Kids' |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials From a Climate Label Certified brand |
Better gear is built together
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.


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Solid backpack for the littles.
This is the third REI backpack I've had, and it holds up to the quality the previous two established. Everything is well designed, functions as it should and has a reasonable fit on it's target consumer. I have two boys within the range of this product's target audience, a four year old and a five year old, and it's a solid pick for either one. The five year old has used my Flash 18 pack before, which is clearly big on him but works, but this one works a lot better as far as comfort and size wise. My four year is dwarfed by the Flash 18, so this one really works well on him. There's three external open pockets. The side pockets can take up to the full size 32oz nalgene bottle, but that's really pushing it and you're better off with the smaller size one at 16oz. The large pocket across pack is secured by the catch above it, but is otherwise largely open. Nothing is going to fall out while hiking, but if the pack gets set down, it'll need checked before moving on to ensure nothing came out. For us, as a rock climbing family, where we'll be dropping packs multiple times throughout the day to climb, I kind of wish that the larger pocket was a bit more secure, and/or there was an exterior pocket with a zipper where we could access items we want relatively quickly without having to open the main pack. More often than not, the large pocket will be used for a jacket or something. Straps are snug, easily adjustable. The same hasp/catch on the front as the pocket on the back, and I think the hasp is my favorite part of the pack. The standard 3 prong hasp on backpacks can be a lot for little hands to work reliably, but this one is much easier to use, much easier to work with. I want it for all packs going forward, to be honest. Also, the reflective striping around the pack are a good thought for as it gets darker and keeping track of your kid on the trail. The whistle is also there, but it's used more because the kid is bored, not lost. I don't want it to go away, but also.... I kind of do. There's also a hip belt and it works great, but can also be tucked away into little pockets at the base of either side of the belt and most likely where the belt will stay 90% of the time. Great feature to have though. The inside is plenty large for everything a kid would need on the trail. Hammock, snack, harness and shoes in our case, maybe a few other items. Perfectly adequate. There's a slip in the back for a hydration pack as well. In the front, there is a zippered pouch at the top, so probably where things like medications, epipen, headlamp, stuff you want quickly when you do want it. Again, I wish there was a pocket like that on the outside, but at least there's one on the inside and above the clutter. Overall, I'm really pleased with this pack's design, and I think both boys and their little sister will get a lot of use out it. Again, as my third REI pack, I know it'll hold up well just like the other two have. My 5yr old probably only has another year of being the right size for this, then he'll be in my Flash 18, which he was using prior to us getting this one. My 4yr old will use this one quite a bit. So at 5-6, depending on the size of your child, maybe consider the next size up, rather than outgrowing this one within a season. 4-5, you're probably safe. Great backpack, just wish it had an external pocket that zipped.
Adventure Ready, Kid Friendly, and Parent Approved
This backpack is fantastic! My daughter has worn/played with it every day since we got it, she calls it her ‘dino adventure pack’, and it has held up to some rough outdoor play. The pack is perfectly sized for a 6 year old and surprisingly well made for a kid specific outdoor product. The smaller size helps prevent the overloading that can occur with a standard size school backpack but it is roomy enough to carry kid essentials on a day hike. The bag is hydration bladder ready and has water bottle pockets, that can actually be used to hold water bottles, on both sides. There is an open “helmet’ pocket on the front and the main compartment has a small zippered pocket at the top. The left shoulder strap has a ‘survival’ whistle on a short lanyard that is both fun and potentially life saving. I am very impressed with the quality of the stitching, hardware, and zippers though not surprised given REIs track record of excellence with similar products.
Perfect Pack for your Little Adventurer
The perfect for little girls adventures or just toting treasures around town. Just the right size for 4-6 year olds and fits snacks, drinks, and supplies for their next snow adventure. The attached whistle calls everyone near for their next discovery.
Great little pack for day adventures
This is our second Tarn 12 backpack. We loved our first one so much I bought another one for our second daughter. The backpack itself is great. Love the padded straps, extra pockets, backpacking essential list on the inside and the front chest and waist straps. The only reason I give it four stars is because the whistle is secured on the pack so tightly that it is almost impossible to reach it with the backpack on. My daughter was able to reach it, but not without some crazy neck distortion 😂. Over all I would recommend but just keep in mind that the backpack might need to be taken off in order to blow the whistle.
My 3-year-old loves this packpad. The "hipbelt tucks away" feature is ingenious. The overall design and the color scheme are fantastic.
Great little backpack for little ones
My kids absolutely love this backpack (they were fighting over who got to wear it on the trail). The chest and waist straps work really well to make the pack comfortable - my kids said they barely felt it even after I loaded it up with waters, snacks, and the first aid kit. My mountain biker loves wearing it on rides because it fits so well to his back. I was surprised how much I could fit in the pack; easily enough snacks and water for 5+ miles. I was disappointed that the water bladder pocket couldn't fit my 1 liter bladder so I'll have to purchase a new one for this pack. All in all, the pack rocks, my kids are excited to get on the trail to use it, and I have to carry way less stuff in my own back.
Great first hiking backpack for younger kids
The perfect little kid hiking backpack! My son (2) just got kicked out of the child carrier and this backpack fits him perfectly! What we love: the size, ability to carry a hydration bladder, and stretchy side pockets for snacks and gloves. He loves his new backpack so much, he even requests bringing it to school.
Good size and works well for little bodies!
We have had these backpacks for about 6 months now. They are holding up very well. I love how they're designed for little bodies to carry while still having ample room for their things! One thing that I would note, their water bottles do not stay in the side water bottle pockets well if they bend over to explore. We have put them in the middle elastic outside pocket and clipped them in using the buckle through the handle. That has worked out well! The water bottle pockets have turned into places to collect little nature things like rocks and sticks and pine cones. 🤪
Perfect for Day Hikes and Everyday Adventures!
REI Kids Backpack Review We’ve been using the REI kids backpack for a few weeks now, and overall, it’s a great product. The fit is fantastic—it’s comfortable and adjusts well, which is perfect for my daughter. She absolutely loves it, especially the design and size. The storage is a bit limited, though, with fewer pockets than I expected. That said, it works well for day hikes or casual outings around town. If you’re looking for something for longer trips, you might need something with more capacity. But for what it’s designed for, it does the job really well. A solid choice for active kids!
Yellow for a Lil’ fellow
Love the bright Visibility color. Along with the reflective strips. The whistle is lovely touch. My three year old loves the ease of access to everything as do I. Cushioned straps and back is awesome. Side pockets fit the kids nalgene so well.