REI Co-op Tarn 18 Pack - Kids'
Get youngsters excited to hit the trail carrying their own stuff in their own pack with the REI Co-op Tarn 18. It features easy-use buckles, hipbelt pockets for snacks, and kid-friendly storage.
- Optimized for ages 6 to 12 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
- Low-profile, padded straps offer an improved fit from the previous version, wrapping securely around youth shoulders
- Removable, tuckaway safety whistle on left shoulder
- Adjustable chest strap cinches and slides to just the right spot
- Hipbelt with zippered stash pockets for quick access to on-trail essentials—like snacks
- Easy-open buckles throughout are designed for kids' hands
- Internal sleeve holds a 2-liter hydration reservoir (not included) and can also fit a school binder or small laptop
- Exterior zippered pocket on top turns inside-out for quick-and-easy cleanout
- Front stuff pocket with quick-access buckle stretches to hold overflow items, like a jacket
- Front loops and lash points let kids hang gear—or fun accessories, like keychains
- Durable side pockets stretch to fit water bottles and other items and feature improved durability
- Side straps compress larger loads or help secure a taller water bottle or other item in the side pocket
- 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 Daypacks| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Bag Style | Backpack |
| Frame Type | Frameless |
| Gear Capacity (L) | 18 liters |
| Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 1,098 cubic inches |
| Weight | 1 pound |
| 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 | 6 + main compartment |
| Hipbelt | Yes |
| Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
| Laptop Compartment | Yes |
| Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
| Dimensions | 15 x 10 x 6 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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Perfect Pack for Adventurous Littles
I own several REI brand backpacks including two other chile sized packs. My oldest son has had the Tarn 18 for over a year and we were excited to get this pack for my daughter. Having had a version of this pack for over a year and getting to compare it to an older pack was great. Not much has changed and the features of this pack are excellent! We have used the pack on some trails and as a carryon for a long hour plane ride. The pack has deap exterior side pockets thay are perfect for a child or adult size water bottle. I love the internal pocket on the front of the bag, it is perfect for small items like lip balm or snacks. The bag itself is large enough for a short backpacking trip, especially if all your kiddos are carrying are their personal items like clothing, small toys, books, snacks, etc. The only thing I don't care for on this pack is the attached whistle. Hiking with a whistle is a must, but the whistle that is built into the clip is difficult to use and not very loud. We added a whistle to this pack. That said their are plenty of exterior loops where you can hang a whistle. Overall I love this bag and will contiue to buy the REI brand of packs as our kids grow.
Perfect Kids Day Pack
My son loves his Tarn 18 for day hikes. It's a good size for him as he's around 4 feet tall and the hip belt works well for his size. The hip belt pockets are great for his small flashlight and any little rocks he wants to collect along the way. We don't necessarily load his day pack on hikes, but it is more than enough for his needs. The water bottle side pockets are stretchy enough to accommodate 1L bottles. The zippered top pocket is a good size for any snacks we pack for the hikes/walks. The main compartment has another zippered pocket and a spot for a water bladder. The main compartment works well for any layers of clothes/accessories he needs to take on/off during a hike. He also enjoys fidgeting with the whistle mounted to one of the straps on the pack. Overall, it's a great choice for adolescent kids.
Great kids backpack!
Great kids backpack. Took it on a few hikes, used it for school, and general use. Functionality all across the board, tons of space and super convenient compression straps to tighten everything up nice and snug. There’s more than enough adjustments to allow the pack to grow right along with the child.
Kiddos gaining some independence
The family has been enjoying the Arizona winters with some hikes and I have loved my kids using their own backpack. We have been teaching them what to pack, how to pack it, and they now better understand why we can't bring everything they want! The design and the quality of the Tarn are great the storage compartments are well thought out, the size is perfect, and the kids love the color. Looking forward to many more seasons of use.
Great backpack for kids!
My daughter loves this backpack! It fits her well and she loves the miniature whistle built into the shoulder strap. I love the Get Outside Checklist in the fabric of the main pocket compartment. Love all the little pockets throughout, sleeve and top opening for hydration pack, chest and hip straps, and water bottle pockets on both sides! It even worked great on a plane ride; fit all her coloring book activities, stuffies, blanket, snacks, and water bottle. It's a great backpack for kids!
The size and shape are perfect for what you need for a morning out with kids. It is just big enough to fit on an adult, and not so big that your kid can't carry it. I usually have lunch, water, diapers, wipes, books or field guides, first aid kit and a few odds and ends. I've had this pack for 5 years, and there are no holes in the bottle pockets or bottom of the pack. no broken buckles either. I use the buckle in the middle to attach my picnic blanket, sunhat, travel potty, wetbag, discarded toys, or anything else that doesn't fit in the pack itself. The pack has loops on the sides, like most packs, but I'm not a fan of those in general. It's very hard to find a pack with a middle attachment point, and I find that when I attach such bulky items to one side it really puts my off balance. This is the main reason I keep using this instead of upgrading to an adult size pack.
Best backpack!
This is my kiddos second Coop backpack and it’s a win for the second time. It holds everything he needs for a hike or afternoon out. It’s ready for a bladder to be added for easy access to water and the colors are bright and fun.
Perfect pack, 4yo-10yo+
Tough & spacious, but not TOO big - perfect for my 5yo, now 6yo, for summer camp and school. Water bottle goes into deep side/outside pocket and stays put unless pack is flipped over (stays put when bag is tipped on its side). Inside has space for a regular-sized school folder + lunchbox + sweatshirt for school... or extra/swim clothes, sunscreen, lunch, etc. for camp. Big outer front clipped pocket is great for kids on the go stuffing in whatever's in their hands. And small outer top zip pocket is great for things like chapstick in winter. Buying this for my 4yo to bring to pre-k in the fall. They'll use their packs well into elementary school. Well worth the $ vs. a cheaper bag elsewhere; these are fantastic and they hold up!
Bought for grandson
Bought the green Tarn backpack for my 6 year old grandson. Unlike the other reviewer, I LIKE the bright color! If he were to get separated from his troop, hopefully the bright color would help adults see him. Also, he loves that shade of green. This backpack has the water pocket inside. I didn’t know this was “a thing” until his dad and I looked through it before purchasing. Good size for him, too.
Great adventure bag
I picked this up for my 8year old niece on our summer adventures. We like to go hiking, biking, and swimming. I appreciate that she can carry her own water and snacks, giving her the independence she needs without weighing her down too much. She adjusted to it right away, and loved being able to carry everything around herself. She didn’t complain once of it being heavy or of it bothering her skin or getting in the way. We have not tried anything longer than a day hike/bike so I’m not sure how it holds up for an overnight.