How to Choose Daypacks
Bend, Oregon
REI Co-op Tarn 18 Pack - Youth
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
The REI Tarn 18 pack perfectly suits young outdoor adventurers ages 8 -12. With the same high-quality materials and design as an adult pack, this pack is sized and shaped to fit kids comfortably.
Shop newer version- FreeFlow sculpted back panel reduces sweaty contact areas with peaks and valleys that let vapor escape; soft foam allows the pack to conform to kids' backs for a stable fit
- Contoured and padded hipbelt features zippered pockets for handy storage of small essentials
- Panel loading main compartment is easy to organize and access; hydration pocket fits a 50 fl. oz. hydration reservoir (sold separately)
- The REI Tarn 18 pack features a large mesh pocket on the front and a zippered pocket on the top for stashing extras such as a jacket, hat and gloves
- Safety whistle is built into the sternum strap buckle so a child need never be without this 10 essentials item
- Mesh side pockets hold water bottles and afternoon snacks; lightweight lash points allow kids to strap additional gear to the front of the pack
- 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
| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Frame Type | Frameless |
| Gear Capacity (L) | 18 liter |
| Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 1,100 cubic inches |
| Weight | 1 lb. 3 oz. |
| Fits Torso Length (in.) | 8 to 12 years |
| Material(s) | Nylon |
| Pack Access | Panel |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 6 + main compartment |
| Dimensions | 15 x 9.75 x 6.5 inches |
| Gender | Kids' |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
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PhotoTania
PA
Tarn 18
12 years ago
I got this for my son's 5th birthday because he wanted his own pack. He absolutely loves it! It is a great size and he can fit his first aid kit (keeps it in the hydration pocket), jacket, camera, binoculars, ranger book, headlamp, bandanna, hand towel, and snacks very comfortably in the large main compartment. In the smaller pocket on top, he keeps his sunglasses and NP Passport. Lip balm fits perfectly in the waist pockets. He loves the whistle on the chest strap. Take note: This bag is not water resistant at all!! Be sure to put things you don't want ruined (like NP Passports) in a plastic bag or get a waterproof bag cover.
Yes , I recommend this product
TheBean
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
not just for the kids!
11 years ago
I am a 5'1" 120 lbs woman and this pack is great for me! I was looking to an upgrade from my old 8L Camelbak, and this fits the bill. It holds raingear, an extra layer, snacks, and other necessities easily. I just wish it had a few more pockets for better organization, but it still works great for me. Of course the pack is made for a kid's shorter torso, but if I loosen the straps a bit, the hip belt hits perfectly and it's not a problem. A good, less expensive alternative for those on the smaller side looking for a solid day pack.
Yes , I recommend this product
Anna5
Denver, Colorado
Everything an adult pack has
12 years ago
I am a small (but hot) woman, so childrens gear often fits me better than adult gear. This pack is perfect for pretty much everything--hiking, biking, prancing around town. It has lots of pockets which is a must for me, and it has all the amenities an adult pack has. The material on the shoulder straps can be a little harsh against bare skin at times but overall a great pack. Enjoy!
Yes , I recommend this product
JRM - marathoner/sports enthusiast
Issaquah, WA
Solid Backpack for kids
11 years ago
I purchased this pack for my 6 year old son for kindergarten. It is a little big for him now, but he should grow into it nicely. The padded straps are very comfortable, the emergency whistle on the sternum strap is a great idea, and it holds his folder, lunch box, and jacket every day. We are quite happy with the purchase and it meets our needs. My only minor quibble is that it could use another small pocket on the inside of the main compartment to hold some money, medicine or even a cell phone. There is a small exterior pocket at the top of the pack, but if it isn't zipped up completely, items could fall out.
Yes , I recommend this product
John is Outdoors
Silverdale, WA
Great kids pack
12 years ago
I bought this pack for my 5 year old son. We tried it in the store to ensure it would fit him. The straps and waist fit just fit his small body at maximum adjustment. He loves the pack. I also puchased the 1.8L Platypus bladder to go with it. It is a great pack for him to carry his own water, his raingear, snacks and emergency gear. It is very stylish and will be a great daypack for him for hopefully 5 years!
Yes , I recommend this product
tlginptc
Atlanta, GA, United States
2 years later - and still going strong
11 years ago
I bought this pack 2 years ago for my 6yo to use everyday at school and on our day hikes. My son is brutal with this pack - sliding it across the floor and on the bus, throwing it around the yard, etc. My son is now 8 and we still love this backpack. I would buy him a new one, if we could find one we liked, but we haven't yet.... My favorite things about this pack are - 1. it fits a notebook to use at school (many day packs don't) 2. it does have the hydration pocket and fits a bladder nicely 3. The lightweight material does not add much to the weight - making it easy for my kid to carry (and not complain), and 4. It obviously is very durable. My son's favorite things about the pack - the whistle!
Yes , I recommend this product
OldNSlow
Oceanside, CA
Perfect for my 9 Year Old Grandson
13 years ago
I gave this to my 9 year old grandson for a birthday gift. He has started day hiking with us and could use his own day pack. I went to our local REI to compare. The Tarn won out. The straps and hip belt are very adjustable, and the variety of pockets are great for snak storage and water bottles (he doesn't have a bladder yet, although this back can handle one). He wore it on a 5 mile hike with a pretty steep ascent and was very happy. The wide opening of the main compartment was perfect when he wanted to stow his hat and hoody. The construction is right up there with other packs and the design doesn't scream "I'm A Kid!".
Yes , I recommend this product
Sasquatch in Wasatch
SLC UT
Great for the kids to carry
11 years ago
Got this and the Sprig 12 to take my 5 and 6 year old kiddos to Grand Teton NP for a 2 night backpack trip. Capacity is enough for their sleeping bag, some snacks, and water. REI thought of the essentials when designing it; bladder pouch for hydration, compression straps around the sides, safety whistle on the sternum strap, and expandable mesh pocket on the outside to stuff a light jacket or poncho. It is well made--stitching is tights and straight. Straps are of quality materials and buckles give a nice "click" when secured. On the flip side, the hip belt can barely go tight enough for my twig-framed kids. They are slimmer and smaller than most kids their age, so I can't complain too much as my genetics are to blame more than the pack designers.
Yes , I recommend this product
Kivi's mom
Fort Collins, CO
I would buy this product again.
11 years ago
We are using this product for my 8 and 5 year old. It is a little long for my 5 year old, but he will grow. I like the separate inside pocket for the water bladder. The waist strap pockets are nice so the kids can have their own chap stick. The smaller outside pocket is great for snack storage. The outside mesh pocket is great for quick access to gloves, hat and small winter gear. This pack also has 2 side water bottle mesh pockets. The main pocket fits my kids winter jackets when they are too warm on a winter hike.
Yes , I recommend this product
across
Vancouver, BC
Excellent quality
14 years ago
This is an excellent product at a great value. My 5 year old son loves his backpack. He has already gone on several hikes and there has been no complaints on the backpack. Best features are: Comfort Easy to open zippers Multiple pockets and padding Side pockets fits a small water bottle Superior quality / material used for a kids pack unlike other generic backpacks The most important feature in a rainy westcoast weather is it is waterproof!! If you want your child to be properly outfitted for hiking than REI Tarn 18 Pack is the choice for comfort. Having the chest and waist strap is ideal for any backpack.
Yes , I recommend this product
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