REI Co-op  Tarn 18 Pack - Youth

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!".

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.

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.

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.