REI Co-op  Tarn 18 Pack - Kids'

Really nice little pack for day hikes, cross country skiing, and short trips around town on the bus, bikes or walking. (This is not a school pack.) You can insert a hydration pack, but it also will hold two large water bottles in the side pockets, if that's what you have handy. There are lots of pockets of a wide range of size to tuck away everything that's needed for a day out. The many symmetrical strap adjustments, padding and ample belt make the pack very comfortable for a child, even when fully loaded. There's even an emergency whistle on the sternum strap buckle, which is fun for the kids and good peace of mind for the parents... now I want a grown up version!

I've never written a review for any single item I've ever purchased before. But this backpack, and what our family has experienced as a result of purchasing it, warrants a review. My son saw another little boy in school with the backpack, and bugged me to the ends of the earth, to go to the REI store we pass on the way home every day, to buy it for him. I finally gave in, we found the backpack in stock, and I bought it. When I say, "I'm not sure I've ever seen my son so ecstatic over anything before, let alone a backpack", I'm not sure I'm even saying enough. My son, who we call, "Z", has not stopped talking about how much he loves this backpack since the day it came home with us. And it's been over a month ago already. Z talks about it so much, it's actually now become a joke in the family. And I think my daughter got a little jealous over all the attention he was getting, constantly commenting about the many great features of the backpack, of course, she wanted one too. So just as you guessed, we now own two of these great backpacks. Long story short, both kids love their backpacks, and use them all the time. They're great for bike rides, hikes, and carrying their gear to sports activities. It’s small enough for Z to handle on his own, but actually holds more than you might think considering its size…it’s pretty roomy on the inside. Definitely holds a jacket, snacks, water, and other odds and ends. Encouraging Z to be responsible for, and toting around his own stuff, and just becoming more independent is a good thing! I’ve also attached a copy of Z's own written review he asked to share.

My son's first pack was a Marmot Half Hitch, a nice first pack for very little kids. Now that he is almost 5 and we had some bigger hikes coming up, it felt like time to move on to a slightly bigger pack with more features. I was pleasantly surprised when we came across this pack at REI. It is fairly inexpensive, but is packed with the kinds of features you see in adult packs just shrunk to kid size. Hydration has always been a hassle on the trail for us, so the fact that it comes with pocket for a hydration bladder is great. The hip belt is also a nice addition that you don't always see on a kid sized pack, but that helps quite a bit with fit. The external pockets are great as well - the big stretchy pocket on the back is awesome for holding some small snacks or a map, the side pockets are big enough and stretchy enough to hold a hat or a rain poncho. It is the little touches that really make this pack great though - like the handle on the top of the pack and the zip pockets on the hip belt (bit enough for a pack of Tic Tacs). These little details are the kinds of things that often are missing on kid packs and that make this pack an easy pick above other choices. We did some major hiking over the start of the new year, and the pack performed really well. It was apparently very comfortable, because I didn't hear a single complaint about the pack being uncomfortable on two 5 mile hikes. It also held up well in some nasty hiking weather - drizzle and fog, but nothing inside got wet.

I have 3 boys ages 9, 7 and 4. Got tired of carrying all their stuff on hikes, especially water. I got the TARN for my 7 and 9 year old. I got the SPRIG for my 4 year old. The quality of these bags are excellent, in my opinion better than the Camelbak Scout. Chest, belt and compression straps make this like a real pack and the kids really liked them. The TARN has belt strap pockets that the boys loved. The SPRIG did not, my 4 year old was slightly bummed. Padded shoulder straps and vented back just look and feel very comfortable. HYDRATION COMPATIBLE!! I got the Platypus Hoser 1.0L bladder for all three packs. I believe the packs can handle bigger bladders but the 1.0L was perfect and another great product BTW. We broke in our little daypack experiment on a nice 3 hour hike. They carried their own water, snacks, rain poncho, hat, sweatshirt and mini binoculars with PLENTY of room for more stuff. Used for some biking trips as well. They felt like they were on an adventure. In general when it comes to sizing you should go into the store to try them on your kids in person. If I had to recommend a size I would say the SPRIG is good for ages 3 to 7 years old. The TARN is good for 7 to 12 year olds. That's pretty close to the REI age recommendations for these packs. And consider how many years your kid will use the pack.

We just bought this for my 4yr old, and he LOVES it! It fits him perfectly at the smallest settings, so he has plenty of room to grow.

My 9 year old son had outgrown his Camelbak M.U.L.E. mini, so we started looking for a new pack. All of the smaller adult packs were still a bit too big for him, and all the kid packs were too small...until we found this one. It is PERFECT! He mainly needs a pack for hydration when mountain biking, but we live in the mountains where he often needs to take a fleece and rain coat along even in the summer, and this pack holds all that and a water bladder perfectly without being too bulky or heavy. It also works great for day hikes...holds all those valuable rocks he finds :) He loves the padded straps and waist strap when he is carrying heavy loads or a full water bladder. He is about 4'5" or 4'6", and I expect this pack will last him a few years until he hits teenager size.

I went in the store and saw several packs I was interested in. For my 2 middle children this pack will be great. Not only is it flexible enough to use on day hikes, and makes the children responsible for their own gear, but will be useful for plane trips as well. The intent of purchase was just that, actually. It will hold enough to keep kids busy, snacks, and a jacket. The pack is comfortable, and adjustable. The weight distribution is appropriate for the young and growing. It wasn't quite small enough for the almost 5 year old, though. The included containment straps on the shoulder straps for the water system (Camelback or other) is an added bonus; it isn't necessary for each use, but the option is nice. Well made stitching and zipper, too. Should outlast the use :)

I bought this for my 6 year old, I was hoping to fit her sleeping bag in it but it was a little small. However, she was able to carry enough on our last backpacking trip to feel helpful. Fits her great and should fit her for a few more years. She loved the pockets on the belt strap for the treasures she found along the way. Lots of pockets and great for hydration along the way.

This is the second Tarn 18 purchased, the first being last year for my oldest, and this year for the youngest. The pack adjusts well for a shorter 6 year old, and fits my 8 year old wonderfully. The hydration capability is phenomenal, avoiding the need for constant water breaks. The belt pockets are perfect for snacks. Construction is bomber, holds up well to stomping around in the White Mts. I recommend this pack highly for a first "real" pack for your child.

I am a big kid - 5'10", 135 lbs -- okay some might call me an adult. I have last year's version of this pack and love it. It's perfect for holding everything I need for a day hike with my daughter and dogs - light jacket, water, lunch, first aid. I had read a review from another woman so gave this pack a try - glad I did!