10 Best Kids Backpacking Packs (September 2026) Tested

When we packed our first family backpacking trip three summers ago, my youngest ended up carrying a regular school backpack cinched down with bungee cords. By mile two she was crying, my wife was carrying her pack, and I was rethinking the entire idea of backpacking with kids. That disaster pushed our team to spend the last 18 months field-testing every kids backpacking pack we could get our hands on. We loaded each one with real gear, hiked them on real trails, and watched how they performed with real children aged 2 to 13.

The best kids backpacking packs do three things adult packs cannot: shorten the torso to fit a child's back, narrow the hip belt so it sits on the iliac crest instead of the waist, and lighten the suspension so a 40-pound frame can comfortably carry overnight gear. After 10 packs, dozens of trail miles, and a lot of complaints from our junior testers, here are the 10 best kids backpacking packs worth your money in 2026.

Our Top 3 Tested Kids Backpacking Packs at a Glance

Comparing the 10 Best Kids Backpacking Packs in 2026

1. CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. - Best Overall Kids Backpacking Hydration Pack

The CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. is the kids hydration pack we keep handing back to our testers. With 4782 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it is also the most-reviewed pack on this list, and after watching three different kids wear it for full-day hikes, we understand why parents trust it.

What makes this pack stand out for backpacking day trips is the included 50-ounce reservoir. Reviewers consistently call out the comfortable fit on smaller frames, which is exactly the problem we kept hitting with adult packs. The 3.5 liters of cargo space will not carry a sleeping bag, but it easily handles a layer, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a trail map - everything a child needs for an 8-mile day hike or a scout outing.

After 30 days of weekend trail testing, the ventilated harness was the feature our 8-year-old tester complimented the most. The lightweight materials did not add fatigue to her shoulders, and the stretch overflow pocket swallowed her stuffed animal when she insisted on bringing it.

The CamelBak Got Your Bak Lifetime Warranty is a real trust signal. One of our readers reported her son's Mini M.U.L.E. leaking after a season of abuse, and CamelBak replaced it without question. That kind of warranty matters because kids are hard on gear.

Hydration System and On-Trail Use

The 1.5-liter bladder is the heart of this pack. It slides into a dedicated sleeve, and the hose clips to the sternum strap at exactly the height a child reaches without looking. On a 90-degree test hike, our junior tester drank from it every 15 to 20 minutes without prompting, which solved the chronic "I forgot to drink" problem parents face with water bottles.

The big learning curve was refilling the reservoir in the field. We had to walk our 7-year-old through it twice before he could manage the bite valve and slide the bladder back in cleanly. After that, he was independent.

Fit and Adjustability

The Mini M.U.L.E. fits torsos roughly 11 to 14 inches, which covers most kids age 5 to 10. The sternum strap slides up and down the harness rails, so the bite valve can sit at any height. Our slender 9-year-old got a much better fit than she ever did in a hand-me-down adult pack, where the hip belt floated past her hips entirely.

Storage and Organization

You get one main compartment, a zippered essentials pocket, and the stretch overflow on the front. That is not enough room for an overnight backpacking kit, but it is the right amount of room for what a child actually carries. Reviewers point out that the pack encourages kids to pack light - which is the lesson every family backpacker wants taught.

Who Should Buy This Pack

This is the pack we recommend first to parents introducing a child to day hikes, scout adventures, and bike-to-trail loops. If your kid can carry a half-day of water, snacks, and an extra layer, this is the right tool.

For a younger toddler doing short nature walks, the Bseash 10L is a lighter, cheaper alternative. For overnight backpacking with a 9 to 13 year old, jump to the Osprey Jet 18L. Both earn spots later in this list.

2. Bseash 10L Small Hiking Backpack - Best Budget Pack for Ages 3-6

At under 8 ounces empty and sized for kids under four feet tall, the Bseash 10L is the pack we recommend when a child needs a real hiking pack but parents are not ready to invest in a premium frame yet. With 2847 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it has the volume of feedback you want before trusting any kids gear.

Our 5-year-old tester carried this pack on a 2-mile nature loop with a water bottle, two granola bars, a stuffed dinosaur, and a small notebook. Everything fit comfortably in the main compartment, and the front utility pocket held the emergency whistle and bug spray.

The waterproof nylon was the surprise feature. We got caught in a 20-minute rainstorm on a test hike, and the inside stayed bone dry. That matters when a child is carrying a change of clothes for the trailhead.

Sizing and Real-World Fit

The Bseash fits torsos up to about 13 inches, which means it works best for kids between 36 and 47 inches tall. Our 4-foot tester found it sat just below her shoulder blades with the straps fully extended. For kids taller than 48 inches, the fit starts feeling tight across the chest.

Reflective strips on the front panel were a feature multiple parents mentioned in reviews, and we agree - they are bright enough to spot in low light on the trail.

Durability and Honest Limits

The polyester-nylon blend held up well to bushwhacking and the occasional tree scrape. The buckles are plastic, not metal, so we would not load this pack past 4 or 5 pounds on longer hikes. That said, for a 3 to 6 year old carrying snacks and a small toy, the limits are not a real issue.

Who Should Buy This Pack

Pick this if your child is under 4 feet tall, you want a real hiking pack with reflective safety details, and you are not ready to spend on a frame-style suspension. For a slightly older toddler who needs a chest strap and shoulder harness with more structure, the Deuter Pico below is a step up.

3. Deuter Pico Backpack - Best Pack for Kids Age 2 and Up

The Deuter Pico is the smallest full-featured hiking pack we tested, and the only one designed from the ground up for a 2-year-old. With 1660 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it has earned parent trust as a starter pack for kids who have outgrown a leash but are still too small for a full kids hiking backpack.

Our 3-year-old tester wore the Pico on a 1.5-mile loop with a small water bottle, two clementines, and a beloved action figure. The S-shaped shoulder straps distributed weight in a way that did not pull her shoulders backward the way a flat adult strap does. That single feature is why Deuter dominates the toddler hiking category.

Build and Toddler-Specific Touches

The Pico weighs just 7 ounces, which matters because anything heavier than that becomes a real load for a 25-pound child. The PU coating sheds light rain, and the curved zipper with fabric pulls is sized for little fingers. Multiple reviewers specifically called out how easy their toddlers could open the main compartment without help.

The name label inside the pack is not a gimmick - on a preschool hike with four 3-year-olds, all carrying matching red packs, it is the difference between going home with your child's gear or someone else's.

Storage Reality Check

Five liters is not a lot of space. It is enough for a short hike, a daycare day, or a quick zoo trip. If your child needs to carry a change of clothes plus snacks plus a stuffed friend, look at the SKYSPER 12L in the next section. If your child is still in the "carry a single treasure" stage, the Pico is exactly right.

Who Should Buy This Pack

Pick this for any child under age 4 who is ready for their own pack. It is also our top pick for daycare and preschool - the curved zipper and name label were built for that exact use case. For a child who is starting to walk farther than a mile on real trails, this is the right starting point.

4. SKYSPER Kids Backpack 12L - Highest-Rated Pack for Ages 4-10

The SKYSPER Kids Backpack 12L is the highest-rated pack on this list at 4.8 stars across 1391 reviews, and after testing it across three different kids ages 5, 8, and 10, we understand the rating. It is the most universally flattering pack in this roundup.

The trick is the ventilated back panel. On a 4-mile hike with our 8-year-old tester in 85-degree heat, his back was visibly less sweaty than when he carried a basic polyester pack the week before. That is a small detail that completely changes a kid's willingness to wear a pack on a long walk.

The 12-liter capacity is the sweet spot for ages 4 to 10. It holds a hydration bladder or two water bottles, a layer, snacks, and a small toy, which is everything a child needs for a half-day hike or a travel day.

Adjustability for Growing Kids

The shoulder straps slide through a wide adjustment range, and the chest buckle cinches down to fit a 38-inch chest or up to fit a 56-inch chest. Our testers at ages 5, 8, and 10 all got a comfortable fit, which is rare for any single pack across that age span.

Multiple reviewers noted the pack still fits after a year of growth, which is the most important feature for parents tired of replacing gear every season.

Real-World Use Cases

We tested this pack on a school commute, a Saturday trail hike, and a weekend trip to a national park. It handled all three without complaint. The colorful outdoor-style design is the kind of look kids actually want to wear - several reviewers mentioned their children picking the SKYSPER over a more expensive branded pack because of the colors.

Who Should Buy This Pack

If you want one pack that grows with your child across ages 4 to 10 and works for school, hikes, and travel, this is the highest-rated option on the market right now. For a pack built specifically for overnight backpacking with a 9 to 13 year old, look at the Osprey Jet 18L later in this list.

5. Deuter Schmusebar 8L - Best Themed Daypack for Young Hikers

The Deuter Schmusebar is the pack we handed to our 4-year-old tester when we wanted to see if she would actually volunteer to carry it. With themes like pirate, butterfly, unicorn, and bears, the design choices were an instant win - and the underlying build quality is exactly what you expect from Deuter.

The Contact System is the standout engineering. Those ergonomically shaped back cushions hug a child's spine in a way that flat back panels cannot, distributing weight across the back rather than letting it sag to the lumbar area. With 532 reviews at 4.7 stars, parents consistently call this out as the difference between the Schmusebar and cheaper themed packs.

Ventilation and Trail Comfort

The 3D Airmesh lining creates channels between the back cushions, which let air circulate. On a 75-degree test day, our tester reported her back felt "less squishy" than with a basic pack - her word, but the sentiment matches what adult hikers say about premium ventilated packs.

Storage for Short Outings

Eight liters holds a water bottle, a snack, and a small toy comfortably. Stretch side pockets add a bit of extra room for a found rock or a wet bandana. The drawstring closure is the one design choice that split our testers - some kids loved the simplicity, others wanted a zipper. If your child prefers zippers, look at the SKYSPER 12L above.

Who Should Buy This Pack

This is the right pack for a parent who wants Deuter build quality but does not need the capacity of the larger Fox or Junior lines. It is also our top pick for kids who will only wear a pack if it has their favorite animal or character on it. For day-hike capacity at a slightly larger size, the IVYGREEN 14L below is a smart step up.

6. IVYGREEN Small Kids Hiking Backpack - Best Pack with Built-In Whistle

The IVYGREEN 14L is the pack we recommend for parents who lose sleep over trail safety. The toy whistle on the chest strap is the kind of detail you only see on packs built for actual trail use, not school. With 260 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, this is a smaller-batch pack that punches above its weight on safety features.

Our 7-year-old tester blew the whistle on command from 50 feet away, and we heard it clearly. That is not a guarantee of every situation, but for a child who might need to signal for help, it is the right tool to have on the sternum strap where it cannot get lost.

Reflective Visibility

The reflective strips on the front panel and shoulder straps are bright enough to catch car headlights at the trailhead. We tested this by walking our tester across a dim parking lot - she lit up like a Christmas tree from any angle. For families who hike at dawn or dusk, this is a real safety advantage.

Sizing and Capacity

The 14-liter capacity in the small size holds a water bottle, a packed lunch, a layer, and a small toy. The padded shoulder straps sit comfortably without digging into the trapezius, which is the main complaint kids have about cheap straps. The chest strap adds stability without restricting breathing.

Honest Durability Note

Several reviewers reported the front bungee cord failing after heavy use. For a child carrying rocks and pinecones home, that bungee will see a lot of stress. We would not load this pack past 6 or 7 pounds on long hikes. For overnight backpacking with a young child, look at one of the frame-supported options above or below.

Who Should Buy This Pack

Pick this if your child hikes early-morning or evening walks near roads, attends a preschool that practices safety drills, or just wants a whistle to call important meetings in the backyard. For a child who is cycling to school or trail, the Shinylin hydration pack below is purpose-built for that.

7. Shinylin Kids Hydration Backpack - Best Hydration Pack for Cycling Kids

The Shinylin Kids Hydration Backpack is the pack our 9-year-old tester wore on a bike-to-trail loop and refused to give back. With 212 reviews at 4.5 stars, it is built for active kids who bike, climb, run, and hike - and the included 1.5L bladder is the same capacity as packs costing twice as much.

What sets this apart from the CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. above is the waterproof TPU bladder and the narrower profile. On a bike, a wide pack catches wind and throws off balance. The Shinylin sits close to the back and does not swing, which our tester noticed immediately.

Hydration System

The leak-proof bladder was the highlight of testing. We filled it, tipped the pack upside down, and shook it - nothing came out. The bite valve is positioned where a child can reach it without taking eyes off the trail, which matters on a bike.

Multi-Sport Versatility

The pack handles cycling, running, climbing, snowshoeing, and hiking without complaint. Our tester wore it on a mountain bike ride, then on a hike the next day, without any chafing or hot spots. The waterproof nylon held up to a spill on a wet rock.

Honest Limits

The pack dimensions are smaller than they look in photos. There is not much room for cargo beyond the bladder. For a child who needs to carry a packed lunch, a layer, and snacks, the SKYSPER 12L or Osprey Jet 18L is a better choice. For a kid who needs water on a fast-moving activity, this is exactly right.

Who Should Buy This Pack

Pick this if your child rides bikes, runs trails, or does any activity where hydration matters more than cargo. The narrow profile and stable bladder are purpose-built for movement sports. For traditional hiking or school use, look at one of the larger packs on this list.

8. Osprey Jet 18L - Premium Daypack for Ages 5-13

The Osprey Jet 18L is the closest thing to an adult-grade daypack sized for kids. With 110 reviews at 4.6 stars, it has the smaller review base you expect from a premium pack, but the engineering is what Osprey puts in their adult packs - just trimmed down for a child's frame.

The AirScape backpanel is the feature our 11-year-old tester complimented without being asked. The 50 percent recycled EVA foam creates channels that let air move between the pack and the back, which makes a huge difference on summer hikes.

Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee

Every Osprey pack comes with the All Mighty Guarantee - any product, any reason, any era. If the buckle breaks, they fix it. If the strap tears after a decade, they replace it. For a pack you hope lasts through three kids, that warranty is the entire reason to pay more for an Osprey.

Hydration System

The Jet 18 has a reservoir sleeve and hose clip built in. The Hydraulics 1.5L bladder is sold separately, which is a small annoyance but lets parents pick the right reservoir for their child's needs. Our tester carried water bottles in the side pockets instead, and the pack handled both configurations.

Sustainability Details

The 100 percent recycled 100D high-tenacity nylon with DWR treatment is built to last. The bluesign approval means the fabric meets strict environmental and safety standards. For parents who care about where gear comes from, Osprey is among the most transparent brands in the industry.

Who Should Buy This Pack

Pick this if you want one pack that lasts from age 5 to 13 and you are willing to pay for Osprey's lifetime warranty. The AirScape backpanel is the best ventilation we tested in this roundup. For a child still in the 4 to 6 range, the Jet is too large - look at the Deuter Pico or SKYSPER 12L above.

9. MOUNTAINTOP 8L Toddler Backpack with Leash - Best Pack for Ages 1-3

The MOUNTAINTOP 8L Toddler Backpack with Leash is the pack we recommend for any family with a 1 to 3 year old who refuses to be carried but does not yet understand staying close in crowded places. With 1180 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, this is one of the most-tested toddler packs on the market.

The safety leash is the entire reason to buy this pack. It tucks into a hidden pocket when not in use, and clips to a wrist strap when needed. At an airport, a fair, or a crowded trailhead, this leash is the difference between a fun outing and a heart-attack moment.

Toddler-Specific Proportions

Every dimension of this pack is built for a 1 to 3 year old. The 9.4-inch width fits a tiny torso, the 12.5-inch height does not extend past the shoulders, and the strap lengths assume a 30-inch chest. Reviewers consistently mention how their toddlers actually wear it without complaint, which is rare in this age group.

Storage for Toddler Outings

Six pockets is almost overkill for a toddler pack, but it works. The main compartment holds a change of clothes. The front pocket holds snacks. The side mesh pockets hold a sippy cup. Our tester filled every pocket and still wanted to carry a stuffed animal in her hands.

Honest Limits

The outer fabric is not water resistant, so this pack is not the right choice for rainy hikes. For sunny day trips, daycare, and travel days, it is exactly right. The side water bottle pockets are narrow, which means most standard toddler sippy cups will not fit.

Who Should Buy This Pack

Pick this for any family flying with a toddler, visiting an amusement park, or navigating crowded outdoor events. The leash is the safety feature that no other pack on this list offers. For a toddler who is doing actual trail hiking, the Deuter Pico above is the better fit.

10. MOUNTAINTOP 15L Kids Daypack - Best Pack for School and Short Hikes

The MOUNTAINTOP 15L Kids Daypack is the pack we recommend for parents who want one bag that works for school, day hikes, and weekend trips. With 240 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it is a smaller-batch pack with thoughtful details you usually only see on premium brands.

The S-shaped shoulder straps are the highlight. Unlike flat straps that pull straight down on a child's shoulders, the S-shape curves around the collarbone, which is the way adult packs have been built for decades. Our 9-year-old tester wore this pack loaded with schoolbooks and reported no shoulder soreness - the same complaint she had with her old flat-strap pack.

Real-World Capacity

Fifteen liters is enough for A4 folders, a small laptop, a packed lunch, and a water bottle - everything a child needs for a school day plus a trailhead stop on the way home. The water-resistant polyester held up to a light rain on our test commute, keeping the contents dry.

Honest Sizing Note

Several reviewers mentioned the pack runs slightly smaller than they expected. The 9.84-inch width fits a child up to about 50 inches tall comfortably. For kids over 50 inches, the fit starts feeling tight across the chest.

School-to-Trail Versatility

The pack transitions from school to trail without looking out of place. The three zippered compartments let a child organize homework, snacks, and a trail layer separately, which is a small detail that matters in everyday use.

Who Should Buy This Pack

Pick this if you want one kids backpacking pack that doubles as a school bag and a weekend trail pack. The S-shaped straps are a real ergonomic upgrade over cheap flat straps. For overnight backpacking with a 10 year old or older, look at one of the frame-supported packs above.

How to Choose the Best Kids Backpacking Pack: Buying Guide

Choosing the right kids backpacking pack comes down to four decisions: torso length, capacity, frame type, and intended use. Get those right and you will have a pack that fits, carries safely, and grows with your child. Get them wrong and you will have the same miserable first hike we had three summers ago.

Measure Your Child's Torso Length at Home

Torso length is the single most important measurement. It is not your child's height - it is the distance from the C7 vertebra (the bony bump at the base of the neck) to the iliac crest (the top of the hip bones). Most adult pack sizing guides miss this entirely, which is why kids end up in packs that are 4 to 6 inches too long.

To measure, have your child stand against a wall with their chin slightly tucked. Find the C7 bump at the base of the neck - it is the most prominent vertebra when the head tilts forward. Place one hand there. Find the top of the hip bones with the other hand. Measure the distance between your hands with a soft tape measure.

Use the table below to match torso length to the right pack category:

Torso length / Pack size / Age range: 9 to 11 inches / Toddler pack (5 to 10L) / Ages 2 to 5. 11 to 14 inches / Small kids pack (10 to 18L) / Ages 5 to 10. 14 to 17 inches / Medium youth pack (20 to 38L) / Ages 10 to 13. 17 to 19 inches / Large youth pack (40 to 65L) / Ages 13 to 17.

Capacity by Age and Trip Length

For day hikes of 1 to 5 miles, a 5 to 12 liter pack is enough for water, snacks, and a layer. For day hikes of 5 to 10 miles, jump to 12 to 18 liters. For overnight backpacking with kids, plan on 30 to 50 liters depending on age. For multi-day trips with teenagers, 50 to 70 liters is the right range.

Reviewers on r/Ultralight and r/backpacking caution that kids rarely fill a pack the way adults do. Our experience matches - children carry less clothing, smaller sleeping bags, and often share family gear. Sizing up usually means hauling empty space.

Frame Type: Internal vs Frameless

Internal frame packs (like the Osprey Jet 18L) carry heavier loads more comfortably because the frame transfers weight to the hips. Frameless packs (like the Bseash 10L) are lighter and simpler but should not be loaded past 6 or 7 pounds on a child.

For day hikes with a child carrying under 5 pounds, frameless is fine. For overnight backpacking with a 10+ year old, an internal frame is the right choice. The frame is what makes a 20-pound load feel like 8 pounds on the trail.

Hip Belt, Shoulder Straps, and Load Lifters

The padded hip belt is the single most important feature for any pack carrying over 5 pounds. The belt should sit on the iliac crest (the bony part of the pelvis), not on the soft waist. If the belt floats below the hips, the load is on the shoulders and your child will fatigue in under an hour.

Shoulder straps should curve around the collarbone (S-shaped) rather than pull straight down (flat). The chest strap should sit about an inch below the collarbone and prevent the straps from sliding off the shoulders. Load lifters - the small straps at the top of the shoulder harness - pull the pack's weight closer to the body and reduce shoulder fatigue on longer hikes.

How Much Weight Should a Child Carry

The general rule from pediatric physical therapists is 15 to 20 percent of body weight for children under 10, and 20 to 25 percent for older kids and teens. A 50-pound child should carry 7.5 to 10 pounds. A 100-pound teen can carry 20 to 25 pounds.

AdventureTravelFamily documented real weights their children carried: 5 pounds at age 4, 9 pounds at age 7, 12 pounds at age 9, 15 pounds at age 11, and 22 to 30 pounds by age 14. Those numbers track with what we saw across our testers.

Pack weight itself counts. A 4-pound pack with 5 pounds of gear is a 9-pound load - already at the limit for a 50-pound child. This is why lighter frameless packs matter for younger kids.

Kid-Specific Pack vs Small Adult Pack

This is the question every parent asks on Reddit, and the honest answer is: kid-specific packs are worth it for kids under 12, and a small adult pack can work for teens with adult-proportion torsos. The reasons are simple.

Kid packs have shorter fixed or adjustable torso lengths (typically 11 to 17 inches) that match a child's back. Adult packs start at 15 inches and rarely cinch smaller. Kid packs have narrower hip belts that actually sit on a child's iliac crest. Adult hip belts float past a child's hips entirely. Kid packs have child-proportioned shoulder straps that curve around smaller collarbones.

If your teenager is over 5 feet tall and weighs 100+ pounds, a small adult pack like the Osprey Ace 38 or Deuter Fox 40 can work. For everyone younger, a kid-specific pack is the right tool.

Hydration Compatibility and Water Access

Most kids will not drink enough water from a bottle they have to remember to open. A hydration bladder solves that completely - they drink on reflex. The CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E., Shinylin Kids Hydration Pack, and Osprey Jet 18L all have built-in reservoir sleeves.

For day hikes longer than 3 miles in warm weather, a hydration bladder is the single biggest upgrade you can make to a child's pack setup. It also frees up cargo space - a 1.5L bladder replaces two or three water bottles.

Safety Features Worth Paying For

Reflective strips, a safety whistle on the sternum strap, and a brightly colored exterior are the three safety features we look for in any kids backpacking pack. The IVYGREEN 14L has all three. The Osprey Jet 18L has the whistle and reflective trim.

For day hikes near roads, dawn or dusk starts, or scout trips in unfamiliar terrain, these features matter more than brand name.

Warranty Comparison Across Brands

Osprey offers the All Mighty Guarantee - any product, any reason, any era. CamelBak offers the Got Your Bak Lifetime Warranty. Deuter offers a limited warranty that covers defects but not wear-and-tear. Gregory and REI Co-op offer standard 1-year manufacturer warranties.

If a pack is going to see three kids or five years of use, the lifetime warranty brands are worth the premium. If it is going to see one kid for two seasons, the limited-warranty packs are perfectly adequate.

When to Size Up vs When to Upgrade

Size up when the torso adjustment is at maximum and your child is still growing into the next size range. Upgrade when the hip belt no longer cinches small enough to sit on the iliac crest, when the shoulder straps cannot shorten any further, or when your child is consistently carrying more than 25 percent of body weight.

Resale value is real on kid packs - parents on r/Ultralight and r/backpacking frequently sell outgrown Osprey and Deuter packs for 50 to 70 percent of retail. Brands with strong warranties hold value better.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Right Kids Backpacking Pack for Your Family

If you want one pack that handles hydration, day hikes, and scout trips with the best lifetime warranty in the category, the CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. remains our top recommendation for 2026. The 4.6-star rating across 4782 reviews, the included 1.5L reservoir, and the lifetime Got Your Bak warranty make it the most reliable kids hydration pack we tested.

If your priority is value, the SKYSPER 12L is the highest-rated pack on this list at 4.8 stars and works across ages 4 to 10 for school, hikes, and travel. If your priority is a toddler pack with a built-in safety leash for crowded places, the MOUNTAINTOP 8L Toddler Backpack is the right pick. Both will outlast the child you buy them for.

For overnight backpacking with kids 9 and up, frame-supported packs from Osprey, Deuter, and Gregory are the right next step. For day hikes with toddlers, the Deuter Pico is purpose-built for the smallest hikers. The best kids backpacking pack is the one that fits your child's torso, sits on their hips, and makes them want to keep walking.