Finally, someone is making a functional backpacking pack for younger kids! - Osprey Jet 18 Backpacks - Kids

I am a father of 4 young children. I have always been very avid outdoors and often take my wife and kids along with me. We have done everything from mountain climbing to whitewater rafting all over the country. We have an entire basement full of outdoor equipment. My kids ages are from 4-9 years old. Over the years we have used a lot of different equipment that is geared toward smaller children. The last couple years I have been trying to figure out the best way for them to comfortably carry small amounts of gear on backpacking trips, especially ones that are extended multi-day trips. We have tried using school packs, day-packs, and even other smaller and less expensive children's backpacking packs. This is hands-down the best children's backpack for backpacking that we have ever used. We also do long day hikes, but I typically carry everything so the kids can just enjoy being outdoors. It has all the functional and technical components of an adult pack but with a suspension fitted for a child. I do not like my children to carry heavy packs but on extended backpacking trips the 8 and 9 year olds do carry about 6-10 lbs of equipment each (clothes, water bottle, rain-gear, snacks, down sleeping bag). This pack has worked well in rain but I wish it had an integrated rain cover. It has nice pockets on the side for water bottles, a back pocket that is typical of osprey packs, a top lid that zips, and a front shoulder strap pocket that is more or less good for holding small things like a granola bar. The material is typical of osprey packs, which I like. The zipper pulls, buckles, and adjustable straps are all very well made. The sternum strap whistle is an excellent idea. My kids are on the small side, the pack will barely adjust down to fit my 7 year old. Probably would fit a typical sized 6 year old but I don't have them carry anything when they are that young. I would say the idea age range this pack would fit is 6-10 years old. Around 10 years old the pack probably won't work well since the child's torso will be longer and the waist belt wouldn't reach the waist. At age 10 there are a lot more options in backpacking packs using xs frames. The only possible downside is it does not have a padded waist belt, but rather a wider mesh style waist belt. This has not bothered my kids and has actually worked well since my kids don't really have "hips" because they are very thin, the mesh raps around them well. Some might prefer a padded waist belt. Like I said, the older kids typically only carry at the most 6-10 lbs. The pack itself is probably capable of carrying much heavier loads, but I want my kids to enjoy the trip. This is the best designed and built kids pack we have found for kids ages 6-10.