The Best Hiking Backpacks for Kids

If you’re planning a hut to hut hike with kids, one of the most important pieces of kit is a properly fitted backpack. In this post, I’m sharing my tried and tested advice on the best hiking backpacks for kids and how to choose one.

From around age 7 or 8, our kids have carried most of their own kit on hut to hut hikes. It adds massively to their sense of satisfaction and self-sufficiency. With a well-fitted hiking backpack, they can manage everything they need for a two- or three-night trip. The adults carry group essentials like snacks (for strategic bribery), the first aid kit, and shared toiletries.

Why choosing the right hiking backpack for kids matters

Unlike adults, children’s bodies are still developing, so carrying a backpack that is too large, heavy, or poorly adjusted can lead to discomfort and even strain on their backs and shoulders. A well-fitted kids’ hiking backpack should be:

• Sized appropriately for their height and strength
• Lightweight to avoid excessive strain
• Comfortable and adjustable so it can grow with them
• Well-organised to make carrying essentials easy

The importance of comfort, weight, and fit when choosing a hiking pack for kids

For multi-day hikes where kids are carrying their gear from hut to hut, finding the balance between weight and comfort is key. Their pack should have:

• Padded shoulder straps to prevent digging into their shoulders
• A supportive hip belt to transfer weight away from their back
• A ventilated back panel to keep them cool
• Chest and compression straps to keep the load stable

How much kids should carry: Recommended weight limits for different ages

A general rule for children carrying backpacks is no more than 10-15% of their body weight. Here’s a rough guide based on age and size:

• 6-9 years old: 2-4 kg (best suited for a 15-20L backpack)
• 9-12 years old: 3-6 kg (20-30L backpack)
• 12+ years old: 5-10 kg (30-50L backpack depending on strength and experience)

The key is to ensure kids are only carrying what they need. Unlike wild camping, hut to hut hiking means they don’t need tents, sleeping bags, or cooking equipment. Have a look at my packing list here. Their pack should primarily contain:

• A change of clothing, an extra layer, nightwear, toothbrush and toothpaste
• A waterproof jacket and trousers
• Cap and sunglasses
• Water and snacks
• A head torch
• A few personal items like a lightweight kindle e-reader, lightweight games or small toy

What to look for in a kids’ backpack

When choosing a hiking and travel backpack for kids, you want to strike the right balance between functionality, fit, and ease of use. Below are the key things we look for in a kids’ backpack for hut to hut hiking.

1. Capacity: Choose the right size for your child

One of the most important factors is getting the right size pack for your child’s age and strength. As a rough guide:

• For 6–9 year olds, a 15–20 litre pack is usually plenty.
• For 10–12 year olds, aim for a 20–30 litre pack.
• For 13+, most can manage a 30–50 litre backpack, depending on their build and hiking experience.

We’ve found it’s best to gradually increase the size as your child gets older and more confident carrying gear. Don’t be tempted to buy a large pack for them to “grow into”; a too-big backpack can be uncomfortable and make the hike unnecessarily tough.

2. A comfortable fit

Comfort is absolutely essential. Look for packs with adjustable shoulder straps so the bag sits correctly on your child’s back. A padded hip belt helps transfer weight from their shoulders to their hips. A chest strap adds stability, and a ventilated back panel helps keep them cool in warm weather.

If you’re able to get to a shop, get your child to try the pack on with some weight inside. If buying online, look for models designed for specific age ranges or torso lengths; and check the reviews for feedback on fit.

3. Lightweight but durable

Kids shouldn’t be hauling heavy packs, so the bag itself needs to be as light as possible without compromising on quality. Look for tough materials like ripstop nylon or polyester that can cope with knocks and scrapes, especially if your child is the type to drop their bag the minute they stop walking!

As a rule of thumb:

• Under 1kg is ideal for smaller backpacks.
• 1–1.5kg is reasonable for larger packs (30L+).

4. Easy access and organisation

A well-organised pack makes it easier for kids to find what they need without having to dig around. We look for:

• Multiple compartments to help distribute weight and separate wet/dirty items.
• Side pockets for water bottles or things they want to grab quickly.
• Hip belt pockets for lip balm, tissues, or a snack.
• Top lid access or a front zip or mesh panel so they can get to things without emptying the whole bag.

5. Hydration compatibility

Some kids prefer using a hydration bladder, while others are happier with water bottles. Many packs now offer both options. Look for a hydration bladder sleeve and/or easy-to-reach water bottle pockets, and choose whichever system your child is most likely to actually use. I think my kids drink more with a bladder and hose, but filling a bladder up in the morning is much more of a pain than a bottle, so it’s swings and roundabouts!

7. Attachment points for extras

It’s helpful if a pack has a few extra loops or straps for bits and bobs:

• Hiking pole loops are handy for older kids using poles.
• External straps or bungee cords are great for wet jackets, sandals, a fleece or even a sleeping bag.

Small backpacks for younger kids (ages 6-8, 15-20L)

• The Decathlon MH500 18L is perfect if you want an affordable, purpose-built hiking pack with all the essential features like a sternum strap and padded hip belt. Very disappointed in the colour choices though!
• The Deuter Junior 18L is slightly more compact and versatile for travel or shorter days out, but no hip belt, which is a shame for the price. It’s still a great all-rounder if you’re looking for one pack to cover a variety of adventures.

Decathlon MH500 18L Kids’ Hiking Backpack

• A great first hiking backpack: light, simple, and well-padded
• Best for shorter hikes or younger kids who don’t carry much
• Includes hip belt, sternum strap, and ventilation
• Great value (more than half the price of the Deuter Junior below!)
• I HATE that the 2025 colour choices are awful gender stereotypical pastel pink or brown though 🙄. Come on Decathlon, you can do better!

Deuter Junior 18L

• A popular choice for day hikes and travel for younger kids
• Padded shoulder straps and a comfortable back panel make it easy to carry
• It’s ideal for lighter loads and shorter outings
• Great as a hiking rucksack or travel pack for kids who don’t need to carry group gear

Mid-size backpacks for older kids (ages 8-12, 25-30L)

• The Decathlon MH500 28L is a MUCH more affordable, lighter pack that still includes features like a padded hip belt and plenty of compartments – perfect for kids beginning to carry their own gear.
• The Deuter Fox 30L is ideal if you’re looking for a more structured backpack with extra space, adjustability, and long-term durability for growing hikers tackling multi-day treks.

Decathlon MH500 28L Kids’ Hiking Backpack

Deuter Fox 30L

• A proper trekking backpack for kids, based on adult designs
• Adjustable “grow-with-me” back system
• Great for multi-day hut hikes where kids carry extra gear
• Hydration bladder compatible
• A big step up from the Deuter Junior, the Fox 30L offers significantly more capacity and structure, making it a better fit for multi-day hiking or longer travel adventures
• No rain cover – a real shame for the price!
• Not cheap, especially in comparison to the Decathlon backpacks, but definitely more structured and with a better hip belt and larger capacity (30 + 4 litres)

Larger backpacks for tweens, teens & stronger kids (30L-50L)

• The Decathlon Quechua MH500 40+10L offers great value for money and impressive functionality, with expandable storage and a clever layout. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a solid pack that won’t break the bank.
• The Deuter Fox 40L is a dependable choice with a highly adjustable fit and rugged build, perfect for older kids who want a no-fuss, comfortable carry.
• The Osprey Ace 38L and Osprey Ace 50L excel in comfort, ventilation, and premium features—best for kids carrying heavier loads or going on extended adventures. It’s also the most adjustable and long-lasting, growing with your child over several seasons.

Decathlon Quechua MH500 40+10L Kids’ Backpack

I want to be transparent that Decathlon kindly sent us this bag to try out, but this report is entirely my own. I wasn’t paid to write it, and all thoughts are based on our personal experience.

You can read a full review of this pack here.

Deuter Fox 40L

Osprey Ace 38L

• Super comfortable and adjustable – grows with your child
• Really good airy back panel and sturdy hip belt to help to transfer weight away from the shoulders
• Great for longer hut trips or backpacking adventures
• Integrated rain cover
• Excellent ventilation and organisation
• Surprisingly decent value when it’s on sale (which is often)

Osprey Ace 50L

• A true trekking pack for big kids and teens
• Good for carrying sleeping bags or extra hut gear
• Best if kids are helping with group supplies or doing longer multi-day hikes
• My kids have recently upgraded to this bag but as they both are still a bit young (and small) we are careful not to fill them. When partly filled they are a very comfortable carry for both my kids (10 and 13 currently)(pictures from Thailand below!)
• Airy back panel and sturdy hip belt to help to transfer weight away from the shoulders
• Rain cover included
• They will be useful for years to come (in fact I could easily wear this pack with comfort as a medium sized woman!)
• Technically this bag is a touch too big for overhead cabin baggage on a plane, but when the bag isn’t full (nothing packed in the top compartment), we have got on no problems.

Final thoughts

When it comes to kids’ hiking backpacks, comfort and fit are key. Choose a pack that fits well now but has a bit of room to grow – a good fit makes all the difference on the trail. Keep the weight light and manageable – there’s no need to fill a pack if you go for one of the bigger volume packs; the less strain, the more fun they’ll have.

Before you set off, let your child try out their backpack properly. Adjust the straps together, check they can open and close the pockets easily, and walk around with it packed.

If you use it as your main travel backpack too, this really helps them get the hang of putting the bag on, taking it off, just generally wearing it and adjusting it so that it’s comfortable.

And finally, involve them in the packing. It’s a great way to build independence and means they’ll know exactly where to find their snacks, raincoat or head torch when they need it.