Researching options and evaluating the best value is a weird source of enjoyment for me. Gear Selection posts are all about that process. The point is to show what options are out there – anywhere – and to show what was important for me when I made an actual purchase. This is not theoretical – these are my actual purchase decisions with my own money like any other normal outdoor enthusiast. As those decisions age, I will post an updated version to reflect what I would choose if I was making that decision again.
This post covers me finding the best kids backpacking pack in August 2015.
Requirements
Must haves:
- Fit: buying for a boy just turning 6, with a hips measurement of 26 inches and torso measurement of 14 inches
- Pack volume: target 40L, enough for an inflatable sleeping pad, sleeping bag, clothes, water bottle, and miscellaneous extras (headlamp, deck of cards, etc)
- Low weight: the combination of pack and contents should not exceed 20% of the child’s weight (40 pounds x 20% = 8 pounds for pack and contents)
Nice to have:
- Hipbelt pockets: perfect for small snacks on the trail when motivation is running low
- Low cost: my target was under $100 after discounts and tax
- Pad straps: it’s nice to have the option to strap extra equipment or clothing to the outside of the pack
Options
When I selected this pack, I only found 4 options:
Are they comparable?
Outside of volume of the pack, these are all relatively similar. They all feature a top lid, several pockets, and all the features necessary in a pack. There are minor differences, but none of them warranted highlighting.
Downselection #1: Weight
Let’s take a look at the distribution of pack weight for all those options.
This made it easy to eliminate the Terra 35; it is not just a bit heavier, it is 55% heavier than the Passage 38! That weight is better spent elsewhere.
The Fox 40 is also a step above the other two – 28% heavier than the Passage 38. This is where your judgement comes in – if that’s acceptable to you, definitely consider it. I eliminated it to allow my son to carry an extra 10oz (0.6 lbs) of his own stuff instead of just carrying a heavier pack and putting that stuff in mine.
Eliminating these two packs brings us down to two packs: Passage 38 and Fox 30.
The Decision
This decision was easy. The REI Passage 38 was easily the best choice in available packs for kids in August of 2015. It has over 25% more volume at a lower weight. Plus, this is REI, so if it didn’t work out, there’s always fantastic customer service standing behind it.
Double Check
Let’s make sure the decision meets the criteria set down at the beginning:
- Fit: needed 26″ waist and 14″ torso compatibility; actual range is 22-36″ and 12-16″ respectively
- Pack volume: targeted 40L; actual 38L
- Low weight: this is the lightest pack available
- Hipbelt pockets: two pockets
- Low cost: target <$100, actual $88 after 20% off and tax (free shipping)
- Pad straps: straps on bottom of pack
All criteria have been met; now it’s time to test it out!
