Updated August 2016

I originally made this selection in late August 2015.  I made the same decision in April 2016.  By Summer 2016, I noticed the selection had broadened considerably, so it’s time for a review.

The 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

The options:

Here is the now expanded offering available:

First column: Osprey Ace 38, Osprey Ace 50, Deuter Fox 30

Second column: Deuter Fox 40, Gregory Wander 38, Gregory Wander 50

Third Column: REI Passage 38, The North Face Terra 35

Feature Review:

Before we look at specs, let’s look at features to make sure we’re comparing packs on a level playing field.

Volume: Every pack is around 40L.  I have included some 50L packs in case they were light enough to warrant buying a pack that will last even longer.  I also included the one 30L pack because it is specifically geared for kids (as are the other packs).

Style: Each pack is top loading with a lid.  Some have zippered bottom access, but I don’t consider this an advantage on a pack this small – there just isn’t a need for it.

Hipbelt pockets: I really like hipbelt pockets, especially on kids’ packs.  They are perfect to put snacks in so they can eat on the trail and keep their energy level up.  They could also put small treasures they find there without having to remove the pack.  4 packs have pockets (Osprey Ace 50, Gregory Wander 38, Gregory Wander 50, and REI Passage 38 ), while 4 do not (Osprey Ace 38, Deuter Fox 30, Deuter Fox 40, and The North Face Terra 35 ).  You can always add a pouch to the hipbelt.  Even though this adds weight and cost, I did not adjust for that; it just wasn’t that important to me.

Raincover: I live in the Pacific NorthWest.  Raincovers aren’t nice, they’re necessary.  4 of the packs include raincovers (Osprey Ace 38, Osprey Ace 50, Gregory Wander 38, and Gregory Wander 50) , while 4 do not (Deuter Fox 30, Deuter Fox 40, REI Passage 38, and The North Face Terra 35).  Again, there’s no reason you can’t just buy your own.  Since this IS important to me, I have adjusted the weights and prices to add on a raincover.  I purchased the REI Duck’s Back 40L because I needed it on the day I was leaving for a trip.  If I did it again, I would probably give this Mountainsmith Rain Cover a try.  To account for this, I have added $20 and 4oz to each pack that doesn’t have a raincover.

Bottom pack straps: I like straps on the bottom of the pack.  Sometimes I use a non-inflatable sleeping pad and strap that there; other times I find some other use for them.  I have treated these similar to the hipbelt pockets – a nice feature, but not a must have or something I have adjusted for.   5 of these packs have straps (Osprey Ace 38, Osprey Ace 50, Gregory Wander 38, Gregory Wander 50, and REI Passage 38), and 3 do not (Deuter Fox 30, Deuter Fox 40, and The North Face Terra 35).

The Stat Book

Downselection #1: Adjusted Weight

Let’s take a look at the distribution of pack adjusted weight for all those options.  Adjusted weight is the advertised weight for all packs with a raincover included.  If a raincover is not included, adjusted weight is 4oz more than the advertised weight.

I like to look for a jump between lines to find a good cutoff.  Here, there’s a pretty gradual increase between each pack, except between the last two from the Wander 50 to the Terra 35.  Given that the Terra 35 is smaller than almost every other pack, and is a half pound heavier, it’s the easiest first to eliminate.  It might be nice, but it’s too heavy.  For my 40-pound child that pack was over 9% of his body weight without putting anything in it.

This leaves us with 7 packs, with an adjusted weight range of 2.4 pounds to 3.25 pounds.  The 3 heaviest packs left are all on the larger end for volume, so let’s look at the weight question a different way: Specific Adjusted Weight

Downselection #2: Specific Adjusted Weight

Specific weight is a term used to indicate weight per volume.  In this case, I am showing that in units of ounces of pack weight per liter of pack volume (yes, this mixture of unit sets bothers me a lot, so I apologize to other people with similar pet peeves).

This measurement highlights the fact that I’m comparing packs with a range from 30 to 50L.  That 50L pack is 66% bigger than the 30L, so we can’t compare weights like they have the same utility.  The larger pack is going to last longer for the child, work with bulkier items (like in colder weather), or allow the child to carry more items as they get stronger.

Based on this info, it’s pretty hard to overlook the Deuter pack weights compared to the others.  I am eliminating them due to their specific adjusted weight; in other words, they are too heavy for how big they are (or aren’t, in this case).

You could consider getting rid of the Gregory Wander 38 as well, but I’ve decided to keep it in.  We are now down to 5 packs: Osprey Ace 38, Osprey Ace 50, Gregory Wander 38, Gregory Wander 50, and REI Passage 38.

Two Sizes, Two Groups

Now that we’re down to 5, we’re going to put a fork in the trail.

I have found that the 38L packs are more than large enough for both of my boys who have had them at ages 6 and 8.  I often joked that on the trail, it just looks like a backpack with legs:

For that reason, I would stick with the smaller packs and eliminate the 50L packs.  But maybe you’re just getting started with a bit older child.  In that case, you can take your pick between those two 50L packs.  Let’s look at the groups individually.

38L packs

Now, we’re down to the little things.  All packs are the same volume.  Their weights are close (but not identical).  They all have straps on the bottom of the pack.  We’ve adjusted for the raincover.  They all have a stretch mesh pocket on the outside, good for layer adding or removal, or a rain jacket.  They have similar pockets.

If price is important, pick the REI Passage 38 ($120 with raincover).  You save $20 on adjusted MSRP ($140 for the Osprey and Gregory).  Of course, sales and coupons can change that.  REI frequently has 20% off sales on REI-brand items.  The Osprey Ace 38 I have seen discounted to approximately $100 as well, and I’m sure you could find the same for the Gregory Wander 38.

If those hipbelt pockets are important, you can eliminate the Osprey Ace 38 (or buy some add-ons).  The other two both have hipbelt pockets.

If your little one has a smaller torso, the Osprey Ace 38 might be best.  It’s range is 11 – 15″.  The REI Passage 38 fits a torso from 12 – 16″, while the Gregory Wander 38 is the largest, fitting from 13 – 18″.

If your little one has a small waist, I would stay away from the Gregory Wander 38.  Both of my kids cinch the waist belt as far as it goes on the REI Passage 38, and it fits a 2″ smaller waist (according to the spec sheets).  The REI advertises 22 – 36″ waist, while the Gregory advertises 24 – 48″.  Osprey does not advertise a waist spec, so you will have to go try it on to see how it fits.

The lid on the REI Passage 38 is removable, though I’m not sure what you do with it when you remove it – there’s no lumbar pack option.  The other two packs have fixed lids.

For me, the winner is still the REI Passage 38.  The kids like the look, REI has great customer service.  I’ve been happy with it after 1 year of backpacking, and I don’t see anything about the Osprey Ace 38 that unseats the REI, while the Osprey lacks the hipbelt pockets I love and is $20 more expensive.  The Gregory is nice I’m sure, but that waist size issue, coupled with a few extra ounces of weight and that extra $20 put it in 3rd place in my book.

50L packs

Down to two packs: Osprey Ace 50 and Gregory Wander 50.  Let’s review how similar they are: they are both 50L, both have raincovers, both fit torsos from 13 to 18″, both have pad straps, and both have whistle sternum straps. Both packs are made by very reputable brands.

The Gregory Wander 50 has a removable daypack, which is a nice bonus.  The Osprey Ace 50 does not.

The Gregory Wander 50 is 5 ounces heavier than the Osprey Ace 50.

Their prices are only $10 apart, with the Osprey Ace 50 winning that battle at $160 compared to the Gregory Wander 50 at $170.

The Osprey Ace 50 has a handy mesh front stretch pocket, while the Gregory Wander 50 does not.

The bottom line on this is that you’ll likely be happy with either one.  For me, I like the overall package of the Osprey Ace 50.  It’s the lightest, cheapest, and has the mesh stretch pocket on the back that I tend to use quite often.  The Gregory Wander 50 has the removable daypack, but doesn’t separate itself in any other way.  And of course, a trip to a store to try them both on is the best way to see for yourself which one is best.

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