6 Best Youth Backpacking Packs For Summer Camp That Grow With Your Child

You’re staring at the summer camp packing list, and there it is: "multi-day backpacking pack." Your first thought is of your child’s rapidly growing limbs and the closet full of barely-worn gear from last year’s passions. Investing in a serious piece of outdoor equipment feels like a gamble, but the right pack is more than just a bag—it’s a tool for building independence, resilience, and a love for the outdoors.

Choosing a Pack That Lasts Beyond One Summer

It’s tempting to grab the cheapest, simplest pack you can find. After all, they might only use it for one week, right? But a poorly fitting, uncomfortable pack can turn a potentially amazing adventure into a miserable experience, souring your child on hiking for years to come.

The secret is finding a pack that grows with your child. The most critical feature is an adjustable torso length. Unlike adult packs, which come in fixed sizes, quality youth packs have a harness system that can be moved up or down. This means a pack you buy for your 10-year-old can still fit them perfectly when they are 13, accommodating growth spurts along the way.

Think of this as an investment not just in gear, but in your child’s experience. A comfortable pack allows them to focus on the trail, the friendships, and the thrill of sleeping under the stars. It also has practical benefits for you; a well-made pack can easily be handed down to a younger sibling or hold its value for resale, making the initial cost much more manageable in the long run.

Osprey Ace 50: The Ultimate in Adjustability

If you have a family that’s already committed to outdoor adventures, or you want a single pack that can span the widest possible age range, the Osprey Ace is the gold standard. Its defining feature is its massive range of adjustability in both the torso and the hip belt. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a system designed to fit a small 9-year-old and then adapt to fit that same child as a lanky teenager.

This pack is essentially a long-term investment in your child’s outdoor journey. It means you aren’t buying a new pack every two years as they shoot up in height. It also comes with features found on high-end adult packs, like an integrated rain cover and a sleeping bag compartment, which helps teach young hikers proper gear organization from the very beginning.

Consider the Ace 50 if you anticipate backpacking being a recurring activity. It’s the "buy it once" solution that can be passed from an older child to a younger one, ensuring years of comfortable, reliable use across your family. It empowers kids by giving them professional-grade gear that’s built for their bodies.

Gregory Wander 50 for All-Day Trail Comfort

You know your child. If they get a blister or a strap digs into their shoulder, the whole day can be derailed. For the child who is sensitive to physical discomfort, the Gregory Wander 50 prioritizes a comfortable carry above all else. Its suspension system is designed to distribute weight evenly and flex with a child’s natural walking motion.

This focus on comfort is crucial for those first few backpacking trips. It helps a child build confidence and positive associations with hiking. Instead of remembering sore shoulders, they’ll remember the view from the summit or the stories told around the campfire. The pack’s design encourages them to carry their own load without feeling like it’s a punishment.

The Wander also features an adjustable torso and hip belt, ensuring it can adapt to growth over several seasons. It’s a fantastic choice for the 11- to 14-year-old who is ready for longer, more challenging camp treks. It sends the message that their comfort matters, which can be the key to turning a required camp activity into a genuine passion.

Deuter Fox 40: A Durable, No-Fuss Option

Some kids are just tough on their gear. If you’re looking for a pack that can be dragged, dropped, and stuffed to the brim without falling apart, the Deuter Fox 40 is a workhorse. Deuter is known for its bombproof construction, and this youth pack is no exception. It’s built with rugged materials that can handle the reality of summer camp life.

The design is straightforward and intuitive, which is perfect for kids who get overwhelmed by too many straps and buckles. It has all the essential features without the frills, allowing a child to focus on the basics of packing and carrying their gear. This simplicity fosters independence, as they can manage their own pack without constant adult help.

The Fox 40 also grows with your child, thanks to its adjustable back system. This makes it a smart, practical choice for families who value durability and longevity. It’s the kind of pack that will serve your first child well through multiple camps and still be in great shape to hand down to their younger, equally adventurous sibling.

REI Co-op Tarn 40: Top Value and Features

For many families, the summer camp backpack is a significant but uncertain investment. You want quality, but you’re not ready to commit to a top-of-the-line price tag until you know if backpacking will stick. The REI Co-op Tarn 40 hits that sweet spot perfectly, offering excellent features and adjustability at a very competitive price.

The Tarn often includes smart details you’d expect on more expensive packs, like large hip belt pockets for snacks and easy-to-reach water bottle holsters. These small conveniences make a big difference on the trail, empowering kids to manage their own food and water. It’s a design that shows a real understanding of what young hikers actually need.

Think of the Tarn as the ideal entry point into quality gear. It provides the crucial adjustable torso to last for several years of growth, and its thoughtful design ensures a positive first experience. It’s a low-risk, high-reward option that supports your child’s new adventure without breaking the family budget.

Kelty Redwing 50 Youth for First-Time Campers

Is this your child’s very first overnight hiking trip? The Kelty Redwing 50 Youth is a fantastic starting point. It’s designed to be exceptionally user-friendly, with a simple layout that makes it easy for a younger camper (think ages 10-13) to pack and find their own gear. The panel-loading design, which zips open like a suitcase, is often less intimidating than the top-loading style of more advanced packs.

This pack is all about building confidence. When a child can easily access their rain jacket or headlamp without having to empty their entire bag, they feel more capable and in control. The Redwing provides just enough organization to teach good habits without being overly complex.

While still offering the necessary torso and hip belt adjustments for growth, the Redwing is a great transitional pack. It’s robust enough for a week at camp but versatile enough for travel or other adventures. It’s the perfect companion for a child taking their first steps toward outdoor independence.

Thule Capstone 40L: Lightweight & Trail-Ready

Perhaps your child is a bit older, has a few campouts under their belt, and is showing real enthusiasm for hitting the trail. For the motivated young hiker, the Thule Capstone 40L offers a more streamlined, lightweight experience. Reducing pack weight is a key step in progressing from casual hikes to more ambitious treks, and this pack is built with that in mind.

The Capstone features a tensioned mesh back panel, which provides excellent ventilation. For a child who runs hot or is hiking in warm summer climates, this can be the difference between a fun day and an overheated, grumpy one. It’s a performance feature that shows you’re supporting their growing skills and commitment.

This pack is best for the tween or young teen who is ready to take on more mileage. Its lighter frame and trail-focused design help reduce fatigue, allowing them to push their limits safely. It’s a great choice when your child is moving from "camper who hikes" to "a young backpacker."

How to Properly Fit a Pack to Your Young Hiker

Owning a great adjustable pack is only half the battle; a proper fit is what unlocks its comfort and safety. An ill-fitting pack puts all the weight on a child’s shoulders, leading to pain and fatigue. A correctly fitted pack distributes the load onto their stronger hip and leg muscles.

Before you even put the pack on, you need to adjust it to your child’s torso length. This is the distance from the C7 vertebra (the bony bump at the base of their neck) down to their iliac crest (the top of their hip bones, where their hands naturally rest). Most youth packs have markings to help you slide the shoulder harness to the correct length. Don’t guess on this!

Once the torso length is set, follow these steps with about 10-15 pounds of weight in the pack to simulate a load:

• Step 1: Hip Belt. Loosen all the straps. Have your child put the pack on and position the hip belt so it cups the top of their hip bones. Cinch it down snugly, but not painfully. This is the most important step, as the hips should carry about 80% of the pack’s weight.
• Step 2: Shoulder Straps. Pull the shoulder straps down so they wrap closely over the shoulders. There should be no gap between the strap and the back of their shoulder. They should be snug, but not carrying the primary load.
• Step 3: Load Lifters. These small straps connect the top of the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. Gently pull them to a 45-degree angle. This will pull the pack’s weight in closer to your child’s back, improving their balance.
• Step 4: Sternum Strap. Buckle the chest strap and tighten it until it’s comfortably snug. This keeps the shoulder straps from sliding off a child’s narrower frame.

Taking five minutes to fit the pack correctly before every trip is a fundamental skill. It teaches your child to listen to their body and take ownership of their own comfort and safety on the trail.

Ultimately, choosing a backpack is about equipping your child for the journey ahead. The right pack doesn’t just hold their gear; it supports their growing body, builds their confidence, and helps transform a simple week at camp into a foundation for a lifetime of adventure. Trust your judgment, invest in adjustability, and watch them walk tall down the trail.