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Hey friend, Are you tired of struggling with bulky suitcases when traveling with your kids? I did too! let me tell you about something I wish I’d figured out earlier in my family travel journey—finding the perfect travel backpack for the kids! 🎒✨
Having the right backpack can make or break a trip, trust me. After a lot of trial and error around many countries, here’s everything I’ve learned about choosing, packing, and maintaining kids’ travel backpacks. I have traveled with my kids since they were infants and now teens and I have struggle with over packing and always try to bring the essential on little backpacks.


I am helping you to say hi to the convenience of lightweight using carry-on travel backpacks. As a parent it sounds scary because we always feel we need everything just in case. Whether you’re looking for toddler-friendly designs, elementary school, middle school must-haves, or cool options for teens, I’ve got the best recommendations.
Quick Guide of Best Backpacks for kids and Teens
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Peru to help plan your epic adventure!

Best Backpacks for Toddlers (age 2-4):
Skip Hop Zoo Pack
Best Best Backpacks for School-Aged Kids
TBest Best Backpacks for Teens
–Osprey Farpoint 40L
Best Travel Backpacks for Kids:
There is not perfect formula but some basic that we learn over the years from traveling internationally to camping trips with kids and more, it is that the right travel backpack can make or break a family trip. This must balance functionality with comfort.
My kids started using backpacks during our trips since they where toddler carrying their snacks and favorite toys including their water bottle and diapers. Once they got older, I started putting clothes on it and they were able to use carry on for themselves since they were about four.
These recommendations don’t include car seat, if you want to learn more about bringing a car seat or not here is my blog post you should check it out.



A child’s backpack needs to prioritize comfort above all. Padded shoulder straps and proper weight distribution keep kids happy during long travel days. These packs offer additional value since they work well as school bags too.
For example, The REI Co-Op Tarn series excels at outdoor adventures. There are two size options – 12L for younger kids and 18L for older ones and fit so many things. These packs handled everything from neighborhood walks to weekend camping trips impressively. Thanks God kids don’t need much.

Another favorite is State Bags Kane Double Pocket Backpack. It has proven ideal for air travel. Here’s what makes it special:
- Spacious dual compartments that maximize packing efficiency
- Padded laptop sleeve to protect electronics
- Weather-resistant polyester canvas material
- Adjustable straps with padding that ensure shoulder comfort

The Deuter Fox Kids’ 30L Backpack’s versatility makes it perfect for extended trips. Its adjustable back length system allows the pack to grow with your child. This backpack support a good use while maintaining its durability.

Fjallraven’s backpacks fits younger kids starting their travel journey perfectly. The lightweight construction and sturdy top handle help during security checks. And some adults love it too. I personally don’t like how they look.

What Age Should Kids Start Carrying Their Own Backpacks?
We get this question all the time! From our experience, little ones can start using a small backpack as early as 2-3 years old. It’s perfect for letting them carry their snacks, a favorite toy, or even a water bottle. Plus, they feel like such big kids helping out during family travels! 😊🎒
The recommended weight guidelines we follow:
- Preschoolers (under 5): No more than 2.2 lbs
- Elementary school kids: Up to 6.6 lbs maximum
- Pre-teens (under 12): Should stay within 8-11 lbs
- Teenagers (13-16): Can handle up to 15 lbs
Our kids started small, with cute little 5-liter backpacks around age 4. It was the perfect way to help them feel more responsible and independent—plus, they loved having their own “stuff!” By age 6, a proper travel backpack became a must for our oldest.


Here’s what we’ve learned:
- Toddlers (2-4 years old): Stick to backpacks under 5 liters and about 30 cm in height—just enough for a toy, snack, and water bottle.
- School-Age Kids (5-10 years old): They can handle 11-22 liter packs, perfect for longer trips or bigger essentials.
We always keep things light—just the basics for a plane ride, like snacks and activities that fit under the seat. And let’s be real: after a long day of sightseeing, we’re happy to carry their bags if they get tired!
Starting early not only makes travel easier but also builds their confidence and independence. Every child is different, so go at their pace and keep the focus on making travel fun and stress-free!
Give Them a Try before Buying
We learned the hard way that buying a travel backpack for kids isn’t as easy as clicking “buy now.” After plenty of trial and error, we discovered what really matters when it comes to finding the perfect pack:
- Backpacks should have enough room without being bulky.
- Padding and adjustable straps are must-haves for comfort.
- Multiple pockets help keep everything organized (and reduce meltdowns when looking for a snack or toy).
- Easy-to-clean materials are a lifesaver for those inevitable spills and messes.
A Key Tip: Medical experts suggest that children carry no more than 10-20% of their body weight. So, if your child weighs 80 pounds, their packed backpack should weigh between 8-16 pounds.
Shopping in person wasn’t as helpful as we’d hoped. Most outdoor stores we visited had very few options for kids. While the cute animal backpacks were tempting, they lacked essentials like waist straps, padded backs, and separate compartments.
That’s when we decided to try a different approach: ordering several backpacks online to test at home. It made all the difference! We looked for key features like wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back to protect against discomfort from toys or other items inside the pack.
Pro Tip: Always do a ground test. Let your child wear the packed backpack and walk around. This helped us identify comfort and fit issues we wouldn’t have noticed with an empty pack.
Finding the right travel backpack takes a little extra effort, but it’s worth it when your kids feel comfortable, organized, and excited to carry their own things. Trust us—it makes family adventures so much smoother!
Key Features to Look for in a Kids’ Travel Backpack

Our experience has taught us the right features can make all the difference in a child’s travel backpack. The proper fit and weight distribution are important for our kids’ comfort and safety.
The best travel backpacks for our children extend from two inches below the shoulder blades to waist level. This sizing will give a perfect fit on their backs and prevents strain.
Ergonomic design and comfort features
These make the biggest difference:
- Wide, padded shoulder straps that distribute weight evenly
- Adjustable straps for customizable fit as kids grow
- Multiple compartments for organized packing
- Water-resistant materials to protect belongings
- Breathable mesh panels for air circulation
The padded back panel with two strips of padding creates airflow channels. This design is a great way to get comfort during long days of sightseeing or hiking with our kids.
Our family keeps the backpack’s weight within reasonable limits. Weight distribution helps prevent muscle fatigue and potential risks. The chest and waist straps keep the backpack secure even when our little ones jump and skip around. Honestly, we started using this when they become teenagers since they can carry more wait then.
Quality materials are worth the investment. Sturdy stitching and durable fabric can withstand the rough handling that comes with family travel. These help us avoid replacing damaged bags mid-trip.
Buying Kids’ Travel Backpacks Online
Online shopping has become the quickest way to buy kids’ travel backpacks, especially when local stores lack variety. These most important measurements of our kids help us make the right choice before purchasing:
- Height from shoulders to waist
- Shoulder width
- Torso length
- Back width at the widest point
Pro tip: Measuring kids while they wear their regular school backpack gives us a better sense of their comfort zone.
Quality brands include specific age recommendations and size charts in their detailed product descriptions. We read these descriptions thoroughly and find them remarkably accurate.
Always verify return policies first. Outdoor retailers are a great way to get peace of mind with generous return windows. we love REI’s one-year return policy for online purchases for members. Always read the exceptions. Also, Ordering multiple sizes of the same backpack helps us find the right fit at home. Just remember to check if return shipping costs nothing before trying this approach.
The sort of thing I love about seasonal shopping is catching great deals. Back-to-school season and holiday periods offer deep discounts. The week before back Friday.
Which Backpacks Do Our Kids Use for Travel?
Our kids has tried different backpack brands during our adventures, and three favorites stand out that never let us down. These trusted companions have amazing stories to tell.
Gregory Backpack



Gregory Resin 24 Everyday Outdoor Backpack is our youngest child’s favorite companion. Is a backpack he used for school too as elementary and middle school, This pack fits perfectly for day trips and short adventures. We love these features:
- A hydration sleeve that works great as a tablet pocket
- Stretchy side pockets to hold water bottles
- A comfortable foam back panel
- Great space
My son has taken this backpack on trips to Costa Rica, Mexico, and Europe, and it has held up amazingly well. Here’s why we love it: padded back support, adjustable straps, multiple compartments for an iPad and water bottle, and durable, high-quality materials that withstand travel wear and tear.
The only downside is that it doesn’t have a waist strap for extra support, which could help with weight distribution. However, he finds it comfortable, likely because he’s already used to carrying a heavy load during his middle school days. Overall, it’s been a reliable and well-designed travel backpack!
Another great option is : The Gregory Nano 16L

Osprey
The Osprey Jet 18 . The adjustable harness system works wonders as your child grows taller. A built-in whistle on the chest strap helps us feel secure in crowded tourist areas.

For teenager we choose Osprey L40 Farpoint. It has been great and even that is says men. It work for our 13 and 15 year old. It has been great to travel with them to Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, we think they will last long time.

These brands amaze us with their durability. The backpacks look and work great at airport security checks, and tight squeezes under airplane seats. Each model nails the comfort features – from padded straps to weight distribution – exactly right.

What is the Best Travel Backpack for Kids?
After testing many backpacks with our two kids in various age groups, we found that the perfect travel backpack changes by a lot as children grow. Here’s what we learned about each age group.
Toddlers
The Skip Hop Zoo Pack works best for our littlest travelers (ages 2-4). skip hop zoo Its compact size and fun designs make it perfect to carry essential items like:
- A change of clothes
- Small snacks
- A favorite stuffed animal
- Simple toiletries

School-Aged Kids
Lands End backpack has been a versatile and durable choice for our family. Not only is it perfect for everyday school use, with its sturdy construction and ample compartments for books and supplies, but it also holds up incredibly well on trips. Off course we pack here basic stuff at this age.
From road trips to flights, it’s been a reliable travel companion, offering space for snacks, water bottles, and travel essentials while keeping everything organized. Its comfortable, padded straps make it easy for kids to carry, whether they’re heading to class or exploring a new destination. A true all-in-one backpack that’s built to last!

Kids aged 5-12 need more sophisticated features for carry on trip for kids. The Osprey Jet 18 stands out perfectly for this age group and offers enough space for day trips while staying comfortable. Its adjustable harness system grows with our kids, which we really appreciate.
When we pack for this backpack for kids we don’t carry much and I follow the packing technique I detail here: 16 Useful Packing Tips and Tricks for Traveling with Kids (in number 4)

Our experience with the Gregory backpack has been nothing short of fantastic. It’s the perfect all-in-one solution for school, road trips, and international travel, offering ample space for Chromebooks, books, and travel essentials. Designed with durability in mind, it has held up impressively against daily wear and tear from kids aged 9–12.
With a spacious main compartment, it easily accommodates packing cubes for neat and organized storage. Padded laptop and tablet sleeves provide secure protection for devices up to 15 inches, making it great for both school and travel. Ergonomic shoulder straps and a breathable back panel ensure all-day comfort, whether navigating a busy school day or exploring a new destination.
My kids has use this backpack on many trips and school! they last. Made from abrasion-resistant fabric, the Gregory backpack is built to last, with multiple external pockets for quick access to essentials like water bottles and snacks. Lightweight yet durable, it works just as well for hikes as it does for flights. With gear loops and a weather-resistant design, this backpack is a versatile, reliable companion for any adventure.
Teens
Our teenagers need travel backpacks that can handle heavier loads and look cool enough to match their style during our trips. The Deuter Junior series is an option. This backpack has perfect balance between adult-level features and youth-specific sizing.
Your child’s size and strength should determine the right backpack choice, not just their age. A properly fitted backpack makes kids more eager to carry their own gear. We sometimes pick a slightly larger size to fit extra items on longer trips, but never compromise on comfort.

The Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack
It is a travel-ready bag designed for teens, balancing enough storage for weekend trips or international adventures with a lightweight, portable design. The suitcase-style main compartment, padded laptop sleeve, and multiple pockets make it super easy to pack and stay organized. Carry-on friendly and with stowable straps, it even doubles as a sleek duffel bag. Plus, the adjustable shoulder and hip straps grow with your teen for a perfect fit every time.
We love it because its sturdy material and it is built for comfort and durability, the Farpoint 40L has padded straps, a hip belt, and a breathable back panel to keep it comfortable even when fully loaded. Rugged materials mean it can handle anything, from road trips to global adventures, all while looking stylish. This backpack is the ultimate all-rounder for teens on the go!

Boys’ Best Travel Backpacks
Beside the ones I mentioned before here are some other options. For us durability and cool factor must work together when picking travel backpacks for boys. We learned what matters most to them after watching our sons take their backpacks through countless adventures. So here are other popular and well designer ones
The North Face Recon Junior is our top pick for active boys. Its rugged build and features appeal to young adventurers:
- Dedicated laptop/tablet sleeve
- Quick-access front pocket for snacks
- Side water bottle pockets
- Reflective details for safety
- Sternum strap that actually stays put

The Patagonia Refugio Youth Pack has handled everything from airport floor dragging to impromptu soccer ball duty at rest stops. Boys are typically tough on their gear, so reinforced bottom panels and strong zippers make a huge difference.

The High Sierra Loop backpack works great for boys who like to keep things tidy. Multiple compartments keep electronics away from water bottles, and compression straps stop items from moving during travel.

A word about style: Functionality matters, but boys will use their backpacks more if they like how they look. Neutral colors with subtle cool details work better than childish patterns.
Your son’s frame should guide your size choice. We learned this the hard way after buying one that was too big, hoping he’d grow into it. That choice only led to an uncomfortable trip and a kid who didn’t want to carry his pack.
Our favorite for teens is again Osprey 40L farpoint Our boys are still loving their Osprey 40L backpacks, and for good reason. These bags are lightweight yet incredibly durable, making them perfect for both short trips and extended adventures.
The 40L size is perfect—big enough to fit all their essentials but not so bulky that it’s hard to carry, whether it’s for a weekend camping trip or an international adventure. The adjustable straps and padded back panel make it super comfortable, even when it’s packed to the brim.
With multiple compartments, it’s easy for them to stay organized, whether they’re packing clothes, gear, or snacks. It’s a bag that works great for kids now and will grow with them as they take on new adventures. It is definitely built to last—this backpack just keeps delivering!

Why the Right Travel Backpack Matters
When we started traveling as a family, I thought any regular backpack would do. Boy, was I wrong! Between long walks through airports, hikes, and day trips, I quickly realized that kids need something comfortable, durable, and organized to carry their essentials. It’s not just about convenience; a well-designed backpack helps them feel responsible and part of the adventure. Also, a good quality one last longer than one that is not and I don’t like spend money twice how about you?
Essential Features for Kids’ Travel Backpacks
1. Ergonomic Design and Comfort Features
Kids can’t handle the same weight as adults, so backpacks need to be designed with their size and comfort in mind. Here’s what to look for:
- Padded Straps and Back Panels: This is a lifesaver for little shoulders and backs, especially on long travel days.
- Adjustable Straps: As kids grow, having straps you can adjust ensures the backpack lasts longer.
- Lightweight Materials: The backpack itself shouldn’t add unnecessary weight.
2. Safety Elements and Visibility
I never thought much about this until we found ourselves in a crowded theme park one day. Bright colors or reflective strips on backpacks make it so much easier to keep track of your kids.
- Bright Colors: Neon or bold patterns stand out in a sea of neutrals. Specially for little ones, teens start liking this less.
- Reflective Strips: Perfect for evening walks or early morning travel.
- Chest Straps: These help keep the backpack secure and balanced, reducing the risk of it slipping off. I know kids refuse to strap everything but this come handy in right moments
3. Organization and Accessibility
Kids love independence, and an organized backpack helps them find what they need without asking you every five minutes. Look for:
- Multiple Compartments: Separate areas for snacks, toys, and clothes make everything easier to access.
- Exterior Pockets: Perfect for water bottles or small items like hand sanitizers.
- Easy-to-Open Zippers: Little hands need zippers that slide smoothly.
Top Travel Backpack Brands for Kids
Here are some great brands to consider, whether you’re looking for something high-end or budget-friendly:
1. Premium Brand Options
- Deuter Kikki or Junior: is an Ergonomic and eco-friendly backpack good for kids who need a backpack that’ll last through multiple trips and more space.

- Osprey Daylite Kids: Known for durability and lightweight design, Osprey makes fantastic backpacks for active families.

- Fjällräven Kånken Mini: Stylish, functional, and durable—great for city adventures or day trips.

2. Mid-Range Choices
- Skip Hop Zoo Pack: Cute animal designs make these a favorite for younger kids.

- High Sierra Loop Junior: Sturdy and well-organized without breaking the bank.

- REI Co-op Tarn 12: A great mix of quality and affordability, ideal for short hikes or trips.

3. Budget-Friendly Selections
- L.L.Bean Junior Original Pack: Affordable and reliable for everyday use.
- Amazon Basics Kids’ Backpack: A simple and budget-friendly option that gets the job done.
- Wildkin Backpacks: Affordable, colorful, and fun, with enough compartments to keep things organized.
Smart Packing Tips for Kids’ Backpacks
Packing a kid’s backpack is almost an art form, and getting it right makes all the difference. Here are some tips to keep everything organized and manageable:
1. Weight Distribution Guidelines
- The Rule of 10%: A child’s backpack should weigh no more than 10% of their body weight. If your child weighs 50 pounds, the backpack should max out at 5 pounds.
- Heaviest Items Close to the Back: Keep heavy items like books or water bottles close to their back for better balance.
2. Essential Items Checklist
Here’s what I always include:
- Snacks: Pack non-perishable and mess-free options like granola bars, pretzels, or dried fruit.
- Water Bottle: A spill-proof, lightweight bottle is a must.
- Entertainment: A small toy, travel game, or a coloring book with crayons.
- Clothing: Always include a light jacket and a full change of clothes (accidents happen!).
- Travel Documents: For older kids, let them carry their own passport or boarding pass in a secure pocket.
3. Organization Strategies
- Packing Cubes or Pouches: These are a game-changer for separating clothes, snacks, and toys.
- Label Everything: Add name tags or labels to avoid mix-ups.
- Clear Plastic Bags: Use these for liquids or snacks to make airport security easier.
- Tags for different kids backpacks when they have the same color

Duffel vs. Travel Backpack for Teens
Traveling with teens is definitely a whole different game compared to traveling with little ones, and we’ve learned that choosing between a duffel bag and a travel backpack isn’t as simple as it seems. After testing both on trips with our teens, here’s what we’ve found.
Duffel bags are great when you need a lot of storage. Their simple, open design makes packing super easy, and they’re perfect for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. They’re also a go-to for bulky sports gear or equipment. But let’s be real—lugging a full duffel around without good shoulder straps can get uncomfortable fast, especially for teens! Yes, my favorite is the one that can convert in straps but it is definitely different if you don’t have the waist strap.

Here’s what stands out to us:
- Backpacks feel better with padded shoulder straps and ergonomic support
- Duffels are more painful to carry and give more room for bulky items
- Backpacks have better organization with multiple compartments
- Duffels let you pack and unpack faster
Our teens, who travel a lot, tend to prefer backpacks because they’re super practical. They keep their hands free and make it easy to stay organized with all those compartments—perfect for storing electronics, school supplies, and travel essentials neatly.
That said, duffel bags are great for weekend trips or sports events. A lot of newer duffels now come with straps that convert them into backpacks, so our teens get the best of both worlds in one bag.
For air travel, though, backpacks are the clear winner. They’re easier to manage in busy airports, fit better in overhead bins, and the padded laptop compartments keep their electronics safe while on the go.
Why We Chose Backpacks Over Roll Cases for Our Kid
Backpacks have become our go-to for travel, and it’s all thanks to real-life experiences. We have used rollercases cases but we have transition little by little to full backpacks. One because we hate waiting for lugagge adding stress to trip. Once iur lugagge was misplace.
We’ve learned the hard way that rolling suitcases just don’t cut it on cobblestone streets in Europe, dirt paths in Malaysia, or uneven terrain in Mexico and Peru. Backpacks win every time when you’re on the move. Defenetly it gets easier trabistion when kids get older.
On trips where you’re bouncing between places—like three days in Singapore, taking buses and uneven areas in Malaysia’s jungles, and then unwinding in Phuket—a good backpack makes all the difference. Investing in Osprey backpacks for the boys was one of our best decisions. They’re durable, comfortable, and so well-designed that every trip feels smoother. Honestly, we’ve never looked back!
Here’s why backpacks won us over:
- Both hands stay free to hold maps or water bottles
- Moving through crowded spaces and public transport becomes easier
- Stairs or rough terrain need no lifting
- Growing bodies benefit from balanced weight distribution
- Cramped hotel rooms have more space
A memorable moment in Phuket and Malaysia sealed the deal for us—our kids navigated crowded night markets with ease using backpacks, while others struggled with rolling cases.
Backpacks give them independence and responsibility. They manage their own gear, pack thoughtfully, and move confidently, whether hiking to a Costa Rican waterfall or rushing through an airport. Plus, modern travel backpacks offer better organization, with spots for water bottles, snacks, and electronics. As a bonus, they’re better for posture, distributing weight evenly across their shoulders and back.
Why trust my experience when it comes to choosing the perfect kids’ travel backpack?


As a mom who’s been traveling with my family for years, I’ve packed it all—from snacks to spare clothes to toys my kids insisted they couldn’t live without! With two adventurous boys (now 13 and 15), I’ve learned what truly works to keep kids comfortable, organized, and happy on the go.
From backpacking in Peru and Malaysia to navigating airports in Europe, I’ve tested many backpacks in every situation. Whether it’s finding the right fit, keeping essentials accessible, or preventing meltdowns, I know which features actually matter and I am sharing everything here.
When I recommend a backpack, it’s based on years of real-world experience—not guesswork. I’ve carried enough trial-and-error options to know what makes the perfect one!
Where do we travel with backpacks and what we use
Our backpacks have traveled with us through continents. Each destination taught us something new about finding the perfect travel companion for our kids. Let me share our ground experiences from different parts of the world.
Europe: European cities with our kids showed us how much properly fitted backpacks matter. The Gregory Backapack worked for my boys perfectly on cobblestone streets and train travel. The backpack’s adjustable back height system helped us rush through busy train stations in Milan and catch budget flights on easy Jet. Although kids didn’t complain about weight I think it would be great to have a waist straps.
Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand: Southeast Asia’s climate needed specific features in our kids’ backpacks:
- Weather-resistant materials to handle sudden downpours
- Lockable zippers to stay secure in busy areas
- Comfortable padding that works in sweaty conditions
The Osprey 40L became our favorite choice here. It handled everything from Malaysian humidity to Singapore’s pristine streets. We used it successfully as carry-on luggage with Singapore airline.
Peru’s varied landscape proved that convertible rucksacks are worth their weight in gold. We picked standard backpacks over convertible ones for our family adventures here. Comfort and durability were our top priorities. The terrain needs backpacks that handle:
- Rough trails
- Varying altitudes
- Quick weather changes
Our time in Peru taught us that proper weight distribution matters more in places where you move between different elevations constantly.
So far, The Gregory Backpack and Osprey 40L was perfect for our older kids and offered excellent suspension systems and compression straps.
Focus on airline-friendly sizes and designs
We learned an expensive lesson by not checking international carriers’ stricter size limits. These days, we always look up specific airline requirements before packing. Specially if you take different airlines. Backpacks with compression straps have saved us many times – they help squeeze bags into those dreaded sizing boxes at the gate. Try to choose a backpack not to big or to small.
Here are the features we can’t do without:
- Quick-access pockets for travel documents
- Side compression straps
- Laptop sleeve that works as a tablet pocket
- External water bottle pocket that zips flat when empty
Bright colors help us spot bags easily in overhead bins. You can add colors and each of your kids has a different colored backpack, which saves time when getting off the plane and trying to grab our stuff. We have now backpacks same color, but we put a colorful tag to difference each one.
Those early days taught us that more pockets don’t always mean better organization. Too many compartments just mean more places to forget things during security checks. Simple designs with smart organization have made our trips through airports much easier.
When to Splurge and When to Save
Quality brands make the most sense in these specific situations:
- Your child hits a major growth milestone
- Trips longer than two weeks
- You travel more than three times per year
- Combined school and travel use
- Challenging destinations with varied terrain
Here’s our family’s approach: Mid-range options work best for toddlers who outgrow everything quickly. When our kids reached school age, and premium brands like Osprey or Gregory proved worth every penny. These bags lasted through multiple years and pass it among siblings.

Quality matters because it directly impacts safety and comfort. For example, we chose high-end backpacks with proper suspension systems for our Peru trek, while budget options worked fine for shorter trips.
One unexpected perk of premium brands? Better resale value. You can always get almost the same price you buy it for, which can help fund the next size up—making the investment totally worth it.
That said, expensive doesn’t always mean better. Brands with solid warranties and proven durability save money in the long run by avoiding frequent replacements.
Brand highlights.
Our family has logged countless miles of travel, and we’ve developed strong opinions about kids’ travel backpack brands. Some brands consistently deliver better quality for specific travel needs.
Stands out as our favorite all-around choice. Their quality shows in features like:
- Adjustable torso length systems
- Kid-specific shoulder harness designs
- Lifetime warranty coverage
- High-visibility rain covers

Wins us over with smart design choices. Their youth backpacks come with easy-access compartments that kids can handle on their own. Very comfortable paths in the back and shoulder straps and resistant to any weather condition. The sternum straps stay secure – a simple yet vital feature many other brands miss.

Makes backpacks that adapt perfectly as our kids grow. Their Junior line has stayed with us through multiple growth spurts while keeping its ergonomic benefits. The foam back panels last long and keep their shape even after years of heavy use.

Own brand of kids’ backpacks has been a welcome discovery. Their Tarn series delivers great value while meeting the quality standards of premium brands. The water-resistant finish has protected our kids’ stuff during unexpected rain.

Young travelers love Fjällräven’s mix of durability and style. Their Kånken Mini takes everything from playground battles to international flights. The price runs higher than others, but the reliable construction proves its worth as the bags pass between sibling

Why the Osprey Farpoint 40L is Our Choice for Teens and Kids’ Travel Backpacks

The clamshell opening makes packing and organization so much easier
The Osprey Farpoint 40L features a full clamshell opening, making it incredibly easy to pack and organize for trips. Teens and kids can open it like a suitcase and see all their belongings at once, saving time and frustration during travel.
Organizer pockets strike the perfect balance
Unlike some backpacks that have too few or too many compartments, the Farpoint 40L strikes the perfect balance. It offers just enough organization without overwhelming, making it ideal for teens who want practicality without the fuss.

Here are the Farpoint 40L’s different compartments and pockets
The clamshell main compartment and laptop pocket (and how we use each)
The main compartment provides ample space for clothes, shoes, and travel essentials. A padded laptop sleeve in the rear keeps electronics safe and secure, which is perfect for teens carrying tech on the go (whether an iPad, Nintendo switch or any other device).
The accessible top compartment

The small zippered pocket at the top is perfect for quick-access items like snacks, a phone, or sunglasses. And it has more space than we thought that was the perfect place to storage the tracking tag and our adapters, and chargers. It’s a great feature for keeping essentials within reach without digging into the main bag.
The external water bottle pocket (a must-have feature!)

Unlike some other bags, the Farpoint 40L includes external stretch pockets for water bottles. Even though our bags were full. we were able to carry our water bottles. This is a game-changer for kids and teens who need to stay hydrated while keeping their hands free.
Our Travel Experience with the Osprey Farpoint 40L

The Osprey Farpoint 40L is the most comfortable and well-organized backpack for teens
With its lightweight frame, padded hip belt, and adjustable harness system, the Farpoint 40L is built for comfort. Even when fully loaded, the weight distribution helps teens carry their belongings without strain.
What We Pack in the Osprey Farpoint 40L
The Top Compartment
This pocket is reserved for small essentials—like headphones, snacks, or a passport—so they’re always easy to grab. Chargers and adapters.
The Main Compartment
- Left Side, Top: Clothes for day-to-day use, rolled for easy access.
- Left Side, Bottom: Shoes or bulkier items like a jacket.
- Right Side: Personal items like toiletries, books, and lightweight accessories.
The Tech Pocket
This padded sleeve securely holds a laptop or tablet, protecting it from damage during travel. It’s a standout feature for teens who need their devices on trips.

What This Backpack is For…and What It’s Not
It’s perfect for carry-on travel, road trips, and even outdoor adventures. However, it’s not ideal for ultralight backpacking or trips where you need to carry heavy gear for long periods.
For teens , the Osprey Farpoint 40L strikes the perfect balance between functionality, comfort, and organization, making it our top choice for family travel adventures.