Deuter Junior

My two kids have been using this back pack (blue for my son, green for my daughter)since they were 4 and 5 years old. We have taken them on numerous hikes, camping trips, and treks around various cities, and two years later, the bags are still as good as new. When the bags get especially dirty, I launder them in the washing machine on the gentle cycle, with a bit of mild detergent. What I love most about the bag (besides the adorable factor)is how much it can hold for its size, and how non-bulky and light it is. The shoulder straps are well-padded to minimize complaints from my kids, and the chest strap helps keep the shoulder straps from sliding off narrow shoulders. The mesh side pockets are perfect for stowing 12-oz size Klean Kanteen bottles. I think Backcountry's price for the Deuter Junior backpack is really decent, and the bag is more than worth it.

We got this bag for our 5 year old who was off to school. It has been a huge success. A couple of key features which make it wonderful for a small kid:
1-- The over-flap on top means it doesn't have a zipper. The zipper is the part on cheap kids' packs that always fails. Zippers are also hard for kids to operate.
2-- The sternum strap means that the pack stays on rounded kid shoulders which is critical if s/he actually plans to walk with it on.
3-- The straps adjust so easily, that I can loosen them with two tugs and carry the pack for him.
4-- The external water pockets hold a wet, condensing water bottle away from school gear.

Works great for my kid, large enough for his 1st grade papers, folders, binders, and such. The little pocket on the top lid fits the little things he likes to bring with him. The emergency whistle was not on the pack for some reason, something my son was bummed about so he put his own whistle on it. He puts his gloves in the side mesh pocket but it would hold a little water bottle nicely too. I'm sure we will go hiking with this pack too. Love the green color (aka - "moss"). What are you waiting for? Your kid will luv it.

My 9 year old daughter has been using this bag (in blue) for three years as a school backpack and she still loves it. It's just now beginning to show wear in terms of dirt stains but absolutely no signs of wear to the fabric or latches. I love that it has 2 water bottle pockets and uses a draw string and snap latches rather than a zipper for the main compartment. My only wish was that is come in at least one "girl" color...although my daughter has never complained about carrying a blue bag.

In looking for a pack when a chest strap that holds the shoulder straps in place the options are rather limited. Thankfully this Deuter pack is just what we were looking for!
On our recent vacation he thought was the coolest in being able to load up his backpack and wear it through the airport. It was perfect for all his toys and other essentials.
He was so proud to have a backpack just like dad and mom on our trip.