I've seen those fancy Osprey and Gregory backpacks but $150+ for a 9yo seems excessive when they're growing so fast. We've been using an old hand-me-down but it's falling apart. Need something durable, comfortable, and not crazy expensive. Do I go with Amazon basics or is there something in the mid-range that won't hurt the bank account? What are y'all using?
Honestly check Decathlon if you have one nearby. Their backpacks are like $30-50 and actually solid. Not fancy but they'll last through the growth spurts and you don't feel like you wasted money when they outgrow it in 18 months
REI brand backpacks are actually really good for the price point and they have that return policy if it doesn't work out. My kid had one fall apart and they just replaced it no questions
what kind of hiking are we talking? Like day hikes or overnight stuff? That changes what features actually matter
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the sweet spot is probably $40-70 range. Brands like Kelty and Osprey make smaller versions of their packs at half the price. Good balance of durability without going full investment on a pack a 9yo might destroy