{"product_id":"osprey-jet-18-kids-ultimate-hiking-companion","title":"Osprey Jet 18 Kid's Hiking Backpack - Comfortable First Pack","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur review of the Osprey Jet 18 finds it to be an excellent first serious pack for young hikers age 8 and up, with the single biggest reason to buy being its combination of comfort and sensible storage so a child can carry essentials without feeling overwhelmed. The pack's AirScape backpanel and hip belt make it comfortable on short day hikes, while the external reservoir sleeve and multiple mesh pockets keep water and layers accessible. For families wanting a durable, thoughtfully designed daypack that grows with a child's adventures, the Jet 18 stands out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAirScape backpanel:\u003c\/strong\u003e provides ventilation and a close, comfortable fit so a child can carry the pack for longer without excess heat or pressure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTop-load main compartment:\u003c\/strong\u003e gives simple access to day-hike essentials and makes packing straightforward for young users learning to organize gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExternal reservoir sleeve:\u003c\/strong\u003e allows easy use of a water bladder for on-trail hydration without sacrificing internal volume (reservoir sold separately).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMultiple mesh pockets:\u003c\/strong\u003e dual stretch side pockets and a large front mesh pocket keep jackets, snacks and small items visible and reachable on the move.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGRS recycled materials and PFC-free DWR:\u003c\/strong\u003e reduce environmental impact while offering water resistance for typical outdoor conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Jet 18 is aimed at older kids (roughly age 8+) who are ready to carry their own day-hiking essentials on short trips, school outings or family adventures. It works well for parents who want a purposeful youth pack with adult-style features like a hip belt and reservoir compatibility that actually get used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFamilies who need a full overnight backpacking pack or who plan to carry heavy loads for extended multi-day trips should look elsewhere; the Jet 18 is optimized for day use and short hikes rather than long-distance loads or large volume hauling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComfortable AirScape backpanel and hip belt that make the pack stable and pleasant on the trail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThoughtful, accessible storage with top-load access, large front mesh pocket and dual side stretch pockets for layers and water bottles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnvironmentally minded materials with GRS recycled fabric and a PFC-free durable water repellent.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExternal reservoir sleeve keeps hydration simple and out of the main compartment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLimited capacity for serious overnight trips - best suited to day hikes and short excursions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReservoir is sold separately, so expect an additional purchase for in-pack hydration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntended age\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAge 8+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCapacity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDaypack sized, 18 L implied by name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBackpanel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAirScape ventilated backpanel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePockets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDual stretch side pockets, large front mesh pocket, small external zip pocket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHydration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExternal reservoir sleeve (reservoir sold separately)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterials\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGRS certified recycled materials with PFC-free DWR\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Osprey Jet 18 is a well-made, purpose-designed kid's daypack that delivers comfort and practical storage for growing hikers; buy it if you want a durable, easy-to-use pack with hydration compatibility and environmental-minded materials, but look elsewhere for larger capacity or overnight use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this backpack suitable for overnight trips?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnswer. The Jet 18 is optimized for day hikes and short trips; its capacity and layout are not intended for extended overnight loads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the pack include a water bladder?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnswer. No, the external reservoir sleeve is provided but the water bladder is sold separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it fit an older child comfortably?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnswer. Yes; customers report the AirScape panel and hip belt make it comfortable for older kids to carry their gear on short hikes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Osprey","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46703160295643,"sku":"B07Z9ZKKNJ","price":67.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/8108PjWk8PL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1744942841","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/osprey-jet-18-kids-ultimate-hiking-companion","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}