Teenagers will appreciate the adult features combined with innovative adjustability in Osprey's Ace 48 backpack. This is a great pack for Scouting, and aspiring long distance backpackers and mountaineers.

With the same load capacity as the adult Terra 60, this exploration pack is engineered for young backpackers.

The Jib 35 is a great choice for children that want to start carrying their own gear. The spacious top loading design makes loading simple, while the superb suspension compensates for less than meticulous packing technique.

Being a Boy Scout means carrying an external frame pack. But they don't have to feel like the old external frame packs of yesteryear. Kelty's Sanitas is designed for kids 8-12 years old and handle a handful of night's gear with ease. Padded shoulder straps, hip belt and sternum strap means less strain on your son or daughter, and that the weight stays controlled and centered for an optimal fit for their first forays into backpacking. The external frameallows for lashing sleeping bags, tents and other group equipment for longer trips.

An awesome little pack for young trekkers up to age 4 or 5, the Recon Squash takes all the winning features of the adult Recon pack and shrinks them down to a kids' usable size.

Patagonia's Poco Mas backpack--as its name implies--offers a little more room for kids who find they bring home more than they took with them. It has the organizational offerings they need with plenty of room for books, binders, and their fleece to boot.

The North Face Happy Camper Borealis bookbag for kids takes the adult Borealis style and shrinks it for the little people. It offers your little man or woman an internal mesh zippered pocket, a front bungee cord for jackets, two side water bottle pockets, and a comfortable foam backpanel. A reflective light loop patch keeps them visible on or near the road.

Patagonia's newest line of kids' packs offer the same excellent durability and features of their adult line, but tweaked for the little ones. The Poco 12 liter backpack holds your child's collection of books, papers and cool rocks for any day heading to school or hitting the trail.

For your little 2-4 year old hiking explorers, the Sprout has all the big people features boiled down into a pack that will get them excited about going into the woods like nothing else. Also features a grab handle on the back for playing superman or just keeping the over-zealous wee ones under wraps.