My guest reviewer, Seth G, has written about the Osprey Jet 12 pack for kids. He writes: The Jet 12 pack is great for children because of its size, durability and fit. Our seven year old has put it to the test through trips around Europe, Asia and North America over the past six months.
Features include:
- Weight: 0.38 kg
- Maximum Dimensions (cm): 37 (l) x 38 (w) x 21 (d)
- Main Fabric: 400D Recycled Nylon Packcloth
- Retail price: £50
- See Osprey to buy.
Pros: What’s good about the Osprey Jet 12?
Size: The Jet 12 is made for kids and is literally the perfect size for our daughter. It even fits our four year old. Other school packs are bulky, or boxy, creating the visual and ergonomic effect of a turtle walking on its hind legs. The narrower size keeps the pack on the back and not hanging off the sides, which is a great advantage when walking down narrow airplane walkways.
Durability: The Jet 12 is made of solid construction. I love the zippers with the large loop grips to make it easy for a child’s fingers to open and close. The mesh has held up well and in all the travel trip that we have taken, there are no snags and rips.
Pockets: There are six pockets. The main compartment is big enough to hold the essentials for distracting a child over a long trip. There is then an optional hydration pocket where you can tuck a bladder in for longer hikes.
On the outside there are three mesh pockets, one which works great for a light jacket, and two side pockets for a water bottle and other readily accessible kit.
The final pocket is small hidden pocket on the top where our daughter likes to keep her money, miniature sewing kit (which the airport security in Turkey confiscated…so much for “hidden”!), pens and a notebook.
Fit: The pack fit is specifically tailored for children, not just a minimised adult version. They have designed the Jet 12 with good straps, a breathable back, a sternum strap with a whistle (another favourite of our daughter) and a large, strong handle on top. This final bit has come in handy when pulling it out of car boots, hanging the pack up and when pulling a wandering child away from the street.
Cons: What’s not so good about the Osprey Jet 12?
The one bit that my daughter would change about the pack is the addition of some small internal organisers in the main portion of the pack so she could stash smaller items like pencils, notebook, etc. She likes to have those ready and in their place instead of digging around in the bottom of the main compartment, or filling up her secret pocket.
Other than that small inconvenience, she continues to lug it around the world.
Conclusion: The Osprey Jet 12 pack is a great option for someone who wants a quality backpack for their child. It is durable, well designed, functional, and above all, it has a secret pocket.
Osprey Europe sell 12 litre and 18 litre Jet travel packs.
- Follow Seth G on Twitter.