Fox 30

The Deuter Fox 30 is a proper hiking pack for kids, not a school bag with a hip strap. It has the same build as Deuter's adult trekking packs, scaled down, with a back length that adjusts as your child grows.

Who it's for

Kids and teens about 110-168 cm tall who are ready to carry their own gear: a family overnighter at Booloumba Creek, a school camp or Scouts hike. Deuter rate it five out of five for hiking and four for trekking. The recommended 3-6 kg means a child carries their own sleeping bag, clothes, water and snacks without being overloaded.

Capacity, and what actually fits

30 litres takes a sleeping bag in the lower section, a change of clothes, a warm jacket, a rain shell, a 3 L bladder or bottles in the side pockets, and snacks in the lid. The pack measures 60 x 26 x 24 cm.

How it carries

The Aircontact back sits close against the body to keep the load near your child's centre of gravity, so the pack does not pull them backwards on a climb. Breathable back pads move air as they walk. S-shaped shoulder straps with soft edges wrap around narrower shoulders without rubbing their neck, and compact hip fins with pull-forward adjustment take weight onto the hips. Stabiliser straps and a 2-way adjustable sternum strap keep it steady.

Fitting it

The VariQuick system sets the back length anywhere between 28 and 42 cm, covering kids from about 110 cm up to teens of 168 cm. Fit it with a few kilos inside: hip fins sit on the hip bones, shoulder straps wrap the shoulders with no gap, and the sternum strap sits across the chest. As they grow, lengthen the back so the hip fins stay on the hips. We stock the Fox because one pack can last a child for years.

Access and organisation

The main compartment has a zip-out divider, so a sleeping bag can live in its own lower section. An elasticated inner compartment holds a water reservoir or wet clothes, the lid has its own compartment, and a zippered bellows pocket on the front takes a rain jacket. Stretch side pockets hold bottles where small arms can reach them.

• Main compartment with zip-out divider
• Lid compartment and zippered bellows front pocket
• Stretch side pockets
• Elasticated inner compartment, hydration compatible up to 3 L
• Compression straps, pole attachment, material loops on front and lid

Weight

1150 g empty, light enough for younger walkers while still carrying a framed, adjustable back and padded hip fins that a lightweight daypack lacks.

Looking after it

The fabric is PU-coated 600D polyester with 210D recycled polyamide, with a finish made without intentionally added PFAS. Deuter cover it with a 2-year warranty.