Waldfuchs 14

The Deuter Waldfuchs 14 is a properly made little pack for kids who spend their days outside. Its name means 'forest fox', it was designed with the Bavarian Association of Forest Schools, and it is tough enough for a child who sits on it, drags it and drops it in the mud.

Who it's for

Kinder and early primary kids, and little walkers on family hikes: bush kinder mornings, a walk to the rock pools at Burleigh, or their first real hike on the Twin Falls circuit at Springbrook. Deuter rate it five out of five for kindergarten, and the recommended load of 1-3 kg is lunch, a drink bottle, a jumper, a hat and a spare set of clothes.

Capacity, and what actually fits

14 litres is generous for a small child: a lunch box, a bottle in a stretch side pocket, a jacket and spare clothes, with a separate compartment that keeps wet or muddy clothes away from everything else. A zipped front compartment holds snacks and small treasures. The pack measures 37 x 22 x 17 cm.

How it carries

The Contact back has shaped pads that sit close to a child's back and spread the weight, with gaps between them for airflow on warm days. Padded shoulder straps and a 2-way adjustable sternum strap stop the straps sliding off small shoulders when they run.

Fitting it

The Waldfuchs 14 fits a back length of 24-30 cm, which Deuter match to children around 98-130 cm tall. The pack should sit between the shoulder blades and the top of the hips; tighten the shoulder straps until it no longer bounces, then clip the sternum strap across the chest.

Access and organisation

The main compartment opens at the top under a lid and a drawcord that little hands can manage. A name tag inside means the pack comes home from kinder, attachment loops take a soft toy or a wet hat, and reflective details help them be seen in the car park.

• Top-loader with drawcord and lid closure
• Wet laundry compartment; zipped front compartment
• Stretch side pockets for a drink bottle
• Removable rain cover and removable sitting mat
• Name tag inside; reflective details
• Water-repellent base

Weight

390 g. Light enough that a small child carries their own gear, with a padded back and harness that adults would recognise from their own packs.

Looking after it

The body is robust, recycled 600D polyester with a water-repellent base, made without intentionally added PFAS, and the pack is bluepass and Green Button certified. Deuter back it with a 2-year warranty.