Osprey Imp

This is a great backpack for short trips to fit (more than) all your essentials. It’s meant to fit children, but works great for small women as well.

As a 5'0" woman in my mid-twenties, I was reluctant to use a children's hiking backpack. After trying on several women’s packs that didn’t fit right and some prodding from an REI employee, I tried this one on and it fit perfectly. I've been using it for about 5 years now for everything from weekend trips to the city to day hikes to camping trips.

This backpack is very comfortable and adjustable. If you don't have much to fit in, it can pack up to the size of a large backpack, so I’ve been able to use it if I plan on doing a hike that will last a few hours but need to bring water, snacks, and a jacket. When completely folded out, it fits everything I need when camping or going in to the city (I’ve taken a month’s-worth of laundry as well as all the clothes, make-up, and hair products I’d need for a weekend out in this bag.

The main issue I have with this bag is it opens at the top, and there’s a zip opening on the bottom, but no way to open it in the middle. It would be nice to have access to everything inside without having to pull all the items either on bottom or top out to find what I’m looking for.

The advertised volume is accurate, and even if full, it probably wouldn’t be too heavy for a child, although it may be a bit small for what I want sometimes. Luckily I can usually find extra space in the outer pockets for all my essentials, and have in worst case scenarios tied shoes to the outside. Everything about the bag is practical and easy to use. My only wish is for extra straps to carry a sleeping bag or other items on the outside, since there's not so much room inside.

This bag is very durable. Mine shows some signs of wear, but that's expected after it's travelled the world with me. Overall, I think this bag is great and would recommend it for women or children.

It has plenty of space and good load control. We used it on our hut trip. My 6-year-old son carried it 3 miles in and out. We liked the fact that we could use his reservoir and hydrate along the way. This purchase will last for a few years due to its adjustable torso.