Tatonka Rolltop Pack JR 14L
German-made kids' rolltop pack with huge storage capacity, ideal for hiking adventures. Premium materials and excellent water resistance, but limited organization and typical rolltop access requirements.
Our Verdict
Excellent durability excels for grade-schooler hiking adventures, though rolltop opening might not be ideal for everyday school use
Outdoor
Trail-ready features include daisy chains, reflective strips, seat pad, and waist belt
Water Resistant
Excellent water resistance, passed 30-minute test, keeps contents dry in light rain
Harness System
Includes rare hip belt for kids, foam back panel with ventilation channels.
Storage Capabilities
Huge capacity with expandable rolltop design, but minimal internal organization options
Our opinion reflects our personal experience with the product. We encourage you to consider our assessment alongside your own research to determine if it's the right fit for you.
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Full Review
Today's review takes us into uncharted territory as we explore our first rolltop pack designed specifically for kids. Enter the Tatonka Children's Backpack Rolltop Pack JR 14L – a compact outdoor performer from the German brand that's been quietly building solid gear since 1980. While Tatonka lacks the flashy marketing of outdoor giants, they've earned respect among serious hikers who prioritize function over hype. Their children's gear follows this philosophy – practical, durable, and refreshingly free from cartoon characters.
First Impression
Right out of the box, this pack feels different from typical children's gear. The exterior uses two distinct fabrics that immediately set it apart from the plastic-looking materials dominating most kids' packs. The main body features Melange Tex Eco with that subtle heathered texture and refined appearance, while the base and high-wear areas utilize the more robust reTex 6.6 Eco construction for added durability. Both materials are essentially polyester and polyamide fabrics treated with PFC/PFAS-free PU coating.
Tatonka extends this eco-conscious approach to the interior lining as well, using recycled polyester with PU coating in a bright yellow that makes one happy and helps you see what's inside the bag easily.
The navy colorway I selected showcases Tatonka's thoughtful material choices beautifully
What really caught my eye, though, was the color coordination. The orange and ocean blue accents work together harmoniously across both materials, creating a sophisticated color palette that honestly? I wouldn't mind carrying myself. This is genuinely a beautiful bag. At the time of writing, there are only three colorways available – apricot, sage-green, and navy options – each maintaining that premium aesthetic rarely seen in youth outdoor gear.
The two-tone fabric combination immediately catches the eye – Melange Tex Eco's refined heathered texture paired with the more robust reTex 6.6 Eco base creates a surprisingly sophisticated look
However, a couple of aspects gave me pause during my initial inspection. The single side pocket for water bottles stands out as an odd choice – most quality children's packs include dual hydration pockets, and having that backup storage spot really matters for versatility. This limitation also affects the pack's ability to function as a proper hiking bag, which is surprising given Tatonka's reputation in the outdoor space.
Speaking of visual details, the stitching visible on the exterior of the roll top where the internal name tag is attached disrupts the otherwise clean aesthetic. Don't get me wrong – it doesn't affect functionality one bit. Your kid won't care, and honestly, most parents probably won't either. It's a minor detail, but on a pack this refined, that extra stitching line feels like it compromises the sleek appearance slightly.
On the positive side, the hardware quality here reassures me as a parent – Tatonka has equipped this pack with YKK zippers and Woojin buckles. When I see these trusted names, I don't have to worry about stuck zippers or broken buckles during critical moments.
Harness System
Starting with the basics, there's a standard grab handle at the top for carrying and maneuvering the pack when needed – nothing fancy, but it gets the job done
Well-padded back panel with air channels, hip belt, and shoulder straps
Now here's where things get interesting: the hip belt deserves special mention since it's virtually non-existent on most kids' packs. While it's not padded – likely a weight-saving measure that makes sense for a children's pack – it still does the job of transferring some load off those developing shoulders. The webbing feels sturdy enough for the intended use, and frankly, adding padding would probably make the pack feel bulkier than necessary for most kids. That said, if this bag sees duty as a school pack, most kids probably won't bother with the hip belt at all.
Moving to the back panel, you'll find EVA foam padding with integrated air channels that provide welcome ventilation during use – essential when you're dealing with active kids on hot days. EVA is a closed cell foam that offers several benefits for backpack construction: it's moisture-resistant, maintains its shape over time, and won't absorb sweat or humidity that could add weight or create odors. The trade-off is that EVA tends to be firmer, which some users might find less cushioned initially, though it does break in with use.
As for the shoulder straps, they're well padded and there's quite a lot going on here: a loop, reflective strip, sternum strap, and strap keepers all integrated along the surface. However, I'm not entirely convinced by how the sternum strap mounts directly onto the shoulder strap material. My concern is that this setup might allow the sternum strap to become loose over time, potentially failing to stay in proper position during the constant on-and-off cycle of daily use.
Storage Capabilities
Let's talk numbers first – the 14-liter capacity might sound modest on paper, but this pack punches above its weight class when it comes to actual storage space. During my testing, I managed to fit a surprising amount of gear: a towel, book, napkins, lunchbox, umbrella, disposable raincoat, change of clothes, pencil case, and water bottle all disappeared into the main compartment without much fuss.
Parents hoping for designated spots for different items might find this limitation frustrating
Inside the main compartment, organizational options remain pretty sparse. You'll find a back sleeve that works well for keeping documents or a tablet separated from the rest of your gear, but that's essentially it. The lack of internal pockets or dividers means everything else just floats around together in the main space. Honestly? For most kids, this probably won't matter much – they're not exactly known for their organizational skills anyway.
That said, the generous main compartment does excel at swallowing larger items that wouldn't fit in more structured packs. That towel and change of clothes? No problem. The rolltop design allows the pack to expand slightly when stuffed full, giving you that extra bit of capacity when you need it most.
While this system creates excellent weather protection, it's nowhere near as quick as simply unzipping a traditional backpack. For kids constantly digging around for snacks or supplies, this could become tedious.
Accessing that storage comes with trade-offs inherent to the rolltop design. To reach the main compartment, you'll need to unhook the front buckle, unroll the top section, and then unzip the closure. Closing requires the reverse process – rolling everything back up, zipping, and securing the buckle. These two elements work well together when rolling the rolltop down to ensure a waterproof seal.
Now, about that front pocket – it's actually quite practical and lives up to its promising exterior appearance. The pocket is reasonably deep and works well for items that require quick access, like wet wipes, a compact raincoat, or snack bars. The bright yellow interior lining makes it easy to spot items inside, even in low light conditions, which is a thoughtful touch that enhances usability.
Finally, there's one last storage-related element worth discussing that rounds out the complete picture of this pack. Speaking of that hydration pocket, it features an elastic band sewn into the top edge, allowing it to expand and contract based on what you're carrying. This elastic band around the opening helps secure items, preventing them from falling out while still allowing for easy insertion and removal. It's a practical solution that works well for water bottles of varying sizes.
Outdoor Features
Beyond the core functionality, Tatonka has included several trail-ready features that deserve mention. The nylon zipper pulls make pack access easy to manage, allowing for smooth opening and closing without struggle – a small detail that matters when little fingers are involved.
Moving to the exterior, you'll find daisy chain webbing loops sewn in linear series – essentially a row of lash points that prove useful for attaching small items during hiking adventures. This setup is similar to what I found on the Fjällräven Skule Kids I reviewed previously. However, after using the Skule Kids, my 5-year-old barely attached anything to those lash points, which makes me a bit skeptical about having this many attachment options on a children's pack.
On the safety front, Tatonka didn't forget about visibility with reflective strips strategically placed on both the front panel and shoulder straps. The front reflective strip runs horizontally across the navy fabric, creating decent visibility from the front, while the shoulder strap reflective elements catch light from multiple angles as kids move. While you can't rely on these strips as your only safety measure, they're still an essential feature for any kids' pack. As a parent, I appreciate that Tatonka didn't skimp on this detail, especially since kids have a knack for wandering off the beaten path.
The reflective material should enhance your child visibility during those early morning school walks or late afternoon outdoor adventures
Here's a pleasant surprise – like pulling a rabbit from a hat, I discovered the inclusion of a PE-foam seat pad covered in aluminum foil. This small, foldable addition proves quite useful for hiking purposes, providing insulation and protection when sitting on cold rocks, wet ground, or dirty surfaces during trail breaks. It's a practical feature that enhances the pack's outdoor utility, allowing your young ones to take comfortable rest stops without getting their bottom wet or cold from direct ground contact.
It is light as a feather, folds small and reflects your own body heat. Perfect for cold and dirty surfaces
Water Resistance
To properly test this pack's weather protection, I ran it through my standard paper napkin test. I placed a paper napkin inside the main compartment, sealed everything up, and hit the exterior with a water mist to simulate light rain conditions. After this initial spray test, the napkin stayed completely dry.
Now, this isn't a waterproof pack by any stretch, we're talking water resistance here, not submersion protection
But I wasn't done yet – I left that same napkin inside for a full 30 minutes to see if any moisture would gradually seep through the fabric over time. Even after that extended period, the paper remained bone dry. No dampness, no water spots, nothing.
The credit for this performance goes to both fabrics' PU coating treatment. Unlike surface treatments, PU creates a fully impenetrable barrier that prevents water from passing through the fabric entirely, while also enhancing durability and abrasion resistance. For parents concerned about chemical exposure, PU coatings are generally free from the harmful PFAS "forever chemicals" found in traditional DWR treatments.
Technical Details
Dimension
16.5 x 9.1 x 5.9 inch
Weight
0.74 lbs
Storage
14 litres
Material
Polyester, Polyamide
Customer Reviews
"Nice backpack, is gladly used by our dainty 6-year-old"
"My 7-year-old coped wonderfully with it on vacation. The backpack has a comfortable size and is of good quality."
"The product itself is certainly not bad. But we had ordered two to choose from and chose another one. The return shipping to the Czech Republic would have cost over 30€, so we kept it after all..."
- Includes a hip belt (rare for kids' packs) to transfer load off shoulders
- Padded back panel with air channels for ventilation
- Impressive 14L capacity that fits more than expected
- Expandable design allows for larger items like towels and clothes
- Visible exterior stitching from internal name tag disrupts clean aesthetic
- Front pocket has false bottom, limiting storage capacity
- Only one side pocket for water bottles
Conclusion
The Tatonka Rolltop Pack JR 14L ultimately lands in a specific niche. It's built for grade-schoolers who spend their weekends on trails rather than shuffling between classrooms. Honestly? This pack shines when your kid needs to carry extra layers to keep warm or change into, snacks for the trail, a raincoat for sudden weather shifts, or that mini camera they insist on bringing everywhere. The rolltop design that makes it brilliant for outdoor adventures becomes a bit of a hassle during those rushed morning school routines. If your family prioritizes weekend hiking trips and your child gravitates toward outdoor exploration, this German-made pack delivers the weather protection and capacity they'll actually use. Just don't expect it to make weekday mornings any smoother.
