Dakine Grom Pack 13L: Big Adventures for Little Shoulders (and a Mom’s Sanity!)
ReviewConfession: as a mom, I’m always on the hunt. The holy grail? Gear that’s tough enough for my kids, practical enough for me, and stylish enough to avoid the dreaded eye-roll. So, when I stumbled upon the Dakine Youth Grom Pack 13L in the Petal Maze print, I had to give it a whirl for my youngest, Lily. After weeks of school runs, muddy hikes, and general kid-induced chaos, here’s the lowdown.
Okay, first off, the design. The Petal Maze is just plain cute. It’s a burst of color that Lily adores, and I appreciate that it’s not plastered with cartoon characters. At 13L, the size is spot-on. It’s roomy enough for school books, a lunchbox, and her ever-growing rock collection, but it doesn’t swallow her whole. You know how it is with little kids and oversized backpacks!
But let’s talk features – because Dakine gets it. Reflective details? A lifesaver for those dawn treks to the bus stop. The adjustable sternum strap? Keeps the pack snug and secure, plus it has a built-in safety whistle! Genius. And the fleece-lined sunglass pocket? No more scratched lenses – hallelujah!
We even took this little pack on a hike recently. The cargo straps and bungee storage were perfect for stashing her jacket when the sun came out, and those mesh side pockets? Ideal for grabbing a quick snack. Even better, Lily could actually use the zipper pulls without needing my help. Small wins, people!
Now, about durability. Dakine’s known for making solid gear, and this backpack feels like it can handle anything Lily throws at it (literally). The 600D Recycled Polyester is tough and seems water-resistant, which is crucial with kids. Plus, the reinforced bottom? Yeah, this thing can take a beating.
Honestly, I’m struggling to find major faults. If I’m being picky, maybe a slightly bigger main compartment would be nice, but that could ruin the whole “compact” vibe.
So, the verdict? The Dakine Youth Grom Pack 13L is a winner. It’s cute, practical, and built to last. School, hiking, everyday adventures – this backpack is ready for anything. Two thumbs up from this mom!