Best Baby and Toddler Carriers for Hiking of 2023
safe and Comfortable Baby, Child, and Toddler Hiking Backpacks
July 13, 2023
Ebony Roberts hiking in Squamish, BC with the Osprey Poco baby carrier. Photo by Steve Redmond
Nothing beats experiencing the outdoors with your little ones. It's refreshing to watch them discover nature, explore trails, and learn to feel comfortable living life outside. If you were a hiker before you had a baby or a parent looking to take your first steps on a hiking trail with your little one, there are a few essential gear items you need to do this safely, including a baby carrier. If you're day-hiking, backpacking, traveling, or exploring a new city, a comfortable and well-fitting hiking carrier is indispensable.
We pored over hundreds of consumer reviews, read what gear testers have to say, and assessed features to narrow our competitive list down to the seven best baby carriers for hiking. Then we field-tested our top two models, chose the one we felt best suited most people, and tested the updated model. As a result, we determined that the Osprey Poco Plus is the best overall hiking pack for carrying babies and toddlers. We also identified two other outstanding models worth buying — the Deuter Kid Comfort and the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT — and broke down our list's remaining four contenders.
Related: Long-Term Review of the Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier
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Best Hiking Baby Carrier
Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier
Hiking Baby Carriers comparison Table
features comparison table
| BABY CARRIER | TREELINE AWARD | WEIGHT | WEIGHT CAPACITY (lbs) | STORAGE CAPACITY | SUNSHADE? | FREESTANDING? | ADJUSTABLE TORSO LENGTH? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osprey Poco Plus | Best Overall | 7 lb 14.4 oz | 48.0 | 26 L | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Deuter Kid Comfort | Best for Toddlers | 7 lbs 2 oz | 48.5 | 14 L | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kelty Journey PerfectFIT | Best Budget | 6 lbs 6oz | 50.0 | 17 L | No (additional purchase) | Yes | Yes |
| Thule Sapling | 7 lbs 8 oz | 48.0 | 22 L | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| phil&teds Escape Child Carrier | 7 lbs | 40.0 | 30 L | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Dimensions and Specs comparison table
| BABY CARRIER | TREELINE AWARD | DIMENSIONS (inches) | FITS TORSO LENGTH | FITS WAIST / HIPS | FRAME | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osprey Poco Plus | Best Overall | 28.75 x 29 x 15.75 | 15 - 21" | 24 - 50" | Aluminum | $395 |
| Deuter Kid Comfort | Best for Toddlers | 28 x 17 x 13 | 15 - 20" | 24 - 54" | Aluminum | $320 |
| Kelty Journey PerfectFIT | Best Budget | 28 x 20 x 15.5 | 15.5 - 21" | 32 - 51.5" | Aluminum | $270 |
| Thule Sapling | 28.75 x 13.75 x 12.25 | 13 - 20.5" | 27 - 51" | Aluminum | $430 | |
| phil&teds Escape Child Carrier | 27.5 x 17.7 x 12.6 | 15 - 19" | 28 - 57" | Aluminum | $250 |
*Prices reflect MSRP. We note any discounts we see on our Deals page, which is updated daily.
The writer, Ebony Roberts, hiking near a waterfall with the Osprey Poco. Photo by Steve Redmond.
Best Baby Carriers
Best Overall Hiking Baby Carrier: Osprey Poco Plus
Weight: 7 lbs 14.4 oz
Weight capacity: 48 lbs
Storage capacity: 26 L
Dimensions: 26.75 x 29 x 15.7 inches
Sunshade: Yes
What we liked: safety is a priority, comfort for baby and adult, structured cockpit area, built-in sunshade, child-safe buckles, easy adjustments, lots of storage, customized fit
What we didn’t like: price, not as well-suited for larger kids
The Osprey Poco Plus is our top pick for hiking backpack carrier because it’s ultra-comfortable for both baby and adult, and the feature-loaded design makes safety a priority. In addition, the structured child cockpit area — with mesh paneling and a five-point harness — will keep your little one secure for a long day of hiking.
Factor in the storage space, built-in sunshade, and easy adjustability, and it’s no wonder this is our preferred choice out of all the hiking carriers we considered.
The Poco Plus remains our top child carrier because it retains all the features we loved about the first iteration, but with added upgrades that make it more comfortable and easy to use while prioritizing safety.
COMPARE PRICES ON THE OSPREY POCO AG PLUS
The much-lauded Osprey Poco AG Plus (right) has been updated with a name change. It is now the Osprey Poco Plus, which wins our award for best overall baby backpack hiking carrier. Photo by Steve Redmond.
THE NEW FEATURES WORTH NOTING
The two most notable design improvements are in the child harness system and the hip belt. On the new version of the Poco Plus, the same structured child cockpit flips the design of the harness buckle to the child's back. It's now easier to get your child in the five-point safety harness while also eliminating any possibility of tiny fingers unbuckling themselves from the front.
The hip belt has also been re-designed, making it more comfortable and easier to adjust on the go. On top of that, there's easier-to-clean fabric, added ventilation, and a few more design tweaks, including on the pockets. Throw in the same full-coverage sunshade, sturdy foot bar, ample storage space, and easy adjustability, and the Poco Plus remains at the top of the child carriers we chose to test, especially for small kids.
On the hunt for the best baby backpack carrier, we had adults of different sizes, weights, and shapes carry their child in the Osprey Poco Plus. Photo by Ebony Roberts.
HIKING WITH THE OSPREY POCO PLUS
I hiked with the previous version of the Poco Plus for over two years (from the time my son was first able to use it around six months old to just past the time he was two-and-a-half), through all four seasons, and in all sorts of weather conditions. As a new parent, it was one of the most reliable and indispensable pieces of outdoor gear that I owned.
It fit both myself (5'4") and my partner (6') and was kid-approved by our son, who was always eager to ride in it. In addition, friends of different sizes wore it, carrying kids of different sizes, and the consensus among all wearers and kids is that it was comfortable and made hiking easier. We used it for a lot more than hiking, too, taking it to places strollers wouldn't comfortably go (festivals, busy streets), and our son loved having a higher vantage point to take in all of the sights.
Now, we've switched it up to the new version, the Poco Plus. Because my son is nearly four and does a lot more hiking on his own now, I haven't put as many miles on the current model. However, I can report that it still has all the things I appreciated about the older generation of this baby carrier, with a couple of new upgrades worth noting. See my long-term Review of the Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier that goes into these features.
The child harness on the old Osprey Poco has better padding and cushioning than any carrier we considered. Photo by Steve Redmond.
The child harness on the new Osprey Poco Plus is easier for parents to load and unload small children. Photo by Steve Redmond.
THE COCKPIT AND SAFETY HARNESS
The cockpit and safety harness system are where the Poco Plus baby carrier really shines. With the new design, it's now easier for parents to load and unload small children.
The most noticeable upgrade is the harness, which now has forward-facing arm loops and buckles at the child's back; the old harness buckled in the front, which sometimes made securing a wiggly baby difficult. Now, two buckles sit behind the child's shoulders, so clipping in on each side is a cinch. Plus, new toggles have been added to the baby carrier to help keep the arm loops out of the way when placing your child in the cockpit.
Adjusting the seat's height is also easy with help from a brightly colored red tab that slides up and down to get the perfect fit (you can even make adjustments while your child is sitting in their seat). This design is great for smaller kids, but getting bigger kids in can be a little challenging without a side entry like the one you find in the Deuter Kid Comfort.
The child harness in the Osprey hiking baby carrier looks similar to the Deuter backpack carrier, but the Poco Plus has better-padded structuring around the child's leg area than the Kid Comfort (which has nylon straps). Both are comfortable for my child, but the Osprey child carrier adds an extra protection in this area, which was essential to me when my son was tiny. It also has mesh netting and side reinforcement, which makes it feel extra safe.
It's also worth noting that the new Poco Plus has swapped out the fabric choice on the drool pad. While the older model was a little softer to touch, the new fabric choice is just as plush but much easier to wipe clean (the drool pad is also fully removable and can be tossed in the washing machine).
Because the Osprey Poco Plus has a more structured cockpit (think big solid rectangle), it doesn't twist with your torso as well as the Kid Comfort. As our son grew, I noticed that it could sometimes throw my balance off slightly if I didn't adjust my movement for the baby carrier. The tradeoff, though, is that the cockpit feels like it offers the most protection for smaller kids. If you trip and fall, your little one won't get injured.
Comparing the suspension system on the old Osprey Poco AG (left) with the new model Osprey Poco Plus Baby Carrier (right). Photo by Steve Redmond.
COMFORT AND CUSTOMIZATION
Osprey has carried over the anti-gravity suspension system found in their backpacks and put it to good use in their Poco Series carriers, making it comfortable for both the person wearing it and the one being carried. In addition, the number of customizable adjustment features makes it fit better to your specific body than most carriers on our list. It might take a little time to dial in your fit, but when you get it right, it's fast to switch wearers mid-hike.
If you have a baby or toddler, your life likely revolves around nap-time. The anti-gravity suspension of Poco AG Plus is so comfortable for kids that it inevitably induces a nap nearly every time we use it. It's nicely cushioned for our child without overheating him, and the soft, plush fabric makes for a great place to rest his head.
My son is three-and-a-half and around 35 lbs; he's starting to feel big in it, but the upside is that he hikes a lot more on his own, so the baby carrier gets more intermittent use. Now, the easy-in, easy-out system of the Osprey Poco Plus is a more important feature to me than it was a year ago.
The Poco Plus offers the most customized fit of all the carriers we tested. The ventilated tensioned mesh back panel provides up to six inches of torso adjustability with an easy-to-use sliding lock. The adjustable sternum strap (with a built-in whistle on the buckle) is a nice touch, and the multiple straps to cinch the pack tighter make it fit snugly no matter your size (and help stabilize the load).
The removable foot stirrups make changing lengths easy, although the stirrups themselves can be hard to get big kid shoes in and out. The cockpit harness adopts the same sliding technology as the adult's, allowing you to adjust seat height in a matter of seconds.
For the adult wearer, the aluminum frame coupled with the body-contoured design disperses the baby's weight down onto the hips so well that it hardly feels like you have a heavy kid on your back. The Poco Plus is plenty breathable, too, with well-placed mesh on the back panel, hipbelt, padded shoulder straps, and around the child cockpit to keep cool even on the hottest summer days.
Improved ventilation was a feature of the new Poco Plus that I noticed right off the bat. The adjustable straps are heavily padded, but the ventilation on this pack is so spot-on that both the wearer and baby stay cool, even on hot days and longer hikes.
The hip belt straps on the new Osprey Poco Plus (front) vs. the older Osprey Poco AG (middle) and the Deuter Kid Comfort (back). Photo by Steve Redmond.
The hip straps are more robust than the other packs on this list, so you need to make sure you're wearing them correctly to ensure a comfortable fit. The new Poco Plus makes on-trail adjustments easier with their Fit-on-the-fly design, which allows you to make minor adjustments to the hipbelt while hiking. This is a nice feature to use when making a quick carrier swap, and you just need to gain or lose an inch or two of the belt size.
With a bit of practice, the double grab handles make it easy to lift onto your back, although some pack testers found the grab handle to rub against their neck when looking up trail (this isn't an issue for me).
The new Osprey Poco Child Backpack Carrier (left) compared to the Osprey Poco AG (right) with both baby carriers in sunshade mode. Photo by Steve Redmond.
BUILT-IN SUNSHADE
The built-in sunshade of the AG Plus was the best we've seen, and the slight updates to the shade on the Poco Plus make it even better. It's easy to deploy, it remains securely in place throughout the day, and its collapsible design tucks it away quickly into a dedicated pocket.
The new sunshade design is a little more streamlined than its predecessor, with a little less height and a slight forward angle that helps prevent it from snagging on overhanging tree branches while hiking. In addition, the mesh sides on the sunshade provide extra protection and won't interfere with your napping child.
The side panels also do a great job of keeping your little one dry in light to moderate rain.
The hipbelt on the Osprey has room for all the items you need for kids and animals you care for while on a hike. Photo by Steve Redmond.
POCKETS, TOY ATTACHMENT LOOPS, AND ADDED EXTRAS
This baby carrier has ample storage for a long day of hiking or an overnighter (provided your partner also carries a load). The back pocket and extra-large lower zippered compartment hold more gear than the contending Deuter model (more on that below), so you don't have to compromise and leave behind anything you'd typically carry behind, including safety equipment for any hike like snacks or a headlamp.
Whether on even or uneven ground, the Osprey is comfortable for both the child and the one carrying the child. Photo by Ebony Roberts.
If you don't need 26L of storage, consider opting for the standard version of the Osprey Poco hiking carrier; it has all the same high-end features (minus the Fit-on-the-fly hip belt), just fewer pockets and a little less room to stash your stuff.
The two zippered hip belt pockets are handy for your phone and other small items. Multiple stretchy mesh pockets on the outside make grabbing frequently used items easy — like your water bottles, snacks, toys, a sun hat, sunscreen, dog bags, or your GPS. Our foldable trekking poles stash in one of the top pockets without issue, which we especially like because it makes accessing them on the trail fast.
Other nice-to-have features include toy attachment loops, which allow your little one to have their favorite stuffy, pacifier, or toy handy. There's also an external sleeve for carrying a hydration bladder. The collapsible aluminum foot bar is incredibly sturdy and gives off a reassuring "click" when it snaps into place, so you know when you set it down, it won't topple over. The cockpit has locking hinges and rotating side arms, so the frame can fold down reasonably flat for travel and storage (Poco specific carrying case sold separately).
The Deuter Kid Comfort Hiking Carrier on a test hike with a toddler. Photo by Ebony Roberts.
THE BEST TODDLER HIKING CARRIER: DEUTER KID COMFORT CHILD CARRIER
Weight: 7 lbs 2 oz
Weight capacity: 48.5 lbs
Storage capacity: 14 L
Dimensions: 28 x 17 x 13 inches
Sunshade: Yes
What we like: allows agility and precise movements when carrying older kids, comfort, great ventilation, easy to adjust for both baby and adult, security
What we didn’t like: wish it had more storage, sunshade design
The Deuter Kid Comfort is a well constructed, comfortable, easy-to-use, full-featured hiking carrier, but we made it our winner for carrying an older baby or toddler because we think the child seat and harness system is superior in the Osprey Poco Plus, especially for younger children.
For carrying a toddler or older baby, the Kid Comfort allows you to be more agile on the trail and make more precise movements. Of the carriers we considered, the Kid Comfort has the least storage capacity at 14 liters (12 liters less than our Osprey hiking baby carrier pick and 3 liters less than the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT). And, we don’t love the sunshade design.
The Kid Comfort checks all the boxes in every other category, though: ultra-comfortable for the wearer, great ventilation, easy to adjust for both baby and wearer, and a sturdy kickstand that clicks into place, letting you know it’s secure.
COMPARE PRICES ON THE DEUTER KID COMFORT
The Deuter Kid Comfort child backpack carrier has a Vari-Flex hipbelt that makes twisting and moving on uneven terrain much easier than other carriers. Photo by Ebony Roberts.
The best thing about the Kid Comfort Backpack carrier is what Deuter calls its “Vari-Flex” technology, which means that the hip belt adjusts to your body’s twisting movements, allowing you to be more agile on the trail. With this hiking baby carrier, you can rotate your midsection, giving yourself a better range of motion. This makes a difference when you need to cross a log, make your way up a rocky incline, or traverse uneven terrain, especially when your child starts to get heavier.
For the two years that we’ve been hiking with this baby carrier, both my partner and I enjoy the hip flexibility that this pack affords — especially now that our toddler is rounding out 30 pounds. However, we still think that the rigid framed carrier structure of the Osprey Poco hiking carrier is a better choice for babies because it offers more overall protection around the child seat area.
The Deuter Kid Comfort child backpack carrier is great for hikes on uneven ground when kids reach toddler size. Photo by Ebony Roberts.
The main disadvantage of the Kid Comfort is that the sunshade design. It’s fully detached (so there’s a risk of losing it), stashing it is a pain, and when it is attached, the straps that secure it made it difficult for my son to nap comfortably.
The quality construction is on par with the Osprey carrier and will last through several children. One REI reviewer said, “We have 5 kids. Over the years we’ve owned a couple of backpack-style baby carriers and borrowed a few others. This is easily the highest quality.” At 6 feet tall, the reviewer did say that the torso adjustment at its most extended size, “fits but just barely,” (the Osprey model extends an extra inch).
The harness on the Deuter Kid Comfort child carrier backpack is sturdy and stable enough to carry toddlers. Photo by Steve Redmond.
If your little one's passed the baby stage and you're looking for something to fit a more active kid, we think there’s a reason to consider this model over the Osprey. Trading off structure for a lighter, more flexible, soft structured carrier is a no-brainer when carrying a heavier child or hiking for extended periods. The side entrance is also easier for loading your toddler than lifting her in from the top.
Deuter also offers a compatible rain cover if you plan to hike in a rain-heavy area.
Related: The Best Lightweight Rain Jackets
DEUTER KID COMFORT VS DEUTER KID COMFORT PRO
Those willing to spend a little more money may want to opt for the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro, which is similar to the Kid Comfort. The Pro version has an integrated sunroof and removable daypack and a "Vari-flex" waist belt that swivels. As a result, the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro weighs 8.3 pounds.
BUDGET CHILD CARRIER BACKPACK: KELTY JOURNEY PERFECTFIT CHILD CARRIER
Weight: 6 lbs 6 oz
Weight capacity: 48.5 pounds
Storage capacity: 17 L
Dimensions: 28 x 20 x 15.5
Sunshade: Yes
What we liked:
What we didn’t like:
The Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Child Carrier has everything you need in a baby hiking backpack carrier and still comes in under $300, making it an excellent option for those who stick to shorter trails or don’t plan to hike every weekend. It’s not as feature-heavy as some of the pricier carriers available. Still, the 5-point safety harness and padded aluminum roll cage mean your child will be protected should you fall, and it has enough pockets to take your day-hiking essentials with you (it has 3 liters more storage space than the Deuter Kid Comfort).
COMPARE PRICES ON THE KELTY JOURNEY PERFECTFIT
The thing we like most about the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT is the design of the child seat and harness. The structured interior and harness system closely mimics the Osprey Poco carriers — a safety feature we appreciate in this more affordable model.
It’s lighter than both the Osprey and Deuter models too, and after two trips to Redwood National Park with a 14-month-old, one REI reviewer called this toddler carrier “very comfortable when hiking and our kid was safe and secure.” If you’re a frequent hiker or put in long days on the trail, you will start to feel the weight of this pack on your back, though. It is adjustable for wearers of different heights, but lacks a ventilation system like the ones found in our top picks; if you’re hiking in a hot location, this is something you should consider.
The downsides are that it’s not hydration compatible, it only has two pockets (which makes organizing all your stuff a challenge), and the sunshade isn't included. We don’t like that this kid carrier doesn’t come with sun protection for the child, but a sunshade is available to add on. Some reviewers mentioned that they found the sunshade to pop off easily, which is a pain on the trail if you have to keep stopping to fix it. It would also be a reason to consider upgrading to the PerfectFIT Signature model (which comes with an integrated sunshade and two additional storage pockets for a little extra).
HONORABLE MENTIONS
PHIL&TEDS ESCAPE CHILD BACKPACK CARRIER
Weight: 7 lbs
Weight capacity: 40 lbs
Storage capacity: 30 L
Dimensions: 75 x 17.7 x 12.6 inches
Sunshade: Yes
Even though Phil&Teds Escape Child Carrier has a zip-off daypack and packs flat, it didn’t make the cut as a winning framed backpack baby carrier because multiple reviewers complained of comfort.
One Amazon reviewer said, “Not only is the weight transferred to your shoulders, rather than your hips where it belongs, the strange angle actually creates a pinch.” This sentiment was echoed by Switchback Travel’s gear review, which states, “The child’s seat sits too far away from your back and can be a strain on your neck over time.”
VIEW THE PHIL & TED’S ESCAPE CHILD CARRIER
LUVDBABY PREMIUM BABY BACKPACK CARRIER
Weight: 6 lbs 7 oz
Weight capacity: 40 lbs
Storage capacity: n/a
Dimensions: 30 x 16 x 10 inches
Sunshade: Yes
The LuvdBaby Premium Baby Carrier is feature-packed — it comes with a diaper changing pad, insulated pocket for your baby bottle, waist pockets and a built-in sunshade — but the build quality doesn’t hold up to our top picks for the slight step down in price. If it’s on sale, consider it if you want something more than a soft structured carrier and you don’t plan to do much hiking.
VIEW THE LUVDBABY PREMIUM
THULE SAPLING CHILD CARRIER
Weight: 7 lbs 8 oz
Weight capacity: 48 lbs
Storage capacity: n/a
Dimensions: 75 x 13.75 x 12.25 inches
Sunshade: Yes
Thule Sapling is feature-heavy but with a price tag that comes in at the top of our list. It has load stabilizing adjustments, adjustable foot stirrups, a child-viewing mirror, sunshade, and both a top and side-loading option for getting your child in. But, Gear Junkie states that the “support legs aren’t as secure” as other models, and Wirecutter said that the kickstand “took some forcing, which didn’t inspire confidence.” We also like the sturdier cockpit design of the Osprey Poco AG, which also costs less.
COMPARE PRICES ON THE THULE SAPLING
Weight: 5 lbs 8 oz
Weight capacity: 38.5
Storage capacity: n/a
Dimensions: 30 x 16 x 10 inches
Sunshade: Yes
The ClevrPlus Cross Country Baby Backpack carrier has lots of pockets, a removable sunshade, an easy-to-use kickstand, and the straps have ample padding. However, multiple Amazon reviewers complained of shoulder pain, saying that the weight is not properly distributed to the hips. Another reviewer — a person 6 feet tall and 195 lbs — had trouble getting the baby carrier backpack to fit properly, concluding that it’s “not size-friendly for a tall person.”
VIEW THE CLEVRPLUS CROSS COUNTRY BABY BACKPACK CHILD CARRIER
Hiking in the forest with the Deuter Kid Comfort and sun shade. Photo by Ebony Roberts
WHAT IS A CHILD HIKING CARRIER, AND WHY DO YOU NEED ONE?
A hiking carrier is a framed backpack (or, in some cases, a front pack) for carrying your baby or toddler.
The best ones will come with several features, but they all do the same thing: they allow you to carry your child safely while hiking outdoors. They’re also great for traveling; I use mine instead of a stroller because it will enable me to pack everything I need without having to push a large contraption through busy streets. The advantage most hiking carriers have over a soft carrier or baby sling is that they offer structure and support that’s more comfortable and safe for both baby and baby-wearer.
Choosing a hiking carrier for new parents can be a daunting task when you consider it’s for packing your most precious cargo. You might be wondering whether or not you really need one. The answer to that question: undeniably, yes. They distribute your baby's weight to your hips and take the strain off your back and shoulders. They also help protect your child from the elements and from being injured. Whether you’re heading into the backcountry or sticking to a few miles of well-maintained trail, all hiking parents will agree that a hiking carrier is an essential piece of gear to invest in when it comes to the safety and comfort of both you and your child. I learned this the hard way.
A dedicated soft-structured baby carrier can make adventuring in the outdoors a lot safer. Photo by Ebony Roberts.
After having my son, I was looking forward to getting back on the trail when the time felt right. It took a couple of months before I felt comfortable enough, and those early “hikes” consisted of a few miles of pretty easy trekking where the car was never too far away. Things were going well.
First, we used a baby wrap; next, my partner and I would take turns using a front-carrying BabyBjorn. Then, in the spring, when conditions were wet and muddy, I slipped down a few stairs wearing my son on my chest. Everyone was ok! But I had a massive bruise on my leg (and ego), and I was pretty shaken up about the potential of having injured him. So I took a hiking break, and when my son reached the minimum height and weight restrictions, we popped him in the Osprey Poco AG Plus. I immediately felt more secure on the trail. My fears were alleviated, and I felt confident enough to return to hiking trails and spending time in the woods with my little one.
I’ve spent almost four years testing baby and child carriers side-by-side. One thing’s for sure: if you plan to hike with your young child, I cannot recommend a proper hiking carrier enough. It is an essential piece of hiking gear if you want to keep your child safe, secure, and comfortable while hiking.
Related: The Best Life Jackets for Kids
BABY WRAPS VS. FRAMELESS, SOFT-STRUCTURED CARRIERS VS. STRUCTURED BACKPACK CARRIERS
There are myriad options when it comes to carrying your little one. Here we will compare the main options to help you decide which is best for you and your family.
BABY WRAPS
There are wraps or slings, like the popular Moby Classic Baby Wrap or Baby K’Tan. These types of carriers allow you to wear your baby close to your body and are essentially a large piece of fabric that you wrap around yourself and your baby, creating a pouch to carry your child on your front, hip, or back.
FRAMELESS CARRIER
A frameless soft-structured carrier allows you to wear your baby on your front (facing out and in), on your back, and sometimes on your hip in an ergonomically correct position for the baby. An ergonomic baby carrier is easier to figure out than a wrap or sling (which takes some practice learning to tie and wrap correctly). Most of them have a simple click-and-go design. In addition, they may have one or two small pockets for stashing your phone and a couple of diapers. The most popular examples are the Ergobaby Carrier and the Ergobaby Omni.
STRUCTURED BACKPACK CARRIER
A structured backpack carrier is the Cadillac of hiking carriers: they have all the features you would need to take your child into the backcountry safely. When I first tried one on, I thought it felt like a light car seat on my back. The hard frame adds sturdiness and stability to the framed carrier. In these types of carriers, your child can only ride on your back, but the higher vantage point means they have the best view of the trail ahead.
For this review, we eliminated all contenders that weren’t structured backpack carriers. Some parents prefer a soft-structured carrier like an ErgoBaby Omni or a BabyBjorn, but we decided against including these models because it’s almost like comparing apples to oranges; they can be used for the same purposes but constructed so differently that those carriers seem to warrant a separate review.
The wraps and soft shell carriers have their merits — they’re easier to travel with and offer more carrying options (front, side, back). But for long days hiking in the woods, we think a structured backpack carrier is the way to go. With my soft-structured carriers (I’ve tried a handful of different models), I felt that I could really feel the weight on my shoulders and back after a few miles. I didn’t feel my child was safe enough with a wrap if the terrain was anything other than easy walking on groomed trails.
A child is ready to ride in a backpack carrier when it can sit up and support its own head weight (as well as meeting the minimum height and weight restrictions for whichever model you are using). Photo by Ebony Roberts.
HOW WE RESEARCHED
There aren’t that many options on the market for great structured backpack child carriers. However, the same handful of carriers appear in gear reviews across the web for good reason: some brands have mastered what goes into making a top-of-the-line hiking carrier. That said, it’s still hard to sift through all the information to find out which carrier is suitable for your particular needs.
I combed through what reviewers have to say on Amazon and REI and Backcountry.com. In addition, I read reviews from New York Times, GearJunkie, Switchback Travel, The Adventure Junkies, REI, Baby Gear Lab and Outside Online. I used this data to compare features, price, and overall satisfaction among baby carrier wearers.
Related: Best Backpacking Backpacks and Best Day Packs for Hiking
We compared the features of hiking carriers side-by-side. Photo by Steve Redmond.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD BABY BACKPACK CARRIER?
All the contenders on our list share the same must-have features. However, our winning picks went above and beyond, combining our list of requirements into a product that will stand the test of time.
SAFETY
Every parent can agree that safety is the most crucial feature when adventuring with little ones. So we paid attention to the reviews that mentioned child safety. On top of that, a contending child carrier had to be safe for the wearer, too. Was it constructed so that the load bore down on the wearers’ hips rather than back and shoulders? If yes, then we added it to our list.
The harness system on the Deuter Kid Comfort. Photo by Steve Redmond.
The harness system on the Osprey Poco Plus. Photo by Steve Redmond.
COMFORT
For both the kid and the person carrying, the kid carrier we recommend must be comfortable to wear. For the wearer, this means having a comfortable padded shoulder strap, a comfortable sitting hip belt, easy to get on and off, proper ventilation, and overall weight. For kids, that means a comfy cockpit, adjustable stirrups, harness, and a soft spot to rest their heads when they inevitably fall asleep.
ADJUSTABILITY
The best carriers make it easy to adjust for both the wearer and the child. On the trail, it’s nice to switch wearers with minimal time lost, so the best carriers need to adjust between different body types and sizes with minimal effort. A suitable kid carrier should fit your child through the baby stage up to three or four years old, and because you may switch kids mid-hike, they need to be equally as easy to adjust for child-size differences on the fly.
A pocket on the outside makes it easy to access snacks, a headlamp, or wipes. Photo by Steve Redmond.
A quality sunshade is one of the most important things to look for in a kid carrier. Photo by Ebony Roberts.
STORAGE
A hiking carrier needs pockets — lots of pockets. Is there a spot to fit your water hydration pack? Is there somewhere to put your bear spray that makes it easily accessible? A zippered pocket for your phone or camera? Then, you need a place for diapers, wipes, snacks, extra gear, your kid’s favorite toy, or the number of other things you need to pack that you would never have considered pre-child.
DURABILITY
Buying less junk is important to us. A quality build is a must-have, and a great hiking carrier should last through several children and families.
SUN PROTECTION
Protection from the elements is vital in a hiking carrier. Therefore, if a hiking carrier we considered didn’t have a built-in sunshade (or the option of adding one on as an additional accessory), we immediately disqualified it.
CARRY WEIGHT
Most hiking carriers can handle carrying children from about six months to four years old. 15 to16 pounds on the low end and 30 to 50 pounds on the high end is the general weight range. Some go higher, but we eliminated those as overkill. The bigger the range, the more we valued that carrier as useful for multiple children. It’s important to note that the maximum weight restrictions on any carrier refer to the weight of the carrier, gear, and child combined.
AFFORDABILITY
We maxed out our contenders’ list at around $300. We understand that’s pricey for a piece of outdoor gear. At this price, a back carrier would need to have all of the bells and whistles (and then some). There’s a huge market for second-hand outdoor kids gear, and hiking carriers are generally pretty resellable, so you can always make a few bucks back when your kids outgrow it and you’re done using it.
EXTRA FEATURES
Carriers that make preparing for adventure easier are better in our books. Because when you have a kid, the less extra gear you have to remember to pack, the quicker you can get outdoors. A mirror, removable drool pad, detachable day pack, a spot for water (whether that’s a pocket for your water bottle or a dedicated place to stash your hydration bladder), and rain cover are just a few of the extra features we kept an eye out for.
Two of our top baby carriers next to one another. Photo by Steve Redmond
HOW WE CHOSE THE TOP BABY CARRIERS
The carriers we chose to be a top pick had to have the best combination of features: be comfortable and easy to use, adjustable for multiple wearers and kids, and versatile for numerous activities. Once we took these main criteria into account, we factored in the price. The winners had the best balance and are great for both seasoned hikers and newbies looking to make their first foray into the outdoors.
HOW TO CHOOSE A BABY CARRIER BACKPACK
Here are a few tips to help you decide which hiking carrier is the best for you:
✅ WHERE ARE YOU HIKING, AND FOR HOW LONG?
Whether you choose a wrap, a soft structured carrier or a structured backpack depends on how long you plan to be hiking and in what conditions. For example, if you’re hiking a couple of miles on an easy, groomed trail, you may find that dishing out a couple of hundred bucks on a hiking backpack is too excessive.
However, if you plan to be out for more than a couple of hours and the terrain is moderate or strenuous, you should seriously consider a carrier like the ones on our list. They protect your child from the elements (sun, wind, rain), and they save your back and shoulders from having to absorb the bulk of the weight. Some soft structured carriers are designed to shift the weight down to your hips, but both my partner and I have found that we felt some pain after a few hours of carrying a 20 pound kid on our backs in one of these types of carriers.
✅ DOES IT FIT?
You need to ask two questions: who will be wearing it and who will be carried? In response to the first, if a hiking carrier doesn’t immediately feel comfortable when you try it on, it certainly won’t feel comfortable two, five, or ten miles into your hike. All of the carriers on our list are adjustable enough to fit wearers of different sizes and shapes. So, consider who will be doing the wearing and choose a carrier that can comfortably accommodate their body type. All the hiking carriers we looked at are designed to be easily adjustable for switching off carrying duties on the trail.
If you’re going to use it with multiple children, pick a carrier with the most extensive range of sizing options for the little ones. Some max out at 40 pounds, while others go up to 50 pounds.
The Osprey Poco AG pack folds up to a smaller, condensed size. Photo by Steve Redmond.
The Osprey Poco AG pack flattened. Photo by Steve Redmond.
✅ WILL YOU TRAVEL WITH IT?
Despite looking big and bulky, most of the hard-framed hiking carriers we looked at actually fold down relatively flat. Some even come with travel bags that you can purchase separately. As a result, they easily stash in the trunk of your car for road-tripping and camping, and you’ll still have room for all the other gear you need to take.
✅ CAN I CHECK A BABY CARRIER BACKPACK?
Unfortunately, if you plan to fly with your baby carrier, most airlines say you’ll need to check it with the rest of your luggage as they’re too big to pack on board as carry-on (and too big to fit into most suitcases). Technically, TSA says it is ok to travel with baby carriers, but give the authority to the airline and flight crew to decide.
If you plan to travel with your carrier instead of a stroller, make sure to select one that has ample storage compartments for all of the things you will inevitably end up packing around for the day (my stroller looks like a shopping cart piled with junk by day’s end). Also, make sure it has a sunshade. Our two top picks, the Osprey Poco and Deuter Kid Comfort, both have met this criterion.
FAQ
Are baby hiking backpacks safe?
Hiking backpacks for babies are safe to use once your child is large enough and strong enough. They are not intended for infants who still do not have enough strength to hold their heads up and control their necks. Generally, babies under 6 months old should not be placed in a rigid hiking backpack. But for older babies and toddlers, these are a great way to get outside with your kids.
WHAT AGE CAN BABIES GO IN BACKPACK CARRIERS?
Your child is ready for a backpack carrier when they meet both the minimum height and weight restrictions and can sit up on their own and support their head (usually around six months old). It’s essential to follow the guidelines that come with your baby carrier so that you keep both you and your child safe.
However, this can vary individually, so it’s best to check with your child’s doctor before hiking with them in a backpack.
Is there a weight limit for baby hiking backpacks?
The weight limits vary depending on the specific pack model, but they all have a maximum weight. The weight limit on most baby hiking backpacks can be anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds. The manufacturer should clearly list these weight capacities so that you know whether you’re getting a suitable pack for your child.
Can I use a baby hiking backpack for everyday use?
Baby hiking backpacks are designed with a specific purpose in mind, making them less versatile than other outdoor gear. Because the main compartment is designed to hold a child instead of gear, these are not ideal for everyday hiking without a kid in tow.
What should my baby wear for hiking?
No matter what time of year you’re going hiking, ensure your baby is prepared for the elements just like you would be. If it’s going to be hot and sunny, ensure they have plenty of sun protection and don’t overheat. If it’ll be chilly, layer them up with insulation.
How to properly fit a baby hiking backpack?
First, you want to ensure that the pack is fit properly to your body. Adjust the torso length as needed, secure and adjust the hip belt, then tighten the shoulder straps so there is no gap above the shoulders. Lastly, adjust the load straps to hold the weight of the pack close to your body. After adjusting the pack to the carrier, you can then make adjustments for the child. Adjust the seat height for the child so they can see over the top of the pack, then adjust the shoulder straps to fit snugly. Adjust the stirrups, chest straps, and additional side straps before securing the main side closures on the pack.
Can baby hiking backpacks be used in all weather conditions?
Like other types of hiking backpacks, baby carrier backpacks are made with durable and weather-resistant materials. But keep in mind that you’ve got a little buddy in tow who may not be happy in adverse conditions. Check the weather before you head out for a hike and be prepared. If the weather gets nasty, it’s best to come back another day.
CARRIER MAINTENANCE AND HIKING TIPS
Here are some care tips to help your child carrier last longer and a few pieces of hiking advice to make your time outdoors more enjoyable:
✅ HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR HIKING CARRIER
Hiking carriers are among the pricier items in most people’s outdoor adventuring gear collection, and proper care will ensure that it lasts through a number of children. To maximize the longevity of this item, make sure to clean it after every use. That likely will mean a simple wipe down to remove any loose dirt.
The dirtiest place tends to be around the stirrup area, especially if your child walks and has been in and out of the carrier on the hike. When our son was a baby, our carrier looked brand new for the first six months of wear; the only thing we needed to do was machine wash the removable drool pad. Now that he’s an adventuring toddler, we still have to do very little to keep our carrier looking new.
If your carrier gets muddy on the sides or bottom, it’s best to let the mud dry before wiping it down; most of it will wipe right off. You may need to use the simple cloth and dish soap combo to clean off more challenging stains.
After two years of use, our Osprey carrier looks next-to-new through all four seasons, following the care instructions that came with it. Make sure to read through the booklet that comes with your carrier, as each model may have slightly different care instructions depending on the fabrics and features.
See our guide on How to Clean, Wash, Repair, and Maintain Outdoor Gear for more recommendations.
Fit your carrier and its straps, like this sternum strap, before you head out on your hike. Photo by Steve Redmond.
✅ FIT YOUR CARRIER BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT TO HIKE
It’s a good idea to make sure your carrier fits both the wearer and the child before getting to the trailhead.
Unfortunately, this is another lesson I learned the hard way. You don’t want to be ready to hike and then realize you haven’t set it up to fit your child; that can turn an eager-to-hike little one into a puddle of tears in an instant.
At home, adjust the carrier to fit yourself first, then stand it up and place your child in it, making all the adjustments to ensure they’re situated right.
Then, put it on your back with them still inside. Does everything feel comfortable? If so, you’re ready to make your way to the trailhead.
✅ HOW DO YOU HIKE WITH A TODDLER?
The same way you hike with any other slow-moving, easily distracted, and moody person: with patience, empathy, and plenty of snacks.
With a baby, it’s easy; you pop them in the carrier, and within a half-hour, you can almost bet your little one is sound asleep from the constant rocking motion. We often used nap time as an opportunity to hike: feed, change, hike for an hour or two.
With a toddler, things get a little more complicated. They want to be carried, they want to walk, they want to go home, they don’t want to go home; they want to stop and look at a slug for an hour (and that’s ok!).
You need to adjust your expectations and stop focusing on the numbers (miles hiked, elevation gain). Instead, it’s about having fun and introducing your kid to nature in a way that makes them lifelong explorers.
If hiking with your toddler doesn’t work the first time, try again a week later; what they hate one week, they might love the next. Keep an eye out for safety hazards like a steep drop-off or slippery sections of trail. Make sure to pack all the supplies you’ll need for a day on the trail (food, water, diapers, a favorite toy, weather-appropriate clothing) and keep pushing the fun aspect. It won’t be long before your little carried toddler puts in nearly as many miles as you.
Related: How to Get Started Forest Bathing
✅ MAKE SURE YOUR OTHER GEAR LIGHTENS THE LOAD
You might not be able to pack everything that you did pre-baby, and you shouldn’t because you’ll be overloaded with the added weight you don’t need.
You might want to think about replacing that full stainless steel hiking water bottle with a lighter hydration pack or even a water filter.
It might be time to trade in those older, heavier hiking boots for a pair of lightweight hiking shoes.
It’s a good idea to look at the gear thru-hikers pack. Although their choices can sometimes be extreme, you can learn from those who measure their pack loads in ounces, not pounds.
✅ consider using trekking poles
A good pair of trekking poles can provide stability if you’re traveling on uneven terrain or you’re just clumsy (like me!). I adopted hiking poles after having my son and was astonished at the difference they made, especially on the downhills.
The author, Ebony Roberts, hiking with her toddler in Squamish, BC. Photo by Steve Redmond
About the Author and Why You Should Trust Us
I'm a freelance outdoor writer, having written gear reviews for Outside Online, REI, New York Times/Wirecutter, and Treeline Review. I've hiked hundreds of miles searching for the best outdoor gear, testing hiking shoes, hiking boots, trekking poles, hiking carriers, and more.
I know what makes good quality, functional outdoor gear; I spend hours researching and speaking with experts to determine what makes something a top pick. Then, I field test it from my home base in Squamish, BC, where the trails are plenty (and literally out my back door).
From apparel to camping equipment and everything in between, if I recommend it, then it's an item I can confidently say makes adventuring safer, easier, or more fun. Additionally, I'm a parent doing my best to raise a child with a sense of adventure and a love of the outdoors. Therefore, I believe there's no time too early to get your kids in nature (with the right gear, of course).
My partner and I have been hiking with both the older Poco AG Plus and the new version of the Osprey Poco Plus for over three years, through all four seasons, since our son was about six months old (he's almost four now). We've hiked trails around Squamish, Whistler, and Vancouver, BC. We've visited Alberta's Banff and Jasper National Parks, BC's Wells Gray Provincial Park, Oregon's Ecola State Park, and taken the Poco road-tripping on holidays in place of a stroller. In addition, we’ve hiked with our toddler pick, the Deuter Kid Comfort, for months around our home trails near Squamish and have had numerous friends borrow and report back with their opinions.
You can see all of Ebony’s work at her website or on her author page.
