8 Best Baby Carriers for Hiking

Osprey Poco AG Plus Best Baby Carrier for Hiking

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Embarking on a new adventure, I found myself enchanted by the Osprey Poco AG Plus, a hiking child carrier that promised not only comfort but also pragmatic design for both parent and child. After plenty of research and field-testing with borrowed models of both this carrier and its close competitor, the Deuter Kid Comfort iii, I took the plunge and opted for the Osprey.

As an enthusiast for hiking, camping, and general outdoor activities, the critical aspect for me was how the Poco AG Plus would handle on the trails. Armed with a mesh back panel, which offered unparalleled ventilation especially in warmer climates, and an AntiGravity 3D suspension system for even weight distribution, my 20-pound daughter seemingly disappeared on my back during our explorations.

The 26-liter capacity, although not the lightest on the market, was impressive and seemingly indispensable on longer excursions. We carried snacks, diapers, sunscreen, towels, and more, without feeling weighed down. The side mesh pockets and zippered hip belt pockets came in particularly handy for stowing away essentials like my phone and keys on the move.

Adjusting the carrier between myself and my partner, who towers at 6’1” to my 5’7”, was a cinch thanks to its patented Fit-on-the-Fly adjustment system. However, initially achieving that perfect fit for myself took a few tries. While it’s true that I had to battle a few instances of the torso slide from XS to S settings, and re-adjust my posture during walks to avoid leaning too forward, the overall comfort, even with a history of back pain, remained strikingly notable.

One remarkable feature that resonated with me was the washable drool pad, making clean-ups post-hike a breeze. Additionally, the quick deploy UPF 22-rated sunshade and integrated rain cover offered assurance that my daughter would remain shielded from the ever-so-changeable weather elements.

While the Poco AG Plus was indeed a pricier investment, the allure of Osprey’s All Mighty lifetime guarantee combined with the intricate, user-friendly design couldn’t be dismissed. It’s also not without its minor shortcomings, such as the slightly bulky design in tighter spaces and my persistent struggle to keep the hydration bladder from slumping.

The additional features like the foot straps which my daughter delightfully utilized to reposition herself, and the spacious area for my 2-liter camel pack, proved to be more than just functional, but vital for our hikes extending up to 12 miles. Not to forget the aesthetic appeal of the Poco AG Plus – it’s a sleek, outdoor-enthusiast’s dream.

During a particularly memorable autumn hike through a densely wooded trail, the Osprey Poco AG Plus was nothing short of a godsend. The colors of the leaves were changing, offering a vibrant tapestry that was enchanting to both my daughter and myself. As we traversed a slightly more challenging incline, her little giggles and points towards the bustling squirrels provided not only a sweet distraction but also an enlightening view into her burgeoning appreciation for nature. I noticed she started to doze off, her small head gently tilting to the side, and I silently thanked the thoughtful design of the carrier that allowed her to rest comfortably.

At our peak, as we overlooked a sprawling vista of multicolored treetops, the convenience of accessing our snacks and water without having to disturb her slumber was remarkably invaluable. We shared a peaceful moment, suspended in the crisp air, high above the world, where I felt a heartening bond strengthening over our shared adventures, all the while knowing she was safely snuggled up behind me, securely nestled in the Osprey Poco AG Plus. This memory, vivid and cherished, is one that will stay with me, and it was made all the more possible with the thoughtful engineering of our chosen child carrier.

Concluding our adventures, from sunny trails to visiting museums, the Osprey Poco AG Plus has triumphantly withstood the tests and trials I’ve thrown its way. It has smoothly integrated into our family’s excursions and continues to serve as a reliable gear piece that accommodates our dynamic outdoor lifestyle with aplomb. We are looking forward to many more years of explorations with our little one snugly in tow.

Pros:

• Versatile Adjustability: Easy to switch between different carriers with varied heights and builds.
• Comfort for Carrier and Child: Notable even weight distribution and adjustable foot straps for child repositioning.
• Spacious Storage: 26-liter capacity, with convenient on-the-go accessible pockets.
• Weather-Ready Design: Integrated UPF 22-rated sunshade and rain cover.
• Durable and Reliable: Osprey’s All Mighty lifetime guarantee ensures long-term use.
• Ventilation: A mesh back panel provides substantial airflow, keeping the carrier cool.
• Safety Features: Includes a sternum strap with an emergency whistle and a protective side “cage”.

Cons:

• Fit Adjustments: Can take several tries to secure a fully comfortable fit, with some experiencing unintended sliding between size settings.
• Bulky in Some Contexts: Its size can be cumbersome in more confined spaces like museums or historic buildings.
• Hip Belt Rigidness: Some may find the hip belt somewhat rigid or uncomfortable.
• Phone Storage: Front hip pockets may be too small to accommodate larger smartphones.
• Hydration Bladder Management: Positioning the bladder to avoid slumping can be tricky.
• Weight: Despite the comfort, the overall weight can still be perceptible during longer excursions, especially when fully loaded.
• Price: This model comes with a notable financial investment, potentially a con for budget-conscious consumers.

Deuter Kid Comfort Active Good Baby Carrier for Hiking

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Minimalistic, lightweight and practical, the Deuter Kid Comfort Active child carrier is ideal for shorter or faster-paced hikes or if you don’t need to carry much gear. Its tight-weave, elastic 210D polyamide fabric is highly water and dirt resistant and thanks to its strong, lightweight aluminum x-frame, this carrier weighs less than 6 pounds.

While it only has a 12-liter capacity, its padded, adjustable hip belt with pull-forward fins and Vari-Quick adjust system make it easy-to-fit a wide variety of torsos. The Aircontact Lite back system ensures that you won’t experience a build-up of perspiration between your back and the carrier, thanks to its improved air circulatory properties.

For your little one, there are also mesh ventilation panels in the seating area to prevent them from getting all hot and sticky in humid weather. Just bear in mind that this model does not come with an included sunshade or rain cover.

Aside from its lightweight design and portability, one of the main advantages of this model is its side entry system and unique child harness design with color-coded buckles. This makes loading your baby safer and easier. The seating area is fully adjustable including the footrests, so you can be sure that your child will be secure and comfortable when out on the trail.

Extra features include a machine-washable plush chin rest, an integrated key holder and zippered belt pockets for all your valuables. However, note that there is no sleeve for your hydration bladder with this model, so you’ll need to carry water separately.

Ideal for short hikes or when you’ve got a companion to carry your gear, the Kid Comfort Active child carrier is a top lightweight choice.

Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite Baby Carrier for Hiking

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The Kelty Journey PerfectFit Elite child carrier comes with an impressive array of features, including an easily adaptable suspension system that makes it easy to get comfortable on-the-go. Made from durable nylon and poly-blend fabrics with a strong aluminum frame, this model weighs just 7 pounds and 4 ounces.

Its wide base seat and adjustable foot stirrups make it a comfortable choice for your child, especially on long treks. There is also a hydration bladder sleeve to keep you and your child refreshed without having to take a pit stop, as well as an integrated sunshade for added summer protection. With seven exterior pockets and a 26-liter capacity, there’s plenty of space for all of your child’s essentials, plus your own gear.

One of the best things about this model is its secure five-point safety harness and padded aluminum roll cage for worry-free hiking, even if the trail becomes tricky unexpectedly. The plush, adjustable seat has been designed with your child’s comfort in mind and even features a removable, washable drool pad. There is also a handy zippered compartment that wipes clean, perfect for storing any little messes without dirtying the rest of your gear.

Complete with multiple grab handles to securely set down and lift up the carrier, this model has clearly been created with the highest of safety standards in mind. It is also highly practical and makes a great choice for any baby or young child, especially for longer hikes where the extra comfort and space will certainly be appreciated.

Phil & Teds Parade Child Carrier Frame Backpack

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If you are looking for a compact, lightweight baby hiking carrier, then the Parade model by Phil & Teds could be just what you’re looking for.

Weighing in at just 4 pounds 4 ounces, this carrier is great for short hiking excursions as well as doubling up as a handy carrier for trips around town. Its aluminum frame folds for space-saving storage, making it easy to transport when it’s not in use.

While this model may lack some of the comfort of big-name hiking backpack brands, thanks to its active-ergo fit harness, it is still fairly comfortable on short trips over easy terrain. The air mesh back panel provides extra ventilation to prevent a build-up of perspiration, while the padded shoulder straps and hip belt lend a secure feel. Unfortunately, though, this model doesn’t have quite the same load-bearing weight distribution as some of the top-end versions.

Disappointingly, the Parade doesn’t come with a sun-shade, so it’s less suitable for long summer hikes. Likewise, there is no hydration reservoir sleeve, but there are two side pockets that can accommodate water bottles. There is also a mini detachable bag included for your child, which offers additional storage space.

With double-sided entry, it’s easy to get your little one in and out and the child harness is adjustable for a secure fit. It is also freestanding with a sturdy kickstand, so you can load and unload your cargo with ease.

On the whole this is a great, compact choice. While it may not be the best model for regular, long hikes; its folding design makes it a great choice for traveling and easy storage.

ClevrPlus Deluxe Baby Backpack

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The Deluxe child carrier by ClevrPlus is an easily compactable, lightweight model that folds flat when not in use for easy transportation and storage.

Although it only weighs 5.2 pounds, it has plenty of useful features including multiple pockets with an extra-large zippered section complete with changing pad to accommodate your baby’s diapers and other essentials. There is no hydration bladder sleeve; however, the two side pockets have been designed for on-the-go access to water bottles.

With its thick, padded shoulder straps and hip belt, the Deluxe is comfortable to wear, although lacking the support of some of the bigger brand suspension systems. It is easy to adjust while you’ve got it on and loaded, making it easy to take turns carrying baby while you’re out on the trail. Unfortunately, the child’s harness itself is not padded, so you’ll need to be careful if you’re using this model without fully wrapping up your child.

Aside from its lightweight and folding design, the main advantage of this model is its detachable sun-shade and rain-screen canopy that will keep your baby protected whatever the weather. There is also an additional mini daypack that is fully removable for useful extra storage. The washable drool pad helps to keep your carrier hygienically clean and gives your little one a soft place to rest their head on the journey.

While the Deluxe lacks some of the support and comfort of some higher-end baby carriers, it is nonetheless a good budget choice. Its compatibility and lightweight design make it suitable for use around town as well as out on the trail.

Mia Mily Hipster Plus 3D Child & Baby Carrier

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If you are looking for a soft baby carrier and aren’t intending on hiking far away from civilization, then the Hipster Plus 3D carrier by Mia Mily makes a good choice.

This style of carrier allows you to carry your child in nine different ways, including on your hip, front and back. It is recommended for use from three months onwards, making it suitable for very young, adventurous babies.

Bear in mind that soft baby carriers tend to offer much less protection than framed models, both from falls and the elements. Therefore, if you hike through areas with a lot of dense vegetation or live in a hot climate, then this model may not offer suitable protection.

Easy to adjust and extremely comfortable, the Hipster Plus 3D has been designed to provide full lumbar support for you while your baby’s hips are braced and kept in a natural position thanks to the 3D seat. The mesh panels situated under the seat help to keep your child cool and perspiration-free, even on hot days.

This baby carrier doesn’t provide a lot of storage, just enough for the bare essentials. So, you wouldn’t want to set out for a long hike into the wilderness with it unless you have someone else carrying your hiking gear. However, there is a small storage pocket under the hip seat, an easily accessible smartphone pocket and a larger back pocket for maps and baby wipes.

All in all, the Hipster Plus 3D is a very comfortable, highly adjustable baby carrier for short hikes that don’t require a lot of gear or protection from the elements.

Thule Sapling Child Carrier

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Combining comfort, safety and functionality, the Thule Sapling Child Carrier is an excellent choice for hiking with your baby. Weighing in at 7.5 pounds, it is not the lightest of carriers, but this is compensated by its excellent level of support and many features.

The Sapling has a fully adjustable back panel and hip belt, making it quick and easy to get a comfortable fit, even when swapping baby-carrying duty on the trail. Thanks to its extra padding at critical contact points, the back panel won’t cause your back to ache as the miles pass by.

One of this model’s most practical features is its load stabilizer straps, enabling you to adjust the center of gravity of your load by moving your child closer to your back for more comfortable, personalized weight distribution. It is also breathable for improved air circulation.

This baby carrier has plenty of storage, making it a perfect choice for a day out on your favorite trail. There is a large zippered compartment, a hydration reservoir sleeve and two zippered pockets on the hip belt for easy access to snacks and valuables. The useful integrated sunshade is fast and easy to deploy, keeping your baby cool and defended from damaging rays.

The cockpit is comfortable with its plush lining and inner thigh support, while the seat is height adjustable for a secure fit. There are also foot stirrups for added comfort on long hiking trips. Thanks to the kickstand and dual entry points, getting your child in and ready to go is hassle-free.

While the Sapling is on the expensive side, we think its wealth of features make it an excellent choice for the serious hiker.

Baby Bjӧrn New One Air Baby Carrier

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If you are looking for a soft baby carrier for hiking with your little one, check out the One Air by Baby Bjӧrn.

With four different carrying positions, you can adapt how you carry your baby to suit your hike and their preferences. Its soft flexible straps and padded hip belt are adjustable for a close, comfortable fit, and the side seat area is designed to protect your baby’s hips whichever position you choose to carry them in. Complete with an infant insert and adjustable head support, this baby carrier can be used for newborns.

Made from a super-soft, fast-drying mesh fabric, it will keep both you and your baby cool, even in humid weather. However, if you are using this carrier for hiking in summer, note that it does not have a sunshade. For fall or winter hiking, you can purchase a separate windproof cover for added warmth and protection from the elements.

The main advantage of the One Air, aside from its comfortable fit and fast-drying mesh fabric, is that it is machine washable. So, if your baby brings up their lunch out on the trail, you won’t have to worry about cleaning it when you get home, simply put it in the wash. On the downside, this baby carrier doesn’t offer any storage. Therefore, you would need a companion to carry all the essential gear on your journey.

All in all, this baby carrier is a good choice for hiking with a young baby, so long as you are accompanied by someone willing to carry all your gear and supplies. However, as it offers limited protection for older, larger babies, you may be better off selecting a model that includes a sunshade and some storage.