For adventurous parents, baby carriers are a lifesaver. There’s no reason to put your love for the outdoors on hold after you welcome a little one into your world. With the right baby carrier, you can introduce your baby to the joys of nature and embark on unforgettable hiking adventures together. But with so many baby carrier options available, choosing the perfect one for hiking can feel overwhelming.
This guide will help you navigate the world of baby carriers and find the ideal fit for both you and your precious cargo. We’ll explore the key features to consider for comfortable and safe hikes, ensuring both you and your baby can enjoy the fresh air and stunning scenery.
What is the Best Baby Carrier?
1. Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier
Key Specs:
- Price: $320 (varies depending on retailer and design/color options)
- Weight: 5 lbs. 7 oz. (3230 g)
- Volume: 14 liters
- Dimensions: 28.3″ x 16.9″ x 13.4″ (72 x 43 x 34 cm)
- Recommended Load: 19.8 – 52.9 lbs (9 – 24 kg)
- Back Length: 44 – 58 cm
- Body Height: 158 – 195 cm
- Age Range: Typically suitable for children between the ages of approximately 6 months to 3-4 years old, depending on the child’s size and weight
Pros:
Comfortable Carrying System: Aircomfort Sensic Vario mesh back system promotes airflow and reduces sweating for the wearer. Adjustable shoulder straps, hip belt, and torso length for a customized fit.
Safe and Secure Child Seat: Padded seat with 5-point adjustable harness, side entry for easy access, and removable headrest. Meets TÜV GS safety standards.
Adjustable Design: The child seat height and footrests can be adjusted to accommodate growing children.
Sunshade and Rain Cover (available depending on model): Protects your child from the sun and elements.
Durable Construction: Made from high-quality materials for long-lasting use.
Lightweight for a baby carrier: Compared to other options, the weight is relatively low, making it easier to carry.
Adjustable for both child and adult: Accommodates different child sizes and adult torso lengths for a comfortable fit.
Side entry for easy loading: Makes getting your child in and out more convenient.
Kickstand for easy unloading: Allows you to set the carrier down without having to take it off completely.
Cons:
Less storage than other hiking backpacks: Might not be sufficient for longer trips or carrying a lot of gear.
No chin pad included (may vary depending on model): May be an additional purchase for added comfort and security.
Price: The Deuter Kid Comfort is a premium product with a price tag to match.
May not be suitable for very young infants: The minimum recommended age is 9 months.
Sunshade can fall out easily (reported by some users): Minor inconvenience for some.
Overall:
Several different models of the Deuter Kid Comfort are available, including the Active, Active SL, Pro, and Venture, each with slightly different features and price points. The Deuter Kid Comfort Baby Carrier is a well-regarded option for parents seeking a comfortable, safe, and adjustable carrier for their children on hikes, adventures, and outdoor excursions. However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as limited storage and higher price point, before making a decision. User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the comfort, adjustability, durability, and safety features of the carrier. It’s always recommended to try on the carrier with your child before purchasing to ensure a good fit and comfort for both of you.
2. Besrey Baby Backpack Carrier, Toddler Hiking Backpack with Safety 3-Height Seat
Key Specs:
- Price: $140 (may vary depending on retailer)
- Weight: 5.5 lbs
- Dimensions: 26.7 x 12.2 x 35 in (folded: 16 x 10 x 8 in)
- Recommended Load: 16 – 40 lbs
- Age Range: 7 – 36 months
Pros:
Compact and Portable: Folds flat into a carrying case for easy storage and travel.
Highly Adjustable: Accommodates various child sizes and parent body types.
Comfortable: Padded shoulder straps, seat, and headrest for both wearer and child.
Sun Protection: Large sunshade provides ample coverage.
Foldable Leg Rest: Convenient for storage and keeping legs off the ground.
Multiple Storage Pockets: Holds essential gear for both parent and child.
Affordable: Compared to other structured baby carriers.
Cons:
Lightweight Frame: Some users find the frame less supportive than other carriers, especially for long hikes.
Safety Concerns: Some users express concerns about the safety straps and potential for falls (though statistically rare).
Limited Features: May lack functionalities offered by premium carriers (e.g., ventilation system, additional storage compartments).
Overall:
The Besrey Baby Backpack Carrier offers a budget-friendly option for short hikes and walks, with convenient portability and adjustability. However, if you prioritize comfort, support, and extensive features for longer adventures, consider exploring premium carriers with potentially sturdier frames and additional functionalities. Suitable for short day trips and casual walks. User reviews are mixed, with some praising its affordability and features, while others expressing concerns about comfort and support.
3. Osprey Poco Baby Carrier Backpack
Key Specs:
- Volume: 1220 cubic inches / 20 liters
- Dimensions: 27.95 inches high x 15.75 inches wide x 17.72 inches deep
- Weight: 7.7 pounds
- Suggested weight: 23.7 – 48.5 pounds
- Price: On the higher end, typically costing between $289.95 and $350.00. I found a price of $292.86, which is 16% lower than the typical price.
- Age Range: Generally suitable for children between the ages of approximately 6 months to 3-4 years old
Pros:
Comfortable for both adult and child: The well-padded and ventilated design ensures comfort on long hikes. Breathable mesh back panel and hip belt for adult comfort.
Adjustable features: The harness, seat height, and stirrups can be adjusted to fit different-sized children and adults.
Safe and secure: The double halo harness and safety features keep the child secure in the carrier.
Storage options: Plenty of pockets for storing essentials like snacks, water, and diapers.
Durable: Built with high-quality materials for long-lasting use.
Large sunshade: Provides UPF 50+ protection for your child.
Collapsible design: Folds flat for easier storage.
Retractable sunshade: Stores away neatly when not in use.
Internal zipper storage: Keeps the sunshade protected and out of the way.
Cons:
Bulkier than some soft carriers: May not be ideal for short walks or tight spaces.
Warm in hot weather: The padding and mesh may trap heat on hot days.
Winter use: Not ideal for bulky winter clothing due to small leg and foot slots.
Snaps can be difficult to use: Some users find the snaps for collapsing the carrier challenging to use.
Large and bulky: Can be difficult to store.
Overall:
The Osprey Poco Baby Carrier Backpack is a well-made and comfortable option for parents who plan on doing a lot of hiking or walking with their young children. The large sunshade, collapsible design, and retractable sunshade are valuable improvements over previous models. However, the price, bulkier size, and difficulty using the snaps might be deterrents for some users. Consider your individual needs and budget before making a decision. Users generally praise the Poco for its comfort, adjustability, and safety features. However, some users find it bulky for short trips, mention it can get warm in hot weather, and dislike the difficulty of using the snaps.
4. The Thule Sapling Child Carrier Backpack
Key Specs:
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Dimensions: 13.8 x 12.2 x 28.7 inches (LxWxH)
- Child weight capacity: 16-48.5 lbs (10-22 kg)
- Age range: Generally suitable for children who are at least 6 months old and can sit up unassisted, up to around 3-4 years old
- Material: Recycled polyester, PFC-free materials. Breathable mesh back panel and shoulder straps for ventilation.
- Sun protection: UPF 50 sunshade
- Price: Falls within a price range of approximately $250 to $350, depending on the retailer, any ongoing promotions, and variations in features or accessories included with the carrier.
Pros:
Superior comfort: The “ErgoRide” child seat with under-leg support and adjustable, padded straps ensure comfort for both parent and child. Breathable mesh back panel and shoulder straps for ventilation.
Easy to clean: Removable and machine-washable components simplify cleaning.
Sun protection: Built-in UPF 50 sunshade protects your child.
Convenient features: Wide-opening side panels, integrated hydration compartment, and storage pockets enhance usability. Fully adjustable torso, hip belt, and padded shoulder straps for a comfortable fit for various body types.
Lightweight: Compared to other structured carriers, the Sapling is lighter.
Environmentally friendly: Made from recycled materials.
Clean friendly: Removable and machine-washable child seat and drool pad for easy cleaning.
Cons:
Price: While generally less expensive than the Osprey Poco, the Sapling still falls on the higher end, typically costing between $379.95 and $429.95. I found a price of $379.95, which is 12% lower than the typical price.
Bulkier than soft carriers: May not be ideal for short walks or tight spaces.
Limited legroom for older/taller children: Some users report concerns about legroom as the child grows.
Velcro on back adjustment: Some users find the velcro on the back adjustment might weaken over time, and prefer a more robust solution.
Overall:
The Thule Sapling Baby Carrier Backpack is a comfortable and well-made option for parents who prioritize comfort, ease of use, and innovative features for carrying young children on adventures. However, the price, bulkier size, and potential limitations for taller children might be deterrents for some users. Consider your individual needs and budget before making a decision.
User Experiences:
Users generally praise the Sapling for its comfort, adjustability, ease of cleaning, and innovative features like the wide-opening side panels. However, some users mention the bulkiness, potential limitations for legroom with older children, and the velcro on the back adjustment as drawbacks. The Sapling is available in two design options: black and agave green. Wide-opening side panels allow for easy entry and exit, even with larger footwear.
“This carrier is amazing! My child is comfortable and I can hike for miles without feeling any back pain.” (regarding comfort)
5. The Chicco SmartSupport Aluminum Frame Backpack Baby Carrier
Key Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 18 x 16.8 x 30.7 inches (assembled)
- Folded Dimensions: 16.8″ W x 7.8″ L x 34.5″ H
- Weight: 6.2 lbs
- Child Weight Capacity: 17 – 40 lbs
- Waist Belt Size: 30″ – 50″
- Price: Typically costs between $122.99 and $130.00 (varies depending on retailer and design/color options)
- Age Range: Usually starting around 6 months old and extending up to around 3 years old
Pros:
Lightweight: Compared to other structured carriers, the Chicco is easier to carry for extended periods (weight: 6.2 lbs).
Comfortable for both adult and child: Padded, ergonomic shoulder straps and waist straps with easy-adjust clips and straps for a secure and comfortable fit for various body types (waist belt fits 30″ – 50″). Convenient side pockets for storing snacks and small necessities.
Adjustable for growing children: The seat adapts to different heights, accommodating children from 6 months to 3 years old.
Easy to use: The kickstand and adjustable features simplify loading/unloading and adjusting the carrier for a good fit. Adjustable canopy with pull-out visor provides shade from the sun and light rain.
Affordable: Generally less expensive than other structured carriers (around $149.99).
Easy to clean: The materials are easy to clean.
Sturdy and well-made: Customers appreciate the carrier’s build quality.
Cons:
Limited storage: Compared to some carriers, the Chicco has fewer storage options.
Smaller sun canopy: Some users find the sun canopy to be inadequate.
Tricky to assemble (for some): Assembly might be challenging for some users.
Large and bulky: Can be difficult to store, especially when traveling due to its assembled state.
Small leg holes: Getting the child in and out by yourself can be difficult.
Not ideal for long trips: Padding might not be sufficient for extended use.
Overall:
The Chicco SmartSupport Aluminum Frame Baby Carrier is a good value for parents seeking an affordable and easy-to-use carrier for short walks or hikes with their young children. However, the bulkiness, limited storage, and smaller sun canopy might be drawbacks for some users. Consider your individual needs and budget before making a decision.
6. ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Baby Carrier Hiking Baby Backpack
Key Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 27 x 23 x 33 inches
- Maximum Child Weight Capacity: 42 lbs
- Maximum Total Weight Capacity: 48 lbs
- Color Options: Gray, Green, Blue, and Olive
- Sun canopy is removable: and rain cover for protection from the elements.
- Age range: Generally suitable for children between the ages of approximately 6 months to 4 years old.
- Price range: Typically falls within a price range of approximately $100 to $150, depending on the retailer.
Pros:
Foldable and portable: Flat-folding metal frame with foldable and extendable kickstand allows for easy storage and transportation.
Comfortable: Padded elements, adjustable features, and lumbar support ensure comfort on extended outings.
Versatile and adaptable: Removable backpack, multiple storage options, and sun/rain protection make it suitable for various activities.
Safety-focused: 5-point harness and sturdy construction prioritize child safety.
Good value: Users appreciate the comfort, storage, and overall value it offers.
Spacious storage: Ample storage with the removable diaper bag and additional pockets.
Sturdy construction: Features a lightweight aluminum frame (7.2 lbs) for stability and supports up to 42 lbs child weight and 48 lbs total weight.
Adjustable seat: accommodates growing children between 9 and 48 months old.
Cons:
Can be warm: The padding and materials might trap heat in hot weather.
Mid-range price: May not be the most budget-friendly option.
Limited availability: Can be challenging to find in stock.
No dedicated storage for sunshade: Users find it inconvenient to store the sunshade when not in use.
Overall:
The ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Baby Carrier Hiking Baby Backpack is a comfortable and feature-rich option for parents seeking a versatile carrier for different adventures with their young children. The foldable design, spacious storage, and focus on comfort and safety make it a compelling choice. However, the potential for heat buildup in warm weather, mid-range price point, and lack of dedicated sunshade storage should be considered during your decision-making process. Adjustable seat accommodates growing children between 9 and 48 months old.
Conclusion/Summary
With the right research and preparation, you and your child can embark on unforgettable adventures together. If possible, try on different carriers with your baby to see which one feels most comfortable for both of you. Read online reviews of different baby carriers to get an idea of what other parents like and dislike about certain models. You can rent a baby carrier from some stores or online retailers. This can be a good option if you’re not sure which carrier is right for you or if you only need one for a short period of time. Consider how long you typically plan to wear your baby and what activities you’ll be doing while wearing them. If you prioritize back support, a structured baby carrier with padded straps might be ideal. If you value ease of use, a wrap or sling might be a better choice. By prioritizing comfort, safety, and features that align with your needs, you’ll find the perfect baby carrier!
