Finding the best baby hiking baby carrier when you’re heading into the outdoors with your little one is important, both for your baby’s safety and comfort and your own.
It might surprise you, but baby backpacks are some of the most complex pieces of gear in the outdoor industry. Unlike most backpacks, which hold hiking gear, energy bars, and clothing layers a baby carrier is a technical outdoor backpack that allows you to carry your kid and stuff at the same time. Also, these packs need to be comfortable and secure for both the baby and the wearer.
To compare them side-by-side, check our comparison table.
Table of contents
- At a Glance: Top Recommendations for Baby Hiking Carriers
- What age can I take my baby hiking?
- Which hiking carrier is best for you and your baby?
- Which Carrier is Best for Baby?
- Best Hiking Baby Carriers
- Designed for Women’s Body- Best-Fitting Carrier
- Best High-Capacity Toddler Hiking Carrier:
- Most Comfortable Hiking Baby Carrier:
- Best Hiking Baby Carrier for Infants or Short Hikes:
- Most Versatile for Mellow Hikes:
- Best Budget Baby Carrier for Hiking:
- Cold Weather Baby Carrier -Honorable Mention
- Honorable Mention (Budget):
- Honorable Mention (Unique) Toddler Carrier:
- Honorable Mention:
- Comparison Guide to Baby Hiking Carriers
- Conclusion
- Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?
At a Glance: Top Recommendations for Baby Hiking Carriers
- Editor’s Choice: Osprey Poco
- Best for Women: Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
- Best High-Capacity Carrier: Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
- Most Comfortable Hiking Baby Carrier: Deuter Kid Comfort Pro
- Best Budget Baby Carrier for Hiking: LuvdBaby Premium
- Best Hiking Baby Carrier for Infants or Short Hikes: Ergobaby 360
- Best for Versatility and Mellow Hikes: BABYBJöRN Baby Carrier One Air
- Honorable Mention (Cold Weather): LILLEbaby Carrier
- Honorable Mention (Unique) Toddler Carrier: Piggyback Rider SCOUT
- Budget Honorable Mention: Chicco SmartSupport
What age can I take my baby hiking?
About 6 months, the first thing to remember, your baby needs to have full control of their neck and head, in order to be placed in a baby carrier backpack for hiking. Significantly, babies reach this milestone around the 6-month mark. For this reason, choose a hiking baby carrier that allows you to carry the baby in front and support their head.
However, you can take your baby for short hikes as soon as it’s safe and you feel up to it. For example, you can start with walks in your neighborhood park, and build it from there.
Babies aren’t easy passengers, either. Of course, your wiggly baby will squirm, twist, and fuss, so they need a comfortable carrier to keep them safe while on the move. Regardless, taking the baby carrier backpack hiking, it needs to ride well so that your baby’s movements don’t throw off your gait when walking on rugged trails using your hiking sticks.
Which hiking carrier is best for you and your baby?
As always, there are plenty of other concerns when buying a hiking baby backpack whether you want to carry your baby in front or back and the carrier size. Most child carriers have these in common: such as adjustable shoulder and waist straps, adjustable child harnesses, a kickstand, and a sturdy frame.
Equally important, are these key features to consider:
Weight
How heavy is a baby carrier and your child?
Fit
- Suspension system and how much customization for fit do you have?
- Shoulder straps
- Kickstand- most have an anti-pinch design
- Frame- usually made of aluminum to support your gear and child
Accessories:
- Gear Storage space- Water bottles, diapers, changing pads, and toys.
- Removable Sun shade and rain-hood (sometimes sold separately)
- Storage Bag
- Hydration Reservoir compatibility or cooling pack
- Stash Pockets: Snacks, smaller items, keys
- Removable bug netting (usually sold separately)
Which Carrier is Best for Baby?
In short, if you have a baby and want to go hiking with your baby this year, you’ll definitely need a baby carrier. So let’s break down the 11 best baby carriers for hiking on the market in 2023.
We’ll be going through various options, from the most comfortable to the best budget baby backpack, so that you have the information to make the choice that’s best for you.
Best Hiking Baby Carriers
Editor’s Choice: Osprey Poco
Features:
- Amazon price:
- Weight: 7 lbs 11 oz
- Max Load: 48 lbs 8 oz
- Capacity: 20L
- Adjustable Torso Height: Yes
- Material(s): 210-denier nylon diamond
- Frame: Aluminum
- Sunshade: Yes
Ironically enough, Osprey did not design the Poco to be their premier baby backpack. That title goes to the Osprey Poco Plus. Still, we found that the cheaper Poco hit the sweet spot between affordability, functionality, and comfort. Moreover, the 3D-tensioned mesh backing provides solid ventilation.
At the same time, the child cockpit is well-padded and ventilated, making this a comfortable pack for both parties.
Osprey newest child carrier is their lightweight Poco LT, designed to navigate tight stores, shorter hikes and crowded areas. In addition, Osprey shaved off over 2 lbs off its folding frame, down to just 5 lbs. Furthermore, the Poco LT fit is adjustable within 6 inches to accommodate adults who may want to share the hiking baby carrier.
Generally speaking, if a brand makes several models of child carriers, they want you to buy additional rain covers and carry cases, but not in this instance. Instead, the Poco AG raincover and carry cases are compatible with the Poco LT.
Despite being a slightly tapered-down version of the Osprey Poco Plus, the Poco has essentially every major feature you need in a baby backpack for hiking. Features include a sunshade, drool pad, toy cord attachment, external hydration sleeve, and collapsible foot bar.
Also. there is a fair amount of storage space and organization options with six exterior pockets, not including the main compartment. Furthermore, the capacity (20L) is more generous than most similarly-priced packs with this level of comfort.
The Pros and Cons of Osprey Poco
Pros:
- Affordable with a comfortable build
- Adjustable chest clip
- Shoulder & waist straps have thick padding
- Child harness clips easy to fasten/unfasten
- Harness clips behind the child, so they can’t unclip themselves
- Child foot stirrups so their feet don’t dangle. They can use these for leverage to self-adjust their seat position
- Metal frame with bars that wrap around the child
- Sidebar detaches so it can fold up and flatten for better storage
Cons:
- Minimal pockets and adjustability
- Takes both walking around time and adjustments to shoulder straps to determine the best settings to minimize discomfort
- A bit pricey
Designed for Women’s Body- Best-Fitting Carrier
Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Features:
- Amazon price: $209.00
- Weight: 5 lbs 13 oz
- Max Load: 48 lbs 8 oz
- Capacity: 14L
- Adjustable Torso Height: Yes
- Material(s): 210-denier polyamide polyester
- Aluminum Frame
- Sunshade: No
Since women use baby carriers just as often as men, it’s strange that there aren’t more baby carriers for hiking on the market with female-specific builds. In addition, to accommodate women’s body frames, the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL” changes the game with an ergonomic hip belt that fits smaller torsos and narrower shoulder straps. Among other modifications, these extra straps help make the carrier perfect for female hikers.
It’s priced lower than many competing products. Although it sports the same lightweight, minimalist build that makes the standard Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL so great. Additionally, it has a large amount of ventilation and mesh, making the pack among the more breathable on our list, both for the baby and the wearer.
There’s no sunshade included (you can grab the No products found. $35 as an add-on), and you don’t find as many other accessories either, like a Deuter chin drool pad or hydration sleeve.
Otherwise, if you’re looking for a more feature-heavy pack for longer hauls, the Deuter Kid Comfort Active or the standard Deuter Kid Comfort ($300) are better purchases.
Altogether, for a female-specific pack, the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL takes the cake.
The Pros and Cons of Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Pros:
- Affordable
- Well-ventilated
- Designed for women’s anatomy
- Lots of storage with a zippered pocket on the waist belt
- Easy-to-use safety harness system with color-coordinated buckles
- Shorter adjustable back length
- Child foot stirrups so their feet don’t dangle. They can use these for leverage to self-adjust their seat position
- Metal frame with bars that wrap around child
- Folds flat for storage
Cons:
- The shoulder straps are too narrow
- Takes walking around time and adjustments to straps to determine which setting will minimize discomfort
- Accessories sold separately
Best High-Capacity Toddler Hiking Carrier:
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Features:
- Amazon price: $349.95
- Weight: 7 lbs 4 oz
- Max Load: 50 lbs
- Capacity: 26L
- Adjustable Torso Height: Yes
- Material(s): 420-denier polyester
- Aluminum Frame
- Sunshade: Yes
With its impressive capacity of over 26L, the Kelty PerfectFIT Elite hiking baby carrier stands out among other carriers on our list. Additionally, it boasts a spacious internal compartment, an adjustable suspension system, and a total of nine organizational pockets. These features make it a top choice for parents seeking both convenience and functionality.
In addition to hip belt pockets, side mesh pockets, an organizer pocket, and a zippered “dirty” compartment at the back for holding dirty clothes, wipes, or any other unpleasant-smelling items, the real advantage of this backpack is Kelty’s PerfectFIT suspension system. Moreover, this innovative feature allows for easy swapping of the pack between different wearers, simply by pulling on two back panel straps to quickly adjust the fit.
Priced at $300, it’s on the expensive side when you compare it with more comfortable carriers like the Osprey Poco. In addition to the $300 Elite version, the PerfectFIT comes in Deluxe and Standard models, at | Amazon price: $260 and | Amazon price: $271.48, respectively, with pared-down organizational pockets and no sunshade.
The Pros and Cons of Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Pros:
- Both high capacity and max load
- Ability to fine-tune the fit
- 7 exterior pockets
- Comes with accessories: sunshade
- Comfortable & adjustable straps
- Insulated front cooler pocket
Cons:
- Zippers are sticky
- Falls short of breathability
Most Comfortable Hiking Baby Carrier:
Deuter Kid Comfort Pro
Features:
- Amazon price: $370.00
- Weight: 8 lbs 5 oz
- Max Load: 48 lbs 8 oz
- Capacity: 14L
- Adjustable Torso Height: Yes, Best of those 5’7″ and taller
- Material(s): 210-denier polyamide polyester
- Aluminum Frame
- Sunshade: Yes
The Kid Comfort Pro from Deuter represents the pinnacle of baby hiking backpacks, with a feature-heavy build that doesn’t skimp on comfort. Its pivoting 3D hip fins sport a concave shape and uber-comfy padding. At the same time, the multilayered foam provides a lot of flexibility for the wearer.
With a well-ventilated mesh backing and a child cockpit, you and your baby can stay cool and comfortable while on the move. Additionally, the incorporation of transition words enhances the clarity and flow of the sentence.
Deuter baby hiking carrier has several valuable features. This includes the rearview mirror to help you keep an eye on your little one, a washable snack area, a removable pillow, side cushions, numerous pockets, and an integrated sunroof.
Furthermore, there are several features that could be deemed superfluous. Particularly, the inclusion of a detachable daypack raises concerns regarding its functionality. For instance, under what circumstances would one leave their infant behind and embark on an outing solely with a daypack??
However, the only legitimate downside here is the price. At $340, it’s not a cheap hiking baby carrier, and the carrying capacity sits at a relatively small 14L. So, if comfort is your concern and you have the cash, however, the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro is your best bet.
Pros:
- Feature heavy: chin rest and sunroof included
- Extremely well-ventilated
- 7 exterior pockets
- Comes with accessories: sunshade
- Big hip pockets
Cons:
- Expensive
- Slippery stirrups
- Smaller capacity
- Difficult to fit due to numerous straps
Best Hiking Baby Carrier for Infants or Short Hikes:
Ergobaby 360
Features:
- Amazon price: $105.21
- Weight: 1 lb 8 oz
- Max Load: 45 lbs
- Capacity: 0L
- Adjustable Torso Height: N/A
- Material(s): Cotton
- Frame: N/A
- Sunshade: Yes
Similarly, if you’re looking for a baby carrier without the “backpack” component thrown in, then the Ergobaby 360 may be a great choice. And so, for only $105.21, you’re getting a hiking baby carrier that allows you to carry your baby in four different positions. Basically, your baby can sit either forward or backward-facing, on either your chest or back.
Although this baby carrier may not have much storage space or many notable features, it does come with a convenient retractable sun hood, which is a great addition. Additionally,
For longer hikes and/or if your little one is old enough to hold up their head independently, the standard “backpack” style carriers generally perform best and are more comfortable. In short, the Ergobaby is an excellent choice for infants due to its freeform and lightweight build.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Packable
- 4-ways to carry your baby
- Comfortable & adjustable straps
Cons:
- No storage space
- Not breathable
Most Versatile for Mellow Hikes:
BABYBJöRN Baby Carrier One Air 3D Mesh
Features:
- Amazon price: $153.99
- Weight: 2 lb 8 oz
- Max Load: 24 lbs
- Capacity: N/A
- Adjustable Torso Height: N/A
- Material: Polyester
- Frame: N/A
- Sunshade: No
Similar to the Ergobaby and the LILLEbaby, the BABYBJöRN carrier is a swaddling carrier that is suitable for newborns to toddlers. One notable advantage of this hiking baby carrier is the ability to carry your baby in four different ways while keeping your hands free.
However, it is important to note that this carrier is on the pricier side and lacks storage. On the positive side, it does come with a windproof cover and teething bib, making it suitable for outdoor adventures.
This hiking baby carrier is designed to make babywearing more comfortable with its 3D mesh and jersey material, in cold or hot weather. Because of the fabric, you can toss it in your washing machine as often as you like.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the International Hip Dysplasia Institute has certified our product to provide proper support for your baby’s legs, hips, and spine. Moreover, it is crucial to note that BABYBJöRN advises waiting until your baby is 5 months old and does not exceed 26 pounds before carrying them facing outwards.
The manufacturer recommends using this carrier only for 36 months. Therefore, your cost per use is reasonable. Overall, when it comes to relaxed outings, the BABYBJöRN Baby Carrier One 3D Mesh provides the most versatile use and value in the category of the best baby carrier for hiking. To sum up, this carrier is a great choice.
Pros and Cons of BABYBJöRN Baby Carrier
Pros:
- Breathable
- Sleek and can be worn over jackets, fleece
- Washable
- 4 ergonomic ways to carry baby, newborn to toddler
- Adjustable- can fit petite to taller people
Cons:
- No storage space
- Baby teeth can get caught in mesh bib
- Awkward buckle positions
Best Budget Baby Carrier for Hiking:
LuvdBaby Premium
Features:
- Amazon price: $169.90
- Weight: 6 lbs 7 oz
- Max Load: 40 lbs
- Capacity: N/A
- Adjustable Torso Height: Yes
- Material(s): 600D & 300D ripstop polyester
- Aluminum Frame
- Sunshade: Yes
Certainly, if you’re looking to get your hands on a feature-heavy pack but can’t afford the $300+ options mentioned earlier, the LuvdBaby is a solid choice. Not only does it offer all the accessories and features found in the top-end packs, such as a sunshade, adjustable stirrups, hip-belt pockets, and a kickstand, but it also comes at a more affordable price.
The LuvdBaby carrier for hiking, adds a couple of other features of note, such as a portable baby changing station and a thermal insulated pocket to keep food and drink warm or cool.
One drawback here, naturally, is that it’s just a cheaper build. Rather, the hipbelt and shoulder padding isn’t as comfortable as the packs from Deuter and Osprey, so this is far from the most comfortable baby hiking backpack in our lineup.
However, durability shouldn’t be a concern here, with a heavy-duty ripstop polyester build. Likewise, another drawback is that the max load, at 40 pounds, is a tad bit off from the 48-to-50-pound carriers reviewed above.
If your little one is still small, then this shouldn’t be a problem. Overall, if comfort isn’t your main concern, the Luvdbaby offers many of the same features as the top-end options, but at a much more affordable price.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lots of accessories: both rain cover and mesh shade
- Lots of pockets
Cons:
- Not comfortable on longer hikes
- Small max load
- No water bottle holders
Cold Weather Baby Carrier -Honorable Mention
LILLEbaby Carrier
Features:
- Amazon price:
- Weight: 1 lb 10 oz
- Max Load: N/A
- Capacity: 0L
- Adjustable Torso Height: N/A
- Material(s): Cotton
- Frame: N/A
- Sunshade: Yes
Similar to the Ergobaby mentioned above, the LILLEbaby Carrier is a no-frills wrap-style baby carrier for hiking, with six different carry positions possible. Therefore, you can carry your baby forward and backward, on your chest and back.
Additional options offered by the Ergobaby, the LILLEbaby make it possible for you to carry your child on your chest curled up in a fetal position, and on your hip. Moreover, it sports a sun hood and headrest for your baby, as well as a small zippered pocket for storage.
This isn’t as much a baby carrier for hiking as it is a general baby carrier. Still, the frameless cotton build works well for hiking with infants, keeping them close to your chest, warm, and secure. Furthermore, the straps are dual adjustable for easier breastfeeding, too.
Most importantly, this baby hiking baby carrier also sports an extendable waist belt with lumbar padding and a temperature control panel to keep your little one snug and warm in colder months.
While the Ergobaby hiking baby carrier performs better in hotter summer months or physically demanding hikes, with more advanced mesh breathability to keep you and your baby cool. Besides, the LILLEbaby is an arguably better pick for winter climes, notably where young infants are concerned.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Keeps child close
- Affordable
- Well-padded shoulder straps
Cons:
- Minimal support for longer hikes
- Neck support unsnaps easily
Honorable Mention (Budget):
ClevrPlus Cross Country Baby Carrier
Features:
- Amazon price: $99.95
- Weight: 5 lbs 8 oz
- Max Load: 33 lbs
- Capacity: N/A
- Adjustable Torso Height: Yes
- Material(s): 600D oxford cloth
- Aluminum Frame
- Sunshade: Yes
It’s hard to compete with the ClevrPlus for one reason alone, the thing only costs ! We were hard-pressed to find a best baby hiking carrier for that low. Still, it’s a decent hiking baby carrier for hiking at a price lower than that.
So if money is your primary concern, the ClevrPlus will get the job done at a price that’s near – of some of the higher-end offerings like the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro.
We found the Luvdbaby to be more padded and comfortable than the ClevrPlus. However, the ClevrPlus still offers several features, such as a sunshade, stirrups, multiple pockets, a kickstand, and a washable drool pad. Moreover, with these features, it can compete with some of the top contenders on the list.
Though, it’s worth mentioning that this child carrier is remarkably lightweight. Remarkedly, weighing in at just 5 lbs 8 oz, it is the lightest option on our list (excluding the Ergobaby, of course).
While it may not offer the same level of comfort as higher-priced alternatives, it’s important to note that this is to be expected.
On the other hand, the only other downside to the ClevrPlus is its maximum load capacity, which is even lower than that of the Luvdbaby, at 33 pounds.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons:
- Small max weight load
- Poorly padded
Honorable Mention (Unique) Toddler Carrier:
Piggyback Rider SCOUT
Features:
- Amazon price: $134.99
- Weight: 3 lbs 0 oz
- Max Load: 50 lbs
- Capacity: 0L
- Adjustable Torso Height: N/A
- Material(s): N/A
- Aluminum Frame
- Sunshade: Yes
Okay, here’s a revised version with more transition words:
“This one’s a bit off the wall, but there’s simply no other product like it online, so we thought it would be best to include it. Introducing the Piggyback Rider SCOUT, a unique stand-up child carrier. It allows older children (2+) to stand on an aluminum bar and hang on to an adult’s shoulders as they hike.”
This revised text maintains a casual tone while incorporating more transition words to improve the flow and coherence of the sentences.
It comes with an attachment harness for both the wearer and the rider, so your child is fully attached and secure even if they let go of your shoulders. Furthermore, there’s no storage space. Still, if you’re considering this child carrier, you obviously aren’t concerned about finding a toddler hiking backpack with storage space.
The toddler hiking carrier sets up fast and packs down fast. Also, the entire thing rolls up to about the size of a paper towel roll, so even if you can’t pack anything else with it, the carrier itself is packable.
As far as design-relevant drawbacks go, the fact that the Piggyback Rider SCOUT puts 100% of the weight on the shoulders is a bit of a flaw. Certainly, this is the reason all backpacks have hip belts.
Even if your child is keen to spend a couple of hours hanging on your back, carrying up to 50 pounds on your shoulders is going to get tiring quickly.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Packable
Cons:
- No storage space
- Uncomfortable on longer hikes
- Minimal versatility
Honorable Mention:
Chicco SmartSupport Carrier
Features:
- Amazon price: $149.99
- Weight: 6 lb 8 oz
- Max Load: 40 lbs
- Capacity: N/A
- Adjustable Torso Height: N/A
- Material: Cotton
- Frame: Aluminum
- Sunshade: Yes
Another budget carrier is the Chicco SmartSupport. Moreover, it’s essentially just a chair attached to the wearer’s back more than a pack, with no storage space whatsoever. While well-padded, the shoulder and waist straps are pretty barebones.
The boons here are the sunshade, height-adjustable seat, and kickstand, as well as a flat-folding design for transport. Also, this is a fairly breathable carrier, both for the wearer and rider, since it has very little in the way of fabrication.
Unfortunately, I can’t really recommend the Chicco Smart Support. The thing is, for the same price, you can actually get the ClevrPlus Hiking Baby Carrier, which comes with all the features I mentioned earlier, and then some. We’re talking about handy storage pockets, stirrups, and even a washable drool pad. So, yeah, it’s really a no-brainer.
On the whole, we also found the ClevrPlus to be a bit more comfortable during long hauls. Not to mention, it’s also a pound lighter than the Chicco.
Pros:
- Breathable
- Affordable
- Packable, fold-up design
- Kickstand design allows for one person to place child in carrier
Cons:
- No storage space
- Lacking in comfort- all weight distributed on shoulders
- Both Minimal padding and narrow straps
Comparison Guide to Baby Hiking Carriers
Conclusion
Shopping for the best baby carrier backpack isn’t like shopping for any other piece of outdoor gear or apparel because you aren’t just shopping for yourself. By all means, you’re shopping for your baby, too! With this in mind, the best baby carrier for hiking needs to be comfortable for both the wearer and the rider.
There are a variety of options on the market, from minimalist carriers like the Ergobaby 360 to comfort-focused options like the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro. Also, there are storage-heavy offerings, like the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite.
All in all, our reviewers found the Osprey Poco ($223.92) offers the best match between price, comfort, and functionality. Comparatively, the upgraded Osprey Poco Plus ($320) is another solid option if you can spare a bit of extra cash.
Now you have seen the round-up of the best hiking baby carriers’ extensive review list, we hope we’ve made it easier to find the perfect one. Also, if you’re having trouble deciding, then check out our in-depth guide, How to Choose a Baby Carrier.
Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?
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Last update on 2025-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API