The Best Baby Carriers for Hiking in 2023

According to our research, the Osprey Poco and Deuter Kid Comfort are the best baby carriers for hiking.
Best overall
osprey poco hiking baby carrier
Osprey Poco
  • pro
    Maximum weight 48.5 lbs.
  • pro
    Freestanding
  • pro
    Foot stirrups
Most comfortable
Deuter Kid Comfort
  • pro
    Maximum weight 48.5 lbs.
  • pro
    Freestanding
  • pro
    Foot stirrups
Best for budgets
an image of the clevr baby carrier
Clevr Baby Backpack
  • pro
    Maximum weight 40 lbs.
  • pro
    Freestanding
  • con
    No foot stirrups
Best accessories
Phil&Teds Escape
  • pro
    Maximum weight 40 lbs.
  • pro
    Freestanding
  • pro
    Foot stirrups
Best for infants
Boba Classic 4GS
  • pro
    Maximum weight 45 lbs.
  • con
    Not freestanding
  • con
    No foot stirrups

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

Looking for a baby carrier designed to help you hit the trail with your little one?

We consider the Osprey Poco the best baby carrier for hiking because its unique child harness is by far the easiest to buckle. The slightly more expensive Deuter Kid Comfort is our second favorite thanks to its incredible comfort for both parent and child.



Compare the top hiking backpack carriers for kids

Carrier
Best for
Price
Sun shade
Carrier weight
Harness
Learn more
Best overall
Icon Yes  LightYes

7.5 lbs.

Double halo
Most comfortable
Icon Yes  LightYes

7.0 lbs.

5-point
Best for budgets
Icon Yes  LightYes

5.5 lbs.

5-point
Best accessories
Icon Yes  LightYes

6.6 lbs.

5-point
Best for newborns
Icon Yes  LightYes

2.0 lbs.

N/A

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Best hiking baby carrier reviews

1. Osprey Poco Child Carrier: Best overall

Best overall
osprey poco hiking baby carrier

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

A consistent favorite of parents and testers, the Osprey Poco is a top-of-the-line baby carrier with AirSpeed suspension for easy carrying and ventilation. It also has one of the most stable frames of any hiking child carrier backpack. Its maximum recommended weight is 48.5 pounds.

pro
Pros
pro Stable framed backpack
pro Loaded with storage
pro Adjustable stirrups
pro Integrated sunshade
pro Drool pad
con
Cons
con Not for infants
con More expensive

An extra-wide base, locking foot bar, and dual grab handles provide stability as you load and unload your child.

Storage isn’t a concern with the Poco. A removable pack provides all the extra storage you need to keep your little one's supplies handy. Plus, you can use it on its own for shorter urban hikes or walks.

Note that it's not for infants, though. The minimum weight is 16 pounds—you can’t use the Poco until your little one can hold their head up. There is no insert or adjustability to accommodate smaller babies.

And the price tag reflects its quality. It’s hard to get top-of-the-line benefits without a top-of-the-line price tag, and the Poco is no exception. This baby backpack will cost a little bit more than most, but reviewers say the perks are worth it.

2. Deuter Kid Comfort: Most comfortable hiking carrier

Most comfortable

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Deuter Kid Comfort is one of the most expensive backpacks on our list, but the solid construction and loaded extras make it a long-standing favorite for parents.

It's recommended for children who can hold their head up and who weigh less than 48 pounds. If you add gear to the pack, the total weight of the child plus gear shouldn't exceed 48 pounds.

pro
Pros
pro Ergonomic support
pro Mirror for watching baby
pro Sun shade
pro Foot stirrups
con
Cons
con Heavy
con More expensive

This hiking carrier boasts a five-point harness, chin and head cushion, and foot stirrups for your little one, which keeps their weight evenly distributed for ultimate comfort.

A viewing mirror gives you eyes in the back of your head, making it easy to monitor your baby throughout the hike. It also comes with a sun shade.

As for downsides, the backpack itself is pretty heavy at seven pounds.

3. Clevr Baby Backpack Carrier: Best for budgets

Best for budgets
an image of the clevr baby carrier

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Clevr Baby Backpack Carrier is the least expensive framed carrier on our list, which makes it a favorite of budget-conscious parents. At five pounds, parents report loving the lightweight construction of the Baby Backpack Cross-Country Carrier.

pro
Pros
pro Affordable
pro Lightweight
pro Loaded with storage
pro Sun shade
con
Cons
con Less comfortable
con Less supportive
con No foot stirrups

This fixed-frame baby carrier backpack features impressive storage. You’ll find a place for everything, with multiple pockets, two water bottle holders, and an extra-large pocket that’s a perfect fit for diapers.

However, across the board, users find this backpack to be less comfortable than others, with limited padding and no foot pegs for the child.

And the size and strength of the waist belt and padding aren’t sufficient to avoid slipping and bunching during wear. This carrier is recommended for children between 16 and 40 pounds.

4. Phil&Teds Escape Carrier: Best accessories

Most extras

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Loaded with extras, the Phil&Teds Escape offers comfort and safety. It's suitable for children ages 3 months to 3 years.

The Escape has a full padded child seat and adjustable 5-point harness for your little one. You can adjust the back length and waist harness to fit whoever is using it. 

pro
Pros
pro Comfy for baby
pro Easy to load
pro Sun shade
pro Foot stirrups
pro Tons of extras
con
Cons
con Heavy
con No hydration sleeve

You can safely load and unload baby in this secure backpack that features two carry handles and a pop-in and pop-out stand that makes it easy to safely set the pack down—even with one hand.

But note that all that stability, plus extras, equals a pack that’s fairly heavy even before you strap your little one in.

This backpack comes with a generous hydration pouch, but despite so many other included extras, the water bladder has to be purchased on its own.

5. Boba Classic 4GS: Best hiking carrier for infants

Best for infants

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Boba Classic 4GS is a soft carrier that grows with your baby; however, it may be uncomfortable on longer treks due to its frameless and less breathable design. It also doesn't offer the convenience and stability of a freestanding, hard-frame carrier for loading and unloading your baby.​

pro
Pros
pro Good for newborns to toddlers
pro Sun shade
pro Easy for nursing
con
Cons
con Not freestanding
con Lint magnet
con Poor fit for smaller adults
con No foot stirrups

It's a front-facing carrier for infants weighing at least 7 pounds. It can also be used as a back carrier for toddlers up to 45 pounds. We love that it includes a booster insert to make it more comfy for newborns and supports different sitting positions. 

The sleep hood is great for napping newborns or general sun protection. Additionally, the Boba is designed for ease and comfort during nursing, so you don’t have to worry about making complicated rearrangements to feed your hungry baby on the trail.

Parents will also appreciate the smartphone pocket on the waist belt.

Boba 4GS updates

If you've previously used or considered a Boba 4G, you might know that adjustability and parent comfort were common complaints. Fortunately, Boba seems to have listened to their customers. The 4GS iteration includes strap extenders to make this pack more comfortable to parents of all shapes and sizes. 

We're disappointed that Boba decided to discontinue the 4G's foot stirrups when designing the Classic 4GS. As your baby grows into a toddler, they won't have this extra support for their feet.

Things to consider in a hiking baby carrier

Choosing the right baby carrier for hiking with your baby can feel overwhelming. It’s difficult to know exactly what you’re going to need. Safety, while certainly the most important factor, is one of many considerations that will impact how comfortable you both are and how long you’ll be able to stay on the trail.

Harness and cockpit security

The most important consideration when choosing a baby carrier for hiking is whether or not it will keep your baby safe. A secure child harness and supportive cockpit are must-haves.

  • Harness security
    A secure harness keeps your child safe during every trek. Look for harness systems that are adjustable and comfortable around their legs, shoulders, and arms.
  • Cockpit safety
    The cockpit is the area where your baby sits in the carrier. You want a well-designed cockpit that provides ample support for the neck, head, and back, as well as cushioned support in the front in case baby nods off during the hike.

Age and weight recommendations

It’s exciting to take baby on their first hike, but make sure that the baby carrier you choose is appropriate for your child’s weight and age.

  • Age considerations
    Most baby backpacks will provide a recommended age range for use. If you’re eager to take out a newborn, be sure the carrier you use provides the right neck and head support. A baby typically won’t be able to ride in a backpack until they can hold up their head and neck on their own.
  • Weight considerations
    Along with age, baby carriers come with a recommended weight capacity. This is important for you and your little one, as you want to make sure the hiking carrier you use can support your baby’s weight. Consider how long the backpack will last as your child grows. For reference, the average three-year-old weighs up to 38 pounds.2 

Hiking carrier versatility

Baby backpacks aren’t a small investment—make a purchase that will accommodate your hiking needs as long as possible.

  • Adjustable sizing
    Because you probably won’t be the only one carrying your baby in the great outdoors, you want a baby carrier that easily adjusts to fit different adult body shapes and sizes. You don’t want to have to buy two packs for one child just so you and your partner can trade off carrying duty. 
  • Multiple functions
    Many hiking baby carriers are designed to safely carry your baby from infancy to toddlerhood. As your baby grows, they'll prefer to sit in different positions. For example, newborns often need a carrier that supports their tendency to curl up into the "froggy" position, but toddlers might feel more secure with foot stirrups. A great hiking baby carrier will be comfy for more than one growth stage.

Extra features for comfy hiking

Boba Wrap Baby Carrier
Best Baby Carriers and Wraps

When you strap on a baby backpack, you want it to carry as many extras as possible. You certainly don’t want to add a diaper bag to the supplies you need to transport.

  • Storage
    The thing about taking a baby on a hike is that they come with extra baggage like diapers, bottles, and snacks. Consider the number and size of storage pockets and look for places to carry other essentials like water and your phone.
  • Free-standing design
    The last thing you want to do is knock over your baby while trying to set them down or buckle them in. A solid, easy-to-deploy kickstand is a must
  • Accessories
    Both you and baby will be more comfortable with a few perks. Accessories like sun shades, rain covers, key/toy rings, and drool pads can make your adventures into the outdoors more pleasant.

More about baby safety

Want to learn more ways to keep your baby safe while on the move? Check out our Baby and Child Safety FAQ page, where we provide the answers you need to protect your little one.

Final word

Your ultimate choice of a hiking carrier depends on your personal preferences when it comes to storage and long-term comfort. But if we were the ones hitting the trail with a toddler, we'd choose the Osprey Poco. We love that it combines stability, storage, and comfort. It's a splurge, but totally worth it if it means less whining. 

Hiking baby carrier FAQ

Technically you don't need one, but they do make things easier on long, hot days thanks to more even weight dispersal and ventilated design. Otherwise, you'll have to use your arms to hold your kiddo when they get too tired to walk.

If the terrain isn't too bad, you could use a cross-country stroller instead. Infants can also be bundled up in a wrap. 

It depends on each specific carrier. Some are suitable for infants thanks to extra head and neck support. Others require children to hold their head up independently, which usually happens around the age of six months.

It depends on the specific carrier. The maximum load for a baby hiking carrier also factors in the weight of any accessories in the pockets. Children usually outgrow carriers around the age of three or four.

Each baby hiking backpack should come with its own fitting instructions. In general, they include a hip belt, shoulder straps, and a chest strap, all of which should cross the body at specific points and fit snugly but not uncomfortably tight. 

With a freestanding carrier, the kiddo gets strapped in while the carrier sits on the ground. You then lift the carrier and put it over your shoulders like a backpack. You can then snug up the hip and chest straps to make sure your child doesn't slide around.

How we reviewed hiking baby carriers

As with all things "kid," things go in and out of fashion. Some of our original picks for best baby hiking carriers were no longer available. We scoured the internet to find brands with good reputations and reviews. We compared their features and prices to compile a buying guide. 

Learn more on the SafeWise methodology page.

Related articles on SafeWise


Sources

1. Outside Business Journal, “Osprey Packs Introduces Award Winning Anti-Gravity Technology into Hydration and Kids Carriers for Spring 2016,” July 2015. Accessed November 7, 2022.

2. Cincinnati Children's, "Growth, Range of Height and Weight," April 2019. Accessed November 7, 2022.

Disclaimers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Rebecca Edwards
Written by
Rebecca Edwards
Rebecca is the lead safety reporter and in-house expert for SafeWise.com. She has been a journalist and blogger for over 25 years, with a focus on home and community safety for the past decade. Rebecca spends dozens of hours every month poring over crime and safety reports and spotting trends. Her expertise is sought after by publications, broadcast journalists, non-profit organizations, podcasts, and more. You can find her expert advice and analysis in places like NPR, TechCrunch, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Miami Herald, HGTV, MSN, Reader's Digest, Real Simple, and an ever-growing library of podcast, radio and TV clips in the US and abroad.

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