The Best Baby Carriers for Hiking of 2026

When we heard Osprey was replacing the beloved Poco Plus child carrier, we were a little worried. The pack is lauded and for good reason — why mess with a good thing? But Osprey lovers and toddler backpackers can breathe a sigh of relief. The new Osprey Poco Premium ($395) keeps the same highly rated performance features while slightly tweaking fabrics and fit for an even better child carrier.

The Osprey Poco Premium shines in both fit and function. With multiple adjustment points, including Fit-on-the-Fly hip belts and an adjustable torso, it easily adapts to a wide range of body types, offering a snug, comfortable fit even when loaded to its 48.5-pound capacity. Generous padding and extended adjustability make it especially comfortable for caregivers with broader shoulders or longer torsos. The sturdy frame effectively transfers weight to the hips and keeps the pack stable, even during loading and unloading — something many competitors struggle with.

Kids love riding in this carrier, too. We toted little ones from 6 months to 3 years, many of whom napped against the soft drool pad or reached for their own snacks and toys from the mesh pockets and loops within arm’s reach. The backpack-style harness in the child cockpit is a standout—it’s intuitive, fast, and eliminates the fuss of overhead buckles.

A large sunshade offers solid UV protection from multiple angles and stows away neatly without cutting into the main storage. While there’s no rain cover, the shade handles light mist well. The lower storage compartment is one of the best we’ve seen — spacious enough for overnight gear and thoughtfully designed with a solid base that keeps items secure.

Compared to its predecessor, the Poco Plus, which had 26 L of storage, the new Poco Premium has a storage capacity of 36 L. Add in hydration sleeves, hip belt pockets, and well-placed compartments, and you’ve got a pack ready for serious adventure.

If you’re looking for a versatile child carrier with standout storage, comfort, and stability, the Poco Premium is hard to beat since it’s ideal for both long treks and everyday outings. For shorter day hikes with a lighter load, Osprey’s Poco LT offers a slimmer alternative with many of the same family-friendly features.

There’s a lot to like about the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT ($270), the price being one. This pack has pared-down features, especially compared to some of its competitors, but is still made with a high-quality aluminum frame and durable straps and fabrics, which will allow you countless day adventures over many years and maybe even multiple kids. 

This pack was one of the most comfortable among all testers, especially those needing a little extra support for their hip bones. Beefy hip belts hold weight well without putting uneven pressure or rubbing anywhere and the suspension system makes carrying heavy loads up to 50 pounds comfortable. Torso and hip adjustment systems allow the pack to fit a variety of people, even on the fly, making it easier to switch carriers midway up a trail.

While the pack comfortably holds weight, it seems to carry the weight a little higher than other packs, which made us feel a bit wobbly and top-heavy when traveling over uneven terrain. We like that the kickstand can be deployed or tucked away while wearing the pack, and the multiple grab handles make it easier to get the pack on and off without upsetting your passenger.

Our tiny testers also found this pack comfortable, though the five-point harness system is more complicated than others on the market. It includes shoulder straps and a waist belt, all clipping on the front. This harness provides even support for the child and allows the shoulders more mobility without a chance of escape.

It took a few attempts to get some kicking legs in the right places on the harness and to adjust when changing between kids of different sizes, especially since it does not unclip anywhere, but we eventually figured out good systems for loading and unloading without fuss.

The drool pad provides a comfortable place for baby to rest their face and can be removed for cleaning. Stirrups keep hips in a supported position and prevent legs from falling asleep. The sunshade, sold separately, can help keep kiddos cool and protected.

The PerfectFIT’s storage will support half- or full-day hikes, but not much more. With one zippered storage compartment on the back and one elastic mesh pocket on the hip belt, you’ll need to be intentional with your packing. We like these simple features, especially for short walks to the swimming hole or a couple of miles out to a granite dome for a picnic.

This pack is built for regular day hikes and can take you out on moderate adventures, only when supported by hiking partners helping to carry gear.

While Thule is known for its dependable roof boxes and other vehicular accessories, the  Thule Sapling( $380) kid carrier lives up to Thule’s rigorous standards, keeping our kiddos secure on the trail.

This carrier is designed for maximum comfort for parents and kids. It’s decked out with thick padding on the back and hips and shoulder straps made of breathable mesh. The torso length and hip belt padding can be easily adjusted, allowing for seamless hand-offs between parents. Though well-padded, the waist belt is so wide that some testers had issues with it digging into their rib cages on longer hikes (more than 6 miles). 

Thule’s unique Ergoride system provides leg support, keeping babies and tots happy on longer hikes. The Sapling grows with you and your little one, with an easy-to-adjust child seat that works for a wide range of baby sizes (up to 40 pounds). When fitted correctly for both parent and kiddo, we found that we could get the child’s center of balance closer to the front of the carrier, which proved to be less top-heavy and wobbly than other carriers. 

This carrier is both rugged and light, weighing only 7 pounds, and has an overall weight capacity of 48.5 pounds. Its 22L vestibule is easy to access with two zippers, one on either side. We found that this dual zipper design allows easy access to snacks, toys, and diaper kits without having to pull everything out. 

Thule seems to know what parents want. The drool pad and child seat are easy to remove and washable. Small pockets on the waist belt allow for easy access to phones, sunscreen, and chapstick. A UPF 50 sun shade is easy to remove and stow away, but we wish it had an integrated pocket like the Osprey Poco Premium does. The pack is compatible with hydration bladders but lacks a water bottle holder.

We all know how hard it is to get those kicking feet in the right holes on standard kid carriers. The Thule Sapling makes life smoother with a side panel that buckles open and closed, making it much easier to load up your tot.

The Thule Sapling is the first choice of at least one of our testers because of the attention to detail and comfortable fit. This carrier is ideal for day-long adventures or supported overnight trips with your little one.

Soft-sided baby carriers will likely become one of your most-used pieces of baby equipment. We packed the Osprey Poco Soft Child Carrier ($150) to Florida, British Columbia, and all over Tennessee. From contact naps while cooking dinner in the kitchen, to hike-in fishing adventures in the mountains, the impressive support of the carrier stood out to our tester most while using the carrier daily.

The waist belt is wide and provides excellent lower back support. It’s akin to a powerlifting belt, and back fatigue was non-existent during two 12-hour travel days through numerous airports. Not only is there excellent support for parents, but there is also excellent support for the baby.

Obviously, the baby couldn’t tell us that, but it was apparent how much more supported an infant was when used next to other carriers. Other soft-sided carriers can make it feel like the baby is sagging, but this one has excellent support in the seat and around the legs, keeping babies lifted and secure. Based on how easily our baby fell asleep in it, we’d say it’s pretty comfy.

There’s an integrated rain cover in the carrier that was a lifesaver when a surprise summer storm rolled through in B.C. It rolls out of the back pocket and straps to the shoulders, keeping the baby nice and dry. Not many soft-sided carriers have this, but if you spend any time outside, you want this.

You can use the carrier in three different ways: as a front carrier with the baby facing in or out, or as a backpack. That versatility allows you to use it in more ways as your baby grows.

It’s not a perfect carrier, however. Most notable is the difficulty of using it when alone. When worn as a front carrier, it’s virtually impossible to clip the strap on your back. Someone else will have to do that for you. And when worn on your back? Someone else will need to load the baby in.

What’s more, when trying to remove the carrier, the Velcro tabs on the waist strap catch on the brackets that the strap wraps around. That leaves you trying to hold an infant with one arm and attempting to pull a stuck waist strap out of the bracket. It’s not fun.

It should also be pointed out that the carrier comes in one size, and it’s a bit small. While our medium-sized testers didn’t have problems fitting in it, it was almost maxed out. More room would be much better for post-partum mothers.

But even with those negatives, this carrier does stand out. Most baby carriers are challenging to use solo, but when used with a partner, almost all of the complaints with this carrier disappear. The Poco Soft Child Carrier is a breathable, supportive carrier that’s great for daily use.

The Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite ($350) demonstrates the brand’s prowess for creating stellar packs for carrying littles over long distances. The Elite’s easy-to-adjust straps make it an ideal option for families where multiple caregivers of varying heights (our testers were 5’6” and 6’1”) frequently share carrying duties.

It optimizes storage space despite having a smaller footprint. It boasts a large storage area in the back and a smaller zippered pocket up top for quick-grab essentials like snacks, sunscreen, or wipes.

And, man, is this comfortable for both parent and child. Hip straps distribute the load well, and stirrups create a cozy seat for moderate hikes or everyday errands around town. The built-in hydration sleeve makes it easy to stay topped up on water during longer treks. The integrated sunshade keeps your little one cool and protected on bright days.

It also packs down surprisingly well, which is a bonus for tightly packed cars (especially when the kids bring an abundance of stuffed animals and coloring books). The detachable drool pad made it easy to wash away those freshly picked berry stains.

Complaints were few, though we noted there’s no place to tuck away the buckle straps when wrangling feet through stirrup holes. Brands like Osprey include this feature by default, making kid-loading a bit smoother. Adjusting the seat angle for children of different sizes also took some fiddling. Still, these are minor gripes in an otherwise high-performing, compact, and family-friendly pack.

The Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite stands out for its comfort, smart storage, and easy adjustability, making it a great choice for families with multiple caregivers and kids who join for everyday outings or moderate hikes.

Do you ever find yourself struggling to load a squirmy, leg-kicking child into a carrier at a trailhead? If so, the Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier ($320) will make your life easier with its side entry. Rather than loading a child into the top of the carrier, you simply unclip the panel on the left and slide the child in, or have them climb into the side. Once loaded, clip it back up and you’ll be on your merry way.

In addition to the incredible ease of entry, the carrier is highly adjustable to fit your child as they grow. The seat, shoulder straps, and stirrups are adjustable up and down, and the five-point safety harness provides a customizable, secure fit. We secured a baby who was just starting to hold her head up and a five-year-old in it.

The detachable sunroof provides shade for the child; however, it doesn’t provide nearly as much protection as the Osprey Poco Premium. It still works, but the sides are wide open, which we found resulted in sun on the child in the morning and evening. The sunroof also doesn’t store well in the carrier due to the protruding, stiff arms. It can fold up and fit in the rear compartment, but it takes up more space than it should.

The carrier provides excellent support for the parent and carries well, which is to be expected with Deuter’s reputation. The Vera Slide torso adjustment makes changing sizes between parents very easy. You lift on the bottom clip and pull the strap to the correct length. No Velcro, no disassembly necessary.

The thin, slightly offset backpanel was a godsend in the Tennessee heat this summer, allowing for a touch of airflow in an area that usually starts burning up.

The storage is better than most, but not the best. There is enough room to store the child’s essentials. We were able to get diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, a few changes of clothes, and blankets in the bottom. But a multi-night excursion would be a problem.

Despite the sunshade complaints and having less storage space than the Osprey Poco Premium, there’s a case to be made that this may be the carrier for you. The side entry is fantastic, and the carrier as a whole is easy to use and perfect for hikes or short overnights.

Read Full Review: Osprey Poco LT

The Osprey Poco LT ($300) shares nearly all the same features as its Premium counterpart, except made mini. More than 2 pounds lighter at 5 pounds and only four storage compartments instead of 11, the LT is a well-made and great go-to pack for regular day hikes of any length.

With a strong aluminum frame and durable fabric, buckles, and straps, this is a great day hiking pack. Three storage pockets and one large compartment will help you carry items for yourself and your kiddo but won’t allow you the storage you might need for an overnight trek. Although several of our testers did use this on an overnight and simply asked their hiking partners to carry more gear.

Hipbelt pockets can store a phone, chapstick, keys, and a small snack so you can eat on the go. Hydration pockets are easy to reach with the pack on, so you don’t have to stop every time you need a sip of water. The integrated sunshade brings protection from the sun and light moisture to the top and sides of the baby. A drool pad provides a soft landing zone for a snooze and can be spot-cleaned if needed.

This pack takes comfort to the next level. Well-padded shoulder straps and hip belts bring softness and ease to an otherwise challenging endeavor of carrying squirming kiddos on steep or uneven terrain. It feels very secure, just like its Poco Premium counterpart, especially during creek crossings over logs and rocks.

Navigating narrow trails with poison oak on each side was surprisingly easy as the weight in this pack is carried so low that our balance is never compromised. Adjustable torso and hip belts allow people of many sizes and heights the joy of experiencing a trail or wild space with a little one on their back.

The five-point harness system safely secures the child with two buckles behind the shoulders into a padded and comfortable cockpit that can also be adjusted based on the child’s size and height. Adjustable stirrups keep the legs in an ergonomic position and help prevent the child from getting uncomfortable.

The strong frame and kickstand make putting the baby in and taking the baby out a breeze. This pack is a tad heavier than most so if you’re looking for a light, frameless option for around less burly adventures, give the Ergobaby 360 Cool Mesh Air a look.

The pack secures flat for storage, but the stiff buckles are challenging to clip together when setting it up for a hike until the pack is well broken in. Consider enlisting help from a friend to squeeze the pack together while you clip the buckles before putting your kiddo inside.

If you are looking to take regular day hikes and want the luxury of a light pack with plentiful storage and well-made features, the Osprey Poco LT might be just what you’ve been looking for.

Clocking in at just over $100 and only weighing 5.5 pounds, the ClevrPlus Cross Country ($109) is a good option if you are after short and infrequent hikes. Maybe you’re a relative of a tiny person who is visiting from afar or you just don’t get outside of your city much to justify investing in a more expensive or complex pack. If so, the lack of durability and quality in this pack should not matter too much and you may still be able to enjoy the occasional hike, without breaking the bank.

The materials on this pack are not as durable, and the padding systems do not compare to those of the other packs we tested. Zippers and strap buckles are fragile, and Velcro doesn’t stay in place. But for a couple of hours on a wide and easy trail, this pack can be a great option for your budget. This pack offers fewer torso and hip adjustments than Osprey, Deuter, and Kelty, so if you plan to share it with other adults, check that its sizing adjustments work for everyone before purchasing.

While lacking in some features, it still provides a solid base with its locking aluminum kickstand and offers a surprising number of storage pockets, including mesh sleeves, a large zippered compartment at the bottom of the pack, and a mesh pocket for a water bottle. This hydration pocket sits a little high and makes reaching it while wearing the pack difficult, but if you have a buddy along, you can ask them to help you.

It also includes a sun shade with plastic wind flaps on the side, which we found helpful most recently on the windy and wet Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park. However, we did notice that the Velcro isn’t very strong, and our kiddos made detaching the sides of the sunshade from the frame a game that only ended when we secured the plastic flaps away from their eager little hands.

This pack boasts lumbar support, but we found that its ability to stay comfortable quickly decreases, especially with a child weighing 25 pounds and above. You should also note that the weight limit for this pack is 33 pounds. If you want to maximize use, consider how much your child currently weighs and which growth curve they are following.

The ClevrPlus Cross Country baby backpack falls short in comfortably supporting heavier loads and longer treks, but if you only need a pack for the occasional short and easy day hike and are looking for something that won’t hit your wallet too hard, consider this one.

Come for the packability. Stay for the breathability. The Baby Bjorn Air One ($217) carrier is light and breathable yet well-padded for comfort in the shoulder straps and waist belt. Nearly the entire body of the carrier is made from lightweight 3D mesh material, which came in handy for some of our foothill dwellers with babies born in the summer. This material helped keep air moving to our babies and toddlers, preventing our littlest ones — and our testers — from getting too hot.

Many of us parent testers had to consult the manual a few times before putting our newborns and toddlers in this carrier because the straps and zippered adjustments took some practice to figure out. Once we knew where every strap belonged, which seat adjustment zipper to employ, and how to secure everything once again, we found it to be another great hands-free way to bond with our baby while still exploring our backyard crags, swimming holes, and local mountains.

It quickly became clear that the strap system is actually quite easy to use independently since you can put the top section right over your head instead of reaching behind the upper part of your back, hoping to grab both straps to clip before the baby gets fussy. No hyper-shoulder mobility is needed! It also has a wide range of size adjustment capabilities so multiple people can wear it. The straps tighten and loosen so softly, which wasn’t a feature we cared about until we experienced it with this carrier.

Babies and toddlers were cozy in this carrier, too, once we figured out where their arms were supposed to go. The mesh material is breathable yet durable, and every inch is incredibly soft to the touch. It is packable for transport and easy to clean, either by tossing it in a washing machine or spot cleaning.

The Baby Bjorn Air One is compatible with carrying newborns at least 7 pounds to toddlers up to 33 pounds. The carrier is designed to support a baby in an upright position, safely protecting the airway, hips, and legs. If you have both an infant and a toddler who will be using this, the seat adjustments may take a while to figure out and change. If you want a fast and easy way to toggle between different-sized kids, you may want to consider the ErgoBaby 360.

Aside from the slightly steeper learning, we enjoy this carrier for its strength, breathability, and incredible comfort. Great for carrying your infant on a hike or bringing it as a backup in case your toddler gets tired of hiking, the Baby Bjorn Air One is a versatile way to enjoy the outdoors or take on a road trip or international destination.

Ergobaby knows how to build a carrier. From infant and beyond, this carrier is versatile, packable, and perfect for short walks and any type of city travel. We’ve taken this carrier on planes to Europe and on full-day hikes with our tiny babies and bigger tots. We’ve nursed, napped, and braved sleepless nights snuggling our littles in this carrier and recommend it to every parent out there.

Anyone who runs hot or hikes in warm weather will appreciate the Ergobaby 360 Cool Mesh Air ($140), especially if your babe is a contact napper. The soft mesh construction is extra breathable and cool for both you and your baby. And it dries extremely quickly. If your infant spits up all the time like some of ours, toss it in the washing machine or spray and wipe it down and it will dry in the sun within 20 minutes.

This carrier is built to last several babies while providing comfort and support for the carrier. The shoulder straps and waist belt are soft and airy, providing stability and comfort for a child as heavy as 45 pounds. The thick waist belt provides lumbar support to keep you from getting achy after hours of carrying a little one.

If you have the option to ask someone else to carry your child, all straps and the waist belt can be adjusted to fit a wide range of bodies. Many testers even found this carrier was easily adjusted to support nursing while on the move.

Adjustments are easy to make for your kiddo as they grow from newborn (with infant insert sold separately) to 3 years old. If you have a baby who insists on facing out, you can set them up to do so once they can fully support their own head. Baby can ride in the front or on your back in complete comfort.

The button-adjustable seat also grows with your baby, allowing the hips and legs to be in a safe and healthy position, whether you have an infant or toddler in tow. The extendable back panel folds over to provide extra support for a young baby and can be unbuttoned to a taller position to support the back of a toddler.

This carrier is acknowledged by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as being a hip-healthy product because it is designed to keep babies and young kids in an ergonomic position with knees at or just above the hips in an “M” position.

We also love that it comes with an integrated sunshade that packs into a small zippered compartment. Your tiny one can have a shaded snooze, while you wander through the woods or up to the base of your favorite waterfall. While we love everything about this carrier, we did wish it came with a small storage pocket. If you are looking for a carrier with a small pocket for keys, a snack, and your phone, check out the other 360 carriers that have a detachable pouch. Or, consider the Osprey Poco Premium, which has a ton of storage and more support than this one for longer, burlier hikes.

Take the Ergobaby 360 Cool Mesh Air on a hike or an international flight. Use it when your little one is having a tough day and just needs to be snuggled while you cook dinner. This carrier won’t support your backpacking objectives, but it will serve almost every other purpose.