10 Best Baby Carrier for Hiking 2023 – Reviews & Buying Guide

As you are an outdoors person you will need the best baby carrier for hiking. In fact, having a young one shouldn’t restrict your life.

Using a hiking baby carrier is the answer. So, there’s a variety of best baby carrier for hiking to choose from that are safe and convenient ways to get your baby to enjoy nature.

How hiking carrier is going to help?

Nowadays, modern ones are built to evenly distribute the weight on you to ensure you’re comfortable. These are backpacks designed to carry babies or toddlers safely and comfortably.

Hiking is one of life’s great pleasures. So is having a baby—but you might be wondering about the best way to combine the two. Fortunately, there are a number of baby carriers designed specifically to help you. You need to consider things like durability, but safety is at the top of the list.

In this review

You’ll find our recommendations for the best baby carrier for hiking available today.

We’ve taken a close look at the most popular baby carriers for hiking. Furthermore, we also analyzed expert ratings and customer reviews to determine which baby backpacks deliver best features.

We’ll also give you some features you should look for when choosing a carrier in this reviews.

Editor’s Choice

The Lineup At A Glance

Top 10 Best Baby Carrier for Hiking In 2023

1. Deuter Kid Comfort Pro – Best Baby Carrier for Hiking

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The Aircomfort Vario Back System

A tensioned Aircomfort mesh back provides maximum ventilation. Along with pivoting hip fins, it creates a flexible carrying system allows complex movements.

This carrier accommodates a wide range of torso lengths, moving seamlessly from one parent to another with a simple slide adjustment of the shoulder straps. 

A light spring steel frame provides stability by effectively transferring the load to the hip belt while hip and shoulder stabilization creates precision load control.

Kid Comfort System

A 5-point safety harness is designed with a child’s proportions in mind. Simple adjustability and color-coded buckles make the carrier easy to handle. Furthermore, the height of the seat is easily modified and promotes a safe, comfortable, healthy ergonomic seating position.

JPMA Approved

Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certifications go beyond required ASTM testing and offer the most stringent child safety standards in America. For example, testing includes flammability, hazardous materials, labeling, physical and mechanical durability/functionality, impact testing. 

All Kid Comfort carriers are tested and JPMA certified for use with children who can independently sit upright. In short, it can maintain head control, up to a maximum load capacity of 48 lbs.

FEATURES & SPECS – Sturdy grab handle makes pack easy to lift without assistance; Large zip compartment under the seat.

Height adjustable child seat with variable width to support healthy posture; Includes teddy bear; Weight Limit: 48.5 lbs (22kg); Volume: 14 L;

Item Weight: 5lb 7oz (2.5kg); Dimensions: 27 x 15 x 12 in; Material: Microrip-Nylon / PU Coated Super-Polytex.

2.  Poco AG Plus – Osprey Baby Carrier Hiking

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Osprey makes some favorite packs. Poco AG line of child carriers has three levels. We like the mid-range “Plus” best: it has a great mix of features while staying under $300. 

From a carrying standpoint, the pack shares the Anti-Gravity (AG for short) suspension system with some of their backpacking models. The main benefits of the flexible mesh back panel are great support while keeping your back cool. Furthermore, It’s very easy to adjust the fit when swapping out hauling duties. 

The Plus also has a very large storage capacity—measuring 26 liters, it exceeds the Deuter above, which has 22 liters if you take into account its removable daypack. It also comes with a built-in sunshade. For long trail days or if the features match your needs, the Poco AG Plus is a worthwhile investment.

It’s a close call, but stacked up to the Deuter above, we think the Osprey falls short in a couple of important categories. First, the Deuter carries a load more comfortably by keeping your child a little closer to your back and with more liberal use of padding in the hipbelt and shoulder straps

Features:

Additionally, the Poco doesn’t include the side entry option for toddlers, its front chin pad is quite a bit smaller. The sunshade can be a pain to slide in and out of its sleeve. The AG Plus still is a well-designed pack with tons of storage, but we give the overall edge to the Deuter Kid Comfort.

The Anti-Gravity suspension incorporated on the Poco AG offers a highly adjustable harness, coupled with the Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt, yielding a wide-fit range for a variety of sized parents. Spacious lower compartment with zip opening offers an excellent place for bulky items and extra gear.

3. Kelty Journey Perfect-Fit – Best Baby Carrier For Hiking

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Enjoy the beautiful outdoors with your family with the help of the Kelty(TKM) Journey Perfectfit pack.

Perfect Fit Suspension System: Five-point system harness features a padded aluminum roll-cage for worry-free hiking. In addition, comfortably adjusts between a men’s and women’s fit for seamless transition.

Similarly padded shoulder pads with sternum strap. Adjustable belt to help stabilize weight. Wide seat-base and adjustable foot stirrups let your child sit comfortably. For instance, zippered compartments for storing snacks, toys, and wipes. Mesh hipbelt pockets store easy-to-access snacks.

Moreover, for shorter hikes or if you’re willing to compromise a little on comfort, Kelty’s Journey PerfectFit is a great budget baby carrier.

What immediately stuck out with the Journey is how well the child harness and interior compares to the more expensive models above. Above all, the seat is easily adjusted, nicely padded, and an all-around comfortable place to be.

What’s more?

In addition, the Journey PerfectFit saves you over 2 pounds compared with the packs above and has a similar maximum weight capacity. As mentioned before, the biggest compromise with the Journey is felt on longer trails days.

The padding is soft and supportive for short jaunts. However, the longer you’re out and the pack becomes less and less enjoyable.

The minimal features also can be an issue here, and we particularly miss having a hydration compatible sleeve, zippered hipbelt pockets (there is one mesh pocket). It is better organization from the one main pocket on the pack body.

But at $90 less than the Osprey above, it’s easy to forgive the Kelty for falling a little short, and it is a great option for families that won’t be out every weekend.

4. Lillebaby Complete – Baby Hiking Backpack Carrier

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LÍLLÉbaby’s Pursuit features powerful versatility that supports your active lifestyle, keeping baby comfy and close as you get back to doing you! 

Whether running errands or hitting the trails, our blend of breathable fabric, advanced ergonomic fit, and innovative storage technology provide an unbelievably comfortable solution to get you back to the lifestyle you love!

As all the functionality of the top-rated LÍLLÉbaby COMPLETE carrier alongside new fit and function innovations, the Pursuit features:

• Six ways to carry your baby
• Unique lumbar support
• Adjustable neck support for baby
• 7 convenient storage pockets, including new tech touch pocket
• Breathable all weather fabric with temperature control panel
• Water resistant shell (All Seasons Only)
• Generous padding and more

HIGH QUALITY PERFORMANCE MATERIALS

First, Water-resistant shell, perforated belt for comfort, soft touch breathable 3D mesh with zip-down panel for increased breath ability

FUNCTIONAL & ERGONOMIC STORAGE

Second, 7 convenient pockets, including tech-touch pocket, multiple zippered pockets, and mesh water bottle pouch, with rings to clip keys or toys

ULTIMATE SUPPORT & SAFETY

Above all, wide padded waist belt, padded straps, adjustable neck support and lumbar support, reflective highlights for enhanced visibility.

5. Phil & Teds Parade – child hiking backpack

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Phil & Teds’ lightweight Parade pack is a great option for travel or quick family adventures. Resembling a compact daypack, the Parade has an aluminum frame and adjustable harness system that provides sufficient support.

It’s not something you want on your back for hours at a time, but the minimalist design is easy to carry and folds flat—small enough to fit as a carry on for most airlines.

In keeping things simple, however, the Parade is less appealing for hiking trips. There is hardly any storage, and the detachable mini backpack, while a fun idea for allowing kids to have a pack of their own, isn’t very functional.

What’s more?

In addition, the hipbelt and shoulder straps aren’t comfortable for anything more than a short walk. But if you stick to the Parade pack’s around town and travel intentions, it’s a decent option.

Cute & compact, the parade is strong enough to carry children up to 40lbs, folds flat and is lightweight. The comfort of parade’s active-ergo fit harness, supportive child cockpit & air-tech ventilated back ensures your family’s well-being.

With the convenience of a stand & detachable mini backpack, the parade is both festive & functional.

Features:

First, Freestanding for Loading

The internal aluminum frame and stand allow strength & stability for loading up.

Second, High Grade Fabrics

parade’s fabrics are touch, washable and waterproof making it the perfect getaway day carrier.

Third, Drink Bottle Storage

Drink bottle storage & pocket for keys are on the sides to keep the essentials on hand.

Finally, Adjustable Harness

Parade features easily adjustable parent & child harnesses for a secure & ergonomic fit for parents of all heights

6. Poco AG – Baby Carrier by Osprey

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To keep your back, shoulders, and hips from aching when you take your little one for a walk, Osprey incorporated their award winning AG (Anti-Gravity) backpacking suspension system into the Poco AG child carrier.

Features

Adjustable and Removable Stirrups: The adjustable stirrups offer deluxe padding and leg support prevent circulation deprivation.

Adjustable Torso: The adjustable stirrups offer deluxe padding and leg support prevent circulation deprivation.

Anti-Gravity Suspension: Contoured suspension combined with seamless mesh from the shoulder blades to the lumbar region balance and stabilize the pack so you won’t even notice you’re carrying a precious cargo.

Deluxe Child Cockpit: Contoured suspension combined with seamless mesh from the shoulder blades to the lumbar region balance and stabilize the pack so you won’t even notice you’re carrying a precious cargo.

Lower Storage Compartment: A large lower zippered compartment offers storage for diapers and other items.

Toy Attachment Loops: Small cord loops located in and around the child cockpit allow toy and pacifier attachment within the child’s reach.

Stretch-Mesh Side Pockets: Dual stretch mesh side pockets allow for external storage for accessible items.

Additional features:

Drool Pad: The removable drool pad at the front of the cockpit is soft to the touch and comfortably padded for the child.

Zippered Stash Pocket: The small zippered stash pocket is convenient for small items and features a secure key clip.

Dual Grab Handles: The dual reinforced grab handles allow a secure and stable way to pick up and set down the baby carrier hiking.

Built-In Sunshade: The built-in sunshade deploys quickly and easily from a dedicated zippered pocket.

Fit-on-the-fly Hipbelt: The adjustable Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt offers 5-inch/13 centimeters of extension on each side for a comfortable ventilated custom fit and superior load support.

7. Deuter Kid Comfort Active – Carrier Backpack for Kid

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Safety & Comfort – Lighter Than Ever

The compact, ventilated Lite Aircontact backsystem makes this child carrier as lightweight as possible. Despite its minimalistic, athletic build, the Kid Comfort Active child carrier’s seating area is an absolute comfort-zone.

The height-adjustable seat and footrests ensure a healthy sitting position. A plush chin pad with removable, machine-washable cover gives your little one a cozy place to rest their head.

The Kid Comfort lineup includes a women’s specific SL-version. The carrying system of the Kid Comfort Active SL is especially adapted to the female anatomy.

At last, its slimmer shoulder straps and conically shaped hip fins have been designed for mothers looking for a baby carrier hiking that fits them perfectly.

What’s more?

Deuter’s easy-to-use VariQuick back length adjustment system makes trading the carrier between mom and dad fast and simple. Wide-ranging size options allow wearers of varying heights to comfortably carry the child. Load adjustment straps further customize carrying comfort.

The Lite Air contact back system is connected directly to the frame, delivering perfect load transfer and control without added weight. In addition, the back panel is designed to fit comfortably against the wearer’s body and is fully ventilated to help regulate body temperature and reduce perspiration.

The Kid Comfort Active is the lightest of Deuter’s child carriers, weighing less than 6 lbs; Large external stretch pockets, integrated key holder, and zippered hip fin pocket provide ample storage for a day out as well as holding frame for easy transport.

In addition

To perfect load transfer and control, Deuter’s Aircontact Lite back system is engineered to help regulate body temperature. Minimize perspiration; With every body movement, ventilating hollow chamber foam creates a pump effect to circulate air through the breathable Aircontact cushions 

8. Thule Sapling – Carrier Backpack for Toddler

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Water reservoir pocket and large zippered compartment provides additional storage and added convenience when on the go.

Breathable back panel allows air to circulate around your back.

Deployable sunshade keeps your child cool and protected from the harsh elements.

Moreover, load stabilizer straps allow on-the-go adjustments to the backpack’s center of gravity by pulling the child closer to the parent for a more comfortable carry.

In addition, plush, height adjustable, ergonomic seat efficiently distributes the child’s weight by providing inner thigh support.

For safe carrier use, the child must be able to sit upright without assistance and weigh at least 16 lbs. Maximum load: 22 kg/ 48 lbs. (combined weight of child and gear contents)

Features:

Comfortable for parents

Fully adjustable back panel and hipbelt provide a perfect fit and comfortable carry and make the transition between parents quick and easy

Comfortable for kids

Plush, height adjustable, ergonomic seat efficiently distributes the child’s weight by providing inner thigh support

Plenty of storage

Mesh pockets, hydration reservoir sleeve. The product comes along with two large zippered compartments store clothes, water, diapers, rain gear, and other essentials. For example, it keeps essentials close at hand with two roomy zippered hipbelt pockets that store toys, snacks and gadgets. 

Dual access loading allows you to load your child from the top or side of the carrier. Removable stirrups let your little one rest their legs and re-adjust themselves on the trail

Safe for kids

Deployable sunshade keeps your child cool and protected from the harsh sun

9. Ergobaby 360 Cool Air – Toddler Carrier Backpack

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Ergobaby’s Award-Winning 360 Baby Carrier Hiking All Carry Positions with Cool Air Mesh offers every carry positions in a cool and breathable fabric to get out with the baby.

Features:

Comfortable for you & your baby

Exceptional lower back comfort with padded lumbar support waist belt. The product provides extra padded shoulder straps. In other words, it is easy to adjust bucket seat supports your baby in an ergonomic natural ‘M’ position in all carry positions from baby to toddler.

Fits you & your partner

Easily adjusts to fit multiple wearers from petite to larger body types.

All the carry positions you need. Face baby in or out. Wear on the hip or back as baby grows (~4-36 months/5,5 – 20 Kg or start with newborn infant insert ~0-4 Months/3,2- 5,5 Kg, sold separately).

Easily adjust to your growing baby

Easy breastfeeding and tuckaway baby hood for sun & wind protection. That’s the reason why the 360 carriers are designed to fit all types of parents. Hence, it easily adjusts to fit multiple wearers from petite to larger body types (waistband adjusts 26-52″; shoulder straps adjust from 28 3/4″ to 46 3/4″). 

This way, all parents can share the joy of babywearing. The 360 carrier is also adjustable to your growing baby from 7lbs to 33lbs

We considered every detail

Exceptional lower back support with wide wrap around waistband maximizes comfort especially post C-section. Extra padded shoulder straps helps evenly distribute your baby’s weight.

STRONG, DURABLE, LONG LASTING CARRIER- For instance, this product can be used for multiple years and multiple babies. No snagging & loosening. Carrier retains shape after wash for long-lasting use and comfort.

Moreover, it is easy to clean quality materials

Machine Washable and premium cotton.

10. LuvdBaby Premium Carrier – Hiking Backpack for Child

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LuvdBaby’s Premium Baby Carrier Hiking is a budget-friendly design available on Amazon. On paper, this pack looks good with all the features that come from Deuter, Osprey, Thule, and Kelty.

Features:

Sleeping Baby a Distinct Possibility

Your child will ride in style in their little cockpit. It is padded in all the right places.

When we were developing your baby carrier we found that our kids often napped after a few miles. If that didn’t convince us how comfy the carrier we were testing was, nothing ever would. 

Our children are very zealous product testers.

While your child is awake they get a great view of the world around. Your backpack allows them to sit up high and see things they never would from a stroller. 

Overall, the baby cockpit has loads of adjustments to make sure they are sitting securely and in comfort.

Protect Your Child

Your baby carrier has a mesh hood included protecting your baby from the sun’s glare.

Being from Ireland where it seems to rain constantly, we decided to also include a rain cover with every carrier. Babies don’t like rain. 

The hood is removable when the weather permits

Zero Back Strain

Interestingly, your backpack has been designed to be comfortable for Mommy and Daddy too. Uniquely, the carrier has great suspension and the weight is distributed very evenly.

The height of the torso can be adjusted. The mesh back provides ventilation reduces sweaty backs which gets very irritating on longer hikes.

What’s more?

Keep their Little Feet Secure

Your carrier has adjustable stirrups to keep their little feet from dangling. Moreover, no more kicking you in the back as you adventure together.

We all love hiking but it is way more fun when you don’t have a small foot stuck in your back.

Our kids also say it makes them feel like they are riding a horse. Power of imagination.

Removable Backpack

Babies need a lot of stuff. Hikers also need a lot of stuff.

Don’t worry, your carrier has you covered with a multitude of zipped compartments and mesh pockets. Carry diapers, wipes and food with ease.

We have added a Removable Backpack on this model for even more storage. Moreover, it can also be worn as an everyday backpack when the carrier is not in use.

Best feature:

Keep their Bottle Warm

If you are a lengthy hike you need to be able to take a bottle or some food for the baby.

Furthermore, we have added a thermal insulated zipper pocket to your pack to keep a baby bottle or some food at the desired temperature for hours. Ideal for a hungry baby after a hike in the mountains.

Type of best baby carrier for hiking

There is a wide variety of baby carriers available for you to purchase, but essentially, they fall into two types:  Comfort Packs and Lightweight Packs. front loading, where your baby hangs in front of you, or back loading, where your baby is supported on your back.

Front loading carriers are usually only designed to hold babies who are up to six months old, so if your baby is older than this then you’ll need to choose a more supportive carrier with baby sitting in the back.

Long distances hiking:

For hiking long distances, in most cases a back loading baby carrier with a frame will be your best bet because they are sturdy and will give your baby a comfortable ride for a longer period of time.

They also provide the storage you may need for all the essential baby care products you have to carry with you if you are going to be away from civilization for several hours. Non-framed carriers tend to be less expensive, but they are usually only designed for babies less than a year old.

Framed carriers are more expensive, but they are more versatile and you can carry larger children over greater distances with comfort.

1. Comfort Packs Of Best Baby Carrier For Hiking

Packs that fall into our “comfort” category are just that: comfortable and feature-rich designs.

In the first place, most follows a basic formula that resembles a backpacking pack with an open cockpit for a child to sit.

Their strong metal frames provide excellent support for hauling a toddler (many are rated for up to 50 pounds total) and include a number of pockets for carrying multiple hours worth of essentials.

In conclusion, these are heavy items, and even with their folding kickstands take up a noticeable portion of a trunk or closet.

2. Lightweight Packs

Lightweight packs trim bulk and features from comfort-oriented designs, and are a great option for short trips and use around town.

The biggest upside is their significantly smaller size and lighter weight that’s easier to carry store, and transport in a car.

Lightweight pack options range from the Phil & Teds Parade, which resembles a shrunken down version of a comfort pack, to the frameless and minimalist Ergobaby.

What you give up with a lightweight pack is storage and often carrying comfort. They’re great for quick jaunts, but for longer day hikes, we find it well worth the upgrade to a comfort pack.

Factors in choosing the best baby carrier for hiking

Having a young child does not mean that you have to enjoy the outdoors less. Strollers are great but even the highest quality strollers are difficult to offroad with. For those who really enjoy the outdoors, it is best to invest in the best child carrier hiking device on the market. 

Comfortable for both you and your child these carriers are designed to allow your child to go anywhere you go. 

Great for crowded areas like farmers markets and travel through airports these carriers have nearly endless uses.

1. Carrying Comfort and Padding

Comfort is a big factor in how often you get out on the trail, so we’ve put a high value on it in our rankings.

The packs that excel in this category have strong suspensions to handle anything from a 16-pound baby up to a 40-pound toddler.

In addition, the hipbelt plays an important role in this, and we look for padding that molds to your hips and provides enough firm support (overly soft cushioning typically isn’t as comfortable over the long haul).

You can certainly skimp on carrying comfort if you stick to short hikes, and in those cases, any of the packs that made our list will do the trick.

2. Harness and Cockpit Comfort for the Child

A secure child harness and seat is a prerequisite to making our list.

And all of the major players provide plenty of support, adjustability, and comfort around the arms, shoulders, and legs.

More expensive of best baby carrier for hiking models make greater use of soft touch fabrics, but even long stretches of hiking with a budget-friendly pack.

In terms of ease of use, we’ve found that the centralized button and high placement of Osprey’s harness is a standout, but we consider harness design to be a strong suit for all products featured above.

3. Sun and Rain Protection

Hiking and even walking around town can lead to a lot of sun exposure for a baby, so all major carriers either include or offer a sunshade with their packs.

We find them to be absolutely mandatory for protecting that sensitive baby skin.

The built-in designs typically store right behind the cockpit area and can be quickly deployed.

And the accessory sunshades are just about as easy to connect and use.

4. Pack Weight

The empty weight of a pack may not be the first thing you check on when researching baby carrier packs—it certainly wasn’t for us—but there are significant differences to be aware of.

Packs in our lightweight category are usually around 4 to 5 pounds, while comfort-oriented models can reach 8 pounds and more.

Tack on the child in the pack and anything else you’re carrying, and your total weight is equivalent to or even a more than a loaded backpacking pack.

However, this is mostly unavoidable as the most comfortable packs are by far and away the heaviest.

5. Adjustability

If multiple adults will wear the baby carrier, a highly adjustable fit system can be an important feature.

In particular, your pack will need a wide enough torso range to be comfortable for all users.

Premium, comfort packs like the top models from Deuter, Thule, Osprey, and Kelty are standouts in this respect, giving close fits for most people.

Taking it a step further, Osprey’s Poco AG Plus and Premium also allow you to shorten or length the padded portion of the hipbelt, which guarantees the cushioned areas are supporting you correctly.

6. Pockets and Storage Capacity

Outside of minimalist designs like the Piggyback Rider, Ergobaby or Lillebaby, best baby carrier for hiking include an array of pockets for organization and storage.

The primary storage in most packs is at the front with one or two pockets along the top and a larger, zippered pocket at the bottom.

We appreciate a range of pocket sizes to make it easy to distribute items we want close at hand, and large hipbelt pockets are great for storing snacks to keep your little one happy.

As with most features, organization improves as price goes up, but most packs on our list have a functional pocket design.

7. Ventilation

Firstly, baby carrier pack’s ventilation is a two-part assessment: the ventilation along the back panel for the adult and around the child’s seat.

Thus, ventilation for the baby usually is pretty good: the openings at the top and sides do a good job moving air, and there’s enough space that they don’t get too much of your body heat.

But there are more substantial differences in back panel design. The best back breathers are packs with a full mesh panel, including the Osprey Poco AG.

Deuter’s Kid Comfort Active takes it a step further and uses mesh all around the child’s harness and cockpit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

• https://adventuregearslab.com/top-10-best-baby-carrier-for-hiking/
• https://www.mountainiq.com/gear/best-baby-carrier-for-hiking/
• https://www.littlebabygear.com/best-baby-carrier-hiking/
• https://www.safewise.com/blog/best-baby-carriers-for-hiking