Vern Evans
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Parenthood can be a shock to the system, especially for outdoor adventurers: that’s where baby carriers for hiking come in. My 4-year-old daughter was born on Alaska’s summer solstice, a time I usually spent swinging for salmon under the midnight sun. Instead, during the summer of 2017, I found myself up all night with constant feedings and the intense anxiety that came with being a new mom. Honestly, the first few weeks I felt trapped by motherhood, and that was until I discovered the freedom of baby carrying. I’ve since tried out many of the best baby carriers for hiking while introducing my daughter to the outdoors.
How I Tested the Best Baby Carriers for Hiking
My daughter summited her first mountain peak at 6 weeks old, the day my doctor gave me the OK to hike. At almost 5 years old, she’s logged hundreds of miles in baby hiking carriers and toddler carrier backpacks. She’s been strapped to my back while fly fishing, shed hunting, and deer hunting. For months, baby carriers were the only place she would nap. She would sleep, and I would get a break and some fresh air. I wore my daughter working, cleaning, traveling, and visiting zoos and parks. Using a kid carrier was so convenient, my stroller sat in storage until I eventually gave it away. The best baby carriers for hiking are worth every penny, and here are my top recommendations.
You’ll also find baby carrier picks that were tested by Outdoor Life staff writer, Laura Lancaster and gear editor, Scott Einsmann.
The Best Baby Carriers for Hiking: Reviews & Recommendations
Versatile, comfortable, and adjustable.
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Key Features
- Carries infant (with insert) to 45 pounds
- Forward-facing option along with three other ways to carry including front carry facing in, hip carry, and back carry
- Machine washable
- Privacy hood (UPF 50+)
- Cushy shoulder straps
- Adjustable
- Lumbar support
Pros
- Forward-facing option
- Comfortable on waist and shoulders
- Machine washable
- Lightweight and easy to pack
- Adjustable to fit multiple people
- Can breastfeed a child in the carrier
Cons
- Infant insert sold separately
- Hurt shoulders after the child reached 25 pounds, especially in front-carry position
The ErgoBaby 360 All-Positions Baby Carrier allows you to carry your child in four different positions, including forward facing. Parents can use the carrier from newborn through toddler years with the infant insert. This ergonomically designed baby carrier is versatile and comfortable. It’s easy to adjust and fits a wide range of body types, so both parents can comfortably use it.
When I was pregnant, the majority of my mom friends recommended the ErgoBaby 360 All-Positions Baby Carrier. They insisted I needed a carrier with a forward-facing option. Moms are always right. As soon as my daughter was old enough for the forward-facing position—around 5 months—she was hooked.
Forward facing allowed her to see what was happening. It’s a fun way to share your love of the outdoors with your young child. She would watch my husband and me catch fish and spot animals while out hiking. We rarely used any of the other carry positions.
This type of carrier keeps your child close to you, which helps keep an eye on them and make sure their head is in an appropriate position. In my daughter’s case, the close contact and movement would almost always put her to sleep. I would strap her to me while working, cleaning and grocery shopping. It also made airline travel a breeze. This is easily the best baby hiking backpack and the best baby everything backpack.
The infant insert is sold separately, but I highly recommend purchasing it and using this carrier for infants. There are similar ErgoBaby carriers that don’t require an infant insert. I tried using a sling and wrap-type carrier when my daughter was first born, but I found them complicated and uncomfortable. I like the structure of this carrier. It’s really easy to put on by yourself. The buckles adjust smoothly. The fabric is soft. A major bonus is that you can toss it in the washing machine.
A soft carrier with fun color and a forward-facing option.
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Key Features
- Carries from 7 to 45 pounds
- Forward-facing option
- Multiple positions, including front facing in, front facing out, back carry, and adjustments for toddlers
- Breathable and lightweight cotton
- Weighs 1.7 pounds
- Machine washable
- Can breastfeed a child in the carrier
Pros
- Fun colors and patterns
- Soft fabric
- No need for an infant insert—ready to use out of the box
- Forward-facing option
- Comfortable on waist and shoulders
- Machine washable
- Adjustable to fit multiple people
- Can breastfeed a child in the carrier
Cons
- More expensive than other carriers
- The color/pattern you like, your partner might not
Baby Tula has a cult-like following for good reason. Parents rave about the buttery soft fabric and the variety of fun colors used in their slings and carriers. While they also have neutral color options, they are known for their flashy patterns like cactus, rainbows, unicorns, trucks, woodland creatures, and jungle adventures. These packs are in high demand, so if you see a style you want, buy it fast because they often sell out quickly. Many consider them the best baby hiking carrier.
If you’re a parent who is into all the fun, colorful patterns that come with kid’s gear, this is the carrier for you. They have the cutest options and a lot of them. They also come in solid and neutral colors. But parents love these carriers for more than just their looks.
Read Next: The Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Moms
The Baby Tula Explore Baby Carrier is an excellent all-around carrier. It holds babies from 7 to 45 pounds without the need for an infant insert. The shoulder and waist straps are comfortable. The waist and shoulders are padded. It’s also easy to adjust by yourself. The buckles and straps adjust smoothly.
This baby carrier is very similar in style to the ErgoBaby 360. The child is carried comfortably against your body so that you can check on them, and it encourages napping in younger children. This carrier is great for airline travel and housework. I found this carrier more comfortable to wear on my back than the ErgoBaby 360. However, the ErgoBaby 360 is the best baby carrier for hiking in the forward-facing position.
An adjustable frame with ample room for gear.
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Key Features
- Weighs 7.89 pounds
- Carries up to 48.5 pounds
- Built-in sunshade with UPF 50+ protection
- Folding aluminum frame
- 26-liter gear capacity
- Hip belt pockets
- Torso length adjusts from 15 to 22 inches
- Fits waist/hips from 26 to 49 inches
- Deluxe padded cockpit with soft contact surfaces, anatomic fit, and ventilated side panels
- Adjustable child seat height with safety leg loops and removable, adjustable stirrups
Pros
- Large storage capacity
- Built-in sunshade
- Easy to use harness system for child
- Adjustable frame
- Folds down for easy transport and storage
Cons
- Started to hurt hips and shoulders when carrying over 35 pounds
- Tough to get the child in and out once they’re a toddler
Babies can move to a backpack carrier for hiking when they can sit up independently, with full head and neck control. We transitioned our daughter to the Osprey Poco Plus at 7 months old. It was a welcome change from the soft structured carriers. The frame makes a backpack carrier much more comfortable on the shoulders.
This carrier opened up so many adventures for our family. We used it for hiking, hunting, and fly fishing. The adjustable frame made it easy for my husband and me to wear. If we were logging lots of miles, we could switch back and forth to give the other person a break. This pack can carry a lot of gear, and we could easily fit toys, water, snacks, bottles, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, bug spray, extra clothes, and more on backcountry adventures.
Read Next: The Best Kids Backpacking Gear
The carrier sits upright, thanks to a foot bar. It’s relatively easy to get the child in and out. However, as she got older, her shoes would come as we lifted her out. Losing shoes is partially what led to us eventually purchasing a new pack. The foot bar is collapsible, making it easier to hike with and transport. The locking hinges and rotating side arms allow the frame to fold down for storage. The harness system and buckle for the child are easy to use and adjust. It also has adjustable stirrups for the child. There’s a soft, removable drool pad that’s comfy as a headrest for a nap. There’s also a loop to attach toys, snacks, and pacifiers.
Ergonomic and adjustable—perfect for carrying heavier kids.
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Key Features
- Weighs 7.2 pounds
- Side entry for child
- Carries up to 48 pounds
- Torso length adjusts from 15 to 20 inches
- Hip belt pockets
- 12-liter gear capacity
- Height-adjustable child seat
- Detachable sunshade
Pros
- Side entry for child
- Comfortable to carry at max capacity
- Adjustable frame
- Folds down for easy transport and storage
Cons
- Sun/rain shade falls out very easily and can get lost
The Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Carrier is true to its name, comfortable, even at max capacity. We weren’t planning on purchasing another backpack carrier, but when the Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier began to hurt our shoulders at around 30 pounds, we knew we needed to try something new. While the Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Carrier has less gear carrying capacity, it’s the perfect toddler carrier for hiking. In addition to being more comfortable for parents to carry, my daughter says it’s more comfortable for her to ride in.
The best toddler-friendly feature is the side entry. Instead of lifting her in and out, I unbuckle the side, and she climbs right in on her own. The seat and stirrups are adjustable, which is great for toddler growth spurts. It also has a soft removable headrest for naps.
Read Next: The Best Hiking Shoes for Kids
My least favorite feature is the design of the sun/rain shade. The front of the shade comes with buckles that keep it in place. However, the back is two poles that tuck into pockets. When hiking through brush or forested areas, it’s easy for these poles to get caught on something and pulled out. If the front isn’t attached, it can fall off completely and become lost. We learned this the hard way. Luckily a hiker behind us found it and caught up with us to return it. Despite those cons, if you’re in the market for the best baby carriers for hiking, the Deuter Kid Comfort ranks high on any list.
Simple and comfortable.
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Key Features
- Weighs 1.1 pounds
- Front carrying facing in only
- Carries up to 25 pounds
- Fits petite to plus sizes
- No pockets or other capacity
Pros
- Low-packed volume
- Comfortable
- Can tuck in newborn legs for added security
- Fits virtually all sizes
Cons
- It takes some practice to get the wrapping of the fabric right
- Does not accommodate wearing babies on the back
When my kid was very small, it could be difficult to get out of the house with all of the accoutrements of life with a baby: diapers, wipes, spare clothes, bottles, pacifiers, etc. But it was easy to stuff the Solly Wrap into a bag at the last second, and I was always glad I did—especially when the opportunity for an impromptu hike or walk came up.
The Wrap is essentially a long piece of stretchy fabric, and it can be intimidating to use for the first time. But I found that after a few practice sessions (and I am no origami master), that it was simple to use and required fewer adjustments than more heavy duty baby carriers. Because the wrap is so form-fitting, my balance was better than with other baby carriers, and I was less paranoid that a foot or hand would become snagged in a cord. I also appreciated having the option to tuck in tiny feet on days when the wind picked up.
Because the wrap can hold fairly large babies—easily past their first year—I was able to switch from this straight to a more traditional backpack style carrier without the need for anything more robust in between. -Laura Lancaster
Best for Day Hikes: Osprey Poco
Photo by Kelsey Einsmann
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Key Features
- Holds children up to 48 pounds
- Pack Weight: 7.3 pounds (measured)
- Has pop-up sun shade
- Adjustable child seat and stirrups height/length
- 6 inches of torso length adjustment
- Removable and washable drool pad
- External hydration sleeve
- Price: $350 (street price is often $180 to $205)
Pros
- Comfortable for child
- Easy to adjust for adult and child
- Easy to load/unload child
Cons
- Not enough padding on shoulder straps and hip belt
Strollers might be convenient for walks on paved sidewalks, but for hiking or anything on uneven terrain a child-carrying backpack is the way to go. When my son was 9 months old I got an Osprey Poco to carry him on short hikes. I discovered it was ideal for doing a few miles on the local trails, and it was helpful when I needed free hands to water my garden and shoot my bow. Also, carrying a 20-pound baby — rather than pushing him in the stroller — on our daily walks is a great work out.
My son was about 17 pounds when I first started using the Poco and I found it very comfortable to carry him in it for hikes that lasted around one hour. The weight was off my shoulders and the rigid frame did a great job. I’m 6 feet 6 inches tall and I had the torso adjustment maxed out. The torso length is still shorter than I’d like, but at 25 pounds total pack weight, it wasn’t a big deal. My wife (5 ’10”) and my mom (5’ 2”) also used the Poco and it was fast to adjust to their torso lengths. They both found the pack comfortable.
Now that my kid is above 20 pounds, it’s harder to get the weight off my shoulders and the hip belt’s lack of padding is more noticeable. The weight distribution problem is because the pack doesn’t fit me perfectly and the load lifters aren’t doing their job. But, the kiddo has always been very comfortable and happy riding in the backpack. His seat is adjustable to keep him in the proper position as he grows. Another feature that helps keep him comfortable is the Poco’s sun shade. It stores just behind the cockpit and can be deployed in seconds to provide a canopy of protection.
I think the Osprey Poco is a great child carrier for people who are 5.5 feet to 6 feet tall, and able to carry 30+ pounds comfortably. In that height range the torso adjustment will allow the load lifters to bring weight off your shoulders for a comfortable hike. The minimal hip belt padding is worth noting and if you’re planning on doing extended hikes, you might want to consider a pack with more padding. — Scott Einsmann, gear editor
How to Choose a Baby Carrier for Hiking
Your Child’s Age
The biggest factor in determining which baby carrier for hiking is right for you is your child’s age. Children younger than four months can’t yet support their heads and should be positioned so that their face is pointed at your chest. Older infants can face outward (front-facing), while toddlers may enjoy the relative freedom of being in a true backpack carrier.
Storage Capacity
How much storage capacity you’ll need depends both on how long you plan to be out for (a short hike versus a multi-day backpacking trip) and the amount of gear you’ll need to feel comfortable heading into the outdoors with your small child.
Protection from the Elements
Many baby carriers for hiking come with a sunscreen to help protect your child from the sun and even a light rain. If you expect more inclement conditions you may want to look into purchasing a dedicated rain cover.
FAQs
In my experience, babywearing is amazing for bonding, getting stuff done, and the freedom to explore the outdoors safely. I began using an age-appropriate baby carrier with my daughter the day she came home from the hospital. By the time I got the OK from my doctor to hike at six weeks postpartum, she loved being in the baby carrier.
As an infant, you carry your child on the front of your body. Our daughter would fall asleep with her head against our chest. This makes it easy to make sure their head is in a safe position. This also makes it easy for moms to breastfeed if they wake up hungry on the hike. We used a built-in sunshade to keep the sun off her face. We would always dress her in a layer warmer than what we were wearing. Even though she had a rain suit, we tried to avoid taking her out when it was raining or cold.
I always made sure to carry enough diapers and breastmilk/formula, and then some. Getting caught on a hike with a hungry kid or no backups for a wet/poopy diaper is something you want to avoid. Extra clothes are also key because you never know when there will be a blowout or spitup.
Yes. As long as the baby carrier is comfortable for you to wear and safe, age-appropriate for your child, you can wear any baby carrier for hiking. For children under six months, they should be in a wrap, sling or soft structured carrier on your chest. As soon as your child can sit up on their own and has good head control, they can move to your back or a backpack child carrier.
As long as the carrier is age appropriate (see above), comfort is the most important feature—for both you and your child. You won’t make it far if the child and/or you are uncomfortable. A lot of comfort comes from the fit of the carrier. Most child carriers are designed to be adjustable and fit multiple body types. Play around with the fit at home and on short outings before you do a long hike. Expect the fit to change as the child grows. Always take the time to adjust the fit for yourself and the child before every outing. Kids grow quickly, things change.
As your child grows, you’ll need to condition your body to the weight. I found this was particularly important for my shoulders when I would carry my daughter on my chest in soft-structured carriers like the ErgoBaby 360 and Tula Baby Explore. By the time she was 6 months old, I was thankful to be able to move her to a backpack-style carrier that distributed the weight better. However, lots of my friends who breastfed continued to wear their child in front because it made for convenient feeding.
If you don’t plan on doing long hikes, you can probably use a lighter pack with less gear storage. However, if you plan to do any long hikes, multi-day trips or activities that require gear, you’ll be thankful for the extra storage space. Storage also comes in handy for non-hiking situations. When flying, instead of a stroller, I used a baby carrier. My daughter loved being able to see what was going on, and it was way easier to maneuver crowded spaces. The storage space allowed me to carry toys, snacks, and extra clothes.
Final Thoughts
These are the best baby carriers for hiking that I’ve tested and they will all work well for their intended uses. But, if you have friends who are parents, ask to borrow one of their carriers before buying your own to get a feel for it. If you’re looking to save money, there’s a pretty big secondhand market. Kids grow quickly, so many are still in great condition.
Carrying my daughter on hikes has been a huge part of our life together. Like anything in parenting, it was a learning curve. Whether it was overpacking or being afraid she’d get cold, the more adventures we took together, the more comfortable it became.
Now that she’s almost 5, she’s ready to trade in our baby carriers for hiking for a pair of hiking shoes of her own. My back is thankful that I’m carrying her less and she’s walking more, but knowing that this season of motherhood is coming to a close is bittersweet. I cherish every mile of adventure we’ve had together. But I’m also looking forward to the miles she’ll travel beside me.
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