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Best Hiking Baby Carriers
These carriers are designed to evenly distribute weight while providing support and convenience so that you can stay comfortable while enjoying full days in nature with the whole family. Many also have features like sunshades, kickstands, and ample storage space.
For this list, we have compiled some of the best hiking baby carriers on the market. These products come in a variety of styles that accommodate babies of different ages and sizes and are perfect for a variety of needs.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Size
The most important thing that you want to be sure of before purchasing a baby carrier is that the product you choose will fit your baby. Most baby carriers are designed to fit babies who are six months to about four years old.
Often you will see this described in the equivalent weights, which are 15 to about 40 lbs. Infants or babies under four months old, typically weigh 7 to 12 lbs. Babies of this size should not be placed in a baby carrier without an infant insert unless otherwise specified in the product description.
Some carriers can accommodate babies of any size. However, most are only designed for those older than five or six months. This information can be easily found in the product description. It is worth considering if your child will grow out of the bag you buy quickly.
For example, if a baby carrier can fit children who are 40 lbs or smaller and your child is 35 lbs, it may not be worth buying that carrier because you won’t be able to use it for very long. To get the most out of the baby carrier you choose, try to pick one that you’ll be able to apply for an extended period.
Use
If you expect to use your bag for long hikes, look for a baby carrier that has an internal frame. This will stiffen the carrier, making it easier to maneuver. It also lifts the bag and evenly distributes weight across your back.
This extra technology will add a great deal of comfort, which is important if you have a child who weighs upwards of 15 lbs. It will also help significantly if you plan on carrying other things in the baby carrier.
Many baby carriers that are designed for hiking come with large compartments that can fit as much as you would in a daypack. Think about how much you need to carry with you for the excursions that you plan to take with your little one.
If you want to summit mountains, having a baby carrier that can also accommodate food, water, extra layers, and anything else you might need is crucial. You may even want to buy one that has space that is specifically designed for a hydration bladder.
Remember though that this will be a heavy bag, possibly weighing over 30 lbs depending on the size of your child. Therefore, if you know that you won’t be embarking on all-day epics, a lighter baby carrier with less space may serve your purposes well.
Features
There are several features that many baby carriers have that you should look for when deciding on which bag to purchase. First is the ability for a baby carrier to stand up on its own. This is an incredibly helpful quality as it allows you to easily place your child in the carrier before putting it on. It also means that you can let your baby sit in the carrier when it is not on your back. This makes for a helpful seat on the go.
Another great product we reviewed is the Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier and Backpack, so make sure to check it out as well.
Another great feature that a lot of hiking baby carriers have is a sunshade. These are hoods that extend over the top of the baby carrier and work to protect your baby from the harmful rays of the sun. Some carriers also have rain covers that will work as an umbrella for your baby when it starts to rain. These shades come in a variety of different styles. Some are larger, providing more cover to your baby even while they are sleeping, while others are more compact.
Most of the time sun shades can be folded down and removed from the baby carrier when they are not being used. Smaller baby carriers can’t have a large sunshade, but many do have a hood. Besides the same benefits of sun protection that are offered by sunshades, hoods are also able to provide a cushion while your baby is sleeping and cover while you breastfeed. This is an excellent feature within the small baby carrier market.
Stirrups are also a feature that you should look for in a baby carrier. When babies are quite little, it is better to keep them swaddled, with their feet tucked, while you carry them for long periods. As they grow, it becomes more comfortable for them to sit with their legs out. However, letting a babies’ legs hang for a long period will eventually tire them out.
Stirrups give little ones somewhere to rest their legs, which is much more comfortable if you plan on having them in a carrier for many hours. Most stirrups that come with baby carriers are adjustable so that they can continue to be useful as a baby grows. They are also removable, so even if you buy a bag with this feature, you can take it off if the stirrups don’t seem necessary.
Versatility
The final thing you need to think about before buying a hiking baby carrier is how often and for how long you are going to use it. Backpacks that offer a lot of versatility can be used for more than just hiking with your child.
Pay attention to the straps and overall comfort of the carrier. Some carriers offer chest or waist straps that will help to evenly distribute the weight of your child. If you know right off the bat that you will be going on long hikes every weekend, then you should invest in the highest quality and most spacious bag on the market.
On the other hand, you may just want to buy a carrier for running errands around town and doing some light hiking every now and again. In this case, we advise you to check the guide on the baby car seats.
If that is the case, then you may need a bag with less storage space, that is more lightweight and versatile. Just like when you buy anything else, make sure to think carefully about how exactly you plan to use a product before making a purchase. This will help ensure that you make the best possible decision.
Value
The value of an item is something that almost always crosses our mind before investing. As such, when determining the value of a topic, it is essential to look at more than just the price tag. Yes, of course, the price is essential, but so are the features and durability. To determine the overall value, we looked at the comfort, durability, features, adjustability, and warranties of each baby carrier.
A baby carrier that will last you for ten years is much more valuable than one that will only live through your first child's infant years, right? After taking a look at all of these factors, we then compared this information with the price.
Top Ten Baby Carriers for Hiking
1. Clevr Cross Country
The Clevr Cross Country is a high-quality, lightweight baby carrier that is specifically designed for long hikes. This bag is equipped with a plethora of features that will keep you and your child comfortable wherever you go.
Read moreSize
This baby carrier can fit a child from 1 pound up to 40 pounds. With many adjustable straps, it can also be made to accommodate much smaller children comfortably. However, there is no headrest for truly young babies and is ideal for children between 6 and 48-months old.
Use
This carrier features multiple storage pockets and two water bottle pockets. Some reviewers claim that the storage pocket under the baby could be a bit roomier, but most people are satisfied. The sunshade also folds up into its pocket when not in use as well.
Features
This baby carrier has a sunshade that can be pulled out to shade your child. It also has a kickstand that makes it easier to take your child in and out of the bag. Some customers have found that this kickstand is hard to deploy ones the carrier is on.
Adjustability
The straps on this baby carrier are fully adjustable so that it can be made to fit perfectly. The waist, chest, and shoulder straps are long and highly adaptable. The is ideal for a unisex carrier so that both parents can carry the child while hiking. The hip straps are also adjustable and feature 30-inches of padding.
Value
This child carrier is on par or slightly cheaper than similar models. The Clevr Cross Country Carrier is designed with the backcountry in mind. With so many helpful features and highly adjustable straps, this baby carrier is made to make bringing your child on all-day adventures as easy as possible.
2. Clevr Deluxe
The Clevr Baby Backpack is an economical choice for a hiking baby carrier. A solid internal frame that folds down and adjustable straps make this carrier very versatile. It also has many features geared to keeping your baby cozy and contented all day long.
Read moreSize
The adjustable compartment for your baby can fit children of up to 33 lbs. It includes foot straps so your child can rest their feet. The edges don’t have much padding, making this carrier less comfortable if your baby needs to rest its head.
Use
This carrier includes a small backpack that can be attached to the back. It also has a large compartment under the child area.
Features
This baby carrier comes with both a sunshade and rain shield so that you can protect your baby in a variety of weather. It also has a kickstand that makes it easy to place your baby in the bag.
Adjustability
The straps on this carrier are highly adjustable, and can, therefore, fit a variety of differently sized individuals. However, they are better suited for larger people, and are often uncomfortable on people under 5’6”. The shoulder straps also rub and can cause irritation after a few hours.
Value
This baby carrier is much cheaper than what usually pays for similar products. The Clevr Baby Backpack is a sturdy hiking baby carrier at a reasonable price point. It is not the most comfortable bag on this list but does offer all the features you need for a day on the trails with your little one.
3. Luvdbaby Premium
The Luvdbaby Premium Baby Carrier is a lightweight baby backpack made for both afternoon outings and longer hikes. It offers a good amount of storage with comfortable padding for adult and baby. This carrier is made in Ireland and was designed by 3 brothers who loved to see their children's faces light up at the sight of nature.
Read moreSize
This baby carrier is comfortable for infants as well as babies as large as 40 lbs. It does not require inserts, but it can be adjusted to fit the size of your baby.
Use
For being a small pack, there is a decent amount of storage. There is no hydration reservoir, but you'll be able to fit all necessities for parent and baby on the trail. There is a pocket in the waist belt that is perfect for your essentials, such as keys, phone, or wallet.
Features
This baby carrier has a couple of outstanding extra features. These brothers thought about everything when they designed this carrier. Aside from the kickstand, sunshade, and diaper changing pad, this carrier features an insulated pocket to keep milk warm.
Adjustability
The straps on this bag can be easily adjusted to make it fit petite and large individuals alike. The straps for the parent do a decent job of fitting most body types. Although, some reviewers note that adjusting the pack specifically for you is not a one-person job.
Value
This is a reasonably priced baby carrier. Most reviewers are shocked at the number of bonuses at this price point. Sometimes it seems as though the name of a brand costs more than the quality.
The Luvdbaby Premium Baby Carrier is a great small carrier. It is comfortable for short or long hikes and offers a decent amount of storage for such a small pack. Designed by fathers, they have worked together to create a great carrier that can be used for years.
4. Phil & Ted's Escape
The Escape from Phil and Ted will allow you to do that, escape. It is highly adjustable, from the straps to the stirrups, to the length of the torso. It is compatible with a hydration pack and also features a removable daypack.
Read moreSize
The carrying capacity of this hiking carrier is about 40-pounds, or around three-years-old. There is plenty of padding, including neck and shoulder cradles, to keep your child comfortable while enjoying the outdoors. You can load up your baby around 6-months-old, or when they have good head control. The carrier itself weighs 6.6-pounds and features thirty liters of usable space.
Use
There are many nooks and crannies built into this carrier. There are dual-access pockets, making toys, snacks, and teething accessories easy to find. There are also zippered pockets on the waistband for quick-access items. To keep your clan hydrated, there is also a hydration bladder pocket, although the reservoir is not included. If you are hiking with a partner, you can take a load off by zipping off the daypack and giving it to them to carry.
Features
To keep your child safe from the elements, there are a hood and rain shield included. There are also foot stirrups to encourage blood circulation. If you need a break, or to enjoy the view without thirty pounds attached to your back, there is also a kickstand. The kickstand allows you to set the carrier down on the ground without worrying about it falling over. If you plan to travel with the carrier, it folds down almost flat, to 29.9” x 12.6” x 5.9”.
Adjustability
Just about everything is adjustable on this carrier, including the seat, stirrups, straps, and harness. It has great lumbar support and also includes a chest and waist strap. No matter how much weight you’ll be carrying, it will be evenly distributed. It is a great carrier for both men and women; even the torso length can be adjusted to provide a great fit.
Value
With all of these features, we would expect a higher price tag! The Escape is averagely priced and will provide you with the chance to make unforgettable memories. The material is durable and machine washable. Even better, Phil and Ted offer a two-year warranty with this carrier.
5. Osprey Poco AG Plus
The Osprey Poco AG will keep your baby cozy while putting in mileage on long hikes. Featuring Osprey’s Anti-Gravity suspension system, it will also provide you will comfort throughout the day.
Read moreSize
This baby carrier has a large child compartment that can fit children up to 48.5 lbs. The fully framed and adjustable compartment will hold your child firmly yet comfortably. It also includes adjustable stirrups to provide leg support.
Use
This baby carrier comes with ample storage, including a large removable daypack for easier access to your things, a smaller compartment below this one, and pockets in the waist belt for easy access to integral items. Some versions of this carrier also have a compartment for a water bladder.
Features
The bottom of this baby carrier is firm and has a small stand, making it easy to take the bag off even with your baby inside it. This carrier also features a sunshade to protect your child on hot days. Also available to purchase is a rain cover that goes over the sunshade to keep your child dry in those unpredictable weathers. This bag features dual grab handles to make it easier to move the pack around when you're not wearing it and your child is still in it.
Adjustability
This bag has a lightweight and highly breathable straps that will keep you cool on a hot day. The straps can also be adjusted to fit many different sizes. Some customers do have problems with the hip belt, so if possible try this bag on before purchasing.
Value
This baby carrier is far more expensive than most other products on the market. The Osprey Poco AG is an excellent option for a hiking baby carrier. With highly adjustable, comfortable straps and a compartment for the baby that they won’t want to leave, it offers everything the whole family will need to stay comfy on the go.
6. Thule Sapling
The Thule Sapling Child Carrier is an excellent carrier for hiking. Although it is large, it is still lightweight, and the adjustable straps make it super comfortable on individuals of many different sizes.
Read moreSize
This baby carrier can fit a child of up to 48 lbs. It has adjustable measurements, so it can accommodate children much smaller than that as well. Removable stirrups can be adjusted so that your baby will have somewhere to put their feet.
Use
With a large compartment behind the space for your child and smaller, easy to access pockets on the waist belt, this baby carrier provides plenty of space to store your belongings. It also has an area designed to fit a hydration bladder.
Features
This baby carrier has two kickstands that stabilize the bag so it won’t fall over when you take it off. These stands are somewhat challenging to set up without help. It also has a sunshade that can be folded into a pocket when not needed.
Adjustability
The straps on this baby carrier can be adjusted to fit many different sized people, meaning mom and dad will both be comfortable with it on.
Value
This is an expensive baby carrier, with a price point above that of other similar products. The Thule Sapling Child Carrier will make it easy for you to bring your baby hiking. With the ability to comfortably hold an 8-month-old and 13-month-old alike, it is a great choice for the adventurous new parent.
7. Boba 4G
The Boba 4G Carrier is a simple baby carrier. Very lightweight, this carrier is perfect for short day hikes or jaunts around town.
Read moreSize
This baby carrier can fit infants up to toddlers who weigh 45 lbs. It is best suited for very small children and somewhat larger children but is uncomfortable for those in the 1 – 5 months range. It comes with an integrated infant insert.
Use
This carrier has a few small pockets that can hold very small items such as your phone, wallet, or keys.
Features
This baby carrier includes a hood that can be placed over the top when your baby is sleeping. It also comes with foot straps. Both features are removable.
Adjustability
The straps on this baby carrier are highly adjustable and evenly spread your child’s weight across your back. The carrier can be worn in the front or back depending on preference. A wide waist belt and a smaller chest strap keep everything in place. Although this carrier works on most body sizes, it does run slightly large on petite individuals.
Value
This baby carrier is much cheaper than larger ones designed for hiking but is average for these smaller style carriers. The Boba 4G Carrier is a streamlined, easy to use baby carrier. Although it doesn’t have much storage, it is very lightweight and is incredibly comfortable even after being worn for several hours.
8. Ergobaby Original
The Ergobaby Original Carrier is a very popular choice for a lightweight, comfortable baby carrier. Made of tough, high-quality material, is stylish enough to fit in on a city block, but sturdy enough to be great for long hikes.
Read moreSize
This baby carrier can fit babies as large as 45 lbs, as well as infants, who are typically 7 – 12 lbs, with the use of an infant insert. This insert is not included with the purchase of this carrier.
Use
This baby carrier has a large pocket on the back that can fit the most necessities like your phone, wallet, or keys.
Features
This baby carrier comes with a hood that will cradle your baby’s head while they’re sleeping, can protect them from the sun, and offers privacy while nursing.
Adjustability
The straps on this baby carrier are quite long, making it comfortable for individuals of almost any size. Thick shoulder straps and waist belt evenly distribute the weight of this bag while a chest strap keeps it in place. The straps also can be adjusted so that carrier can be worn on your front, back, or hip.
Value
This baby carrier comes at a very good price compared to other similar products. The Ergobaby Original Carrier is a versatile and lightweight option that can continue to comfortably fit your baby even as they grow. With thick shoulder straps, high adjustability, and a handy pocket it is also designed to deliver everything mom and dad may need. The thick material does get hot in the summer, so it may be better suited for cooler climates.
9. Kelty Journey Perfect Fit
Kelty is obviously no stranger to this list or any outdoor gear lists for that matter. You can expect comfort and stability for both yourself and your child with this pack.
Read moreSize
This baby carrier can fit children between 16 and 40 lbs. The compartment is adjustable so you can be sure your child is snug. The pack has a wide base and adjustable stirrups to ensure comfort.
Use
This carrier has plenty of zippered pockets, 7 to be exact, with stretchy pockets inside. The hip belt pockets are surprisingly large and ideal for your personal items that you like to have easy access to. The Journey even features what Kelty calls a "dirty pocket" for life's messes.
Features
This carrier has plenty of grab handles to make it easier to set and pick up off the ground, baby or not. Another great feature of this pack is the reservoir sleeve! There's nothing worse than feeling dehydrated in the outdoors.
Adjustability
The straps on this carrier are large and sturdy. They evenly distribute weight to increase comfort and can be adjusted to fit almost anyone. One of the best features of this pack is its ability to transform itself to fit a man or a woman, so you can take turns carrying the child. If only that was a feature in pregnancy, right?
Value
This baby carrier comes with a fairly high price tag. But with all of the extra features, sleek design, and the trusted Kelty name, it is well worth it. The Kelty Journey Perfect Fit is a great hiking baby carrier that includes all the features you need. On top of that, it is fully adjustable and features a hydration reservoir and plenty of pockets.
10. Phil & Ted’s Parade
Phil and Ted’s Parade is a lightweight baby carrier that is streamlined and stylish enough for use in the city, but lightweight enough that it will also be comfortable on walks in the woods.
Read moreSize
This child carrier can fit a toddler who weighs up to 40 lbs. Although most kids find it very comfortable, there are minimal adjustment straps for the child compartment. Smaller children don’t quite fit, and therefore, this bag is recommended for older babies.
Use
This baby carrier has a storage area underneath the main compartment that fits your child. There is also a small pocket that can fit keys, a phone, or wallet on the waist belt that is easy to reach. A detachable child backpack included, so you have an easy way to carry everything your kid needs as well.
Features
This bag is collapsible, making it easy to store. It also has an internal frame that allows it to stand on its own, making it easy to take your child in and out. The internal frame does rub up against the fabric, and a common complaint is that a hole develops in this spot over time.
Adjustability
The straps on this child carrier are sturdy, however, they do run large and some customers have found them to be uncomfortable for this reason.
Value
This bag is reasonably priced compared to other similar products. Phil and Ted’s parade is a versatile baby carrier. With a simple, modern look this bag can be used in the city and country alike. The straps can become uncomfortable though, so it is better suited for running errands and short walks than all-day hiking adventures.
Sources
- , How to Choose Child Carriers,
- , Best Baby Carriers for Hiking 2019, Safety Guide
- , BEST BABY CARRIERS FOR HIKING OF 2019, Outdoor Gear Guide
- , 10 Best Hiking Baby Carriers Reviews, Parenting Site