10 Best Hiking Backpack Baby Carrier 2025 in the United States

The Osprey Poco LT Lightweight Child Carrier Backpack is designed for parents looking to enjoy the outdoors with their little ones. Its standout feature is the built-in sunshade, which offers UPF 50 protection and can be easily stored and deployed. This is particularly beneficial for sunny hikes, ensuring your child stays protected from harmful rays. The lightweight frame is another major advantage; it folds down smaller than many competitors, making it easier to transport and store when not in use. The frame is also stable, providing a secure platform for setting the carrier down safely.

Comfort and fit are well thought out, with the injection-molded AirScape Framesheet contributing to better ventilation and support. This is crucial for longer hikes, as it helps to keep both parent and child comfortable. Additionally, the carrier offers various storage options, including a large zippered pocket and a lower compartment, allowing for easy access to essentials like snacks and wipes.

There are some aspects worth considering. The weight capacity might limit use for larger toddlers, so ensure your child fits within the recommended limits. While the backpack is designed for ease of use, some parents may find initial setup, especially with adjusting straps, takes a bit of practice. Furthermore, while the additional storage is handy, the capacity may still feel limited for longer excursions where more gear is necessary. The Osprey Poco LT is a strong choice for parents who enjoy hiking and want to share those experiences with their children. Its comfort, sun protection, and lightweight design make it a solid investment, though keep in mind the limitations in weight capacity and storage for longer trips.

The Kelty Journey PerfectFIT ELITE Child Carrier is designed for parents who love outdoor adventures with their little ones. With a weight capacity that accommodates infants and toddlers comfortably, this carrier shines in terms of comfort and fit. The PerfectFit Suspension allows for quick adjustments, ensuring both moms and dads can find a secure and comfortable positioning without fuss. Its well-thought-out design includes load lifters and a waistbelt that help evenly distribute weight, which is essential for longer hikes.

Safety is a top priority with the 5-point safety harness that keeps your child snug and secure, coupled with an aluminum roll cage frame for added stability. The fold-out kickstand simplifies getting your child in and out of the carrier, which is especially helpful when on the go.

On the storage front, this carrier offers plenty of room with a large zippered pocket for snacks, toys, and any hiking treasures your child might find. It also includes side mesh pockets and hip belt pockets for parents to store essentials like phones and keys. Ventilation is catered to with thoughtful features like an integrated sunshade, making it a suitable choice for hot days. However, while the carrier does have a reasonable weight of 7.8 pounds, some users might find it cumbersome over long distances, especially if loaded with a child and gear.

Another aspect to note is that the carrier is easy to maintain since it can simply be wiped clean. It’s worth mentioning that heavier users or those planning extremely rugged outings may want to test its comfort for longer hikes before purchasing.

The Kelty Journey PerfectFIT ELITE Child Carrier is a great fit for families who enjoy hiking and want a reliable, safe, and comfortable way to bring their young explorers along for the adventure.

The Thule Sapling Child Carrier Backpack is designed to comfortably and safely carry your child on hikes, supporting a good fit for the parent as well. It features an ErgoRide child seat that provides solid under-leg support and ventilated areas to keep your child cool, along with a UPF 50 sunshade for sun protection. Parents benefit from adjustable torso and hip belts, plus a fully ventilated back panel that helps keep them comfortable during long walks.

With a 22L gear compartment accessible from the side, you get convenient storage space without needing to take off the pack. Loading the child is flexible too, thanks to dual access points from the top or side. The pack weighs about 7 pounds, which is reasonable for this type of carrier but something to consider if you want something lighter. It’s made from durable, eco-friendly materials and includes a removable, machine-washable child seat and drool pad for easy cleaning—helpful after messy adventures.

The modular design allows adding accessories like extra storage or weather protection, though these come separately. The hydration compatibility is a bonus for longer hikes. This backpack suits active parents looking for comfort, safety, and convenience in a baby carrier made for hiking, although those wanting an ultra-light carrier or built-in weather protection might need additional accessories.