I am Adrianna, an avid Canadian Rockies hiking mom. I created a baby hiking class and have hiked hundreds of kilometres with my babies and community in Alberta. I am deeply committed to assisting moms, whether pregnant or postpartum, in connecting with nature and encouraging children to spend time outdoors. I launched Kids Who Explore four years ago and I am on a mission to help families get more babies outdoors and on the trail. Take a peek at my carrier guide along with reading my soft-shell vs hard-framed carrier blog to get an idea of carrier types. I want you to have some visuals of carriers as you read and compare.
Trying to find a hiking carrier that fits your needs can be challenging in knowing exactly where to start. When I started hiking with my baby, I was just told to stay home and that hiking carriers weren't safe. The outdoor stores didn't know how to safely put baby in the carrier or adjust or anything about hiking with an infant. So Kids Who Explore is geared towards helpings parents be able to try gear prior to purchasing and learning through our online or in-person courses. For those remote and not able to try hiking carriers with us, this blog is for you! I want to help you find your carrier.
Asking the right questions can help you narrow down your pack choice. Luckily, innovation has come to the outdoor baby world and I am here for it. I have a lot of love for brands that help babies get outside on the trail. Choosing a carrier is a personal choice and preference and it's something that you want to feel good putting the kilometres on. So let's jump into the things to consider when shopping for a carrier.
Please note, that my affiliate link revenue (at no extra cost to you) supports Kids Who Explore on our mission to get more kids outdoors and connected to nature. Disclaimer: this is for educational purposes only and you are responsible for your own research with specific carrier manuals.
Things to consider when starting your search:
Type of Carrier: Soft structured carriers are typically easier to use for quick outings, while framed carriers are better for longer hikes due to their support and storage capacity. I always have both and use both a lot.
Weight Limit and Age Range: Check the weight limit to ensure it fits your child’s current and future growth. A carrier that grows with your baby into toddlerhood is ideal.
Comfort for Baby and Parent: Consider the ergonomic support for both your baby and yourself to avoid discomfort during hikes.
Storage Options: Depending on your needs, some carriers come with more storage for hiking essentials than others. If you live in colder areas and you pack more layers and toddlers gear along, definitely go for more storage.
Price Range: Prices can vary widely based on brand, features, and quality—consider your budget and how often you’ll use the carrier. Facebook marketplace has some amazing deals on previously loved carriers.
Durability: You want to invest in a carrier that is going to last and be able to pass down in the family.
Warranty: You want to make sure you pick a brand that stands behind their product and will provide you support if buckles are broken or things go wrong with the carrier.
Compare Hiking Carriers
I created a chart to compare my top used baby hiking carriers. I really hope this helps you narrow your search and that you will be on the trail with your baby soon! Please also visit the Kids Who Explore carrier e-guide I created to help you compare carriers and accessories, as it gives are visuals and a deeper list of carrier specifics.
Carrier | Type | Weight Limit | Age Range | Carrier weight | Key Features | Comfort for Baby | Comfort for Parent | Storage Options | Price Range |
Ergobaby Omni 360 | Soft Structured Carrier | 45 lbs | Newborn to 4 years | 1.7lbs | Mesh, ergonomic design, easy to adjust, built in hood. | Best comfort for baby. W position and adjustable. | The straps dig in a little on the back and sides of tummy. | Front little zipper pouch not a lot of storage for hikes. | $259 CAD |
Osprey Poco Soft | Soft Structured Carrier | 33 lbs | Newborn to 3 years | 1.68 lbs | Removable drool pad, first outdoor specific softshell with sunshade cover. | 3 Way carry but not able to adjust babies bum and hips. | Thick hipbelt that is more supportive. | Excellent storage with mesh on belt and chest pocket fits iphones. | $195 CAD |
Osprey Poco Plus (Retired) | Framed Carrier | 48.5 lbs | 6 months to 4 years | 7.89 lbs | Best storage option, built in sunshade, and hydration storage. | Love the adjustabilty of the cockpit as baby grows, super comfy, and durable frame. | Best suspension system with padded hip-belt. | 26 L. Two big zipper compartments to fit all essentials and extra layers. | Retired |
Osprey Poco Regular (Retired) | Framed Carrier | 48.5 lbs | 6 months to 4 years | 7.7 lbs | Double halo harness, airspeed suspension, and a hydration sleeve. | Adjustable cockpit that grows with baby. Built in shade helps as a head rest for sleeping babies. | Suspension system built for comfort and padded hip belt. | 20 L. For day hikes when not packing a lot of extra items along. | Retired |
Osprey Poco Premium | Framed Carrier | 48.5 lbs | 6 months to 4 years | 8.34 lbs | Deluxe baby comfort, cockpit removable for washing, built-in sunshade, and adjustable stirrups. | Adjustable cockpit and fit on the fly adjustability while hiking. | Extra padding and suspension with many options for size ranges with adjustments. | 36 L. The most storage offered in hiking carrier on the market. | $550 CAD |
Osprey Poco LT | Framed Carrier | 40 lbs | 6 months to 3 years | 5.1 lbs | Super light, packs down flat, smaller pack than other carriers. Ideal for light adventures and short hikes. | The sides are quite flexible so as toddlers fall asleep, they can flop out the side. Not a stable base so watch for wiggling kids as they could tip over. | Not a lot of suspension and more pressure is on spine. Soft sides don't offer same protection for baby. | 21 L. I find there is a lot of space for our essentials. | $400 |
Thule Sapling | Framed Carrier | 48.5 lbs | 6 months to 3 years | 7 lbs | Ergo seat, removable cockpit for washing, stable base, adjustable, and lots of suspension. | Ergonomic. Made for babies to find the best comfort. My toddlers were too tall to use ergo seat as it's not adjustable. | Weight distribution can be challenging with hydration being in the bottom pocket. | 22L. You have to purchase the extra storage sling for longer hikes. | |
Osprey Poco | Framed Carrier | 48.5 | 6 months to 4 years | 7.69 lbs | Built in sunshade, soft mesh wrap material where baby touches. Very stable base. Excellent adjustability for baby growing. | The stability, cockpit, and soft material makes for a comfy ride for baby. The sunshade blocks wind too. | Suspension is top notch with the ability to make big adjustments between parents if needed. | 20 L. Well balanced zippered compartments. | $490 |
Questions to Consider
When searching for a baby hiking carrier, it's important to ask these questions to ensure you choose the best option for your needs. Here’s a list of key questions to consider:
What kind of carrier do I need? Wrap? Soft-sided? Hard-frame?
I started by using a wrap at home with my newborn to get used to baby-wearing and then started using my soft carrier. Babies around six months of age, once they can hold their head up and have full head and neck control will switch into hard-frame carrier. Always check with your healthcare experts on developemental milestones.
What is the weight limit?
Ensure the carrier can accommodate your baby’s weight now and as they grow. I wanted a carrier that would grow with the kids.
What age range is the carrier designed for?
Confirm that the carrier is suitable for your child's current age and development stage. Look at the parameters of suggested age and weights as each child is different. My kids are quite tall for toddlers so some seats just didn't work for them after the age of 2.
What type of hiking will I be doing?
Consider the terrain and length of hikes you plan to take. Different carriers may be more appropriate for day hikes versus longer backpacking trips. I needed all the storage space possible. We live in the Canadian Rockies and I have a lot of essentials and layers. Packing toddler snacks for my oldest and extra survival items is a must for us.
Is the carrier comfortable for both the baby and the parent?
Look for padded straps and ergonomic designs. Try it on if possible, and check for back support and adjustability. Come out to Kids Who Explore events and give our packs a try. Tune into my social channels to watch our carrier demos. Innovation is here in the baby hiking world and these packs are just getting better and better!
How is the baby secured in the carrier?
Choose a carrier with a secure harness system that provides safety and keeps your child comfortable while hiking. Really pay attention to stability because babies will grow quickly into toddlers that wiggle and move a lot. Having a strong base when pack is on the ground is so important.
Does the carrier provide adequate support for my baby?
Ensure the carrier offers good head and neck support for infants, and a suitable seat for toddlers to promote a comfortable sitting position. Very important to have baby seated comfortably or else your hike could turn into a negative experience for you and babe.
What storage options does the carrier offer?
Check for pockets or compartments for storing essentials like snacks, water, first-aid kits, and other gear. Know if you want to pack along more gear like cameras or phone and see where you will want to put everything. You may not need a lot of storage so you will want to get hands on and check out the packs.
Do you need to purchase accessories?
You really want to know how much more you will need to spend on accessories because it can really add up. Ideally, having a carrier with a sunshade included. Purchasing raincovers are typically extra. Make sure to add my shopping posters for baby hikers and newborn hikers to your gift registries. Collecting outdoor gear will take time but worth the investment.
Is the carrier easy to put on and take off?
Look for a user-friendly design that enables you to manage the carrier alone, especially if you’re hiking without additional help. A carrier with a harder frame and stable really helps with getting baby on your own.
How does the carrier perform in different weather conditions?
Consider features such as ventilation, sunshade, or rain cover that enhance your experience in varying weather. Durable material is a must as our hiking carriers can see some wear. The Canadian Rockies sees some epic storms here.
Is the carrier easy to clean?
Check if the materials are machine washable or if there’s a simple cleaning process to maintain hygiene. Carriers are not ideal to clean. You can watch my Youtube video on how to clean the Osprey carrier and it is kind of a situation on how much work it is to clean them. So removable and washable things are great.
Are there any safety certifications or guidelines?
Look for carriers that comply with safety regulations and certifications, ensuring they meet industry safety standards. Also check into warranty where the brand will stand behind their product and support you if something isn't right.
What are the reviews and experiences of other parents?
Research feedback from other parents regarding comfort, durability, and usability based on their hiking experiences. We all have unique needs when it comes to adventures and comfort and opinions will vary. Hearing the pros and cons from other adventure families at Kids Who Explore can really help.
Does the carrier have a weight distribution feature?
Some carriers are designed to distribute weight evenly across your back and hips, reducing strain during hikes. This is a huge one when going on longer hikes because you want to make sure your pack feels good the whole way.
What is the price range?
Establish your budget and compare features at various price points to find the best value that suits your needs. High-quality products do have a higher price tag but the resale value will also be there. Search fb marketplace and set a search to notify you when you ideal pack is listed. Purchasing second hand is a great way to save some funds. Many people buy packs and don't have a chance to use them as much as they like. When buying second hand just make sure the integrity of the pack hasn't been compromised and try and research that pack prior to purchase.
Can I try it out before purchasing?
If possible, visit a store to try on different carriers or consider a rental service to determine the right fit for you and your baby. I teach baby hiking classes here in Calgary and we do gear try ons with babies and it is super helpful for moms just starting out and deciding. Not all stores let you put baby in the carriers for safety. You can rent packs from on our day hikes too and try whichever ones listed above too.
Asking these questions will help you make an informed decision while searching for a baby hiking carrier that will meet your needs and enhance your outdoor adventures with your little one.
I am creating these resources because this wasn't available when I started hiking with my babies. I am on a mission at Kids Who Explore to get more babies out on the trail and connected to nature. Please visit my other blogs and reach out if you want any support when searching for the perfect hiking for you and baby!
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