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Your tot isn’t ready to take on the trails. But that shouldn’t put a temporary end to your active hiking lifestyle! The best hiking baby carriers can keep your kiddo comfy and give you a hands-free way to enjoy the great outdoors.
If carrying your child on your back as you traverse tricky terrain sounds like a literal pain, it’s time to learn more about the benefits a quality carrier brings to your hiking game. From comfortable shoulder padding and the just-right amount of lumbar support to kickstands, sun covers, and extra storage for your gear, today’s carriers have features galore.
This means you can select the top option that fits your family’s needs, stays put, and keeps baby content as you trek over the hills and through the woods.
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What makes a good hiking baby carrier?
Safety
Safety is a top consideration to make when choosing a hiking, or any other, baby carrier. Not only should the carrier safely carry your child, it should have the right support and features to reduce your injury risk. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that aluminum frame backpack carrier styles should have padding.
Additional padding around the frame can prevent injuries if your baby moves or bumps into the carrier. While a framed carrier may seem bulky, this type of design can provide extra support and the storage space you need.
Additional features
Features that make a “good” hiking carrier include the type of material, seat size, adjustability, and five-point harnesses/seat belts.
Look for a breathable material that is also water-resistant. A mesh lining can increase the ventilation and make the carrier more comfortable for both you and your child. The seat should adjust to fit your baby’s size and height. You want your baby to sit high enough on your back to see over your shoulders.
If the carrier doesn’t accommodate this position as-is, it should allow you to adjust the height to move your kiddo higher up. Along with these standard features, other options you may want include a kickstand that locks when open and closes firmly into a flat position while you’re wearing the backpack and a UPF protective sun shade for baby.
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Safety considerations when using a baby carrier
According to the AAP, premature infants, and babies or toddlers with respiratory conditions should never go into a backpack carrier. The child’s position could make breathing difficult and put them at risk. Make sure that your baby sits high enough up so that their mouth does not go directly into your back. This could also cause breathing problems – even in children who don’t have a known respiratory issue.
All carriers should conform to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) standards. The CPSC creates standards that help to reduce the risks of injuries during use. For frame-style backpack carriers, these include structural integrity, restraints, and stability requirements.
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) recommends choosing a carrier that completely supports baby’s head and neck and positions their knees above their bottom (also known as the “M” position). The JPMA also explains that secure attachments – such as buckles, straps, snaps, latches, and clasps – are important when using an infant carrier. To reduce the fall hazard, use a carrier with a five-point harness and make sure that all straps, seatbelts, and other similar parts fit the baby’s size.
Here are the best baby carriers for hiking:
Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier and Backpack
Best Overall
The Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier and Backpack is an adjustable backpack style carrier with a mesh back and steel construction. The Kid Comfort model carries a total load of 19.8 to 52.9 pounds.
- Adjustable straps and sternum belt
- Padded hip belt for added comfort
- Mesh backrest
As the name implies, the Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier and Backpack scores high marks for comfort. With a mesh backrest, this model has plenty of ventilation to keep you and baby cool and moisture-free.
This top pick has the support you’ll need and adds extra comfort with a padded hip belt. The carrier’s “Vari Slide” system allows you to customize the back length, making adjustments for the just-right fit.
You won’t have to worry about wear anytime soon with this carrier. Its durable 210 denier polyamide fabric (with PU coating) won’t quickly tear or snag. And, if you have concerns about getting your kiddo into this carrier – it’s a breeze, “The side panel opens on the backpack so that your kids can climb in. My 2 year old can climb right in herself, which is so convenient, rather than trying to squeeze them in and get little legs to fit in the exact leg holes. You can adjust the side panel as well.”
Osprey Poco Child Carrier Backpack
Best Child Cockpit Features
The Osprey Poco Child Carrier Backpack features a fully framed, padded cockpit, double halo harness, built-in sunshade, and ventilated mesh panel. The 210D nylon diamond fabric covered carrier has a total load range of 23.7 to 48.5 pounds.
- Double halo harness
- UPF 50+ sunshade
- Mesh back panel
With plenty of padding in the child’s cockpit, the Osprey Poco Child Carrier Backpack will keep your little one comfortable as you hike. Along with extra padding, this top pick also comes with a removable and washable drool pad, a sunshade, and plenty of pockets for storage. These include a lower zippered compartment, an open mesh compartment, zipper slash pocket, an external hydration sleeve, and more.
The lightweight aluminum frame makes this model easy to carry and the removable stirrups allow you to customize the fit for your baby or toddler. Not only can you personalize the fit for baby, you can create your own custom size too, “Great product. It is lightweight but sturdy. It supports the baby well and allows her to be comfortable but doesn’t allow too much movement that throws off the balance. It adjusts to fit me (5’7”, 160 lbs) and my husband well (6’1”, 220 lbs).”
WIPHA Baby Backpack Carrier
Best Storage
$140 $195 Save $55
The WIPHA Baby Backpack Carrier comes with adjustable straps, a sunshade, a padded waist belt, plenty of storage, and an insulated pocket. This top choice fits babies up to 40 pounds and 39-inches tall.
- Insulated storage pocket
- Adjustable fit
- Collapsible aluminum frame
If you’re in need of storage, the WIPHA Baby Backpack Carrier is a winner! This hiking baby carrier features an insulated pocket to keep your kiddo’s bottles or sippy cups cool on hot days, an under-the-seat storage compartment, and two smaller-sized bags on the waist strap. This carrier has everything parents are looking for in backpack storage, “A huge compartment, you can store lots of diapers, snacks, bottles for every one! even for you pet! It also has one insulated compartment inside that keeps drink or milk cold, it can fit two sippy cups 10oz, as long as they are not too elongated. It has a few pockets on the harness that goes around your belly, one of them comes with a safety mirror inside, great for hiking, and a bottle holder.”
The compact design is lightweight – but this carrier is still sturdy and durable. Made from an aluminum frame, the design provides the support your baby needs and still collapses flat when you’re done hiking.
Along with the storage and design features, this baby carrier also has an adjustable height option. This allows you to safely carry baby at the just-right height (with their head above your shoulders).
ClevrPlus Canyonero Camping Baby Backpack Carrier
Best Value
With a five-point harness seat belt, stirrups to accommodate baby’s size, and a one-piece frame design, the ClevrPlus Canyonero Camping Baby Backpack Carrier is a safe, sturdy option that at 6.5 pounds is still light weight. The Canyonero fits infants and toddlers nine to 36 months and up to 40 pounds.
- Light overall weight
- Plenty of safety features
- Lower price point
- May not feel as breathable as other carriers
The ClevrPlus Canyonero Camping Baby Backpack Carrier rates high for its lightweight, but sturdy, frame design. This popular hiking carrier has a near-five star rating for a reason! Along with its weight, the Canyonero has features galore. This makes the model a value that is almost beyond compare. As this parent puts it, “Got this because we really don’t hike enough to spend $300+ dollars on a carrier. But this is great! Super comfortable, lightweight. Everything can be adjusted.”
You’ll get plenty of added storage space in this hiking infant carrier. Between the insulated pocket, external pockets, two bottle holders, two hip pad pockets, and multiple sleeves, you can keep everything from diapers and wipes to your water bottle nearby. And, when it comes to diapering baby on-the-go, this model also comes with a 14 by 16-inch diaper pad.
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Chicco SmartSupport Aluminum Frame Backpack Carrier
Best Lightweight Carrier
Chicco SmartSupport Aluminum Frame Backpack Carrier is a lightweight option that features an aluminum frame design, padded lumbar support, a built-in kickstand, and a five-point harness. This carrier fits infants and toddlers up to 40 pounds.
- Lightweight design
- Padded support for parents
- Adjustable waist and shoulder straps
The Chicco SmartSupport Aluminum Frame Backpack Carrier is an easy-to-carry option that won’t put added strain on your neck, shoulders, or back. The lightweight frame design is far from flimsy and the energy-absorbing padding will keep you comfortable on long hikes.
With the ability to fit infants and toddlers 17 through 40 pounds, this carrier will grow with your child. The height-adjustable seat moves into three positions for a safe, customized carry fit. A five-point harness will hold your baby securely in place, giving you added peace of mind as you walk over rough terrain.
And, don’t stress about getting your little one into this carrier. Parents praise this pick for its ease-of-use, “Super lightweight and, here is the best thing ever, you don’t need 2 people to use it. Usually you are in some sort of contortion until you finally get your child in and situated. It’s not like that with this item. I got my son in and my husband wasn’t around to help.”
Luvdbaby Hiking Baby Carrier Backpack
Best Protection from the Elements
$170 $199 Save $29
Luvdbaby Hiking Baby Carrier Backpack comes with an insulated pocket, sunshade, rain hood, and a separate changing pad. This waterproof carrier fits children up to 40 pounds.
- Sun and rain shades
- Extra cockpit padding
- Mesh ventilation
- This model doesn?t come with a removable backpack bag
Between the pockets, changing pad, and canopies, the Luvdbaby Hiking Baby Carrier Backpack has it all! At a lower price point than many similar hiking carriers, this option is a value. But don’t let the lower cost fool you. You’ll still get plenty of quality for your money. This hiking carrier comes with features galore and is made from a solid lightweight aluminum frame.
Shield baby from the elements with the sunshade or rain canopy. These visors are removable and easy to change.
When it comes to comfort, parents seem to enjoy everything this carrier backpack has to offer, “The pack is very comfortable I can hike 3-5 miles easily and not feel the need to trade off.” Not only does this model provide comfort for the parent, it also comes with extra cockpit padding for the child!
Besrey Baby Backpack Carrier
Best Adjustable Fit for Parents
With three height adjustment options, a five-point harness, and detachable sunshade, the Besrey Baby Backpack Carrier is a safe, comfortable choice for your next hike. The 5.5.-pound lightweight carrier fits children 16 through 40 pounds.
- Adjustable parent buckles
- Lightweight design
- Lots of storage space
The Besrey Baby Backpack Carrier is lightweight, durable, and easy to customize. The innovative buckle design allows you to change the carrier’s size, personalizing it for different wearers.
Even though the custom fit is a top selling point, it certainly isn’t the only reason to consider this carrier. Along with this plus, the backpack also features plenty of storage space, a washable drool pad, a rain/sunshade, five-point harness seatbelts, stirrups, and a breathable mesh panel to keep both you and your baby cool. If you’re wondering just how much storage space you’ll get with this carrier, “Storage wise, it was very spacious. We were able to fit all of the baby’s stuff and more! Insulated bag worked very well at keeping bottles cool.”
ClevrPlus Deluxe Adjustable Baby Carrier
Best for Smaller-Sized Children
$90 $110 Save $20
The ClevrPlus Deluxe Adjustable Baby Carrier weighs 5.2 pounds, has a one-piece frame, and includes an adjustable waistband that extends up to 60 inches. This lightweight carrier fits infants and toddlers up to 33 pounds.
- Lightweight
- Sun/rain canopies
- Includes removable mini backpack
- Only fits children up to 33 pounds
The versatile ClevrPlus Deluxe Adjustable Baby Carrier is a serious value. This carrier falls on the lower end of backpack price range – but doesn’t sacrifice comfort or convenience for cost.
The ultra-lightweight design weighs in at only 5.2 pounds, making this pick easy to use and transport. Even though it’s lighter weight, the one-piece frame design creates a sturdy base that will keep your baby safe as you trek through the trails.
Features such as a large bottom storage compartment and detachable mini backpack add to the convenience and make this carrier one of the easiest to use on longer hikes. And, if those longer hikes are fairly intense, parents applaud the durability, “The ClevrPlus Deluxe Baby Carrier is built to last and can handle rugged terrains with ease. We took it on a challenging hiking trip, and it held up exceptionally well. The sturdy construction and reliable buckles gave us peace of mind throughout the journey.”
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What are the benefits of hiking with baby?
Hiking with baby isn’t just fun – it also provides benefits for both of you! To start with, you’ll reap the benefits of spending time exercising outdoors. The National Park Service (NPS) explains that hiking is a top way to get exercise and can help you to build stronger muscles, improve your sense of balance, improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and may even lower the risk of depression.
When it comes to benefits for your baby, hiking provides plenty of sensory stimulation. The sights, sounds, and smells can help your kiddo to explore the world around them. Outdoor play and activities can also encourage young children to learn about science, promote physical health, create new contexts for learning, and provide opportunities for social interaction, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). A hike with your child is together-time that promotes bonding. This allows you to unplug, put your work emails on hold, and give your full attention to your child.
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