Updated on October 13, 2020

You want to share your love of hiking with the newest member of your family. The easiest way to make hiking a natural part of your family time is to get your baby used to your favorite activity from the very beginning. To do that, you need a reliable baby carrier, so that’s why we’ve put together this list of the best baby carriers for hiking.

These hiking baby carriers allow you to bring your baby to the trails from the first day you decide to bring them along until they can hike on their own two legs. Your little one can take in the smells, sights, and sounds of nature and maybe even get in a good nap from their safe perch, close to you. Find the baby carrier that suits your lifestyle!

For more of our top hiking gear recommendations, check out the Best Hiking Backpacks for Kids

 

Quick Answer - The Best Baby Carriers for Hiking

  1. Kelty Journey PerfectFit Elite
  2. Osprey Poco AG Plus
  3. Deuter Kid Comfort Pro
  4. Deuter Kid Comfort 1
  5. Thule Sapling
  6. Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature
  7. LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons
  8. Chicco Smartsupport Backpack
  9. Clevrplus Cross Country
  10. Luvdbaby Premium

 

Comparison Table - Best Baby Carrier for Hiking

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NameWeight LimitStyleSunshadePriceRatingReview
Kelty Journey PerfectFit Elite50 lbBackpackYes$$$4.5Read Review
Osprey Poco AG Plus48.5 lbBaby back carrierYes$$$4.5Read Review
Deuter Kid Comfort Pro48 lb 8 ozBackpackYes$$$5.0Read Review
Deuter Kid Comfort 148.5 lbBackpackNo$$4.8Read Review
Thule Sapling48 lbBack Child CarrierYes$$$4.3Read Review
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature50 lbBackpackYes$$4.3Read Review
LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons45 lbFront and Back CarrierNo$4.3Read Review
Chicco Smartsupport Backpack40 lbBackpackYes$4.4Read Review
Clevrplus Cross Country40 lbBaby Back CarrierYes$4.3Read Review
Luvdbaby Premium40 lbBackpackYes$$4.6Read Review
NameWeight LimitStyleSunshadePriceRatingReview

 

Reviews - The Best Hiking Baby Carriers

Kelty Journey PerfectFit Elite

Specs
  • Material: Polyester
  • Weight: 7 lb 4 oz
  • Style: Backpack
  • Weight Limit: 50 lb
  • Sunshade: Yes
  • Waist Size: 33-51.5”
Features
  • Adjustable Suspension System, Load Lifter Straps, And Sternum Straps Distribute The Load
  • Five-point Safety Harness And Roll Cage Protect Your Precious Cargo
  • Built-in Sunshade Alleviates Heat And Harmful UV Rays
  • Incredible Storage Capacity Within The 9 Compartments, Including A Wipeable “Dirty” Pocket
  • Wide Child Seat Base, Washable Drool Pad, And Adjustable Stirrups

BEST FOR: TOUGH TERRAIN

Your child’s safety is one of your main priorities in life right now, and compromising it isn’t an option. That’s why the Journey PerfectFIT Elite is one of your top choices, especially on unpredictable terrain. Similar to a car seat, the five-point safety harness keeps your baby from slipping one way or another. 

The carrier also incorporates a roll cage into its aluminum frame. This helps keep your baby unscathed if you happen to lose your footing. The reliable kickstand allows you to load and unload your baby by yourself without the struggle. Just note your child may not fit as well in the carrier with a winter coat as it’s designed more for mild to warm weather.

Osprey Poco AG Plus

Specs
  • Material: Ripstop nylon
  • Weight: 7 lb 11 oz
  • Style: Baby back carrier
  • Weight Limit: 48.5 lb
  • Sunshade: Yes
  • Waist Size: 24-50”
Features
  • Pressure-Relieving Suspension System
  • Padded Cockpit With Adjustable Seat Height And Stirrups
  • Removable Drool Pad Catches Spit-Up
  • Fleece-Lined Child Safety Harness
  • Seven Storage Compartments Throughout

BEST FOR: LONG-TERM USE

This baby carrier grows with your child, accommodating little babies up to 40+ lb toddlers. You can adjust the seat height, harness, and stirrups each hiking season until your child is able to walk on his or her own. You can both collect memories from now until then.

You’ll notice you can handle the accumulating miles through the years too. Just think: as your child gets bigger, your hiking muscles gradually get stronger. You can think of your kid as your training partner. At the same time, the top-notch suspension system, padded straps, and padded hip belt take it easy on your back so those miles are more pleasure than pressure.

Deuter Kid Comfort Pro

Specs
  • Material: Polyamide Polyester
  • Weight: 8 lb 5 oz
  • Style: Backpack
  • Weight Limit: 48 lb 8 oz
  • Sunshade: Yes
  • Waist Size: 24-54”
Features
  • Back-saving Suspension System, Arched Frame, And Padded Load Adjustment Straps
  • Easy Adjustable Torso Length (15-20”)
  • Removable Day Pack And Numerous Pockets Throughout
  • Height- And Width-Adjustable Baby Seat
  • Removable Side Cushions And Pillow Promote Trail Naps

BEST FOR: HOT-WEATHER HIKING

Carrying a child on a summer day sounds stifling, but the right child carrier can make that trip totally doable. The sunshade, ventilated cabin, and breathable back and straps keep airflow moving so neither you nor your passenger overheats in hot weather. The long side compartment holds your water bladder too, so you both stay hydrated. 

Feel free to plan an all-day excursion while you’re at it. The removable day pack and collection of pockets hold everything you could possibly need, from diapers to lunches. Your baby can even take a nap behind you inside the cushy cockpit. See that? No more cutting your plans short to get home for naptime!

Deuter Kid Comfort 1

Specs
  • Material: Polyester
  • Weight: 5 lb 7 oz
  • Style: Backpack
  • Weight Limit: 48.5 lb
  • Sunshade: No
  • Waist Size: 22-56”
Features
  • Specialty Ventilated Back System Promotes Airflow
  • Adjustable Back And Seat Height For Baby And Me
  • Five-Point Safety Harness Grows With Your Child
  • Storage Includes A Large Main Compartment, Front Pocket, And Mesh Pocket
  • Self-Supported Aluminum Kickstand
Deuter Kid Comfort 1

BEST FOR: RURAL TO URBAN ADVENTURES

Pushing a stroller through crowded parks and pavement can be a hassle. And the Kid Comfort 1 is your ticket out of strollering. Carrying your kid on your back is way more convenient–and cooler–than the constant stroller hustle. Plus your kid will get a kick out of riding on mommy or daddy’s back.

When you run away to the trails on the weekend, you can grab your trusty Kid Comfort 1 for that too. You should have enough oomph and storage for at least a half-day in the woods. The only drawback is this version doesn’t come with a sunshade but it has a spot for one, which you can purchase separately.

Thule Sapling

Specs
  • Material: Nylon
  • Weight: 7 lb 8 oz
  • Style: Back Child Carrier
  • Weight Limit: 48 lb
  • Sunshade: Yes
  • Waist Size: 27-49”
Features
  • Adjustable Torso Length, Load Stabilizer Straps, And Hip Belt For Shared Carrying
  • Ergonomic Child Seat With Adjustable Stirrups Provides Thigh Support
  • Top- And Side-Loading Capabilities
  • Pull-Out Sunroof Shades Them From The Peak Sun
  • Comes With A Large Front Pocket, Hip Belt Pockets, And A Water Reservoir Sleeve

BEST FOR: ONE-PERSON LOADING

One of the drawbacks of many child carriers is that you often need help to load your child in and out of the carrier. Not so with the Sapling. You can load your child from either the side or the top by yourself. The aluminum kickstand helps with the process too. You can set the pack firmly on the ground to get your baby in and out.

Most of the main pockets are within reach for you too, so you don’t have to stop or ask someone else every time you need something. If you plan to do a lot of hiking or sightseeing by yourself, this would be an ideal choice. However, if someone else does come along and share the carrying duties with you, then everything can be adjusted to their size too.

Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature

Specs
  • Material: Polyester
  • Weight: 6 lb 6 oz
  • Style: Backpack
  • Weight Limit: 50 lb
  • Sunshade: Yes
  • Waist Size: 34-51.5”
Features
  • Five-Point Harness And Padded, Aluminum-Framed Roll Cage
  • Plush Cabin With Wide Child Seat Base And Adjustable Stirrups
  • Integrated Sunshade Provides Sun Protection
  • Suspension System, Load-Lifter Straps, And Sternum Straps Distribute The Weight
  • Comes With A Zippered Main Compartment And 3 Additional Pockets

BEST FOR: LONG-DISTANCE HIKES

If you think you can’t manage a long-distance hike with a child on your back, you haven’t tried the Journey PerfectFIT Signature carrier yet. The carrier does everything it can to relieve pressure on your back. It has a suspension system and load-lifter straps absorb impact from every step while the sternum straps and waist belt take some of the weight off your shoulders.

If you happen to lose your footing, the built-in roll cage helps keep your kid from jostling around. Even on solid ground, the cocoon-like effect of the roll cage and sun flap help your baby feel secure enough to fall asleep. No more missed nap times!

LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons

Specs
  • Material: Cotton
  • Weight: 1.6 lb
  • Style: Front and Back Carrier
  • Weight Limit: 45 lb
  • Sunshade: No
  • Waist Size: up to 52”
Features
  • Six Ergonomic Carrying Positions: Fetal, Infant Inward, Toddler Inward, Outward, Hip, Back
  • Adjustable Side Panels For Healthy Hip Positioning
  • Large Storage Pocket For Baby Essentials
  • Headrest And Removable Sleeping Hood
  • Padded Adjustable Straps And Lumbar Support For Parents

BEST FOR: SHORT VENTURES WITH AN INFANT

As a new parent, just taking a walk around the block is a “hike” for you. You still want to get outside with your baby, but you’re not quite ready to venture into the wilderness yet. That’s the LÍLLÉbaby sweet spot. You can take a quiet stroll on paved park pathways to get out of the house while you nuzzle your baby close. Though this isn’t your traditional hiking carrier, many parents prefer a carrier like this on the trails to hold their babies close and keep their heads protected.

You can certainly keep carrying your child as they grow too. The 45 lb capacity lets you give your toddler a piggyback ride through your local trails when they get too tired to walk. You may not bring this carrier on long trips, but short casual strolls are just as sweet.

Chicco Smartsupport Backpack

Specs
  • Material: unknown
  • Weight: 6 lb 6 oz
  • Style: Backpack
  • Weight Limit: 40 lb
  • Sunshade: Yes
  • Waist Size: unknown
Features
  • Adjustable Seat Positions And Five-Point Harness
  • Technical Lumbar Padding For Back Support
  • Adjustable, Padded Shoulder And Hip Straps
  • Lightweight Aluminum Frame Folds Flat For Storage
  • Pull-Out Sunroof Provides Shade

BEST FOR: CURIOUS, ALERT KIDS

This baby carrier gives your child a little extra wiggle room and holds them up higher, which is perfect for kids who love to look around. This pack is just like a stroller you wear on your back, minus the wheels. Just think about how much easier it is to navigate through trails or crowds without a set of wheels.

You do have to sacrifice some storage though, unless your partner carries a bag separately. This baby carrier doesn’t have any pockets, but you could strap a small pack to the aluminum frame if you wanted. Otherwise, maybe you’re the type who prefers not to bring so much stuff. In that case, this child carrier is your minimalistic ally.

Clevrplus Cross Country

Specs
  • Material: Oxford Cloth
  • Weight: 5 lb 6 oz
  • Style: Baby Back Carrier
  • Weight Limit: 40 lb
  • Sunshade: Yes
  • Waist Size: up to 50”
Features
  • Adjustable Seat Height, Safety Belt, And Foot Straps
  • Removable Sunshade With Rain Flaps For Erratic Weather
  • Thick Padding On The Shoulder Straps, Lumbar Pad, And Hip Belt
  • Comes With Mesh Bottle Pockets, Hip Belt Pockets, And Below-Deck Storage
  • Washable Drool Pad/Chin Rest

BEST FOR: WET CONDITIONS

This cross-country backpack grows with your child from the time they’re 9 months to 4 years old or 33 lbs. The foot and seat straps extend to accommodate a growing child. Hopefully by the time they’re 5, your child has earned their own trail legs so you no longer have to carry them.

The cool thing about this pack is that it provides shade from the sun and complete coverage from the rain, without sacrificing the view. The clear storm flaps keep your baby dry and entertained so you don’t have to hightail it back to the car every time the skies open.

Luvdbaby Premium

Specs
  • Material: Ripstop Polyester
  • Weight: 6 lb 6 oz
  • Style: Backpack
  • Weight Limit: 40 lb
  • Sunshade: Yes
  • Waist Size: unknown
Features
  • Waterproof Fabric And A Rain Hood Block The Elements
  • Adjustable Safety Straps And Stirrups Grow With Your Child
  • Ergonomic Suspension System, Padded Straps, And Load-Bearing Belt Support Your Back
  • Comes With A Diaper Changing Pad And A Thermal Bottle Pocket
  • Self-Supported Kickstand

BEST FOR: WETLANDS HIKING

If you’re headed to rainy climates in places like Ireland or Oregon, then you need to be prepared for rain with a baby carrier like this. The carrier keeps your baby safely behind you when you’re traipsing through slippery crags. The roof and storm flaps keep them isolated from the storms too.

Neither rain (and a crabby baby) nor a sore back can slow you down. The ergonomic, adjustable torso length helps you get the exact fit. Then, the suspension system distributes the load so you don’t tire from carrying your child. To boot, you get lots of padding and ventilation to prevent sweat and sore spots.

 

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING BABY CARRIERS FOR HIKING

 

SAFETY

Safety harnesses are just as important for baby carriers as they are for strollers and car seats. With a five-point system, your child can’t slip out any which way they lean, so that’s why most child carriers have them. Roll cages are another feature that might be important to you. They prevent your child from getting hurt if you take an accidental spill on the trail.

Finally, your baby’s head control is one of the most important safety considerations to make in terms of a child carrier. Most of the carriers on this list are appropriate for babies over 9 months with good head control. The LÍLLÉbaby is the only carrier for infants without head control. Here’s a comprehensive guide to baby carrier safety, all of which apply to hiking carriers.

 

WEIGHT

If you’ve been hiking for any length of time, you know that every ounce you carry affects your stamina. That goes for your baby and child carrier too. The less accumulated weight the better, so make sure to take the weight of your pack, your child, and all the gear you need into consideration. 

 

WEIGHT LIMIT

The weight limit on your child carrier indicates the max weight the pack can hold, including your gear and your child. Make sure you have enough wiggle room to accommodate everything you need.

 

STORAGE

Babies require lots of stuff, but you don’t want to haul a cooler and a diaper bag on your hike. That’s why built-in storage on your child carrier is so important. Think about what you absolutely need to have (diapers, bottles, food, etc) and make sure your chosen carrier can accommodate it all.

 

WEATHER

Some of the carriers here are more appropriate for hot weather with sun shades and breathable material. Others are made for wet conditions with waterproof fabric and rain shields. You can make your decision based on what type of weather you like to hike in or expect to encounter.

 

ADJUSTABILITY

Most child carriers adjust for both you and your baby. The straps, seat positions, and stirrups expand as your child gets older. The height and width of the carrier and waist belt should adjust to accommodate yours and your partner’s sizes.

 

 

FEATURES EXPLAINED

 

KICKSTAND

A kickstand is an aluminum bar you can pull out to prop your child carrier on the ground, just like a kickstand on a bike. The kickstand keeps the pack from toppling over and makes it easier to put your child in and take them out.

 

COCKPIT/CABIN

The inside of the baby carrier, where your baby sits, is often called the cockpit or cabin. Many parents desire a breathable, padded cabin that keeps their child in a natural position.

 

POLYAMIDE POLYESTER

Polyamide polyester is a durable type of polyester often used for parachutes due to its tear-resistant, reliable qualities.

 

OXFORD CLOTH 

Oxford cloth is another strong, thick type of woven material often used to make tents and flags. 

The outdoor-proof, weather-resistant material is perfect for child carriers.

 

SUNSHADE

A sunshade provides your baby with shade and some protection from the midday sun. The sunshades on baby carriers typically pull out just like an umbrella shade on a stroller.  

 

ROLL CAGE

A roll cage usually consists of an aluminum frame surrounded by fabric that provides a barrier around your child in case you trip and fall.

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