When I got pregnant, my first worry was that my outdoor travel days were over. How long would I have to wait for the kid to be able to tackle some cool nature hikes with me? Luckily, I didn’t have to (whew)! This, thanks to what I think is the best child carrier hiking backpack on the market.
I had to find it first, though. But where, oh, where to start?? Needless to say, there are an abundance of hiking kid carriers available. I knew we needed one that was safe and reliable, but had no idea what else we needed to consider in a baby hiking backpack.
I started with several hours of internet research. More importantly, though, I tapped into my network of moms and travel bloggers to get their personal opinions, pros and cons, and recommendations. After that, the hubs and I visited 2 outdoor stores, spent 4 hours, and tested little Jack in a half dozen baby hiking backpacks.
We settled on the Osprey Poco AG Child Carrier, the best baby hiking carrier around (in our opinion, at least!). And we have loved every minute of using it.
In a hurry? Don’t wanna read further? Click here to get pricing details for my Osprey Poco!
But what I love, others may not have a need for. What’s the best baby hiking carrier for you? There are dozens more hiking baby backpacks on the market today, including 12 others that came most highly recommended by my travel mamas.
So, lemme save you – and your baby – the trouble of combing every corner of the web and running to every outdoor store in town. Here is a comprehensive list of all our endorsements:
1. Osprey Poco AG Child Carrier
My Osprey Poco, obviously! It’s extremely adjustable, so it fits both my 5’3 height, and my husband’s 6’3 height. It also has a ton of storage, with features for Jack that include a sunshade and stirrups.
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2. Osprey Poco AG Child Carrier Plus
The Poco also comes in Plus that has more features for adjusting to different heights.
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3. Osprey Poco AG Child Carrier Premium
There’s also a Poco Premium with even more features. Looks similar to the plus, but note the larger storage pocket.
(Note that our Poco recommendations are for models made from 2015-present. Osprey issued a self-imposed recall for all Poco models between 2012-2014 due to potential shoulder strap buckle failures. This was a proactive recall after product testing revealed a possible weakness – no injuries were reported.)
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4. Deuter Kid Comfort III Framed Hiking Child Carrier
The most adjustable Deuter.
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5. Deuter Kid Comfort Air Framed Hiking Child Carrier
Also very adjustable to a variety of heights.
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6. Kelty Pathfinder
Very adjustable to a variety of heights.
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7. phil&teds Metro Child Carrier
Simple, minimal and adjusts for shorter mamas.
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8. phil&teds Lightweight Child Carrier
Also adjustable, and with a few more features.
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9. Thule Sapling Child Carrier
High comfort rating.
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10. Thule Sapling Elite Child Carrier
Also comes in elite that has extra features.
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11. BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One Outdoors
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12. Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier
A bit of a curve-ball, I know, since this isn’t technically marketed as a kid carrier for hiking. 
But, I gotta be true to the recommendations I received! Some mamas preferred hiking with this not-hiking-specific child carrier, and said they and their babes were more comfortable in these on short hikes. I say short hikes because this carrier doesn’t have the food/water/baby product storage required for longer day hikes.
Click here for pricing details
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