Parents who love the outdoors have great news in 2024. There’s a selection of top child carriers made for hiking. These are for all body types and perfect for family adventures.
A great carrier has adjustable harnesses, lots of storage, and is breathable. It must also protect against the weather. Our team of 10 tested and ranked the best hiking packs for kids.
Caitlin Giddings and her child hiked nearly 60 miles in Texas and Colorado. Jenni Gritters added 20 more miles in Oregon.
Our tests were in very hot weather, sometimes over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. We got feedback from parents of all sizes, from 5-foot-0 to 6-foot-4. The best carriers are comfy, safe, and last a long time.
We’re excited to share our top child carrier picks for 2024. They’re adjustable, comfy, and ensure safety on hikes. Favorites include the Deuter Kid Comfort, Osprey Poco Plus, and Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL.
Why Trust Our Recommendations
We take great care in recommending the best child carriers for hiking. Our team is skilled in reviewing gear and picks only trusted parenting tools. We deeply test each product, led by experts like Caitlin Giddings and Jenni Gritters from Runner’s World and Bicycling.
Our advice also comes from true parenting experiences. We know how crucial safety is for child carriers. Our diverse group of parents tests each product to meet various needs and outdoor activities.
Our rigorous tests show in our scores. For example, the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite got an 84, excelling in comfort and storage. The Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL scored a 79, known for child comfort. These scores reflect our thorough review process and focus on real-world use.
We also listen to parent feedback daily. We look at how easy it is to use the child carrier alone, keeping snacks ready, and dressing kids warmly for hikes. This feedback, combined with our professional tests, ensures our recommendations are solid and helpful.
Our Top Picks for 2024
Finding the right child carriers for hiking means looking at comfort, safety, and how useful they are. We tested many options and picked our top three: the Deuter Kid Comfort, Osprey Poco Plus, and Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL. Each choice shines in its own way. So, they fit the needs of anyone who loves hiking with their child.
Deuter Kid Comfort
The Deuter Kid Comfort shines in the world of hiking with your child. It costs $320, weighs 5 lbs., 13 oz., and it can hold up to 48 lbs. It’s made for comfort with a special design for both the child and the adult. People love its high quality. It’s safe and easy to use.
Check out our Deuter Kid Comfort review for more details. It talks about everything from storage to adjusting the harness.
Osprey Poco Plus
Planning long hikes? The Osprey Poco Plus has you covered. It’s $320, weighs 7 lbs., 14.4 oz., and supports up to 48 lbs. Osprey Poco Plus features include lots of storage, a sunshade, and an adjustable fit for all parents. It’s made for both comfort and ease, a top pick for serious hikers.
Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
For parents on the go, the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL is perfect. Priced at $290 and weighing 5 lbs., it’s made for movement. For active parents, this lighter model lets you keep moving without holding your child back. It’s a standout in our best hiking carriers 2024 list, great for fast hiking or running.
These carriers are top-notch in safety, comfort, and design. They let you and your child enjoy nature together, with ease and safety.
Best Child Carriers for Hiking
Choosing the best child carriers for hiking involves important factors. Comfort, safety, durability, and build quality are key. These elements not only improve your hike but also keep your little one safe and comfortable.
Comfort and Safety Considerations
For both parent and child to enjoy the hike, carriers must be comfortable. Look for carriers with padded straps, hip belts, and adjustable harnesses. They should fit all body types well. Good carriers also have breathable fabrics and solid frames. This makes sure your child is comfy on long hikes. Extra features like stirrups support your child’s legs, preventing tiredness.
Durability and Build Quality
Strong, long-lasting materials are a must for outdoor gear. For instance, the Osprey Poco Plus can carry up to 48.5 lbs. It’s lightweight, under 7 lbs, balancing strength and ease of carrying. Likewise, the Kelty baby carrier holds up to 50 lbs. It’s designed for durability, making it a great choice for many adventures.
How We Picked and Tested the Carriers
Choosing the best child carriers was tough. We put many models through rigorous testing. We focused on comfort, ensuring both child and wearer stayed cushioned and cool.
We didn’t overlook safety features either. Strong support and reliable harnesses were key. We tested these carriers in various settings, from city parks to rugged trails, to see how they’d do in the real world.
We also got feedback from families. These volunteers, with kids of different ages, told us about the carriers’ comfort, safety, and ease of use. Their experiences helped us see how these carriers worked day-to-day.
Next, we looked at storage space. Having enough room for all your hiking needs is crucial. For instance:
- Osprey Poco Plus: 26 liters
- Deuter Kid Comfort: 14 liters
- Kelty Journey PerfectFIT: 17 liters
- Thule Sapling: 22 liters
- phil&teds Escape Child Carrier: 30 liters
We also paid attention to weight. It was important to find carriers that were easy to carry but still sturdy:
- Osprey Poco Plus: 7 lb 14.4 oz
- Deuter Kid Comfort: 7 lbs 2 oz
- Kelty Journey PerfectFIT: 6 lbs 6 oz
- Thule Sapling: 7 lbs 8 oz
- phil&teds Escape Child Carrier: 7 lbs
We checked each carrier’s size and extra features, like sunshades. For example, the Deuter Kid Comfort works great for toddlers. It has the right features and size for little ones.
In the end, our detailed reviews helped us find the best carriers. They offer top safety, comfort, and reliability for hiking adventures.
Advantages of Using Hiking Carriers Over Soft-Structured Carriers
Hiking carriers shine when taking on long trails with bigger kids. Their design helps spread weight evenly. This avoids strain and increases comfort. That’s why many parents pick them for long hikes.
When to Choose a Hiking Carrier
Knowing when to pick a hiking carrier is important. Choose it for hikes longer than two miles or when carrying kids over 20 pounds. Hiking carriers are made for long walks and better comfort for both parent and child.
The perks of hiking carriers include lots of storage for things like water, snacks, and extra clothes. This means you don’t need extra bags, making your hike easier.
Features to Look For
When picking between hiking backpacks and soft-structured carriers, look for certain features in hiking carriers:
- Adjustable suspension systems for better weight distribution.
- Weather protection accessories like sunshades and rain covers.
- Ease of placing the child in and out of the carrier.
These features offer comfort and practical benefits for a great hiking experience.
Conclusion
In wrapping up our review of top hiking carriers for 2024, we see a common thread. Comfort, safety, and durability are crucial in family hiking gear. The Deuter Kid Comfort, Osprey Poco Plus, and Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL shine in these areas. They’re not just for outdoor adventures. They give parents peace of mind while exploring nature with their kids.
Finding the right hiking carrier means looking beyond just the cool features. It means thinking about what you really need. Maybe it’s the Osprey Poco Plus’s excellent airflow for toddlers up to 4.5 years. Or perhaps, the Deuter’s ease of adjustment and balanced weight. Each model offers unique benefits for different childhood stages and hiking scenes.
Choosing a carrier that ensures safety and comfort can turn hikes into lovely family time. From the Baby Bjorn Mini for the littlest ones to the Ergobaby Original for toddlers, the shift to a specific hiking carrier is key. Investing in gear that cares for your child’s safety can greatly enhance your family’s outdoor fun. The right carrier is more than a need; it’s a way to boost the happiness and safety of family hikes, making it essential for outdoor-loving parents.
