10 Best Baby Carriers for Hiking Reviewed in 2024
Stacey Joseph
Angeline Mirenda
When you enjoy hiking, camping, and backpacking in the great outdoors and have young children, you will need to purchase a baby carrier made for hiking. There are baby carriers on the market that will hold the child in front of you, but these are not ideal for these activities. The child needs to be on your back when you are walking trails or through the wilderness, so you can maintain your balance, have your hands and arms free, and be ready for anything that life presents to you out there. The child can safely and comfortably relax, sleep, and enjoy the ride from the vantage point of your back. We feature the best-rated and the most-reviewed of these items here that buyers have deemed as the ones they love and recommend. We are excited to spotlight them for your shopping pleasure and hope you enjoy the one you choose.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 43 hrs of research
Includes upgraded straps for the feet
Maximum child weight is thirty-three pounds
Has thick padding, many pockets, and a canopy
Stands upright by itself and folds flat for storing
Has foot stirrups, a drool pad, and a large rear pocket
10 Best Baby Carriers for Hiking Reviewed
1. Clevr Cross Country 5lbs
Includes upgraded straps for the feet
Maximum child weight is thirty-three pounds
Has thick padding, many pockets, and a canopy
Stands upright by itself and folds flat for storing
Has foot stirrups, a drool pad, and a large rear pocket
Uncomfortable and heavy for some parents
Materials are not the most durable on the market
Coming in six varying bold colors, the Clevr Cross Country Baby Backpack Hiking Carrier is highly supportive with the upgraded straps for the feet. The aluminum frame is lightweight, strong, and five pounds in weight, plus the rain and sun canopy is retractable. Adults stay secure, cool, and comfortable with the hip belt and padded straps with the lumbar padding.
Read moreGreat for kids six-month to four-years-old, the maximum child weight is thirty-three pounds. This superb product has thick pads on the shoulders, many pockets, a drool pad, dual holders for water bottles, and a padded comfortable waist strap. A large pocket is in the rear for diapers and accessories and has a reflective strip for safety. The canopy is removable, and the seat and foot stirrups are removable. This lovely carrier stands upright on its own with the strong metal stand and folds flat quickly for storing.
Comfort
With support and comfort for both the adult and the child, this terrific item will be enjoyed all day long. There are thick pads on the shoulder straps and a canopy to keep the little one out of the sun and rain.
Durability
Not only is the sturdy aluminum frame strong enough to support the child well while moving, but it can also stand on its own well to load the child and gear successfully for travel.
Design
You can never have enough storage space for accessories you want to bring on trips. This terrific pack has a large rear pocket that can accommodate diapers and the essentials needed for the care of the child in the outdoors.
Safety
The sturdy metal frame combined with the safety straps provide the protection needed for a secure ride. The added safety strips aid with the visibility of the wearer in the dark.
Price range
The price for this wonderful item is below the figured average. It has the ideal features of a removable canopy, a strong aluminum frame, and plenty of supportive padding and straps for comfort.
2. Luvdbaby Premium Ergonomical
Includes a removable sun visor for protection
Is adjustable for height and torso length
Has many pockets, a rain cover, diaper pad, and sun visor
Made of strong mesh and Ripstop polyester fabrics
Can stand alone with the strong aluminum kickstand
Straps that hold the child in broke for a few people
Some buyers did not receive the canopy or the rain cover
This padded cocoon with stirrups and safety straps is available in three different solid colors and includes a removable sun visor for protection. Adjustable for height, the Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack Carrier has stirrups that keep the child’s feet from hanging down and kicking the parent. The weight is proportioned on the body with the load-bearing belt and padded straps, and the torso is height-adjustable.
Read moreIt has multiple pockets for accessories, bottles, and gear on the waist belt, rear and sides. One pocket is insulated for the water or baby bottles, and the back is made with mesh material for ventilation. Made of strong Ripstop polyester material, it comes with a diaper pad that folds up for an instant clean and safe surface. This amazing carrier can stand by itself with the durable and strong aluminum kickstand and comes with a durable rain cover.
Comfort
The load-bearing belt and straps that are padded make this item comfortable for the adult. The child is happy under the canopy that is protective and the stirrups that suit their size perfectly.
Durability
With a rain cover and strong metal frame, this is one of the most durable products of this category. It gives the support needed and is long-lasting for your traveling needs.
Design
You will be pleased with the many pockets that are on this wonderful item. They are on the waist belt, rear, and sides to hold the most vital and necessary things you need for the trip.
Safety
Protecting the child while you move along your path is important. This great carrier comes with a sun visor and a rain cover to shield the little one from the unsuitable weather you may encounter.
Price range
With a below-average cost, this splendid product comes with a rain cover and canopy, is made of durable and strong polyester and mesh fabric and has many pockets for all your essentials.
3. Clevr Cross Country Sun Shade
Two holders on the side for water bottles
Canopy is detachable and retractable
Big rear pocket for diapers and other items
Folds quickly and easily for storing
Seat belt has a five-point safety harness
The infant was too heavy in this for a few people
Some parents did not find this to be the most comfortable
Including newly revised foot straps for terrific support, the Clevr Cross Country Baby Backpack comes in five great solid colors and has a lightweight frame of aluminum is strong and supportive. With added pockets for storage and a big rear pocket for diapers and larger gear, you will be set with plenty of storage space.
Read moreThe parent stays cool, secure, and comfy with the padded hip belt and straps. Great for kids six-months-old to four-years-old, this fabulous carrier is made with oxford cloth to be tough for rugged daily use and the weather elements. It has two holders on the side for water bottles, and the canopy for rain and sun is detachable and retractable. Folding quickly and easily for storing, it has a maximum weight of forty pounds. The seat belt has a five-point safety harness and can be altered for height.
Comfort
The added foot straps to this revised model enhance the comfort for both the baby and the parent. The child will not be kicking you in the back and sides, plus their legs and feet will be comfortable and relaxed.
Durability
Great for all sorts of weather environments and long-lasting performance, this great item is comprised of oxford cloth which is quite tough and durable for years of wear.
Design
You can change the height of this wonderful carrier to fit the length of your back perfectly, as well as making needed alterations for the height of the child with the seat.
Safety
The five-point harness for safety is adjustable and accommodating to size and height. You will get the best fit for your child to hold them in securely on your back as you travel.
Price range
This ideal item has the lowest cost of all listed baby carriers. It is valued for the strong oxford fabric and aluminum frame, the many pockets for comfort, and the added foot straps for the child.
4. Osprey POCO AG Plus
Offered in three wonderful vibrant colors
Made of strong aluminum and nylon
Frame supports the load and stands by itself
Can be adjusted for the width and length
Hip belt is ventilated and adjustable
Hip belt was uncomfortable for some people
Can pull away from the shoulders some with the load
The Osprey Packs Poco AG Plus Child Carrier is offered in three wonderful vibrant colors and made of strong aluminum and nylon materials. The durable frame supports the load fully and gives the carrier a steady platform to stand by itself. It can be adjusted for the width and length of the wearer quickly and has a maximum load weight of 48.5 pounds.
Read moreThe seat and harness are completely surrounded by the padding and frame for comfort and safety, and a zippered pocket holds the sunshade that is retractable. The hip belt is ventilated and adjustable for size and support of the load. Included are adjustable stirrups, a drool pad, a hydration sleeve, numerous pockets, and a large compartment in the rear for storage.
Comfort
The hip belt is very accommodating on this fantastic carrier for width and length. You can make alterations before, during, and after the child is in the seat ready to be carried.
Durability
Not all baby carriers are self-supporting with a strong frame. This one is, so you can load it up with gear and necessities and then put in the child easily and without hassles.
Design
This is one of the more accommodating and comfortable backpack carriers for both parents and babies. It is well-padded with plenty of great features such as plenty of pockets and adjustable stirrups.
Safety
The manufacturer of this device used the thick padding as a safety measure against bumps and knocks that may occur as you travel. It is protective of the child and the adult to cushion any shocks along the way.
Price range
Having the highest cost of all the products, this lovely carrier for babies has plenty of adjustable parts, is ventilated and strong, and includes many great features such as stirrups, pockets, and a drool pad.
5. Deuter Kid Comfort
Precision fit and easy adjustability for both Baby and parents
Comes with pockets and extra attachable bag to carry necessities
Safety harness with color-coded buckles makes it easy to strap Baby in
Cleverly designed ventilation system keeps everyone cool
Locking kickstand and sidestep entry for bigger kids to load in themselves
Not as budget-friendly as other options
Designed with comfort, ventilation, support, and adjustability in mind, the Deuter Kid Comfort is truly a great baby carrier for the hiking enthusiast. It’s safe, cleverly constructed, and can carry babies up to 39.5 pounds as well as extra baggage up to 8.8 pounds.
Read moreComfort
Both the width and the height of the seat are adjustable to make this secure and comfortable for your little trailblazer. The mesh net between the child’s seat and parent’s back also allows proper airflow for maximum ventilation.
Durability
Deuter has been delivering longevity, functionality, and quality, since 1898. They take special care in all steps of manufacturing: design, development, and safety testing.
Design
We know you’ve got your hands full. Redistribute some of that load for a comfortable hike! This baby carrier comes with stretchy external pockets and an integrated daypack you can attach to your chest. It comes with a kickstand as well for those rest stops.
Safety
A safety harness system with color-coded buckles makes it easy and efficient to load your little one into their seat and hit the trail.
Price Range
This is the most expensive baby carrier currently on our list. The design includes a lot of handy features and it’s built to last!
6. Be Mindful Ergonomic External Frame
External frame is ergonomic, rigid, and lightweight
Use for walking, camping, and hiking
Has an insulated pocket and a large main section
Features a harness system of four points
Tested for fire retardancy and lead
Some users experienced tears in the fabric
The straps broke for a couple of parents
The external frame of the Hiking Child Carrier Backpack is ergonomic, rigid, and lightweight and used mainly for walking, camping, and hiking. Included are a rain guard, sunshade, duffle bag, and a pouch for water bottles.
Read moreIt holds as much as forty pounds of weight and features a harness system of four points. There is an insulated compartment, a large main section, and a soft head pillow for the sleepy infant. The snug padding secures and holds the child comfortably. This item was tested for fire retardancy and lead by a third party successfully.
Comfort
From all sides of this ideal carrier, the child is enveloped in comfortable padding. With the rugged walking and climbing, you must do along the trail, the child will not be discomforted in any way.
Durability
A strong internal frame and plenty of padding give this item the strong support to carry the load comfortably. Made for all types of outdoor activities, it will last for many years of continued use.
Design
The four-point system of harnessing the child in this carrier is one of the best for safety. The many places of storage for necessities is part of this wonderful system that is quite unique.
Safety
This excellent company had its own product tested for fire retardancy and lead. This ensures the safety for the baby as they use this great product and interact with its materials.
Price range
Having a below-average price, this wonderful baby carrier holds plenty of weight, comes with a head pillow and many pockets, and incorporates a four-point system for the harnessing of the child.
7. Kelty Journey Perfect Fit
Five-point safety harness
Integrated sunshade
Easy to adjust between parents/carriers
Healthy, natural sitting position for your child
Does not fold up to be any smaller
The Kelty Journey is a lightweight pack that can carry some heavy-duty loads. It includes a little extra sun protection and an ergonomically designed seat. It’s adjustable to various heights and sizes for maximum comfort.
Read moreComfort
An integrated sunshade helps keep baby protected just in case the heat gets intense or you forget the sunscreen.
Durability
This pack can hold up to 48.5 pounds total (this includes the weight of your child, the pack, and any gear). The pack itself weighs roughly 6 pounds and is constructed from durable materials.
Design
This pack is easily adjustable so you can share the load with your hiking partner. The wide seat base and adjustable foot stirrups also provide a comfortable, healthy sitting position for your little one.
Safety
A five-point safety harness will keep your little one securely strapped in while you hike.
Price Range
This outdoors baby carrier sits just above the median price point of our guide.
8. Thule Sapling
Slim, covered design
Easy to adjust
Deployable sunshade for Baby
Lots of storage space
Comfortable for kids and parents
Difficult to pull the back legs in
The Thule Sapling boasts a slim, smart design. This pack securely carries and protects your little one as well as your belongings and yet doesn’t feature the bulky shape and design of some of its competitors. It’s easy to use, comfortable, and adjustable.
Read moreComfort
The back panel and hip belt are both adjustable to make this more comfortable for parents. The seat is plush, height-adjustable, and designed to keep baby in a natural, healthy position as you hike.
Durability
We like the design of this pack as it is a little more covered than some of the other carriers out there, which means better protection and a longer life for your valuables as well as the pack itself.
Design
Mesh pockets and a hydration reservoir sleeve make this not only convenient but also highly functional. It’s easy to adjust and breathable so you can hike comfortably and safely with your peewee.
Safety
An easy-buckle harness keeps Baby securely seated while a sunshade can deploy to help protect them from the heat and UV rays.
Price Range
This is the second most expensive item on our current list.
9. ErgoBaby 360
Padded shoulder straps and lumbar support band
Easily adjustable to different sizes
Can be worn several different ways
Sun hood with UPF 50
Supports babies up to 44 lbs
Not meant for heavy-duty hiking
No kickstand or storage pockets
The ErgoBaby 360 is just the pack for you if you want a carrier that is lightweight and no-fuss for mild hikes and easy outdoor treks. It doesn’t contain the extra bulk of some hiking packs as it’s not intended for long trails and it features a cool mesh design to encourage ventilation and a sun hood with UPF 50.
Read moreComfort
The ErgoBaby 360 features an ergonomic design to keep Baby in a comfortable, healthy sitting position. Padded shoulder straps and a lumbar support waistband make this less strenuous on parents as well.
Durability
Don’t take this out for long treks or into heavy wilderness, as it’s not designed for that kind of wear and use. But for light hikes and walks, this is light, compact, and durable.
Design
This is lightweight and versatile; you can carry your little one on your chest or back and they can face out or in when the pack is worn in its forward-facing design.
Safety
The hidden sun hood protects little ones from harmful UV rays and the heat while the harness is easy to buckle and keeps your precious cargo strapped in securely!
Price Range
This baby carrier falls below the calculated average of our guide.
10. Clevr Urban Explorer Heather Gray
Long-lasting, lightweight, and durable
Sits upright on a flat surface with the stand
Folds up quickly and flat for storage
Has two bottle holders for water on the side
Large rear pocket for necessities and diapers
Can be bulky and large for a small adult
The visor attaches with Velcro instead of a zipper
Stylish and lightweight, the Clevr Urban Explorer Hiking Baby Backpack Child Carrier is available in two different colors and has a detachable storage bag. It includes a sun cover for the child with a detachable rain and wind cover and is made of waterproof, strong polyester material. There are safety straps and adjusting straps and a changing pad for a flat clean surface to change a diaper or clothing. It features several pockets and one that is insulated for cold drinks or bottles.
Read moreThe padding and design are breathable, ergonomic, and comfortable, and the shoulder pads are thick and supportive. Long-lasting and durable, the strong frame is lightweight with a total weight of six-and-a-half pounds when empty and a maximum child weight of forty pounds. Ideal for the child ages of nine to thirty-six-months-old, this amazing carrier folds up quickly and compactly in a flat position for storage. The adult remains secure, comfortable, and cool with the lumbar padding that absorbs energy in the hip belt and padded straps. This great carrier sits upright on a flat surface with the sturdy metal stand and includes two bottle holders for water on the side. There is an extra big back pocket for necessities and diapers to give you added space.
Comfort
The padding for both adult and child is terrific on this lovely item. It is breathable, cool, ergonomic, and secure to give you both the best experience in your outdoor adventures.
Durability
The lightweight frame, thick padding, and ergonomic design make this a long-lasting and sturdy product that you can depend on. It will certainly outlast the child and still be in great condition once they are too big for it.
Design
Unlike the other carriers listed, this one folds up flat for storage when it is not in use. it will stand on its own when placed on a flat surface and has many supportive aspects to make you and the baby comfortable.
Safety
Whether you encounter sunny days or rainy ones, your little one will remain protected as you travel. This wonderful product has a cover for rain, wind, and sun when you need it most.
Price range
With a below-average price, this incredible baby carrier has the great qualities of several usable pockets, terrific padding throughout, and a removable cover for sun, wind, and rain.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
Being that these carriers are used by adults to carry a child for walking adventures, they must be comfortable for both of them. The child remains in a sitting position with their legs hanging down or in stirrups for the duration of the trip. The seating is cushioned as well as the interior of the section. Some of these models have sun visors or canopies to keep the baby out of the sun, wind, and rain. For the parent, there is plenty of cushioning around the strong internal framework. This helps with the load carrying in the places of the shoulders, back, and hips, where most of the weight is carried. The hip belt is usually padded too and is used to support the load and keep it centered on the body.
Durability
The internal aluminum frames will support the child on the parent’s back very well. The added padding and supportive fabrics are resistant to tears and should last a long time. The parent will experience padding in the shoulders and hip areas where the load takes the most toll on the adult body. The child will have a permanent seat close to the adult body with protection from the sun, wind, and rain.
Design
Of course, these wonderful products vary with the features that are built-in but the majority of them have comfortable hip belts, cushioned shoulder straps, plenty of compartments and pockets, insulated sections, added packs, storage for water bottles, detachable sun shades, rain covers, stirrups, and even teddy bears. You will find that these carriers are loaded with all sorts of extras to make your journeys quite enjoyable.
Safety
Mostly made of strong polyester, ripstop fabrics, and lightweight aluminum frames, these long-lasting carriers can hold children that are forty pounds or less. Manufacturers use these sturdy materials to make the products light in weight and strong enough to hold the contents you want to pack in them. they know that these will be highly-used items for some of the most rugged environments. You must be able to depend on the many straps, belts, harnesses, and stitching to hold everything in place and give your child the comfort they deserve.
Price Range
When comparing these items across the board using the price as a major factor, it is important that you realize and consider the many reasons why these products are different that would justify the variation of cost. These baby carriers differ in their size, features, capabilities, materials used in construction, available color choices, support strength, and comfort level for the adult. There aren’t any products that are average in price, as the price range is widely skewed. The highest-priced item is the Osprey Packs Pogo AG Plus Child Carrier, and the one with the lowest cost is the Clevr Cross Country Baby Backpack Hiking Carrier with Stand and Shade Visor with Upgraded Foot Strap.
Comfort Durability Design Safety Price Range 
Having a pre-planned activity or game to play along the way with your child as you hike can make the whole experience for them much better and exciting. They will want to go hiking again if they can have other fun than just the new scenery.
Make sure to plan frequent rest stops along the way of the hike to refresh and relax with your child. This is the time to enjoy water and snacks that you bring along and appreciate the beautiful surroundings.
Other Factors to Consider
Ease of Use
Carriers for hiking are simple products to use because they do not require any assembly and you just load them and adjust the belts and straps before using the item. Part of the carrier is for the necessities you will need for your adventure and the center section is for the baby. It may take a bit of practicing and watching videos online to get the hang of putting one of these on, but it is not hard. Most of them stand on their own on a flat surface, so they are easy to load, pick up with the handle straps, and place on the back. Then adjust the hip belt and shoulder straps. You are ready for your excursion.
Portability
Carriers for hiking are simple products to use because they do not require any assembly and you just load them and adjust the belts and straps before using the item. Part of the carrier is for the necessities you will need for your adventure and the center section is for the baby. It may take a bit of practicing and watching videos online to get the hang of putting one of these on, but it is not hard. Most of them stand on their own on a flat surface, so they are easy to load, pick up with the handle straps, and place on the back. Then adjust the hip belt and shoulder straps. You are ready for your excursion.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Does it matter in purchasing these if you have a boy or a girl child?
No, all of these wonderful carriers will equally suit a boy or a girl comfortably.
q: What are the minimum and maximum weight for these basically?
The maximum weight for these carriers is about forty pounds, give or take a few pounds or a child of about four-years-old. The minimum is usually a six-month-old child that must be able to hold up its own head for safety reasons. There is no minimum for the weight.
q: Are these easy to put on and take off with a child in them? Any suggestions?
Because most of these will only hold a child of forty pounds or less, the carriers should be easy to pick up and put on the back. There are handles on all of these to aid you with this. You may want to watch a YouTube video for some tips on getting these on and taking them off with a child in them and gear. Seeing it done will be easier than reading about it.
q: What is a common negative comment concerning these backpacks in general from online buyers?
The discomfort of the parent while wearing the carrier is the most common complaint among online buyers. Because body sizes and builds are so different, it is hard to find the perfect carrier sometimes. The padding may not be in the ideal place for some people, while others may prefer smaller or bigger shoulder straps for the best fit. You can adjust plenty of the features on these carriers, but sometimes the carrier is just not right for the person.
q: How do you know which ones have the best support? What should a potential buyer be looking for?
Most of these have a strong lightweight aluminum frame. The fabrics differ as do the padding, belts, and straps for adjustments and support. Look for one that can accommodate the size and weight of the child and body frame of the adult. The features are similar for most of the models but vary slightly with each maker. Some have great kickstands while others have none. You can make a list of the qualities and aspects that you like best and then search for the carrier you need based on that list.
q: What are some of the best features and capabilities of these backpacks for hiking?
The majority of these products come with detachable sun shades, rain covers, stirrups, pillows, kickstands, adjustable heights and widths for the parent and the baby, insulated sections, and plenty of compartments and pockets. these all vary with the models, so be sure to check them all out before you buy.
Sources
- , Hiking with your child, Online Article
- , 6 Tips for Hiking with a Baby, Online Article
