elizabethadventuresblogBeing able to hit the trails with your new bundle is priceless. But there are so many baby carriers out there on the market to choose from. It can feel rather overwhelming trying to pick the right one. One of the most important steps to hitting the trails with your baby is finding the right carrier for you both.
This guide will walk you through the various carrier options available. Learn the pros and cons of each one and make an educated decision that will best suit you and your baby.
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Wrap Baby Carriers
A wrap carrier is a great option for those newborn and younger baby stages. I personally loved using the Solly Baby wrap. The carriers are butter soft and so comfortable for parents and baby in those beginning months. This is a great option if your baby is smaller than 6lbs or the recommended weight for your carrier for a soft carrier, or if you just want those extra cozy snuggles.
Wrap Baby Carriers Pros:
- Lightweight, compact and soft material
- Wear baby on front so it’s easy to see them or make adjustments
- Allows for the best snuggles while baby wearing
- Great for small babies who can’t control head
- Can breastfeed while in wrap.
Wrap Baby Carriers Cons:
- Can only wear baby on front
- No storage
- Limited weight capacity
- Weight is mostly felt in shoulders
- Long fabric can get dirty
Soft Baby Carriers
A soft carrier is just that, a baby carrier made of a lightweight, pliable fabric. They do not have a frame and are designed for various stages depending on the type you purchase. Below is a guide to picking the best carrier for hiking.
Ergobaby
Ergobaby is great because it has various wraps and accessories for all your trail needs. This is my favourite carrier brand for a few reasons and such a great option for hiking with a baby! First, I love how many styles of carriers they offer. Two, I love that many of the carriers are able to grow with baby and be used through all stages. Three, the carriers have wet and cold weather accessories so you can still hit the trails in all weather conditions. Below are my top two Ergobaby carriers and the accessories I use.
Omni Breeze
This is the carrier I use for hiking and travel and I absolutely love it! It is an all-position carrier made of lightweight mesh, so it’s breathable for you and baby on the trails. The carrier can be used up to 45lbs, has a built-in sunshade and fits all the Ergobaby carrier accessories below. You can shop the Omni Breeze carrier, here.
Ergobaby accessories
- All-Weather Cover: This cover is water resistant and insulated for colder days. It’s perfect for snowy weather or cold winter days to add an extra layer of warmth and help keep baby dry. You can shop the all-weather cover, here.
- Wind and Rain Cover: this is a lightweight cover that is water resistant. It will help keep baby dry and warm on cold, windy days. You can shop the wind and rain cover, here.
- Drool Pad: Babies drool. This drool pad helps soak up the drool and keep the carrier cleaner. You can shop the drool pad, here.
- Teething Pad: These strap onto the shoulder straps so baby had something to chew on rather than the straps themselves. You can shop the teething pad, here.
Tula
Tula is a great option for carriers if you are wanting one with a more unique design. They have carriers with multiple carrying positions and use through toddler age. The Explore and the Free-to-Grow are perfect if you have a baby and want a carrier that will last you years. If you’re looking for the perfect toddler carrier, look no further! Tula has a toddler carrier that is designed to be warn on your back. It’s perfect for carrying your kiddo as they get into those heavier stages but still want to be carried from time to time.
Tula is a fun choice because of the amount of patterns they have to choose from! They also have some accessories like seat extenders to make the carrier last a little longer, lumbar support and strap pads.
Soft Baby Carriers Pros:
- Multiple useful accessories available for add on purchases
- Some carriers allow for cross back straps for comfort
- Small storage pocket
- Sunshades to keep sun off baby or help keep it dark while they nap
- Can be worn on front of back
- Can be used from newborn to 45+lbs depending on carrier. Good option for babies with limited head mobility.
- Folds compactly
- Breathable materials available
Soft Baby Carriers Cons:
- Minimal storage capacity
- Can cause lower back discomfort as baby get heavier
- Weight distribution is felt greatly in shoulders
- Back wearing has limited viewing ability for baby
Trail Magik
This carrier is designed for babies one and up. It is an amazing option if you want the ability to easily let your little one explore on their own but also help them along the trail when their legs need a break.
The carrier is extremely compact and can fit inside your backpack until you want to use it. The Trail Magik simply attaches directly to your hiking backpack when in use, making it the perfect option for toddlers and older children. The backpack being used must have an adjustable strap at the top of the shoulders to be able to properly attach. Shop for the Trail Magik here. Use code elizabethadventures for 10% off, which can be stacked on sale prices.
Trail Magik Baby Carrier Pros:
- Durable yet lightweight material that folds into compact size. Can easily be put in a hiking backpack for later use if needed.
- Fun color combinations available
- Great for older babies and children who love to walk on trail but need a break still
- Adjustable fit for comfort
- Great for travel and around town, not just hiking
Trail Magic Baby Carrier Cons:
- Recommended age is 1+ so it’s not useable for younger babies
- Backpack used in unison must have specific straps for use or it won’t attach
- Puts added pressure on shoulders
- Baby can only face inward, so limited view when in use
Framed Backpack Baby Carriers
A backpack carrier is meant for older babies that can sit independently. Picking a backpack carrier can honestly feel overwhelming because there’s a lot of options, it’s a piece you’ll potentially use a lot and it’s a big investment. I did a lot of research before picking my backpack carrier and I’ll share the two biggest factors that helped me decide which one to get.
Universal Fit
One thing to keep in mind is who all will be wearing the carrier and how it fits. If you are the only person most likely wearing the pack, then get one that best fits your torso length.
If you will be sharing the pack with others, especially between male and female, you’ll want a backpack that has an adjustable shoulder/ torso strap. This will allow for anyone to comfortably use the pack.
Storage capacity
My day hiking backpacks range from 25-28 liters and can often be completely full. While researching carriers I found that most hold 16-21 liters, which isn’t enough for me and my needs.
If you hike a lot you should know what your backpack holds and how full it normally gets. This can help you determine how many liters you think you will need for the carrier. Keep in mind you also need to carry stuff for baby as well now.
If you’re unsure of how many liters you think you’ll need, find a bag where you know the liters amount and fill it with what you would take. You can also go to a store like REI and try the packs on and have a store associate help you further.
Top Backpack Baby Carriers:
Below are the top three backpack carriers you can pick from based off of the categories above. Everyone has different preferences and needs so just because one person wears a specific carrier, doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you. Be sure to know what your wants and needs are and try them on if you can before deciding which one to get.
Osprey Poco Plus
Weight: 7lbs 14.4oz
Storage Capacity: 26 liters
Max Weight: 48lbs
Cost: $395
This is the backpack carrier I chose. Although it weighs the most of the carriers I am sharing about, it has the most storage capacity, which was really important to me. The torso length is adjustable, making it a universal fit. It has over 10 storage pockets and a built-in sun shade canopy. It also comes with foot holds for your child to rest their feet, which the other carriers don’t offer. Shop for it here. If you’re using an Osprey carrier, this cover is a must for keeping them dry.
Osprey Poco LT
Weight: 5lbs 1oz
Storage Capacity: 21 liters
Max Weight: 48 lbs
Universal Fit: Yes
Cost: $300
This is a great option if you do not need as much storage capacity. It’s great for warmer weather hiking or shorter hikes where less clothing and gear may be needed. This backpack has 3+ outer pockets and an adjustable sun shade canopy. Shop for it here. If you’re using a Osprey carrier, this cover is a must for keeping them dry.
Deuter Kid Comfort Active
Weight: 5lbs 14oz
Storage Capacity: 12 liters
Max Weight: 48 lbs
Universal Fit: Yes
Cost: $280
The Deuter Kid Comfort holds significantly less than the two Opsrey backpacks above, but it is a good option if you want one that costs less and you don’t need to carry a bunch of gear. It is a great backpack for around town, short hikes or trips to the beach. It is also a great option if you will always be hiking with someone else who can carry a separate backpack with more gear and food. Sunshade sold separately. Shop for it here.
Backpack Baby Carriers Pros
- Provides the most storage of all carriers.
- Distributed weight on hips, not just shoulders for longer usage
- Many accessories available or already included like sunshades and rain covers
- Many have adjustable fit for various bodies, heights and sizes, making them universal fitting
- Better view for baby and children with a higher vantage point
Backpack Baby Carriers Cons
- Baby must be able to hold their own head upright well for prolonged periods of time to safely use these carriers. This usually means they can’t use them until 6+ months
- A hard carrier is much heavier than a soft carrier, adding more weight to what you must carry.
- Although foldable, they are not compact and are still bulky for car storage
Reminders for Picking a the right Baby Carriers for You
- Chances are you’ll end up using multiple carriers off this list if you plan to hike and travel with your baby past infancy and into adolescence. I had used all the options prior to my son turning two on train. Each carrier has its benefits for various outings.
- Buying products new has so many benefits but it isn’t always necessary. It’s okay to buy used gear! Shopping Facebook marketplace or consignment shops for these items is a great way to get outdoors with your baby without breaking the bank. If you’re able to and would rather purchase new, that’s great! I did that on many products. I’ve also personally purchased some of this gear used as well. There are benefits to doing both. Do what’s best for your circumstances.
- If you’re unsure on a framed backpack carrier, head to your local REI and try them out! I did this prior to purchase and walked around the store with my son in it to make sure we would actually like it. Plus, if you purchase new through REI and decide you’re unhappy with it after using it in trail you can easily return it for a different model.
Once you decide on a carrier for you and your baby, next comes getting out on trail. TO learn more about what hiking with a baby looks like, check out my “Hiking With a Baby” guide.
I hope this guide helps you with your search for the right carrier for your family and baby! It can be overwhelming looking at options, so I’ve researched and tested them out to help make it easier for you. If you have any further questions or want to share your experience after, please leave a comment below!
Happy Hiking,
Elizabeth
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