Best Baby Hiking Backpack & Baby Carriers of 2023

There’s nothing wrong you can say about the [amazon link=”B07JP4B9V8″ title=”Deuter Kid Comfort Pro” /]. It features an excellent suspension system that’ll keep you comfortable, even on all-day hikes with a toddler in tow. There’s also an extra-wide hip belt to better distribute the weight of a heavy pack.

It comes with a five-point harness that’ll give you the peace of mind to hit the trail with your baby. This pack shines when it comes to kid comfort too – the seating area is fully padded on the bottom and sides, plus the seat can be adjusted to fit the child’s height. The sides pull in to keep your child feeling nice and snug.

The Kid Comfort is built like any Deuters high-quality backpack, with fully padded shoulder straps, load lifter straps to distribute the weight better, and a heavy-duty internal frame. You’re essentially just swapping out the volume you’d usually fill with a tent and sleeping pad for a toddler.

Since it’s so similar to a conventional backpacking pack, it shouldn’t be too hard to adjust to using a child carrier. The adjustments on the child carrier portion of the pack can take some getting used to, but it’s not that they’re confusing. There are just so many points of adjustments that it can take a few outings to get the hang of it.

If you’ve got an older kid, the Deuter has one of the highest weight capacities of any baby hiking pack. Plus, it comes with a metal kickstand so that you can set the pack down with your child in it. It also comes with 15 liters of storage, making this the best backpack for carrying a baby and hiking gear.

The pack even comes with a canopy that tucks into the backpack and can be deployed in under a minute. Having one of these is critical for preventing sunburns and overheating on hot days.

The only major drawback of this backpack is its cost; it’s typically over $300. However, it’s quite a bit more comfortable than most packs, and it’s worth a few extra bucks to not have a sore back at the end of the day.

The Deuter Kid Comfort Pro is probably the best all-around pack and is especially good for parents who want to carry an older child and gear. It doesn’t come cheap, but paying for quality construction is worth it in the long run.

• Max Pack Load: 22 kg, 48 lbs
• Weight: 3.8 kg, 136 oz

Not everyone needs a bulky backpack-style carrier, though, especially if you’re hiking with a newborn or a baby under twenty-five pounds. For that, you’ll want something like the [amazon link=”B07F7SBJK2″ title=”Ergobaby Omni 360″ /], which is one of the best forward-facing baby carriers for hiking.

With baggage restrictions getting tighter every year, it’s nice to have a baby carrier that doesn’t require a bulky frame. Packed down, the Omni 360 can easily fit in your carry-on bag if it’s not being used. It also weighs about ¼ of what most of the framed carriers do.

In terms of comfort, it’s one of the better front-carrying packs. The shoulder straps have lots of padding, and the cockpit features a cocoon cushioning to keep your child from moving around too much.

That being said, the pack has a stated capacity of 33 lbs. Still, you’ll probably want a more substantial pack if you’re approaching that limit. It doesn’t have foot stirrups to support your child’s legs, so this could be uncomfortable for larger kids or if you’re doing more extended trips.

Many of the sling or front-carrying packs are priced at $100 or less, but the Ergobaby is substantially more expensive. You can argue that it’s worth the extra cost because it’s well made. However, with its lower weight capacity and generally less comfortable feel than a child carrier backpack, you won’t be getting that much use out of it.

The carrier can be set up to carry your child with them facing you, facing away from you, on their side, or on your back. That kind of versatility sets it apart from its competitors and makes it worth the higher price tag.

The Ergobaby also doesn’t have much storage space, though, just a small pouch on the front for carrying your wallet and phone. It’s not designed for carrying gear for all-day hikes.

The Omni 360 is an excellent choice for parents who need a compact carrier to throw in a duffel bag or put in their carry-on while flying. It’s not as comfortable as some of the framed carriers, and it’s more expensive than most front-facing carriers. Still, it’s perfect for a younger child or short trips.

• Max Pack Load: 15 kg, 33 lbs
• Weight: .8 kg, 29 oz

Another great forward-facing pack is the [amazon link=”B00KC4VPNU” title=”Lillebaby Complete All Seasons” /]. It’s a little less expensive than the Omni 360 and has many of the same great features. With a high weight capacity and comfortable fit, this is the best baby backpack for hiking under $100.

Perhaps the best thing about the Lillebaby is how comfortable it is for both you and your baby. Let’s start with you; the pack has ultra-padded shoulder straps that perfectly distribute your baby’s weight across your body. The straps can even be configured into an X across your back, which takes some of the strain off of your shoulders.

It also comes with a wide waist belt with a lumbar pad to keep you in a healthier posture while the pack is loaded. It’s been voted as one of the most comfortable baby packs on the market right now.

For you, baby, it’s incredibly adjustable. While it can carry older babies up to forty-five pounds, it can also hold little ones as small as seven pounds. The seat can be moved around and tightened to fit a newborn without adding any extra padding.

The Lillebaby can be configured to hold your baby in a few different positions, including on your back, just like the Omni 360. Unfortunately, reconfiguring is something of a chore, requiring you to take the pack off, undone several snaps, reroute the waist belt, and adjust the seat. It’s certainly not as user-friendly as the Omni 360.

As for extra features, the Lillebaby has a panel that can be unzipped to reveal mesh for better ventilation. If you find your baby gets hot on longer walks, this feature can be a lifesaver. For storage, there’s just one pouch that doesn’t hold much more than a phone or a set of keys. There’s also a removable hood that you can use to cover your baby when they’re sleeping.

The Lillebaby Complete All Seasons is the best baby carrier or even the best front-facing pack. Still, it does work reasonably well for a carrier that’s priced under $100. Most of its issues come down to usability. Once you’ve taken it out a few times, you’ll have the hang of it, and doing things like reconfiguring the carrying position will take no time at all.

• Max Pack Load: 21 kg, 45 lbs
• Weight: .9 kg, 30 oz

If you’re the type of person that always likes to have the best of the best, the [amazon link=”B00R8KB400″ title=”Thule Sapling” /] is the perfect baby carrier for you. It’s loaded with features and super comfortable, and probably the best hiking carrier for toddlers.

So how does a company best known for their roof racks build a fantastic baby carrier? Start with a comfortable backpack; the Elite has ultra-thick shoulder straps and a molded hip belt with lots of adjustment. Add in a mesh back panel with cushioning positioned over your upper back (where the cockpit presses against you).

It’s also one of the more customizable packs; most adjustments can be made while you’re wearing it, and you don’t need to twist yourself into a pretzel to do them. The padding on the Sapling Elite is more form-fitting than most packs, which distributes the weight better and puts less strain on you after hours of wearing it.

From there, load the pack up with storage – it has 25 liters spread across its hip belt pockets, a large main compartment with a mesh pocket, and a removable daypack. The day pack also includes two pockets and a mesh compartment. The removable daypack is handy if you’re doing some hiking without the kid in tow (or at least not on your shoulders).

As with any high-quality framed carrier, it comes with a collapsible canopy, which stores behind the cockpit when not in use. One of the more ingenious items included, though, is a small, handheld mirror that allows you to check on your kid without taking the pack off.

Where the Elite stands out, though, is in child comfort. The cockpit has loads of padding to keep your kid snugly inside the pack. The cockpit has a few points of adjustment to get a tight fit. Their legs fit out the sides and go into a pair of stirrups to keep them supported. Then there’s the face pad and headrest that’ll ensure your toddler gets some zzz’s on the trail.

One downside is that it weighs about a pound more than some of its competitors. However, that’s not a big deal since the weight of a toddler dwarfs that pound in the pack. The Thule is also relatively expensive, usually priced upwards of $300. It’s certainly worth the cost if you do long days with this pack though, it’s much more comfortable than other carriers.

This is a perfect baby carrier if you’re ready to make a more significant investment in your pack and want one that’s as comfortable as can be.

• Max Pack Load: 23 kg, 48 lbs
• Weight: 3.8 Kg, 130 oz

At first glance, [amazon link=”B07VDFSFKY” title=”Phil and Teds Parade” /] has everything you’d expect from a framed backpack carrier and at a fraction of the price of its competitors. However, it seems to be built on a large daypack frame rather than a full-sized backpacking pack. This isn’t necessarily a problem if you’re going for shorter outings and don’t exceed the weight limit of forty pounds.

Its best feature is how compact it is for a framed carrier. It weighs just under four and a half pounds – near half of what most carriers of its kind weigh. It also folds flat, which is excellent for travel and storage at home.

Since it’s not as large as most framed carriers, it doesn’t have as much storage. However, it does have a large main compartment, a detachable child’s backpack, and a couple of pockets in the hip belt. They’re not large enough for trail gear but sufficient for city outings.

Perhaps the biggest complaint with the Parade is that it’s not that comfortable. The hip belt is narrow and not as form-fitting as most of the framed carriers. The frame cannot be adjusted for shorter or longer torsos either, a key feature in any framed backpack, baby carrier, or otherwise.

It’s also not as comfortable for your child, as the harness doesn’t have as much adjustment as most backpack carriers. Even though it has sufficient padding in the cockpit, you can’t cinch it down enough to keep your child snug in it.

It does include a kickstand, but the stand doesn’t open very wide, so it’s not as stable as some of the most expensive carriers. That’s not a problem if you’re careful and the carrier is placed on level ground, but it wouldn’t work on a sloping trail.

The Parade is a lower-tier baby carrier, but it’s also one of the few framed backpacks you find for under $200. It’s probably not trail-ready, but it’ll work for wandering around amusement parks or other low-impact activities.

• Max Pack Load: 18 kg, 40 lbs
• Weight: 1.5 kg, 54 oz

Osprey is one of the biggest names in backpacks, so it’s not surprising they’ve made the best hiking backpack for long trips. The [amazon link=”B07Z9ZRN6V” title=”Poco Plus” /] is incredibly comfortable using the same frames, wide hip belts, and numerous load adjustment straps seen in their regular backpacking gear.

If you’ve ever worn an Osprey and liked it, you’ll probably be satisfied with the Poco Plus. Some people find it uncomfortable, and no matter what adjustment they make, it never fits quite right. That’s not the case for most people, but if you can try it on beforehand, you’ll have a much better idea of whether it will work.

The Poco Plus is one of the most comfortable packs for your child, though. The cockpit features a five-point harness surrounded by lots of fleece-covered padding. There’s a drool pad in the front of the cockpit where they can lay their head for a nap during long hikes. The seat pad is very adjustable for all sizes and weights.

Perhaps the best feature on the Poco Plus, though, is its intuitive adjustments. All of the straps and buckles are color-coded, making it easy to pull the right ones every time. There are quite a few adjustment points, so this is incredibly helpful.

It also has quite a bit of storage with a large main pocket above the kickstand. This can fit large items like jackets, diapers, and everything you need for a longer outing. There’s also a smaller pocket that’s spacious enough to hold essentials. There’s even a large rain/sunshade that can be deployed, and it doesn’t feel claustrophobic like some of the other shades.

As you’d expect, a premium backpack comes at a premium price. This is one of the most expensive packs we reviewed, but it’ll also last a decade if you treat it right. Since it can be adjusted to any size and weight, it’ll serve you well for at least two years for each child.

• Max Pack Load: 22 kg, 48.5 lbs
• Weight: 3.3 kg, 116 oz

Luvd Baby isn’t a big name in the backpacking world like Deuter or Kelty. Still, they make some pretty solid baby carriers. If you’re searching for the best baby carrier for under $200, this might be the one.

Let’s start with the storage capacity; it has a relatively large main pocket that can fit lunch for at least two people. Then there are two pockets on the hip belt where you can store often-used items like a cell phone. On the sides are two mesh water bottle pockets that won’t fit larger likes (20 oz and above) and aren’t accessible while wearing the pack.

For features, Luvd Baby included a changing pad that stows inside the backpack, a detachable canopy, and a rain/shade cover. This puts it on par with most of the more prominent name brands. It also has a kickstand so you can set the occupied pack on the ground; the stand feels very secure even when you’re approaching the pack’s maximum capacity.

The Premium also shines in terms of usability. Some of the more expensive packs have so many confusing adjustment points that you end up getting the fit all wrong. The shoulder straps and hip belts are easy to cinch down, and the load lifter straps can be adjusted while the pack is occupied.

Most important with any baby carrier though, is comfort, an area where the Luvd Baby doesn’t score well. The shoulder straps and hip belt lack the padding of more expensive carriers, which causes them to dig into your skin with heavier passengers or longer days – the Luvd Baby is best for short trips.

There’s also not much padding in the cockpit. Higher-end packs usually have a sizable backrest and a front pad the child can use for napping. The Luvd Baby has neither, so they probably won’t get a lot of sleep on the trail. It does have stirrups to support their legs, though, something not available on all baby backpacks.

Ultimately, this is a good option for parents that want a framed carrier but don’t want the high cost of something like the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro. However, it has most of the same features but with less padding and a slightly lower weight limit. Use it for shorter trips, but the Deuter is worth the cost for all-day adventures.

• Max Pack Load: 18 kg, 50 lbs
• Weight: 2.8 kg, 97 oz

[amazon link=”B078WGGZPY” title=”Kelty’s Journey PerfectFit Elite” /] is a better-framed child carrier on the market, with a good mix of comfort and storage while not being the most expensive pack of its kind.

The frame on the Kelty is big and rugged, just like their backpacking packs. The hip belt is wide and thoroughly padded, to the point that some smaller parents find that it doesn’t fit that well. While Kelty included many adjustment points, it’s hard to get that much padding to fit correctly on a more petite person.

That being said, the Journey PerfectFit Elite is one of the more comfortable packs for kids. The cockpit harness has soft, padded straps and a front drool pad. The whole cockpit is slightly slanted, which makes it better for napping.

The seat on the Kelty is well-padded, but what sets it apart is the padding that extends down your child’s thigh. This is one of the packs to have that feature, and it makes it one of the best baby hiking backpack carriers with leg support.

The Kelty also scores well in the storage department, with two large main compartments, a smaller mesh pouch to keep things organized. It also has a pocket on the bottom that’s waterproof, perfect for storing dirty diapers. Zippered pockets on the hip belt can be used for storing smaller items like keys and a phone.

There’s also a pocket for a hydration bladder, something you don’t see on too many baby carriers but is essential for long days on the trail. An easy to deploy sunshade pops out of one of the top pockets, so you don’t have to worry about your child getting sunburned or overheating on warmer days.

The Journey PerfectFit Elite is an expensive pack. Still, given the great features and how comfortable it is for you and your child, it’s worth it if you’re doing longer hikes.

• Max Pack Load: 23 kg, 50 lbs
• Weight: 2.4 kg, 84 oz

On its face, the [amazon link=”B07CZ5T1KF” title=”Clevr Plus Cross Country” /] looks a lot like some of the other backpack carriers on its face. It has a frame, large padded shoulder straps, and hip belt, and a padded cockpit to secure your little one in. It’s a pack with some neat features, but it’s also a somewhat made backpack.

The best thing about this pack is that it’s incredibly lightweight, just over five pounds. Clevr shaved those ounces by using thinner fabrics and less padding, though. The hip belt and shoulder straps dig in after a few miles, and the cockpit doesn’t fit as snugly as some of the other packs we’ve reviewed.

The Cross Country has a fair bit of storage, though, with a large storage compartment beneath the cockpit, along with a few mesh pockets around the side and back. The compartment could hold a decent amount of trail gear. Still, the weight limit on this pack is only forty pounds, so there might not be much capacity left over after factoring in the weight of your child.

The pack comes with a sunshade and rain cover too. The rain cover splits down the middle, which allows your child to breathe easier and directs rain away from your backside. Having it open like that might defeat the purpose of a cover, but since your head and neck are blocking rain from the front, it’s not an issue.

As far as quality goes, the Clevr isn’t in the same league as the Kelty Journey PerfectFit or Deuter’s Kid Comfort Pro. It’s also not as expensive as those brands and is around 30% lighter. It’s a good pack if you won’t be hitting the trail that often or for very long but want a more substantial pack than some of the front-facing carriers.

• Max Pack Load: 18 kg, 40 lbs
• Weight: 2.5 kg, 85 oz

The [amazon link=”B019BPYNB6″ title=”Piggyback” /] is one of the most unique child carriers on the market right now, straddling the divide between a frame carrier and a soft carrier. It goes on your back, but it doesn’t have a backpack look to it. Instead, your child stands up in a harness attached to a hip belt and shoulder straps, which, you guessed it, looks like a piggyback ride.

This is an excellent option for kids that enjoy a more active ride. While there is a harness on the carrier, the child is standing up throughout the journey. However, they can move around, turn their head, and feel like they’re part of the experience with this pack.

For kids under 25 lbs, the Piggyback doesn’t need a hip belt and can comfortably be carried on the shoulder straps. This gives you a better range of motion and enhances comfort. You’ll want the hip belt model for kids weighing more than 25 lbs, though, as there’s little in the way of structure to distribute the weight without one.

At just 48 oz, this toddler carrier is featherlight compared to a frame carrier. It has considerably more capacity than a soft carrier. This makes it a popular choice for parents with older toddlers who need that capacity and don’t want to carry a bulky pack. It’s a great option to have with you if you’re traveling.

Unfortunately, the Piggyback doesn’t have any storage space beside a couple of small pockets near the hip belt. There are no pockets on the model without a hip belt. The pockets won’t fit more than an afternoon snack, so it’s not suitable for backcountry trips. However, it’s ideal for trips to museums, theme parks, and other venues where a minimalist pack is more desirable.

That minimalist design also helps to keep costs down. The Piggyback only costs a little more than most soft carriers, which is excellent considering its unique setup. Since there’s nothing to this pack but the child’s harness and some straps, it’s probably the best baby carrier for hiking in hot weather.

Overall, this is an excellent product for travelers, those with smaller children, or kids that want to play a more active role in the hiking experience. It’s not a good idea for very young kids or parents wishing to travel into the backcountry.

• Max Pack Load: 27 kg, 60 lbs
• Weight: 1.4 kg, 48 oz