Baby-wearing has gone decidedly mainstream in the past decade. And the outdoor-gear market has responded with sophisticated kid-carrier backpacks sporting internal frames, ventilation systems, hydration reservoirs, kickstands, and other gizmos to ensure that your pint-size passenger enjoys the ride. Here are six tot-tested carriers that make it easy to bring children along for the adventure. Just remember to pack extra snacks—and look out for those low-hanging branches.
The Sapling Elite from THULE offers an excellent fit thanks to adjustable, load-stabilizing straps. Plus, its four-size system (from small to extra-large) makes for hassle-free handoffs between partners on the trail. A built-in sunshade pulls out (fairly) easily from a sleeve. Ample storage—including a detachable daypack and a compartment below—makes this pack an excellent option for backcountry overnighters. $350, thule.com
DEUTER's Kid Comfort Active SL boasts a comfy hip belt and curved shoulder straps and adjusts to the (typically shorter) length of women's torsos. This pared-down pack is less bulky than other carriers, clocking in at less than six pounds. Sunshades and washable drool pads can be purchased separately. $240, deuterusa.com
KELTY's sleek Journey PerfectFit Elite has storage galore (seven external pockets!) and a lower compartment lined with waterproof, wipeable material for stashing the inevitable dirty diapers and soggy clothes. Other highlights include adjustable stirrups and a cinch-to-deploy kickstand. This rugged carrier doesn't sacrifice style for function—of its three color choices, we're partial to the gray with tan handles and zipper pulls. $300, kelty.com
New for 2020, OSPREY's Poco Plus is made from Bluesign-approved materials. Other pluses are tons of storage (including roomy mesh side pockets) and an easy-to-locate harness system with a buckle situated behind the babe. Other parental perks? A built-in sunshade with UPF 50+ protection and Osprey's seven-year warranty. $330, osprey.com
New Zealand–based PHIL & TEDS built plenty of functionality into the Escape, an internal-frame carrier featuring a detachable daypack plus extras like a changing pad, a rain cover, and a headrest. The carrier's stirrups keep antsy toddler feet contained, and it folds up nicely for convenient storage. However, our tester tot seemed to shift around in this pack, and the kickstand wasn't as stable as other models'. $250, philandteds.com
The most versatile among ERGOBABY's popular soft-shell carriers, the Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh is ideal for getting offspring out in the world as soon as possible—it fits newborns and toddlers. "Ergos" have no internal frames, so they aren't suited for long or technical adventures, but their breathable fabric keeps kiddo and parent comfy. You'll eventually want to transition to a sturdier, more supportive pack. $180, ergobaby.com
This article appeared in the March/April 2020 edition with the headline "Baby Got Backpack."
Blane Bachelor covers outdoor adventure, travel, and women doing awesome things for outlets including CNN, Outside, Condé Nast Traveler, Runner’s World, Hemispheres, and many others. Born and raised in Florida, she now lives in Berlin, Germany with her family.
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