As a parent who loves to spend time outdoors with my baby and toddler, I’ve reviewed the best baby carriers for hiking and am providing you with my top 5 for 2024. Are you a parent who likes to get out and about with your little one? Imagine taking in the fresh mountain air, hearing the leaves crunching beneath your feet and sharing the wonders of nature with your baby. Hiking with an infant can seem a little daunting. But with the right baby carrier equipment (for me the most important features are safe and comfortable), it can be a fun and bonding experience for the whole family.
In this guide I’ve looked at the best baby carriers for hiking available to parents in 2024. Whether you’re planning a gentle woodland walk or a more challenging hilly trek, you’ll find something perfect here. My top 5 picks focus on the combination of comfort, safety and practicality so you and your little explorer can have a great time outdoors.
Why a Specialised Hiking Baby Carrier?
Before I get into my top 5, here’s why a specialised hiking baby carrier is really important for outdoor adventures, and a standard city carrier won’t do:
- Safety: Hiking carriers are designed for rough terrain, ensuring more stability and protection.
- Comfort: They spread the weight evenly, which means far less strain on your back and shoulders. This is helpful when you need to have your baby in the carrier for longer periods of time. Particularly the case when you’re hiking and don’t have the opportunity to put your baby down.
- Storage: Many of the best carriers have storage for nappies, snacks, water, and sunscreen.
- Weather Protection: Some, but not all, have sun canopies and rain covers to protect your baby from the weather.
What to Look for in a Hiking Baby Carrier
When choosing a baby carrier for hiking:
- Adjustability: For different body shapes and sizes, and growing babies
- Padding: For parent and child comfort
- Kickstand: For the carrier to stand up on it’s own when not being worn by you
- Ventilation: Needed for both you and your baby on warm days
- Weight Capacity: How long you can use the carrier for as your child grows
- Safety Harness: To be certain that your baby is kept safe during the hike
Top 5 Baby Carriers for Hiking 2024
1. Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier
Pros:
- Weight distribution is excellent
- Torso adjustability
- Built in sunshade
- Lots of storage
Cons:
- Expensive
- Bulky when folded
The Osprey Poco Plus is a top of the range of baby carriers for hiking that offers great comfort and versatility. The adjustable torso means it will fit parents of different heights and the padded cockpit will keep your little one snug. The built in sunshade is a great feature to protect your baby from the sun.
2. Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Women’s fit
- Good ventilation
- Easy to adjust
Cons:
- Less storage than some others
- No rain cover included
The Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL is designed for women, it’s a comfortable fit for female hikers. Lightweight and good ventilation for warmer weather hikes. Less storage for shorter adventures.
3. Thule Sapling Baby Rucksack
Pros:
- Adjustable for parent and child
- Lots of storage
- Removable daypack
- Comfortable hip belt
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can be tricky to adjust at first
The Thule Sapling Elite is a top of the range carrier worth the investment for frequent hikers. The removable daypack is the standout feature, it adds so much versatility to your adventures. The carrier is comfortable for parent and child, with lots of adjustment options.
4. LittleLife Ranger S2 Child Carrier
Pros:
- Budget option
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Sun shade and rain cover included
Cons:
- Less padding than top of the range
- Less storage
The LittleLife Ranger S2 is a great option for parents on a budget or occasional hikers. Despite being cheaper it doesn’t sacrifice the essentials like sun shade and rain cover. It’s also one of the lightest on our list.
5. MountainBuggy Juno Carrier
Pros:
- Urban and hiking use
- Compact folded
- Newborn to toddler
- Ergonomic design
- Not designed for rough terrain
- Limited storage for long hikes
Cons:
- Less specialized for rugged terrain
- Limited storage for long hikes
The MountainBuggy Juno is versatile, for urban strolls and gentle hikes. Compact and easy to store and transport. Not ideal for challenging trails, but perfect for parents who want a carrier that can do it all.
How to Choose
Choosing the right carrier for you:
- Frequency of use: If you hike frequently, invest in a top of the range. If occasional use, a budget option will do.
- Type of Hikes: What type of terrain and how long are your hikes.
- Climate: Good ventilation for warm climates or weather protection for rainy areas.
- Your Body: Choose a carrier that fits your body and is easy to adjust.
- Your Baby’s Age and Size: Ensure the carrier is suitable for your child’s stage of development.
Hiking with a Baby Carrier Safety Tips
Before each use:
- Check the carrier for damage.
- Practice putting the carrier on and taking off at home before you hit the trails.
- Start with short easy hikes to build up your endurance with the extra weight of your child!
- Take regular breaks to check on your baby, and adjust the carrier if needed. Don’t leave it long to do this one.
- Bring water, snacks and all your baby essentials.
- Be aware of changing weather and dress your baby accordingly. Pack spare clothes for them for variable weather.
Conclusion: The Best Baby Carriers For Hiking In 2024
Hiking with your baby can be amazing, you can share your love of nature with them from a young age. The right baby carrier will make all the difference in you and your little one being comfortable and safe when you’re outdoors.
Whether you choose the Osprey Poco Plus premium features, the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL women’s design or the MountainBuggy Juno’s versatility, there’s a carrier for every hiking family.
Remember to consider exactly what you need the carrier for, try before you buy if you can. And ALWAYS go for safety and comfort first.
Then you’re all set for some amazing outdoor adventures with your little hiker in tow. Happy hiking!