Select a pack to see its price history from top retailers. Privacy Policy | Friends: FS22 Maps. If you wanted to skip the detailed comparison and want the fast answer for who would best suit each of these hiking carrier models, then we can sum it up as follows: In this section, we will provide a detailed assessment of 9 different points of comparison. And the Osprey adjustable fitting system makes it very quick to fit different body types when youre on the go. So everything that we recommend is comfortable for both of us. It increases the general-purpose usability of the Osprey Poco kid carrier a great deal. But, every ounce counts with these carriers, and since the Deuter carrier is smaller and lighter, its definitely the better option for men and women of smaller build. Thats why its important to check the dimensions of both carriers and compare them against your body. Our guide to the best toddler backpack carriers in 2022 will help you explore with kids wherever you want to go. I really appreciate that the main storage compartment can be detached and used as a separate travel bag. Its bulky, but the design and color range is attractive and neat, making it a nice addition to those who value aesthetics on the hiking trail. I think you will find that the 16 lb minimum for the Osprey would apply: So, we have to award the point based on the highest weight limit. The Deuter carrier has an identical feature, but its called a chin rest instead of a drool pad. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. You can read more about the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite here. The Poco is slightly smaller for transport, and the Deuter Air is lighter if packing weight is a problem. The Wandering Wagars are an adventurous travel-loving family who loves sharing new and unique family travel experiences with other parents. And, would you recommend it over a reasonably good umbrella stroller (summer infant 3d lite plus). Complete Guide to Breastfeeding Positions and Attachment Methods, How to Use a Manual Breast Pump Plus Hygiene, Assembly and Maintenance. In fact, by the time they had turned three, both my children had traveled through over 10 countries, many of which included destinations that were not stroller-friendly. Whether you're headed to a festival, farmers market or a few miles into the woods, make it a family affair with the Osprey Poco child carrier. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You dont want to have to carry multiple packs around with you, so having enough storage to fit clothes, snacks, and gear can make a big difference. See the weight difference between the Osprey Poco Child Carrier vs Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Carrier. Posted on Last updated: December 31, 2021, Where To Stay In Denver, Colorado: The Best Neighborhoods and the Best Hotels, The Philippines with Kids: How To Plan Family Travel In The Philippines. Although often sold as extra accessories, having included sunshade and rain covers is a good feature to look for in a baby carrier hiking backpack. I've always had a passion for all thing writing and literature, and motherhood has really allowed me to bring that passion to life. In this post, we take a detailed look at these features and provide a direct performance comparison so you can decide whether the Osprey Poco or the Deuter Kid Comfort will be the best child carrier for you. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. It also boasts a hydration sleeve in the back that is compatible with 3-liter reservoirs, as well as all the loops and straps you might need to set up hands-free hydration on the go. The best child carrier is the one thats just the right size for you. In terms of cockpit features and the comfort of your little one, both of these carriers are excellent. This is also important for the child in the cockpit. Hi, my name is Schianne, wife to my high school sweetheart and mother to a beautiful and clever little girl. The Osprey Poco is made from heavy-duty nylon, a material with excellent water and abrasion resistance. Thats why you shouldnt dismiss the Osprey Poco just yet, even if you might not be able to get the same amount of use from it. Both carriers are made from 210 denier polyamide fabric, a type of Nylon. Its simple, lightweight, and comfortable. Their backpacks (child carriers included) are covered with a lifetime warranty, and the brand pretty much promises to fix any damage that occurs with natural use, and in some cases, theyll even send you a brand new product if they cant repair it. How terrible is that extra pound on the deuter kid comfort 3 (compared to air) for city travelling (DC & NY). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". They both also have a compatible compartment for a hydration sleeve (sleeve not included). The Deuter Kid Comfort Pro is neither the cheapest nor the lightest option among the child carriers listed. In case you need a child carrier for immediate use and your child is still not old enough for the Deuter, the Poco is an excellent alternative. Find more info in our disclaimer. And since then Ive made sure to keep up to date on the best family travel gear to share with my readers and my Family Travel Support Group on Facebook. The Baby Bjorn is still a fantastic product, but the brand new Ergobaby 360 nudges it out of top position thanks to the option of rear- backpack position option. That's really a matter of personal taste. I regularly travel to gear events such as Outdoor Retailer in Denver, Colorado to stay abreast of new gear trends and technologies. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The rain covers for both carriers are designed specifically for them, and they can be stowed in the dedicated pocket on the bag. Ive used several toddler backpack carriers on my world travels with kids including exploring the ruins of Petra Jordan, hiking volcanoes in Iceland, and searching for Incan treasure in Colombia. This allows you to remove unwanted extra storage when you dont need it. The area where a child sits in a baby hiking backpack is normally called the cockpit. The brand new LT model upgrades their earlier Osprey Poco Plus to include a rain cover, which is a much-appreciated addition to what was otherwise a fantastic kid carrier. Toddler backpack carriers come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes, and not all of the models are perfect for every lifestyle. Also, the weight of the carrier is equally important. When you buy something through one of the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Im 63 and my wife is 50. If youre on a budget, then its a no-brainer get the Osprey Poco. Its adjustable, comfortable for both the child and the wearer, and the pricier out of the two options. Also, both carriers feature a sturdy aluminum frame for perfect load distribution and improved ventilation. TheOsprey Poco Plusdoes have more storage options as well as the anti-gravity mesh that helps to support the wearers back. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Both include a built-in sunshade standard for this style of carrier but a handy feature nonetheless. The Deuter Varifit system creates a cushion of comfort for the wearer, and the space for the child is roomy, upright, and high-up, giving the child an unprecedented view of the world around them. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The inclusion is a removable daypack is a big plus. Most of the other build features are very similar on both child carrier backpacks. As an Amazon Associate 99Boulders LLC earns from qualifying purchases. Experiencing how wonderfully challenging pregnancy and motherhood can be has made me want to share my story and tips with other mothers to help them realize two very important things: you are not alone and you are stronger than you think! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We think it is important to set price expectations early in this comparison due to the complex design of these two hiking carriers. Thule built a very sturdy, rugged, and durable hiking backpack carrier. Both carriers have advanced ergonomics that is designed to provide amazing back support for the wearer. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. My children are 7 and 10-years old. Not everyone has time to read the breakdown of each of my top picks for the best child carrier backpack. Well get deeper into what makes the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro the best toddler carrier later. The Deuter carrier also has thick padding on the sides of the cockpit, so your child can comfortably rest their head pretty much anywhere they want. Ive even been brought in as a consultant by many destinations to help them understand how families travel. So Deuter gets the first point, but the difference is so small compared to the size of your investment that you really should prioritize the carrier that you will get the best value from the features. The other variants of the carrier are cheaper than their Deuter counterparts, as are all the accessories you might want to purchase for the child carrier. Ergonomic support with excellent ventilation to prevent excess perspiration and fatigue: : I prefer the Deuter, but this is a subjective judgment and I really think that there is not enough to separate the carriers on this measure. This has become the benchmark child carrier hiking backpack for families. Each brand has their own name for this, but the targeted experience is the same. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Its worth noting that the price difference isnt really that drastic the Deuter carrier is about $25 more expensive than the Osprey one, and the difference between the plus/pro versions is some $50. This allows you to either assign it to your hiking partner to wear as a backpack giving you some weight relief or wear on your front to help balance the load. When it comes to extra stirrups, sun shades, and chin pads, its worth noting that theyre all available for purchase individually from the carrier backpacks. Some of them we have extensive reviews on, such as the Freeloader Child carrier. We spoke earlier about how the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro is our top-rated child carrier. FAMILY FUN: Bring your most precious cargo along for all your outdoor adventures with the Kid Comfort. Its soft and removable for easy cleaning, and its an excellent feature that will keep your little one a bit more comfortable when they join you in your hiking adventures. The Deuter has a simpler and skinnier design that allows you to be more nimble on a narrow hiking trail. If youre passionate about family travel, head over to our Family Travel Facebook Community and share your tips. Im a father of two who has been traveling with children for the past 11 years. We use cookies on our website to give you the best experience. On the other hand, 8 lbs isnt really that big of a difference, and it could give you an extra year with your kid in the carrier. The Osprey Poco Child Carrier is a premium hiking backpack that comes in one size, while the Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Carrier is a midrange hiking backpack that comes in one size. We have mentioned the toys and pacifiers already, but what about a small Bluetooth speaker? The Deuter Kid Comfort child carrier is made for kids who weigh up to 48.5 lbs, while the Osprey Poco is suitable for children up to 40 lbs. If that was your main concern, youll be glad to know that either one of these is an amazing option worth considering. In case the two basic carriers are too small for you, be sure to check out their larger counterparts. In case youre not that impressed by either of them, youll find some other great alternatives in our related posts! Theres the Osprey Poco Plus and the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro both are bigger, heavier, pricier, and come with a few additional features. We have used the following criteria to rank our favorite kid carrier backpack: All of the best baby hiking backpacks that we tested performed very well. Osprey Poco Kickstand part of carrier shape and does not retract. Both of these carriers feature a comfortable child cockpit with a stowable sunshade. A hiking baby carrier should be able to be worn for long periods of time with minimal strain on either the child or the person carrying them. Deuter does not specify a minimum weight in their guidelines. Additionally, both carriers allow for quick and easy torso adjustments on the go. Its worth noting that the Deuter rain cover is more expensive than the Osprey one, and its the same with other carrier accessories. Both carriers take on a familiar shape when they are placed on the ground and cover a similar amount of space to create the foundation. From the baby harness to the hip belt to the shoulder straps, every piece of a baby hiking backpack should be comfortable. The Osprey especially has a very slick look to it. The Deuter Kid Comfort Pro and the Osprey Poco AG Plus are premium hiking baby carriers in a very similar price range and overall levels of performance. And for the extra carrying space, I love it. Despite its minimalist, athletic build, the Deuter Kid Comfort Active child carrier's seating area is comfortable and stable. There is one key difference that only matters when off the ground again. For smaller frames, the extra pound (plus the additional weight of what you put inside those storage packs) might be uncomfortable over long days. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Keeping weight down is important, but having enough room to store your gear when on the trail or in the city is important too. Lots of possibilities to keep your little one happy. You can read more about the Thule Sapling Elite here. TheOsprey Poco AG Plushas more storage pockets overall (all with fancy names) with some very clever positioning for maximum convenience. A durable frame construction designed from flexible and break-proof spring steel provides provides even distribution of load and creates a ventilation space between wearer and pack. The other key elements are the hip belt and adjustable shoulder straps. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of all cookies. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Compare how many pounds of gear each pack can comfortably carry. Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier and Backpack - Midnight, Weight Limitations: 16-40 lbs (+8.5 lbs for gear), Weight Limitations: 48.5 lbs max (+4.5 lbs for gear), Built-in sunshade easily stores and deploys for UPF 50+ UV sun protection, Deluxe child cockpit with Double Halo child harness and adjustable and removable foot stirrups; Drool pad is removable and washable. The Deuter Active was designed with weight in mind. But you might not even need a carrier at that point, since the child will be big enough to have their own little hiking backpack! Locking kickstand; safety harness system with color-coded buckles; plush wraparound chin pad, Aluminum frame; fully framed/padded cockpit, Mesh netting for air flow; perforated shoulder straps for ventilation; 7 lbs 1 oz, Hip belt w/ 5-inch extension; 6-inch torso adjustment; breathable; 7 lbs 0.6 oz, Anti-gravity suspension; tensioned mesh backpanel; adjustable stirrups, Large external stretch pockets; integrated key holder; zippered hip pockets, Dual stretch mesh pockets; spacious lower compartment, Fold out sun roof; hydration compatible sleeve, Built-in sunshade; toy attachment loops; hydration compatible sleeve; removable drool pad. However, the Deuter baby carrier beats both competitors out for both build quality and price, which lifted it to the top of the pack. If you are interested in seeing other hiking carriers on the market then you can see our full list of hiking options here. Toy attachment loop this allows you to keep your little ones favorite toy close by without worrying about losing it on the trail. Both of these carriers provide the most deluxe baby experiences you will find in just about any carrier design anywhere. For those not sure if they wanted a hiking carrier or a regular soft structured carrier then we have done a comparison of these designs here. However, there are so many small features built into the designs of these backpack carriers that they will best suit different hiking environments, child personalities, and parental conveniences to get the best out of your day. From here, the Osprey pack has a couple more features that the Deuter does not. This means that it is generally one to assess based on your childs head and neck strength. With that in mind our Top Baby Carrier Backpack is: During our early family travels, the Deuter Kid Comfort III was our go-to child carrier for travel. The Poco also features a removable drool pad, which will come in handy with babies and toddlers. Sometimes getting outdoors with kids in tow can be a challenge. At the time of publishing, the Osprey Poco Child Carrier retails for $40 more than the Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Carrier on REI.com. However, it is important to note that both manufacturers state that you should make sure the carrier fits you properly before you put a child in it, to avoid any accidents. But the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro puts items within easy reach while also helping to balance out your weight. The best hiking baby carriers need to be comfortable for both the parents and the child. MAX VENTILATION, MAX ENDURANCE: The Aircomfort mesh back system provides maximum ventilation. Both the Osprey and the Deuter are strong and sturdy carriers that offer great value for money despite the price tag. The Ergobaby Omni 360 is new to our list, replacing last years winner, the Baby Bjorn One Air. Youll be carrying a child, plus all the extra gear on your back for who knows how long and its essential that you stay comfortable throughout your hikes. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The Deuter Kid Comfort Active, in our opinion, is the best toddler carrier for hiking on short trails or in cities. The sun canopy has its own compartment in both carriers, and its made from UV and water-resistant materials. Perfectly engineered to fit the needs of both children and parents. Both carriers feature ample padding in the back system, a sturdy aluminum frame, and lots of breathable mesh for excellent ventilation. The frame also doubles as a kickstand and makes it easier to load the child into the carrier safely. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Removable drool pad very handy if you start using your carrier with an infant or a little one who may be teething, keeping the drool on the pad and off the carrier, which may be a bit more difficult to clean. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The Osprey Poco LT is no exception. But there needs to be a balance between durability, weight, and storage capacity. over 2 lbs less than its big brother. However, given that your own scorecard may have a different result we also wanted to provide a more detailed review of the Osprey and the Deuter carriers in this section. Thanks for a great article. This will ensure that any subjectivity in the ratings is removed and the result is more likely to suit what you want. Both carriers can usually be found in the $300-$350 range. If you dont get the weight distribution right and you put a 30lb+ child in the back, youre going to suffer from some nasty back pains the following day. You can read more about the Thule Sapling Elite here, You can find out more about the Deuter Kid Comfort Active here, The Best Toddler Potties For Toilet Training On The Road, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma1-CF4xM4I. And if you want to skip the reading and just see our best child carriers for active families, you can see our features list below. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Theres also a zippered stash pocket with a key clip, an external hydration sleeve, open hip belt pockets, and the lower zippered compartment that will carry the bulk of your gear. The cushions around the Deuter seat are very comfy and for this, we will be giving them the point for kid comfort. Deuter Kid Comfort is a kid carrier for hiking and other outdoor adventures. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. While there is not much separating them the Deuter is usually around $20 cheaper vs the Osprey Poco (5%-7% of the retail price). Cords and mesh pockets so that there is easy access to a toy and pacifier, Mesh-covered ridge foam to improve ventilation, Fully framed and padded seating with soft contact surfaces, anatomical fit, Easily adjustable child seat that grows with your child, Cushioned chin pad made from a plush material that is very soft and comfortable. But through all of our tests, one toddler hiking carrier consistently stood above the rest. The comfortable cockpit area is a huge selling point with the Deuter. This kid carrier is designed with adjustable straps to help fit most body types and does a great job of distributing the weight of the pack and its passenger to the hips rather than the shoulders. There are a number of hiking kid carrier backpacks that didnt make our list as well. Then youve come to the right place because this detailed comparison covers all the similarities and differences between the two carriers! Both bags also have adjustable stirrups, so you can make your kid super comfortable inside the carrier. Both are made from 210D strength nylon fabric, Very similar maximum weight (approximately 48 lbs). Osprey is one of the top names in travel backpacks. Additionally, it is important to note that both carriers can only be used with kids who are able to stand upright on their own. The most comfortable baby carrier should fit all body types. The top baby carriers should be very clear about what those limitations are. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It does not store any personal data. The overall tally of wins will determine our recommended hiking carrier. This is a great choice for hiking once the baby is able to hold their own head up. Whether you're looking to go sandboarding in Egypt, explore the ruins of Petra, or learn to make chocolate from scratch, we can show you where to go, how to do it, and most of all, how to have an amazing experience that the whole family will love. I pack 10-years of family travel experience into breaking down what the best child carrier is for the needs of outdoor-loving families. The Thule Sapling is a premium toddler carrier from a company that understands precious cargo. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. When it comes to customer support you can expect from the brand after the purchase, Osprey is easily the winner. They should include padded areas that breathe well to keep the child from overheating on hot days. The maximum weight limit of a child carrier is one of the key factors to consider. Now that our winner has been announced, lets sort out our ranking for the best baby carrier backpack for hiking and travel. This depends quite a bit on where you are traveling. You will then be able to judge each feature and accessory based on whether you think you will be receiving value from your purchase. The Osprey Poco can hold up to 8.5 lbs of extra gear, while the Deuter Kid Comfort can only hold an additional 4.5 lbs. The Deuter Kid Comfort Pro wins our vote for the best baby backpack carrier in the market. And of course, the childs needs and comfort have to be part of the equation. We examine child carriers for newborns, toddler carriers, and more to help you explore in comfort. The integrated sunshade looks and will also allow lots of ventilation to keep the seating area cool. A lack of stirrups could mean that the childs legs dangle unnecessarily. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. You can also use it to partially protect your little one from rain or snow because the canopy doesnt provide much protection at the sides, its not the most effective kind of protection in heavy rain and snow. Getting outside and into nature opens up the best playground in the world for children. A minimum weight is not listed for the Deuter, but its somewhere around 16-20 lbs as well. You will barely be able to tell the difference in terms of feel, and durability. If you need a child carrier with roomy compartments and lots of space for additional gear, the Poco seems like a better option. Also, consider whether youd actually be capable of carrying a 48-lb kid on your back for the hike.