10 Best Baby Hiking Carriers 2025 in the United States

The Kelty Journey PerfectFIT ELITE Child Carrier is designed for parents who love to hike with their infants and toddlers. It stands out with its PerfectFit Suspension system, allowing for an easy and customized fit, which is essential for comfort during long hikes. This carrier can accommodate a weight capacity suitable for most toddlers, ensuring a secure and enjoyable ride for your little explorer.

In terms of comfort and safety, the 5-point safety harness and the aluminum roll cage frame offer great stability and peace of mind, ensuring that your child is snug and well-protected. The carrier also features a cozy internal seat that mimics a child's natural resting position, making it a comfortable option for naps on the trail. The fold-out aluminum kickstand is a thoughtful addition, making loading and unloading a hassle-free experience.

Storage is another strong point with this carrier. The large zippered compartment is perfect for snacks and toys, and with additional pockets for essentials like phones and keys, parents will appreciate the extra convenience during hikes. The integrated sunshade is a nice touch, providing protection from the sun, which is crucial for outdoor adventures. However, it does have some drawbacks. Weighing in at 7.8 pounds, it may feel a bit heavy for some parents, especially during long treks. Additionally, while the adjustability is a strength, figuring out the optimal fit may require some practice.

The Osprey Poco SLT Lightweight Child Carrier Backpack is a great choice for parents and caregivers who want a compact and travel-friendly toddler carrier. Weighing just under 5 pounds, it’s one of the lighter options, making it easier to carry on errands, travel, or family hikes without extra bulk. Its folding stainless steel frame locks securely, allowing the carrier to stand on its own when you set it down, which adds convenience. The carrier adjusts up to six inches in torso length, so it can comfortably fit different adults, making it ideal if multiple family members plan to use it.

Comfort for both the wearer and child is well addressed with a ventilated back panel that promotes airflow, helping reduce sweat during longer walks. The included child harness ensures safety, though parents should note the sunshade for sun protection is sold separately and stored in a zippered compartment when included. Storage options are somewhat limited compared to bigger hiking carriers, so it’s best for shorter outings rather than long multi-day hikes requiring extra gear. The nylon material and machine-washable parts make cleaning straightforward.

Not designed for heavy loads or very long treks, the Osprey Poco SLT suits families needing a lightweight, easy-to-use carrier that balances safety and comfort for toddlers on moderate hikes or daily adventures.

The Thule Sapling Child Carrier Backpack stands out with its ergonomic design, providing ample support for your child with under-leg support and a ventilated back panel to keep them cool. The seat and drool pad are fully removable and machine washable, making cleanup easy. For parents, the adjustable padded straps enhance comfort during extended hikes, and the self-standing frame adds convenience when taking breaks.

The carrier includes a 22L gear compartment accessible via side zippers, offering decent storage space for essentials. The deployable UPF 50 sunshade is a thoughtful addition for protecting your child from the sun. On the downside, while the backpack allows for adding accessories like extra storage or weather protection, these are sold separately, potentially adding to the cost.

The carrier is on the heavier side, weighing 7 pounds, which might be a consideration for longer hikes. This carrier is a solid choice for parents looking for comfort, safety, and ease of use, though the added weight and potential extra costs for accessories should be noted.