They are called by many names, and since you’re reading this, it means that you’re a parent already and you might have already heard of it as “babywearing”.
Nonetheless, whatever you decide to call them, they are very practical and they’ve proven to be a mandatory essential to any parent out there who wants to take their baby with them anywhere they go with almost no effort.
Sometimes, a stroller can be very useful since it also lets you store snacks, your phone and other useful stuff, however, for some people, it can be pretty tiresome, so for those looking for another alternative, a baby carrier would be the ideal solution.
A baby carrier may have its disadvantages when you compare it to a stroller, however, it does come with plenty of advantages as well, starting with the fact that you can even go hiking with a baby carrier, travel, or running errands easily. So, when you see it as a whole, it’s really a lot more practical than you’d expect it to be.
However, don’t be fooled easily, not all of them are going to support your child the same way some premium ones do. From my experience, I’ve tried two baby carriers till now, more specifically, the Baby K’ Tan and the Solly Baby wrap, and I definitely don’t recommend them, they easily get stretchy and destroy the original size of how they should be, so your child won’t be as secure as it is in the beginning when you first get the baby carrier.
Although that’s not really the case with every other baby carrier out there, and for the sake of that fact, I have done hours of research based on customer reviews, build material, durability, functionality, and aesthetics to provide you with the most accurate and precise information that I can.
Nonetheless, in the end, when choosing the best baby carrier for your little one comes down to your lifestyle, budget, body, and of course, your baby. So, don’t get too frustrated even though the market is pretty huge nowadays, I’m pretty sure that by the end of this article, you’ll be able to choose the one that meets your requirements easily.
Moreover, after I review each product, in the end, you’ll also notice an informational article on how to choose the best baby carrier for hiking, the type of frame, storage options, fold-up design, and pretty much everything else you need to know about baby carriers.
Just to point it out, there are mainly five types of baby carriers, and depending on your lifestyle and body, I’m pretty sure one of them is going to suit you just fine. These five types include: wrap baby carriers, ring sling baby carriers, soft structured carrier, Meh-Tai Hybrid Carrier, and Backpack carriers. Not only that they differ from one another in terms of the design, but they also vary greatly in terms of price, so that’s really something you should consider before coming up to a decision.
Okay, so let’s get straight into details and reveal what makes these baby carriers be so special.
The Top 5 Best Baby Carriers For Hiking
5. Thule Sapling
Thule Sapling has gained some fast reputation due to its great aesthetics and features, which is also why I decided to list it in today’s article. It has a very reasonable price and it does a great job of carrying your child safely and comfortably while on the trail, and this transitions effortlessly between parents with simple torso and hip belt adjustments.
You know, comfort has to go both sides the same, the parent should be also as comfortable as their child, and this child carrier does that job perfectly. To be more specific, when it comes to the parents, the Thule Sapling allows you to fully adjust the back panel and hip belt in order to provide a perfect fit and comfortable carry while making a quick and easy transition between parents.
Same as for parents, the unit is also as comfortable for kids, it is plush, you can adjust the height, while for the most part, I like it because it has an ergonomic seat which can efficiently distribute the child’s weight by providing inner thigh support.
Unlike most other baby carriers out there that have plenty of advantages when compared to strollers, this one comes with plenty of storage. On top of that, you will notice that the unit has mesh pockets, hydration reservoir sleeve, and two large zippered compartments to store clothes, water, diapers, rain gear, and other essentials that you might need.
Thus, this means that you can keep all your essentials close at hand with two roomy zippered hipbelt pockets that store toys, snacks, and gadgets. All and all, if you see it as a whole, this particular model really includes everything you could possibly ask for indeed.
Apart from that, as we all know, security is a prior matter when it comes to baby carriers, and you’ll be happy to know that the Thule has deployable sunshade which makes a perfect job at keeping your child cool and protected from the harsh sun, and as you can see, this is a feature which is pretty similar to those high-end strollers.
Moreover, in terms of usability, this particular model features dual access loading which allows you to load your child from the top or side of the carrier, while on the other hand, you’ll also notice that it includes removable stirrups that will let your little one rest their legs and readjust themselves on the trail, pretty fascinating huh?
As not exactly as you would’ve thought I take it, right? I mean there’s a lot of things that make this baby carrier a good choice for any parent, not to forget the fact that it has a breathable back panel that provides padding and support at critical contact points, so in other terms, it allows air to circulate around your back, and as a result, keeping you cool.
Overall, I highly recommend this to everyone looking for a versatile and feature-rich baby carrier. It is not as cheap as some other products out there, but it doesn’t really have any downsides, so you can’t go wrong with it.
4. ClevrPlus Deluxe
The ClevrPlus Deluxe is a highly-rated budget-friendly baby carrier which has been a popular option amongst parents worldwide but doesn’t get me wrong, it still is a popular option.
Right off the bat, let’s start with the product’s aesthetics and design, shall we? This particular model features a very strong yet lightweight metal frame and 600d oxford cloth, so this basically means that it can withstand different weather conditions and elements in daily use.
First things that you’ll notice about this baby carrier is that it promises much even, at first sight, it features multiple pockets, thick padded shoulder pads, padded waist strap, and two side water bottle holders, so as you can see, you and your child will be pretty much well-equipped with everything indeed.
Apart from that, it also has an extra-large back pocket which allows you to store diapers and other necessities, while on the other hand, you will also notice a safety reflective strip across the back pocket.
Since this is an article on best baby carriers for hiking, you’ll be happy to know that this particular model features a sun and rain resistant canopy, so your child will be pretty comfy in there, while if you’re worried about removing this canopy, it can be done at any time pretty easy actually.
To continue, the Clevr Deluxe boasts a very easy adjustment system, thus, it makes sure that your child has a comfortable fit, but that goes both ways, you’ll also have a comfortable carrying as well. In addition to that, you’ll notice the metal stands which will allow the unit to sit on itself on a flat surface, while in terms of portability, it can be folded very quickly and easily, almost effortlessly. To be more specific, it folds flat so it can be easily stored and transported.
Now, another important thing to note is that the Clevr Deluxe can accommodate children from 6 to 48 months, and it can hold a maximum weight of up to 40 pounds, so make sure you write these statements down somewhere.
We haven’t yet mentioned the safety 5-point Harness Seat belt right? This particular model has a multi padded 5 point Harness child seat that effectively ensures that your child fits comfortably and safe for hours and hours to come.
Moreover, as we mentioned, the huge storage space that can be found in the bottom of the carrier frame serves as an extra for you to store items such as sweater, bottles, and snacks, but that’s not all, the attachable backpack also adds a convenient amount of extra storage.
All and all, this company is also known for its great customer service, so whenever you feel like you have a problem with your carrier, the manufacturer repairs and defect for any reason free of charge for the 1st year of the purchase, pretty cool right?
To conclude, you should really get the ClevrPlus Deluxe into serious consideration, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly baby carrier that delivers way more value than its price.
3. Phil&Teds Parade
Phil&Teds parade baby carrier is very unique, and most people refer to it as a cute baby carrier, however, don’t mistake that term for weak, because the Phil&Teds Parade is a very strong unit which can easily carry children up to 40lbs.
What I like about this baby carrier the most is its folding system, to be more precise, it can fold compactly to be aircraft carry-on compatible, while for the most part, I really like it because it’s very lightweight, and that’s something we should all look for when choosing a baby carrier.
In addition, this particular model comes with plenty of ergonomic features and freestanding, and since we mentioned its folding capabilities, the parade can fold to 23.5 x 12 x 6.5-inches, which means it can be pretty lightweight and flat enough to meet the requirements of most airlines.
To continue, it’s also important to mention one of the most appealing features of this baby carrier, the air-tech ventilated and molded mesh back. Thus, this will keep you cool while contouring to your back & spine. Apart from that, the active-ergo fit padded shoulder and hip belts do a great job of supporting your body, mostly due to the soft aesthetics that they boast.
Now, to get to the best part, for added convenience, this particular model also includes a detachable mini-backpack for your little one to match, so I guess this is where people started to refer this baby carrier as “cute”, and they’re definitely right about it.
More on that, you’ll be also happy to know that the internal aluminum frame and stand add extra points to the strength aspect, more precisely, you’ll get more stability for loading up. Considering the fact that you plan to take this baby carrier for hiking, you’ll have almost no maintenance when it comes to washing this unit. To be exact, this product’s fabrics are touch, and for the most part, they’re waterproof so you won’t really need to worry about it getting dirty from the rain or any similar stuff, and it’s the perfect getaway day carrier.
In terms of storage, the Phil&Teds parade features a drink bottle storage and pocket for such things as keys or any similarly sized object, while on the sides, you can also store other necessities and essentials, and it’s pretty great because they will be within easy reach.
Furthermore, what I also like about the Parade is the fact that it includes easily adjustable parent and child harnesses, and if you don’t really get the idea of it, this provides you and your child with more security, and it features an ergonomic fit for parents of all heights.
All and all, if you’re looking for an ergonomic, foldable, lightweight, and quality baby carrier which comes with plenty of storage and all of which are included in a really budget-friendly price, then the Phil&Teds Parade would be your ideal choice.
2. ClevrPlus Cross Country
Earlier we mentioned the ClevrPlus Deluxe, and as we saw, it was a really interesting baby carrier with plenty of interesting features, but this time around, we got the ClevrPlus Cross Country, and for the most part, this is more popular than most other baby carriers that you’ll see on the market, and there’s a reason behind it.
First, let’s point out a couple of interesting facts about the design, shall we?
This particular model comes in a plethora of colors, so you’ll get plenty of options to choose from, such as the blue, green, gray, orange, and red which we are currently reviewing. However, take in mind that no matter what you choose, all of them share the same quality, and color is the only thing that makes them different.
I chose the red for this article because to my eyes, it looks more aesthetically appealing and pleasing, and it has the vibe which makes children love it. Now, if you’ve seen any photos of this baby carrier, you’ll notice that it’s not your average-sized baby carrier, it’s actually pretty big in size, but that’s not necessarily a downside.
To be more specific, even though it is very large in size, it still comes in a very lightweight and comfortable construction, in fact, it only weighs 5.5 pounds and it doesn’t sacrifice quality for it, it is still quite sturdy which makes it comfortable for both sides, the parent and the child for many hours.
In addition, you’ll also like the well-thought-out straps and the hip belt which have unique padding, while on the other hand, the carrier also features energy-absorbing lumbar padding that makes sure to keep you cool and the baby secure for hours.
Now, since we mentioned that it has a large size, you can also tell that this particular model also features plenty of storage areas as well, and yes, that pretty much true. You will notice that there are large storage compartments that can hold the included baby changing pad, bottles, diapers, sweater, phone, and keys, and these compartments can be pretty much compared to those stroller compartments that you’ve maybe had the chance to see.
So, as you can see, you won’t really need to carry extra bags along for additional necessities and things, and that’s a great advantage to have when going for a hike.
To get more into the specifics, what I also like about this baby carrier is the sun canopy which does a great and effective job at protecting your little one from the sun, while on the other hand, the rain cover will help keep your baby protected from different weather conditions, cool, and dry during your hike.
In addition to that, there are also safety belts included and foot stirrups so you can keep your little one in a secure and comfortable position, and for added convenience, the washable drool pad will allow the baby to rest their face on something soft and clean.
Moreover, for a baby carrier of this price range, the ClevrPlus Cross Country provides you with everything you could ever ask for, and even more. It’s safe, comfortable, sturdy yet lightweight, and it doesn’t even cost much, so yes, I highly suggest you take this product into serious consideration because you will never regret your decision if you end up buying it.
1. Osprey Poco AG Plus
And finally, as our number one to go baby carrier, we got the Osprey Packs Poco AG Plus. There is really a lot to talk about this baby carrier, and by the end of this article, you’ll be convinced that this is the best choice you can make.
Originally, this particular model comes in three different colors, such as the Seaside Blue which we are currently reviewing, in black, and in ivy green, but take in mind that no matter what color you choose, they all share the same quality and color is the only thing that makes them different.
I personally chose the Seaside Blue for this article because it looks more elegant, more eye-pleasing and stylish at the same time, but you can always choose the other included options.
Now, since we started with the design, let’s also point out the fact that the Osprey Pack Poco AG Plus features an aluminum construction combined with nylon, which are the highest-craft materials used for baby carriers. So, from here, you can get an idea of why the price of this baby carrier is high, if you end up buying this product, you’ll ensure yourself a long-lasting baby carrier which does not only offer comfortability, features, and portability, but also durability which can be useful even in the occurrence of a second, or even third child.
The above-mentioned aluminum frame does a great job of supporting the load, while on the other hand, it provides a stable platform to set the child carrier down. To get into details, this particular model has 6-inch/15cm of torso adjustments, so in other terms, the Poco AG can be easily customized to fit a variety of heights and adult users while on the trail.
In addition to that, you’ll also notice that the Poco AG includes adjustable double halo harness, and apart from that, the child seat is surrounded by a fully framed and padded Cockpit for safety, so as you can see, you’ll be well equipped with everything indeed.
For added convenience, there’s also a built-in sunshade that can be deployed easily and quickly from a dedicated zippered pocket, and in my opinion, this is something truly useful and mandatory because you don’t want your little one to struggle in sunlight, do you? Just kidding, I know we all want our best for our children.
Although, it’s important to note that this particular model can accommodate children to up to 48.5 pounds and not more than that, so if you bypass those limits, you might ruin the baby carrier and encounter a really uncomfortable experience with it.
To continue, in terms of storage, you’ll notice that the Poco AG includes dual stretch mesh side pockets that allow for external storage for accessible items, so you can always store other necessities, accessories, snacks, your phone, keys, or whatever you want that falls in a similar size to those mentioned, and for the most part, you’ll really like it that they will always be within easy reach.
Moreover, let’s not forget to mention the adjustable fit-on-the-fly hip belt, in other words, this basically offers a 5-inch extension on each side for a comfortable ventilated custom fit and superior load support.
As we reached the end, I take it you’re convinced that this unit is a very reliable baby carrier which offers plenty of advantages when compared to the ones that we mentioned and seeing from my perspective, baby carriers have really gone a long way in terms of their design and aesthetics, they almost deliver the same functionalities as a stroller does, but in a more compact and effective way.
To conclude, the Osprey Poco AG Plus is definitely a must-have, and if you ever decide to purchase this unit, you will never regret your decision because it truly delivers a great deal of value for money.
Things to consider before buying a baby carrier
How big is your child?
This is an important factor to consider before purchasing a baby carrier because you do want your baby to fit in the carrier comfortably without any issues. As you probably know by now, some carriers are front loading, thus, these type of carriers can only hold babies that are only a few months old, while this makes them differ from the other types of carriers on the market mainly by price, because they are pretty much short-term, and you can use them afterward.
So the guideline is, if your baby is larger, make sure you lookout for a more supportive carrier where the child can comfortably sit in the back.
An easy way to determine whether a carrier is suitable for your child or not is to check the lbs, and it is always provided on the informational guides, but either way, I’ll point it out, the majority of carriers tend to hold children up to 40lbs, while all the ones that we have reviewed can hold 48lbs and above, so that should be helpful to some point, right?
Type of frame
If you do some research, you’ll find out that there are parents that are pro softshell and against it, as well as parents that are pro hardshell carriers and against it, so it can be frustrating when it comes to deciding on a product.
Either way, in the end, you’ll have to come up with a decision by yourself, I am only going to provide you with the information you need on both parts.
So, softshell carriers work well with smaller children, basically for little ones that are only a few months old, and in comparison with hardshell carriers, they are way much lighter and less expensive.
On the other hand, hardshell carriers are much more long-lasting, so in the occurrence of a second child, or even third, you’ll still be able to use the same baby carrier because these types of carriers are pretty durable and can last for many years to come. But that’s not really the only advantage that this type of carriers poses against softshell carriers, they also allow you to carry larger children due to their supportive aesthetics and design, so right off the bat, this type of carriers will allow you to travel more without sacrificing comfort nor quality.
Storage Options and fold-up
It’s also very important to check out how much storage the baby carrier provides you with. As you know, when going on a hike, or even traveling somewhere, you always have to carry a couple of extra stuff for your children, such as diapers, snacks, your phone, your keys, or other similar stuff, so seeing how much storage you get along with the carrier is very important.
Now when it comes to fold-up, as you already know, most of the baby carriers out there can fold to a smaller measurement for easy portability and packaging. So, before purchasing one, make sure you know what you’re after for, and make sure that the product you’re actually seeing can fold, because a fold-up designed carrier is really more practical than the other.
Conclusion
As we reached the end of this article, by now I think you have enough facts to support your decision on which carrier is best for you, and which one meets your requirements the most.
Out of all, our editor’s top pick for this article is the Osprey Poco AG Plus, it is very practical, it has a decent amount of storage, while it comes with a plethora of premium features and security measurements, so you’re child will not only be secure and comfortable, but it will also have a very enjoyable experience. Don’t get me wrong, this goes for both ways, the parent and the child, it’s comfortable and enjoyable for both, so yeah.
As we got the introduction, the product reviews, and all the informational articles out of the way, I think it will be pretty easy for you to choose a product, but as always, it still depends on your budget, lifestyle, and taste, and take in mind that no matter what you choose from the above-mentioned products, you’ll still end up with a quality baby carrier that will last you for many years to come.
I hope this article was helpful to you, and if you have any questions regarding this topic, make sure you contact me and I’ll try to get back to you as soon as possible.
Hi! I am Kimberly, living in Huntington, NY. I’ve raised 4 beautiful children, and i started this blog to help new and upcoming mothers with parenting.