Best Baby Hiking Carriers, According to Active Parents
What to Expect selects products based on real-life testing conducted by staff, contributors and members our user community, as well as independent research and expert feedback; learn more about our review process. Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
$248 
$330 Ready to take a hike with your little one? While your regular baby carrier is great for walks around the block or quick jaunts to the grocery store, a baby carrier that’s made for hiking is a smart investment for outdoorsy parents. Hiking carriers offer more support, can be more comfortable over the long haul and often have a higher weight limit, which means you can carry your 2- or 3-year-old when she tires of toddling on her own two feet.
When it comes to safety, be sure to check the lower and upper weight ranges of the particular carrier to make sure it’s a fit for your child. Test drive it on a walk around your neighborhood to make sure your baby is comfortable in it; you don’t want to hit the trail only to find out they don’t like it for whatever reason. And remember: You’ll still want to dress your baby properly for the elements — a sun hat or other sun shade and extra layers for warmth in the colder months. Hydration for you and your little one is key, so be sure to bring lots of water for everyone along with snacks.
What are the different kinds of baby hiking carriers?
There are two main types of baby hiking carriers on the market:
- Soft-sided carrier: A soft-sided carrier — which looks similar to many other front-facing carriers — offers plenty of airflow and is made entirely of fabric, making this a smart choice for anyone hiking in warm or humid climates. It’s also lighter in weight which helps lighten your load. If you're hiking with a baby under six months this is a better choice, as it provides more neck and head support.
- Child carrier backpack: This framed style of backpack is the better choice for longer hikes and bigger kids, as most require your baby to be an independent sitter. They’re adjustable in size to both fit your body and to fit the size of your child. Plus they have plenty of pockets to fit your gear.
How to choose the right baby hiking carrier for you
When you start shopping for a baby carrier for hiking here are the things to keep in mind:
- What’s the weight limit? Make sure to select one suitable for your child’s developmental stage (some carriers are designed for babies who can sit independently) and that your little one is well within the weight limits. If you’re looking for something that will work for several years, it’s wise to opt for a higher weight limit.
- How often do you plan to go hiking and for how long? If you’re taking short hikes infrequently, you may want to consider a soft-sided carrier that’s less expensive. Avid hikers may find it worth the investment to purchase a child hiking carrier that can accommodate larger children.
- Does it have room for other gear? Carriers with extra pockets and storage can save you from having to bring a separate backpack for supplies.
- Is it easy to adjust on the fly? You and your partner may want to take turns carrying your child and an easily adjustable carrier makes this much easier.
- How readily does it fold down? If trunk space is at a premium or you plan on flying with the carrier, look for one that folds down or packs up sleekly.
- How hard is it to clean? Hiking is sweaty business, especially when you’re carrying a child in addition to your gear. Some parents might want to go for models that are machine-washable to keep their baby hiking carriers in good shape.
How we made our picks for the best baby hiking carriers
We combed the market for top-rated products and cross-referenced with recommendations from the What to Expect community to ensure that we were recommending the best baby hiking carriers. We also made sure to factor in some of the above-mentioned guidance to ensure that these picks would satisfy practically everyone looking to hike with their kiddos.
Why Trust Us?
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
Best Overall
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Carrier
- Comfortable
- adjustable fit
- pockets
- Pricey
- sunshade isn’t included
This child carrier is our top pick because it’s super comfy for both the parent and child and offers thoughtful features that you’ll appreciate while you’re out on the trail. Parents will like that the carrier is adjustable and lightweight — just under 6 pounds — so you won’t feel weighed down with baby inside. Despite the light weight, the pack feels super sturdy thanks to the carrier fully attaching to the metal frame. The straps are fully padded with ventilated material for comfort and increased airflow. Your child will be totally comfy in the seat with removable washable stirrups and a small pillow. Plus the seat height is easy to adjust, even with your child inside it, and the side panel unsnaps so they can easily climb in and out on their own. Extras include three pockets and a tip-resistant kickstand to make loading and unloading easier. A sun cover, rain cover and larger pillow are sold separately. Note that this is on the pricer side, so if you don’t plan on hiking regularly, it may not be worth the investment.
Weight limit: 48 pounds
Weight: 5.9 pounds
Dimensions: 27.5 x 16.9 x 13.4 inches
Best Soft-Sided Baby Hiking Carrier
LILLEbaby Pursuit Sport
- Lightweight
- stylish
- works for younger and older babies
- Some parents had trouble getting the fit right
This soft-sided carrier offers everything you love about your regular baby carrier packaged in a way that makes it perfect for hiking. You can start hiking with your baby nearly as soon as she’s born (and your doctor gives you the all clear) wearing the carrier on your front. Then, when she can hold her neck up independently, you can wear the carrier on your hip or back. However you wear it, the well-padded shoulder straps and waist belt make carrying your little one comfortable for hours on end. The carrier is made of breathable, water-resistant 100% recycled polyester that’s easy to clean — just wipe it down and you’re good to go. Parents also love the removable hood for added warmth and protection.
Weight limit: 7 to 45 pounds
Weight: 2.66 pounds
Dimensions: 14 x 4 x 11 inches
Best Baby Hiking Carrier with Sun Shade
Osprey Poco LT Child Carrier
- Built in sunshade
- lightweight
- No stirrups for baby’s feet
- expensive compared to other models
Your tot won’t just be comfy in this baby hiking carrier backpack, she'll also be protected from the elements thanks to the UPF 50 sunshade. We love that it’s attached and stows away into its own zippered pocket, which means you’ll never accidentally leave it at home. All the straps are padded for your comfort and the torso height can be adjusted up to 6 inches for a perfect fit. There are several zippered pockets including a large one for your gear underneath the child’s seat, plus an external hydration sleeve for extra water. It’s perfect for on the go with top and side grab handles, plus it folds down flat for travel.
Weight limit: 23.8 to 48.5 pounds
Weight: 5 pounds
Dimensions: 24 x 13 x 15.4 inches
Most Comfortable
Thule Sapling Baby Backpack
- Comfy for kids
- durable
- comes with sun protection
- Heavier and more expensive than other models
Anyone who jogs with baby or has a large family who takes road trips is likely already familiar with the Thule brand, which also makes high-quality jogging strollers and car top carriers. You can expect the same quality in this hiking carrier. The under-leg support for your child, which allows her to rest in a seated position, is one of the top selling points of this product. The ventilated back panel and sitting area also help keep your child from getting too hot. Parents also like that you can load baby in from the top or the side, there’s ample storage space for your hiking gear under the baby seat and that it comes with a UPF 50 sunshade. Plus, the child seat is machine-washable.
Weight limit: 40 pounds
Weight: 7 pounds
Dimensions: 13.8 x 12.2 x 28.7 inches
Best Storage
Kelty Journey PerfectFit Elite
- Ample storage
- built-in sunshade
- Heavier than other carriers
- not suitable for younger babies
Easy to use? Check. Comfy baby? Check. Plenty of space for all your extras? Check. This baby hiking carrier does it all. Once you get the hang of wearing it (read the manual) the torso sizing is easy to adjust, even with a baby inside, so parents can take turns wearing their little. The seat has an adjustable base and foot stirrups for super comfy positioning for your kiddo. As for space, there’s a large zippered pocket for snacks, extra clothing, sunscreen and any other necessities plus a reservoir sleeve for water. But what parents really appreciate is the zippered “dirty” pocket where you can stash dirty clothes, wet swimsuits, etc. It also has a built-in sunshade to protect your little one.
Weight limit: 16 to 40 pounds
Weight: 7.25 pounds
Dimensions: 28 x 15.5 x 22 in
Trending On What to Expect
