The Best Baby Backpack Carriers for Everyday Use, Hiking and More
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.
Quick Summary
A baby backpack carrier may not be on the top of your registry must-haves. But if you’re an active family hoping to hit the trails with baby, this type of hiking baby carrier can definitely come in handy.
Unlike other baby carriers, these backpack carriers are designed with sturdy frames and wide seats to keep baby comfortable for long periods of time, and often have higher weight limits for toting older babies around when they get tired on hikes. They also offer more structure so they’re easy to put on, and provide more support for the wearer thanks to features like adjustable padded shoulder, waist and back straps. Plus, they include plenty of storage, so you don’t have to worry about packing a diaper bag to carry on your hike.
How we chose the best baby backpack carriers
The best baby backpack carriers are comfortable to wear, especially for long periods of time, and evenly distribute baby's weight to avoid pain points on your back or shoulders. Per guidance from experts, as well as What to Expect community members, here are the criteria we considered when choosing a baby carrier backpack:
- Comfort: Because these types of carriers are designed with you and baby’s comfort in mind, most backpacks include extra padding on your shoulders and back as well as padded seats and headrests for baby. Baby carriers designed for hiking or long wear also include supportive waist straps to more evenly distribute your little one’s weight. You might also want to look for backpacks with mesh backs to help reduce sweating, especially while the material is rubbing against your back for a long time. And, to add to baby’s comfort and safety, make sure your backpack includes a shade for blocking out sun and rain, which is true of all the backpacks on this list. Additionally, backpacks should include padded aluminum frames, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which you will find is true of the backpacks included in this list.
- Adjustability: Baby backpack carriers are highly adjustable, which ensures baby’s comfort and allows you to easily share the backpack with other people. Some adjustable features to look out for include an adjustable height, so you can carry baby higher or lower depending on how tall you are, and straps you can reposition while wearing baby to ensure a proper fit. Many backpacks also allow you to adjust the height and width of the seat so you can accommodate baby’s size over time. Most carrier backpacks also have foot rests that you can modify.
- Storage: You’ll need to carry hiking essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, water and snacks as well as baby supplies like diapers and wipes. Not only is it important that the backpack has enough storage space, but it’s also helpful if it’s easy to reach. Look for backpack carriers that allow you to bring all you need without having to add a diaper bag to the mix, as well as models with convenient pockets such as on the hip belt where you can store a phone or wallet or on the side for storing a water bottle.
In addition to meeting the above criteria, each of the backpack carriers on this list has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the What to Expect community members.
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Best Overall Baby Backpack Carrier
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
- Hip pockets for storage
- wide seat
- hydration pocket
- Instructions can be confusing
Thanks to a suspension system that easily adjusts to fit any adult, the Kelty Journey PerfectFit Elite Child Carrier allows you and a partner to quickly take turns sharing the load. Designed to hold children between 16 and 40 pounds, parents say the weight is evenly distributed so they can comfortably carry their little one while hitting the trails. A five-point harness, wide seat base and built-in sunshade are also ideal added features for hiking families so that baby can have a safe, comfortable ride.
Active parents will also love that they can use this one bag for holding baby and all their necessities instead of using a baby carrier and separate diaper bag. It has seven exterior pockets, including side mesh pockets, hip belt pockets and a zippered “dirty” compartment that wipes clean.
Parents also appreciate the wide kickstand that stabilizes the carrier, making it easy to get your tiny hiker in and out of the device. One final bonus: The hydration pocket can accommodate a hydration reservoir.
Material: Backpack: Polyester, nylon; Frame: Metal
Weight: 7 pounds
Dimensions: 28 x 15.5 x 22 inches
Weight Capacity: 16 to 40 pounds
Best Baby Backpack Carrier for Toddlers
Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier
- Hip belt pockets
- removable pillow
- cushioned sides on seat
- Some said it’s bulky
With the highest carrying capacity on this list, the Deuter carrier will not only last you a long time, but it’s also outfitted with features that are great for keeping toddlers comfortable on the trail. It has a ton of cushioning, including a removable pillow and support on the sides so that your little one can easily rest their head and take a nap while you walk. It’s also great for toddlers because you can adjust the seat’s height and width to accommodate your tot as they grow.
Parents also rave about the amount of storage the Deuter carrier provides. One What to Expect Community parent says they were able to fit diapers, spare clothes, bug spray, water and snacks in the pack. And active families might find plenty of use for it outside of hiking: One reviewer says they frequent theme parks and travel abroad often, and actually prefer this pack to a stroller for comfort and convenience. And since it folds flat with a carrying handle, it definitely takes up less space than a stroller.
Material: Backpack: Polyester, Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 7 pounds
Dimensions: 28 x 17 x 13 inches
Weight capacity: 48.5 pounds
Best Affordable Baby Backpack Carrier
Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack Carrier
- Insulated pocket
- includes diaper changing pad
- hip pockets
- Some say it doesn’t fit shorter people well
- hard to take child out
Baby carrier backpacks can get quite expensive, but the Luvdbaby Premium carrier delivers all of the essentials for almost $100 less than most models. The seat on this carrier is comfortably padded, so your little one will have an enjoyable ride while buckled in safely. Most parents were quite comfortable while wearing this backpack, too, thanks to the adjustable height and padded straps. However, many parents in the reviews say it didn’t fit shorter people well, even when the height was adjusted to the lowest setting.
Despite being a budget-friendly option, the Luvdbaby carrier backpack also includes several useful features . It has a removable shade that you can use for a sunny or rainy day and even includes a diaper changing pad for quick changes on the trail. Plus, the insulated pocket will come in handy for keeping water bottles cool.
Material: Backpack: Polyester; Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 6.4 pounds
Dimensions: 9.8 x 14.3 x 28.5 inches
Weight capacity: 40 pounds
Best Travel Baby Carrier Backpack
Phil & Teds Escape Carrier
- Folds flat
- lightweight
- two handle holds
- includes diaper changing pad
- Some said it doesn’t have as much storage space as others
For a more compact carrier backpack that is still supportive and comfortable, check out the Phil & Teds Escape Carrier. It folds flat to just 6 inches wide, weighs a little over 6 pounds and includes two handles so it’ll be easy to carry around whether you’re on a road trip or taking a flight. Parents also like that baby’s head doesn’t tower over yours while wearing it. Instead, you can adjust the carrier so baby is behind your back or at head level, depending on what you prefer. Some parents note that they not only use it for hiking or traveling, but they also wear it around town or even around the house for hands-free baby carrying.
Material: Backpack: N/A; Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 6.6 pounds
Dimensions: 6 x 11 x 30 inches
Weight capacity: 39 pounds
Best Baby Carrier with Back Carrying Option
Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier
- UPF 50 shade
- storage pouch
- lumbar support
- certified hip healthy
- Some colors are more expensive than others
The Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier is a soft baby carrier that can be used in four different positions, including on your back. It can be used as a front carry for young babies (with baby facing you or facing out), on the hip or on the back for older babies who have head and neck control. And, it provides tons of support for the wearer with cushioned shoulder straps and a lumbar support waistband. Those who want to use their carrier more casually rather than for hiking will want to check out the Ergobaby carrier. Parents also appreciate the fold-up baby hood that can be used to both protect your little one’s head from the sun or as added coverage for breastfeeding. Some moms also liked how easy the carrier is to loosen for nursing.
Material: Cotton
Weight: 1.7 pounds
Dimensions: 6.18 x 9.13 x 10.43 inches
Weight capacity: 45 pounds
Our Research
We consulted one pediatrician about how to safely wear a backpack carrier:
- Micah Resnick, M.D., F.A.A.P., a board-certified pediatrician at Mount Sinai Doctors in Astoria, New York, and member of the What to Expect Medical Review board.
We also canvassed What to Expect’s community boards to learn which carrier backpacks parents liked best and what features they most appreciated.
FAQs
At what age can babies go in a backpack carrier?
In general, your baby shouldn’t go in a backpack carrier until they are 6 months old. However, you also have to consider where your child is developmentally. According to Dr. Resnick, your baby should be able to do the following before putting them in a baby backpack carrier:
- Sit independently with good neck and head control
- Sit for at least 30 seconds unsupported
- Sit supported in a high chair or breastfeeding pillow without their chin or head flopping down
Note that these guidelines are applicable to framed baby backpacks designed for back-wearing only or the back-carrying position on an all-positions carrier.
What age do I need to stop using a backpack carrier?
The age in which a child can no longer ride in a backpack carrier will vary. Some carriers can support children up to 60 pounds, while others can accommodate babies up to 25 or 30 pounds.
Are baby backpack carriers safe?
When used properly, backpack carriers are safe. In addition to following the manufacturer’s guidelines, practice the following tips:
- Practice putting the carrier on, taking it off and securing your child in the seat without assistance.
- Use the carrier’s separate harness to secure the baby.
- Be aware of the weight limitations. The max weight of a carrier includes the weight of your baby, the carrier and any items you put in (or on) the carrier.
- Do some short-distance walking at first to see if you can comfortably handle the added weight.
- Check on your child periodically to make sure they’re comfortable.
- Never lean over while using a backpack carrier. If you have to pick something up, bend at the knees.
- Don’t run, drive or cook while wearing a backpack carrier. You should also never ski with baby in a backpack carrier.
You should also make sure that when your child is in the backpack, their mouth and nose are free from any fabric and their chin is not pressed into their chest.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Baby Carriers: Backpacks, Front Packs, and Slings, July 2021.
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