Best Baby Hiking Backpacks Reviews | Definitive Buying Guide

An adventurer? You’ve braved the mountains, seen the sunshine from distant outdoor locations? Now, you’re not so sure because of your newest and cutest family member?

You feel skeptical about your new life because you have a baby now. If you’re in a position of uncertainty, then there is good news for you! The advent of new best baby hiking backpacks offers convenience, comfort, and an overall smooth sailing! So, without further ado, you can start looking into the products.

In this guide, you’ll observe that we have conducted meticulous personal research to ensure that the choice becomes easier for you. This article contains all the necessary details because we don’t want you to regret your decision.

What is unique about this guide? We provide a personal touch to our reviews and buying guides.

We understand that as an adventurous mother, you are strangled between multiple things: the comfort of your baby, the price range of a backpack, the stability of a backpack.

 

 

No fear while we are here! Just scroll down to the buying guide, and you’ll find all the best baby hiking backpacks.

You will surely find the backpack that fits the bill. Your predilection for adventure combined with our expertise will make this buying decision a walk in the park.

Top 7 Best Baby Carrier for Hiking

1. Phil&teds Parade Child Carrier Frame Backpack

First of all, the product comes in two colors – orange and grey. It looks cute, and at the same time, it is compact. It has a lightweight aluminum frame and only weighs 4.4lbs. Moreover, it can carry a child who can weigh up to 40lbs.

This baby carrier can be folded flat for comfortable transportation. It can be easily carried on a plane or in a car. The active-ergo fit harness feature is something I really like. It contains padded hip belts and shoulder straps, which are soft and supports your body in a comfortable way.

One other impressive feature of the product is, it has Air-tech mesh panels behind the back, which helps keep you cool and relax your spine as well.

 

In addition, the product is very strong and can stand on its own with a pop-out stand. It allows you to load your child and adjust them in the carrier safely.

As the product weighs very low and has a sturdy handle, you can easily lift the parade onto your back without any trouble. Furthermore, it has some other features as well for carrying extra things in the back. The product streamlined pockets as well as two bottle holders.

You can carry keys and other essentials in the storage section. One last feature of the product is that it has a detachable mini backpack for your child. Your child can also enjoy the benefits of the backpack and share the fun with you. It is one of the best baby hiking backpacks for people who like to go travel around the town.

Highlighted Features Of Phil&teds Parade Child Carrier Frame Backpack

2. Clevr Premium Cross-Country Baby Backpack

Firstly, the Clevr Premium Cross-Country Child Carrier comes in green color. It is strong, yet it is a lightweight carrier. Surface material includes 600d oxford cloth, and the frame is constructed using aluminum. And it only weighs 5.5 lbs. (almost 2.5kg).

It weighs pretty low considering how strong it is, and it can easily withstand the effects of daily use. The product features padded straps and hip belt energy-absorbing lumbar padding that keeps you fresh, secure, and provides you comfort. It is ideal for children who have an age of 9-48 months. Furthermore, it can carry up to 33lbs (almost 15kg).

The product features bottle holders on both sides and multiple pockets. There is an extra-large pocket at the back for carrying other necessities. It also features a reflective safety strip. Another exciting feature of the product is that it has rain/sun canopy and it can be attached or removed easily.

The Clevr Premium carrier features a secure adjustment system. This makes the product comfortably fit for you as well as your child. An additional feature of the product is that it has metal stands that allow the product to stand straight on flat ground.

Finally, the product can be folded quickly if you are in a hurry. It provides easy portability and storage with its flat fold feature.

Features Of Clevr Premium Cross-Country Baby Backpack 

3. Clevr Deluxe Baby Backpack Hiking Toddler Child Carrier

The Clevr Deluxe Baby Backpack Child Carrier is mainly red-colored. It is constructed from aluminum, yet the metal frame is lightweight.

Moreover, it is made up of 600d oxford cloth. The strong built of the product allows it to withstand daily usage. It is a carrier which features padded waist strap and shoulder pads, with energy-absorbing lumbar padding.

This specific feature helps to keep you cool, comfortable, and secure too. Furthermore, this carrier comes with two side bottle holders and multiple pockets. It also has an extra-large pocket where you can stash diapers and other commodities of your choice.

Another additional feature of the product is it has a sun/rain canopy for your child. It protects your child from the extreme heat of the sun or from the rain. The canopy can be easily attached or removed at any time. The Clevr Deluxe has a maximum capacity of 40lbs (more than 18kg), and it can carry a child weighing 33lbs at best.

In addition, the product can be folded flat. This makes it easy to store. And it has metal stands that allow it to sit upright on a flat surface. It is a suitable carrier for people who enjoys comfort. We recommend this product as one of the best hiking baby carriers.

Highlightes Of Clevr Deluxe Baby Backpack

4. Boba 4Gs Classic Baby Carrier

The Boba 4Gs Classic Baby Carrier is made with 100% cotton. It quite durable and you can wash it with a washing machine. The product can carry a child of 45 lbs. (more than 20kg). However, it is also integrated with an infant insert, which allows it to support little babies weighing around 7-15 lbs.

The carrier comes with a removable hood which can be used as a sunshade or as head support for the child. Your child can comfortably sleep if you attach the hood. Furthermore, the product has adjustable straps that allow you to control the tightness of the carrier. It also consists of multiple pockets for extra storage.

Moreover, the carrier has strap holders that will keep your diaper bag and purse attached with your shoulder. There is a quick-release breastfeeding buckle, which enables you to nurse your child even if you are on the move. In addition, the product features ergonomic support that never quits.

Finally, the product is made in a way that it can be used from both the front and backside. The Boba 4Gs Classic Carrier is famous for being comfortable, and it is streamlined for simplicity.

Boba 4Gs Classic Baby Carrier Features

5. Phil&teds Escape Child Carrier Frame Backpack

The phil&teds Escape Child Carrier is supportive and adjustable. The body tech harness system is adjustable. You can adjust it to fit and support your body as you desire properly. The articulating dual-core waist belt and advanced lumbar support distributes the weight of the carrier evenly and helps you to stay comfortable.

The product not only features comfort for the parents but also for the child. There are a deluxe shoulder cradle and moldable headrest which are made from an ultra-soft fleece that keeps the baby’s little body safe and secure. Furthermore, it also enables them to enjoy a good nap.

Next, the product features a hood and a rain shield for your child. It has multiple pockets for storage and a change mat to change your baby on the go. It also has a zip-off daypack where you can store additional items of your choice. There is a special hydration station for your water bladder although it is not included in the purchase.

Another feature of the product is foot stirrups that maximize your child’s circulation on the adventure. An additional feature of the product allows it to fold flat. This is useful when you are planning to pack the carrier and you do not have a lot of space.

Finally, the Escape comes with a Base loading technology that helps it to stand freely on a flat surface. This allows you to put your child in the carrier without any trouble safely.

Phil&teds Escape Child Carrier Frame Backpack Highlighted Features

6. Deuter Kid Comfort 1 Lightweight Framed Child Carrier for Hiking

The Deuter Kid Comfort 1 child carrier comes in two colors – Titan and Granite. The frame of the product is made of aluminum, and it only weighs 5.44 lbs. The product is JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) approved for safety.

It has a soft padded safety harness that is adjustable with the size and height of the child.  Furthermore, the product introduces AirComfort back system that is useful for ventilation. Without compromising movement, the AirComfort Back system reduces heat buildup.

One other fascinating feature of the product includes Step-in side access that makes it easier to put children in or out of the carrier. You can remove the soft chin pad, and it is machine washable.

In addition, it has an aluminum frame combined with the pull-forward hip belt. And you will also get the load adjustment straps that can be used for steadiness and optimal load transfer.

The Verified system of the carrier allows it to be adjusted properly with the length of the wearer’s back. The system also allows its users to swap the carrier without removing the child.

The ergonomic shoulder straps release you from neck pain. Finally, Deuter Kid Comfort 1 features a tough grab handle that makes the lifting process much easier without any assistance. These features combined together make it one of the best baby carriers for hiking.

Deuter Kid Comfort 1 lightweight framed child carrier Features

7. Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack Carrier

The Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack Carrier is made up of top-notch hiking components that last for a very long time. Waterproof material, and it is made of 600D and 300D Nylon material which is very strong and lightweight.

Furthermore, the carrier is designed in a way that you will have no back strain while you carry your child. The suspension feature of the product is great, and the weight of the carrier is distributed very evenly. This provides comfort to the parents to carry their children around for hours.

Additionally, to reduce sweaty back, which is, of course, irritating on long hikes, the product provides a mesh back ventilation system. The product also has adjustable stirrups that can be used to adjust the movement of your child’s feet. It helps to secure the feet of your child from getting any kind of sprain.

For protection, the carrier has a mesh hood feature. The mesh hood is removable, and you can use it to protect your child from the strong heat of the sun or from the rain. Babies are very fragile, and this feature protects them from the bad elements of the weather.

Next, the product has multiple pockets, it has mesh pockets on the outer surfaces, and there are pockets near the waist belt too. Furthermore, there is an insulated pocket for carrying bottles and a large pocket on the back to carry necessities for hiking. For further storage, the product has a removable backpack.

Another interesting feature of the carrier is that it has a diaper changing pad in the backpack. You can change your baby’s diaper on a clean surface with the help of the pad. Moreover, the pad can be folded easily for packing.

Finally, the carrier features a thermal insulated zipper pocket where you can stash baby bottles or food to keep them warm or cold according to your desire. It is ideal for hungry babies as they may need food while you are hiking on a mountain.

Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack Carrier Highlightes 

How to Choose the Best Hiking Baby Carrier

The task of choosing and purchasing the best baby carrier for hiking could seem daunting at first. However, we will make this task simpler for you by breaking it down to multiple key aspects and analyzing them.

What would you consider when you’re scouring through a huge list of potential carriers? We are going to list these significant factors in a hierarchical order:

1. Safety Comes First

The first thing you will be looking for in a top-notch baby carrier is its safety features.

Because you don’t want an untimely injury to ruin your fun, instead be the reason your misery for months. Although almost all baby carriers have safety features, you need to be observant that it fits your demands.

By this we mean, if you’re planning for long hikes, approximately 2-3 hours long, you would want a carrier that supports your child’s head.

If you keep walking through the rocky plains, and your child’s head remains unsupported or inadequately supported it could cause severe neck and spinal injuries.

You would not let a scratch on your precious little one, so understand the safety features and make it your primary concern while purchasing.

2. Comfort and Convenience

Comfort is another major factor that should influence your purchasing decision. Why? Remember, your ultimate goal of trekking, hiking, going on an adventure outdoors, is to have fun, right? You can’t fathom having fun if you are hiking for hours like a hunchback.

Therefore, you will be aiming for maximum comfort and convenience. Your consideration would go two ways- comfort for you (the adult) and comfort for the kid.

For adults, your primary concern is the hip belt. Ideally, you would be looking for padding that molds to your hips and offers enough firm support. Remember, overly soft cushioning traditionally won’t provide enough comfort for long trips.

3. Light or Large Carriers

The next important question you need to ask yourself is: are you going on a long trip? Or a short one?

If you’re planning to have a short trip (somewhere around 3-5 hours), then look through the list of our lightweight carriers.

If you believe you would continue this trend of taking short trips, then any product at the lower end of the price spectrum would be perfect for you. They will also hold your baby securely and closer to you.

However, if you’re planning for long and regular trips, then you should be a little more flexible with your budget.

For extended trips, you need larger carriers so that you can hike comfortably without any muscle injury.

Opting for a larger baby carrier is the wise option here because larger carriers provide more support for the individual carrying it and toddler resting in it. These larger carriers are most helpful when you’re traveling through rough terrain.

4. How Old Is Your Baby?

When choosing the best baby carrier for hiking, you also need to know how old your baby is.

More importantly, you need to know how much the toddler weighs. If your baby is less than a year old and weighs somewhere around 10lbs (4.5 kg), you can try the softshell carriers. They are lightweight and less expensive.

However, if your baby does not weigh around 40lbs (18 kg) and is older than a year, we would recommend opting for hard-shell carriers.

Hard-shell carriers are durable and long-lasting. They provide firm support, and you can travel for more extended periods comfortably.

5. Freestanding

This should be considered if you’re traveling alone. If you’re a single mom or your husband is busy with a meeting in distant lands.

Then you don’t need to bore yourself by watching TV; if you have a baby hiking backpack with a metal stand, you are good to go on your adventure. A metal stand would let you set the carrier down without tipping it over.

If you’re traveling alone, and you want to take a picture or enjoy the breathtaking scenery, you can just use the metal stand to put the carrier down safely.

6. Storage Capacity and Pockets

If you’re going for long trips in course terrain than you need ample storage options.

Imagine this: you’re in the middle of your trekking, and you ran out of drinking water, you couldn’t carry more water due to the lack of space in your backpack.

Surely you don’t want that to happen. So, while choosing the best hiking baby carrier to go for the ones with ample storage options.

Although products with minimalist design are also prudent choices if you’re not traveling long distances. Still, a personal opinion: extra storage would never hurt you; it would only help.

7. An Adjustable Carrier

If you’re traveling with family, and you think multiple people of different age groups (grandfather, grandmother, uncle, aunt) will carry the backpack, then adjustability should be an important feature you want to have in your baby carrier.

Particularly, your carrier would need substantial torso range so it can fit according to the physical stature of different people.

There are premium, comfort packs that cater to this specific requirement. For instance, one such premium backpack is Osprey’s Poco AG Plus.

This backpack allows you to adjust the length (increase or shorten) of the padded portion of the hip-belt. This adjustment guarantees that the cushioned areas are providing maximum support to you.

On the other hand, budget baby carriers do not offer such extensive customization options. They offer you a reasonable price, but the flexibility isn’t there.

The Clever baby pack is a clear example; it comes with a low price but may prove to be uncomfortable with limited options for adjustments.

8. Let your Baby Breathe

Ventilation or having enough breathing space is another contributing factor to your purchase decision. Most carriers provide adequate ventilation with the open head-space feature, and the baby doesn’t take too much body heat from you.

Regardless, ventilation is a two-part feature: one for the adult through the back panel and the other is for the baby through open headspace.

Full mesh panel backpacks provide the best back panels. Models such as Osprey Poco AG. Deuter’s Kid Comfort Active uses mesh all around the child’s harness and cockpit.

If you’re not worried about a sweaty back or an adverse climate, you can forgo this feature because most carriers provide adequate ventilation and are acceptable in almost any condition.

Tips for Hiking with a Baby

1. Store Sufficient Snacks

When you are traveling with your toddler make sure you have sufficient snacks and water stored for the trip.

Plan this out the night before and remember to always carry more than the essentials. You never know, the extra bread crumb might stop the incessant tears of the toddler. The personal snack recommendations would be peanut butter on crackers and cookies.

2. Start with Short Trips

Always start with short hiking trips. Your baby won’t be comfortable if you go on a long trip through rocky terrain on your first go.

Let your baby get adjusted to the carrier and the miles you will be putting in with them. Start taking short trips, and as your baby becomes more comfortable with the carrier, plan for longer trekking.

3. Plan accordingly for Diaper Changes

If you are going on a long trip, you need to plan out the diaper change timing. In a long, trip there will be certain places that are very cold, so you don’t want to change your toddler’s diapers there and let him catch a cold. Furthermore, always carry extra diapers; you don’t want a leaky diaper.

4. Bring a Partner

It is best if you bring a partner if you’re traveling with a baby. Because you might face exhaustion and need some rest. If you have a partner with you (husband, siblings), they can take care of the baby while you enjoy the natural beauty and languish.

5. Pick your Trails Wisely

When you are with your baby, you should be choosy about your travel destinations. You don’t want to choose a trail that is too treacherous or steep. A treacherous trail would pose a great risk to the safety of you and the baby.

If you are not a veteran at hiking, then stick to the trails with a flat and gentle slope.

Moreover, don’t pick a trail with too much sunlight. Although your baby hiking carrier would come with sun protection, long exposure to the sun even under the shade may become problematic for the baby.

6. Invest Wisely in Your Carrier

You don’t want a poor-quality carrier that would break down in the middle of the trip, causing you immense trouble. Understand the trail you’re going into, the hours you’ll be putting in, and the age and weight of your baby.

Then choose a quality carrier that would make the trip easy, comfortable, and enjoyable for you and the baby.

7. Remember the Golden Goal

The golden goal is to have fun. Don’t be so busy planning, worrying, and adjusting the gear that you forget why you started the trip in the first place.

If the trip and all the responsibilities related to it give you more headache than joy, then you’re doing something wrong. The ultimate goal is to enjoy the experience. So, focus on that. Remember, time enjoyed is never time wasted.

Final Thoughts

Hikers are often faced with many difficult situations especially when they have a baby with them. However, having a child carrier that is jacked up with many features will make your journey an amazing experience.

Ventilation, fit, comfort, adjustability, and storage option, these are the features that make the best baby hiking backpack. As a parent, you want the best for your child and so do we.