If you’re a nature lover, parenting does not have to stop you from exploring the outdoors. You can combine your passion for hiking with parenting to enjoy unique experiences with your baby. It benefits the baby and helps strengthen the parent-baby bond.
Hiking will relieve the stress of parenting, leave you relaxed and rejuvenated, and give you a fresh perspective. Babies are curious beings who love exploring and will enjoy the experience too. With the right mindset, planning, and gear, you and your baby will have fun and interesting experiences that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Baby hiking backpacks secure your baby to your back and give both of you a comfortable and memorable hiking experience. Padded shoulder and waist straps evenly distribute the baby’s weight, helping you carry them comfortably.
Safety harnesses secure the baby in a spacious padded seat. Carriers also have features like a diaper bag and drool pad that come in handy when hiking with a baby.
Why Do You Need Special Carriers For Hiking?
Even without the baby, navigating the hiking trail’s steep, rocky terrain is challenging. Moreover, the long trails make navigating while holding a baby in your arms exhausting.
A carrier is the most crucial equipment for carrying your infant securely and comfortably while freeing your hands for navigation. A good carrier distributes the baby’s weight evenly and offers good back support, ensuring that both you and your baby have a relaxing and fun time.
How To Buy A Baby Hiking Backpack?
Different carriers offer unique, incredible features, so you need to pick the one that works best for you and your baby. Look for the following features when choosing your backpack.
Suspension system: This includes back panels, load lifters, frames, hip belts, harnesses, and stays connecting the wearer and the pack. The system evenly distributes the baby’s weight and allows the parent to move freely with the backpack.
Kickstand: It creates a stable base that helps put the child in and out of the carrier. You can easily extend and retract them while hiking.
Frame: A sturdy carrier that is not too heavy is ideal. The frame also helps distribute the baby’s weight evenly.
Accessories: Carriers have extra features like removable daypacks or diaper bags, removable bug netting, removable rain or sun hood, diaper-changing pads, and more. These features give you a more comfortable experience.
5 Best Best Baby Hiking Backpacks
1. Deuter Kid Comfort
The backpack meets the needs of both the parents and children. The frame’s design helps with even weight distribution and creates a gap between the pack and the wearer for ventilation. The adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt offers the wearer the finest fit and personalized comfort.
Two side harnesses secure the baby, making loading and unloading the baby easy. The pack has enough storage for long treks with large, easily-reachable pockets on the side and the waist belt. The lower compartment doubles as a diaper bag, and the upper pocket holds a hydration pack.
- Durable frame and fabric
- Lightweight
- Removable sunshade
- Kickstand
- Foot stirrups
- The sunshade doesn’t cover the side
2. Osprey Poco
The Osprey Poco child carrier backpack has the roomiest cockpit for the child. Its Double Halo child harness makes it safe for the baby. The carrier evenly distributes the weight, and the adjustable torso belt provides a comfortable and snug fit.
The carrier has ample storage with hydration sleeves, a lower-zippered compartment, and an upper-zippered compartment. The carrier also has foot stirrups, a sunshade, a kickstand, and a washable drool pad.
- Roomy and comfy
- Sunshade folds into its pocket
- Many pockets
- Adjustable and removable foot stirrups
- Kickstand
- Removable and washable drool pad
- Not enough padding at the waistband
3. Chicco SmartSupport
This lightweight backpack is an affordable option for parents who do not hike frequently. It is padded and has a five-point harness to ensure safety.
The seat includes three height adjustment options and adjustable waist and shoulder straps. Additionally, the carrier features a built-in kickstand and an adjustable sunshade. The backpack folds flat, making storage easy.
- 5-point harness
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Kickstand
- Sunshade
- Foldable
- No storage space
4. Kelty Journey Perfectfit
The Kelty Journal Perfectfit backpack is a budget-friendly option with an interior similar to expensive models. The seat is adjustable and padded, giving the child maximum comfort.
The backpack has padded and adjustable shoulder and waist straps that give the wearer a comfortable and snug fit. It has side mesh pockets that are easily accessible while hiking and a zippered compartment big enough to carry baby essentials.
- Lightweight
- Adjustable
- Kickstand
- Padded
- Foldable
- Storage pockets
- Drool pad
- Sunshade sold separately
5. Phil and Teds Escape Child Carrier
The backpack provides the ultimate comfort for parents with its lumbar support and dual-core waist belt, which helps evenly distribute weight. It is comfortable for the baby with a well-padded interior and a molded headrest.
A 5-point harness ensures the baby is safe. The carrier has several other features like a daypack or diaper bag, change mat, foot stirrups, hood, rain shield, and mirror. The backpack has a hydration pouch and zippered compartments for storage.
The base loading technology allows the backpack to free stand, making loading the baby easier. The backpack folds flat, making storage convenient.
- Breathable and comfortable
- Detachable backpack
- Compact fold
- 5-point harness
- Adjustable
- Freestanding
- No kickstand
- Lower weight limit
Wrapping Up
Baby hiking backpacks make it possible for parents to hike with their child in safety and comfort.
You can exploit your love for nature and take your baby along to fascinating new locations while they are safely strapped to your back.
We hope you were able to pick the most suitable carrier from our list of the 5 best baby hiking backpacks.