Theyre great for quick jaunts, but for longer day hikes, we find it well worth the upgrade to a comfort pack. 
Looking closer to your picture, I am wondering if your daughter Kylie is confortable enough in the Osprey? For mid-summer hikes or when the sun is low, weve found the added protection to be extremely valuable. Category: Lightweight packWeight: 3 lbs. The Ergobaby 360 is the classic choice with a comfortable waistband and a number of carrying options for a child. There is hardly any storage, and the detachable mini backpack, while a fun idea for allowing kids to have a pack of their own, isnt very functional. 
The Deuter Kid Comfort has tons of features to keep the child and the adult comfy and cool. Despite a $15 increase in price, Keltys Journey PerfectFIT above gets the edge as the better-equipped option. However, each adjustment is about 2 inches apart, so there are no micro-adjustments available. Otherwise, we found children doze off for a bit, then wake up if they did not have a spot to secure their head. In the product descriptions above, we make a number of references to the childs cockpit area. This past summer I also tested and reviewed an Osprey Poco Plus and Thule Sapling with our kiddos. Thule had two child carriers available, theSapling and Sapling Elite. Deuter and Osprey both use similar systems where you lift a lever behind the mesh panel, slide the harness, and relock. 
But if you stick to the Parade packs around-town and travel intentions, its a decent option.See the Phil & Teds Parade. For The Kid Packer, the nap effectiveness rating really separates the Osprey Poco and Poco Plusfrom the competition. 
The Thule wasnt bad, but you had to grab both legs. 
The Poco Plus was the most difficult to get any bladder in and out of the opening. 
Just for your reference as you read my opinions, I am a petite person and my husband is taller. 11 oz.Capacity: 20LSunshade: YesWhat we like: Quality Osprey design at a cheaper price.What we dont: Less storage and not as adjustable as the Poco Plus. Deuter comes out on top in this category for me. In particular, it strikes us that Thule is relying a bit too much on velcro in the design: the backpanel has long strips of the material for adjusting the torso height, and its the same story for securing the drool pad along the sides. They do not ventilate very well, so theyre not as helpful in hot climates, but rain covers are nice backups to have in case of a surprise storm. Thanks a lot for this very detailed review! The Osprey Poco has a built in sunshade, meaning the shade is permanently attached to the pack and accessed through a zipper pouch. As mentioned above, the biggest compromise with the Journey is felt on longer trails days. Downside, if you use larger than a 1.5L bladder, it will probably cover up the opening (meaning you cant easily make adjustments on the trail.). We strongly believe in the power of getting families outside. Deuter was a little more difficult because it is a little further back when extended. This will vary slightly, so be sure to check the specific instructions on your pack, and ensure the harness can cinch down small enough to safely hold your child. There are a number of factors that will decide your ideal capacityincluding how long youll be out, time of year and weather, and if youll be sharing hauling dutiesbut weve found that 15 liters is often plenty for most hiking trips. We appreciate a range of pocket sizes to make it easy to distribute items we want close at hand, and large hipbelt pockets are great for storing snacks to keep your little one happy. 
Both the Osprey Poco and Thule Sapling are the more economical versions offered by Osprey and Thule. However, the front attachment cords are still a favorite toy when in the carrier and my kiddo is constantly pulling on them. Osprey was the easiest to use for my short arms. While getting a JPMA certification does not mean that a certain pack is safer than other packs on the marketand there are other global testing standards like TV for Deuter in Germanyit is nice to see that some are taking this voluntary step.Back to Our Top Baby Carrier Picks Back to Our Baby Carrier Comparison Table. The downside to this is you have to adjust in 2 increments. The primary storage in most packs is at the front with one or two pockets along the top and a larger, zippered pocket at the bottom. Both packs have a rain cover that is sold separately. My husband is 62 and 215 pounds. 
More expensive baby carrier models make greater use of soft touch fabrics, but even long stretches of hiking with a budget-friendly pack like the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT hasnt led to any complaints. The Deuter Kid Comfort has a similar mechanism with flip lock, out of the three, this was the hardest to adjust, just because you had to reach behind the back panel. In the end, unless you will appreciate the lower-profile, lighter construction, we think there are more well-rounded carriers available.See the Osprey Poco LT. Category: Lightweight/comfort packWeight: 5 lbs. The models above are dedicated hiking packs, but for cold weather or with small children, a simple baby carrier can be ideal. Their supportive designs allow for a comfortable and safe ride, and weve spent countless hours hiking with both a happy child and adult. Once you get to it, just drop any size bladder in and attach the hook, reassemble and you are good to go. The new-for-2021 Sapling is their second effort at a child carrier, and the latest version targets top-of-the-line options from Deuter, Osprey, and Kelty. But at $90 less than the Osprey above, its easy to forgive the Kelty for falling a little short, and it is a great option for families that wont be out every weekend. The Osprey tends to hug hips tighter though! Instead, its designed to be worn separately, stored in the open-top compartment (which takes up valuable space), or secured at the front (which is awkward while hiking). As with any pack used for hiking, water storage is an important consideration for a baby carrier. We also dont love that the sunshade doesnt offer very much protection along the sides, which can be a problem on windy days. It also has a very plush cockpit that is easy to adjust. From our list above, packs that come with pockets range from 12 liters to 26 liters in volume. For shorter hikes or if youre willing to compromise a little on comfort, Keltys Journey PerfectFIT is a great budget baby carrier. Category: Comfort packWeight: 7 lbs. I always felt like I was going to poke my kid. Ventilation for the baby usually is pretty good: the openings at the top and sides do a good job moving air, and theres enough space that they dont get too much of your body heat. The Deuter comes next, and some days I like that there is only cover on top and back so the little can have a full 270* view, but other days I like the full coverage on the Osprey. The buckling process isnt as simple as the Osprey Poco below, but the five-point harness is very secure and easy to adjust. The Thule is by far the easiest to adjust, push the buttons on each side and slide it up or down along the rails. Easiest bladder insertion, even if it takes a bit to get there. This means the child has less protection unless the sun is directly overhead. Both packs are made to last. While its a bit of a funny term, this refers to the space surrounding the baby while theyre seated in the pack. All rights reserved. 
Generally, what most people look for. In addition, the hipbelt and shoulder straps arent comfortable for anything more than a short walk. Both Kelty carriers have large 26-liter capacities and lots of storage, and the Elites extrasincluding a hydration reservoir sleeve, mesh side pockets, and an easier-to-clean lining inside the lower compartmentare worth it for families that get out a lot. This is one notable downside of the ClevrPlus Cross Country pack, for example, which doesn't allow for precise adjustments and is less comfortable as a result. 
Despite the complaints, if you need a womens-specific fit or prioritize a lightweight and airy build, the Comfort Active remains a solid option.See the Deuter Kid Comfort Active See the Women's Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL. Check out the gallery below with my 4.5 year old and 15 month old in each of the packs. Thank you both for your answers, I will receive the Osprey in 2 days, so I will test it first and then find a store which sells the Deuter to do a comparison. However, the hydration bladder will not get in the way here. And for those that share carrying duties, the ClevrPlus doesnt have the same level of fit customization and can feel unwieldy for shorter adults. 
What keeps the Kid Comfort Venture from taking out top budget spot? I've been struggling to figure out which will be best for me (I've been assigned pack mule duties by my wife) and my little. But overall, the Kid Comfort is a great match for families who get outside a lot with durable, high-quality materials and class-leading comfort for both baby and adult.See the Deuter Kid Comfort. The third variation of Deuters Kid Comfort to make our list is their top-of-the-line Pro model. As mentioned above, the design of the Osprey Poco really gives it an edge during nap time. To start, its recommended for children that are 2+ years of age, and at that stage they may only find standing in one place entertaining for short stretches. The Osprey and Thule both have good quality load lifters to ensure the pack weight fits comfortably on your hips vs. pressing down on your shoulders. The padding is soft and supportive for short jaunts, but the longer youre outand the heavier your kids getthe pack becomes less and less enjoyable. For storage, the Kelty has 3 additional liters, and its large zippered compartment at the top is much more useful and secure than the Deuters open cargo space. Deuter has a long, vertical zippered pouch in front of the child harness area to slide your reservoir in and a port on the opposite side (not labeled on the new Kid Comfort though). The good news is that these complaints dont matter very much if youll be on the trail for short stretches. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we earn from qualifying purchases. The extra thigh straps provide nice peace of mind for the adult carrying the pack. As with most features, organization improves as price goes up, but most packs on our list have a functional pocket design. You need to attach it to both the front and back of the back, which is a simple process. But there are more substantial differences in backpanel design. 
The Deuter was the easiest to insert and remove with a kid in or out of the pack. Were also happy to see that Osprey didnt trim away key features like generous storage (21 liters total), hydration reservoir compatibility, and a deployable sunshade. It shouldnt come as a surprise that there are a number of downsides with the Ergobaby 360. If you are a water bottle lover, the Osprey is the only pack that has a lower stash pocket that you might be able to reach for without help. For longer day hikes, this is our preferred hydration option.Removable Daypacks One sacrifice Osprey did make in simplifying the Poco pack is in carrying comfort for extended stretches on the trail. Expect to pay $25 to $35 for a manufacturer-specific design. The open-top design is far less secure for storing valuables and its plastic clip can be finicky to use. Disclaimer: if you use larger than a 1.5L hydration bladder, you cannot use the torso adjuster easily. Its also the first child carrier to be offered in a womens-specific SL version, which fits smaller torso sizes and includes narrower shoulder straps and an ergonomically shaped hipbelt. Im 52 and 125 pounds. What differentiates the three Journey PerfectFIT kid carriers? What keeps the Osprey from taking our top spot? But we like the flexibility to spend more than a couple hours on the trail, which is why we put Deuters very comfortable Kid Comfort at the top of our list. Thank you so much for this in-depth review. I am happy to report that I am loving the upgrades from the old KCII to the newer version Kid Comfort! But for those that plan to get out hiking a lot with their little ones, a comfort pack like our top-rated Deuter Kid Comfort is what we recommend. Water Storage I love that the Deuter has TWO stirrup attachment points, which is awesome for the little littles. We recommend the Kid Comfort Pro check out our full review of it here. To find the fully adjustable hipbelt on the Osprey, you will need to have a look at the Osprey Poco Plus. I hope this helps you make a decision, and if you have any questions, drop a comment below! Depending on your needs, either of these packs may be right for you. In terms of ease of use, weve found that the high placement of Ospreys harness is a standout, but we consider harness design to be a strong suit for all products featured above. We hope our comprehensive research allows you to confidently find the right backpack for your needs! Its surprisingly easy to set up and the on-off process doesnt take long to get down. Another notable feature is stirrups on either side of the child seat. The Thule Sapling also comes with a sunshade, but it is removable. 
Resembling a compact daypack, the Parade has an aluminum frame and adjustable harness system that provides sufficient support. The padded hipbelt and shoulder straps are noticeably cheaper than our top-rated models, and the pack isnt comfortable on anything more than a short hike. 
The Thule just might have an ever so slight edge. The Osprey is your best bet for smaller kids. Stepping up to the $290 Signature and $340 Elite gets you a build that stacks up well with the Osprey and Deuter packs above. 4 oz.Capacity: 22L (w/removable pack)Sunshade: YesWhat we like: Same proven Kid Comfort design but with a more protective sunshade.What we dont: Bottom compartment isnt zippered; removable daypack has questionable value. Using a framed child carrier is a great way to keep your kiddo comfy, give them the best seat on the trail and haul them around for some miles. Better safety features, Osprey Poco or Thule Sapling? Pro tip: use a Sharpie and mark where you like your adjustment, that way you get a perfect fit every time! I also felt like these rails made the pack very stiff and didnt contour to the body well. But if youll be sticking to short day hikes or are willing to compromise a bit on overall quality, the LuvdBaby backpack offers a competitive feature set at a reasonable price.See the LuvdBaby Premium Baby Backpack. The Osprey Poco is a better napping backpack due to the side mesh panels on the sunshade. And already, we do have some concerns about longevity. Theres an integrated sunshade, hipbelt pockets, and aluminum kickstand that locks for loading and unloading. Its what you grab for nearly any type of outdoor adventure, whether its a hike, bike ride, or day on the slopes. Its true that the Pros sunshade is more user-friendly and its hard to knock the quality and comfort, but we think youre better off saving with the mid-range $320 model.See the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro. What pushes the Pro down in our rankingsand below the other Kid Comfort optionsare a few questionable design choices. And Deuter didnt skimp for the most part on the rest of the pack: the Active has the same side entry as the Comfort, a well-designed five-point harness system, and an easily adjustable suspension with a 48.5-pound rating. The Thule was my least favorite, the buckle for the harness always ended up under the kids bottom when I put them in. Note: The Deuter Kid Comfort is hard to find right now. Both packs get very high scores on child comfort, but the Osprey wins slightly here due to a better designed and executed sunshade. 
They come in a bit less expensive but lack a few features that their bigger brothers offer (Thule Sapling Elite and Osprey Poco Plus). 
Our KCII is over 4 years old and still going strong and I love the new upgrades on the current model. None of the packs listed above come with a dedicated rain coveralthough all of the sunshades will provide a degree of protection against rainbut Osprey, Thule, and Deuter do offer separate covers for purchase. Lastly, if you are looking for a solid choice with features, but more economical overall, think about the CleverPlus Urban Explorer. She will probably fit it for a bit, but will outgrow it faster than a Deuter, for example. A baby carrier packs ventilation is a two-part assessment: the ventilation along the backpanel for the adult and around the childs seat. We often have to fit ours inside the pack, which can be a pain because youll need to either ask for help or completely remove the pack to access the water. Below we break down the top child carrier packs of 2022, which range from substantial packs that are strong enough for hauling a growing toddler to lightweight, frameless models for short trips. The Osprey Poco Plus takes the cake with storage with 26L capacity and pockets galore. As of August 2020, Thule has discontinued the Sapling, but is keeping the Sapling Elite. The mesh panel on the Osprey Poco Plus has a circle opening where you can make the adjustments. We hope you take some time to look around to be inspired, educated and know that you are not alone. Outside of the number and placement of pockets, overall capacity can be an important storage consideration. While its certainly not an essential item and weve found the foot rests can be hit or miss depending on the child, its a nice thing to have if youll be out on longer trips. Coming in at $385, you get the same high-quality carry system and padding as the standard Kid Comfort above along with upgrades like an integrated sunshade and removable daypack. The Thule has better padding, in our opinion, and we like the actual child seat a little better on the Thule, as it is a little wider which provides a more comfortable fit through a long day. The packs that excel in this category have strong suspensions to handle anything from a 16-pound baby up to a 40-pound toddler. In keeping things simple, however, the Parade is less appealing for hiking trips. For the occasional hour-or-two family hike, the ClevrPlus Cross Country is a nice budget option.See the Clevr Baby Backpack Cross Country Carrier. They also have adjusters on the stirrup to make the opening just a little smaller for smaller feet. While these models offer impressive ventilation, unless youre really particular about a sweaty back or live in a hot climate, weve found most packs are acceptable in almost all conditions. No issues with either of these packs, but the Thule wins here by a slight margin. As the mid-range model in the Kid Comfort lineup, the pack comes well-appointed. That said, as we touched on above, the Ergobaby has the clear edge in ventilation for summertime hiking, which is arguably its most important function. I am asking this because my daughter is 22 months old and I bought (not yet received) the Osprey Poco Plus. For hitting the trail with a little one in tow, its hard to beat a baby carrier pack. As mentioned above, both packs come with a sunshade, which is critical in our opinion. The child gets great rest, and it provides a nice peaceful experience for the carrier. Depending on your needs and how many people may wear the pack, this may the deciding factor. If I could come up with my own pack I think it would be a mash-up of the Osprey and Deuter with a few of the little features from the Thule. The Osprey and Deuter are pretty similar. What you give up with a lightweight pack is storage and often carrying comfort. As a bonus, the Journey PerfectFIT saves you over 2 pounds compared with the packs above and has a similar maximum weight capacity. The Osprey sunshade has 270* of coverage (back and sides) and was easiest to deploy and put away. You can certainly get started at a young age with an option like the Ergobaby 360 or similar product that provides sufficient neck and head support, but there are some specific recommendations for using a dedicated child carrier pack. The biggest upside is their significantly smaller size and lighter weight thats easier to carry, store, and transport in a car. The Elite also weighs about 0.5 lbs more and costs $50 more. The seat is easily adjusted, nicely padded, and an all-around comfortable place to be. 
And the interior has been upgraded from prior versions of the pack, with a wide child seat and nice touches like a removable drool pad and stirrups. The PerfectFIT in the name is for the torso adjustment system, which allows you to quickly dial in fit by pulling on two straps at the backpanel (the torso size range is pretty wide at 15.5 to 21 in.). The bottom has plenty of space for everything you need to a day trip, and then some. Deuters Kid Comfort Venture is the latest addition and most affordable option in their popular baby carrier line. Osprey and Thule are the two highest rated child carrier backpack brands at The Kid Packer. Either way, you cant go wrong with either pack. But Im not in the pack design business, so Ill go with my top choice and call it good for the few short years Im hauling kids around on my back. A friend was kind enough to lend me a new Deuter Kid Comfort as well so I could check out the updated features to share the most up to date info with you all! Republication, in part or entirety, requires a link back to this original post and permission from the author. The Thule Sapling excels in adjustability and the Osprey Poco excels with their sunshade design. We found that children take much longer naps when they have a spot to rest their head. 
Both packs are built with a tensioned mesh back panel to allow airflow to keep you cool. They are both great products that will last and bring countless memories to you and your child. Deuter Kid Comfort Pro Child Carrier Review, Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Carrier Review, Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL Child Carrier Review, Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Child Carrier Review, Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite Child Carrier Review, Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Child Carrier Review, ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Child Carrier Review, Chicco SmartSupport Backpack Carrier Review, LuvdBaby Premium Baby Backpack Carrier Review, Osprey Poco Plus vs. Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite, Osprey Poco LT vs Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL, Deuter Kid Comfort Venture vs Deuter Kid Comfort Active, Thule Sapling Elite vs Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite, Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite vs Signature, Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite vs Kelty Journey PerfectFIT, The Thule Sapling has an expandable hipbelt that offers greater adjustability for adult wasit size, The Osprey Poco has a high quality, fully integrated sunshade that provides better sun protection and better nap effectiveness, The Thule Sapling has zippered hipbelt pockets vs. mesh stuff pockets on the Osprey Poco, The Sapling has a larger lower storage compartment, The child compression straps on the Thule are adjustable while the pack is on, another nice feature, The Osprey Poco typically sells for $60-$80 less than the Thule Sapling. Downside, to get the max storage space, the kickstand must always extended. You can certainly skimp on carrying comfort if you stick to short hikes, and in those cases, any of the packs that made our list will do the trick. 6 oz.Capacity: UnavailableSunshade: NoWhat we like: Simple build and folds down flat.What we dont: Low on features and comfort. After having used a child carrier backpack for over 1,500 miles of adventuring and exploring, we have a passion for them and know what makes a great pack that both you and your child will love. The empty weight of a pack may not be the first thing you check on when researching baby carrier packsit certainly wasnt for usbut there are significant differences to be aware of. The Osprey Poco has the standard clasp and buckle that allows for some adjustability, but not nearly as much as the Thule Sapling. And be sure to note the maximum weight factors in the pack itself as well as any gear stored inside. My only issue, there is no hanger for your bladder so as it empties it just ends up in a heap in the bottom. The drop in comfort and finicky sizing adjustments are what hurt the ClevrPlus Cross Country on our list. Kylie was at the end range for weight for that carrier and was 4.5 yo in those pictures. Packs that fall into our comfort category are just that: comfortable and feature-rich designs. Copyright 2022 Tales of a Mountain Mama | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Osprey Poco Plus and husband Greg with a Deuter Kid. 
Looking closer to your picture, I am wondering if your daughter Kylie is confortable enough in the Osprey? For mid-summer hikes or when the sun is low, weve found the added protection to be extremely valuable. Category: Lightweight packWeight: 3 lbs. The Ergobaby 360 is the classic choice with a comfortable waistband and a number of carrying options for a child. There is hardly any storage, and the detachable mini backpack, while a fun idea for allowing kids to have a pack of their own, isnt very functional. The Deuter Kid Comfort has tons of features to keep the child and the adult comfy and cool. Despite a $15 increase in price, Keltys Journey PerfectFIT above gets the edge as the better-equipped option. However, each adjustment is about 2 inches apart, so there are no micro-adjustments available. Otherwise, we found children doze off for a bit, then wake up if they did not have a spot to secure their head. In the product descriptions above, we make a number of references to the childs cockpit area. This past summer I also tested and reviewed an Osprey Poco Plus and Thule Sapling with our kiddos. Thule had two child carriers available, theSapling and Sapling Elite. Deuter and Osprey both use similar systems where you lift a lever behind the mesh panel, slide the harness, and relock. But if you stick to the Parade packs around-town and travel intentions, its a decent option.See the Phil & Teds Parade. For The Kid Packer, the nap effectiveness rating really separates the Osprey Poco and Poco Plusfrom the competition. The Thule wasnt bad, but you had to grab both legs. The Poco Plus was the most difficult to get any bladder in and out of the opening. Just for your reference as you read my opinions, I am a petite person and my husband is taller. 11 oz.Capacity: 20LSunshade: YesWhat we like: Quality Osprey design at a cheaper price.What we dont: Less storage and not as adjustable as the Poco Plus. Deuter comes out on top in this category for me. In particular, it strikes us that Thule is relying a bit too much on velcro in the design: the backpanel has long strips of the material for adjusting the torso height, and its the same story for securing the drool pad along the sides. They do not ventilate very well, so theyre not as helpful in hot climates, but rain covers are nice backups to have in case of a surprise storm. Thanks a lot for this very detailed review! The Osprey Poco has a built in sunshade, meaning the shade is permanently attached to the pack and accessed through a zipper pouch. As mentioned above, the biggest compromise with the Journey is felt on longer trails days. Downside, if you use larger than a 1.5L bladder, it will probably cover up the opening (meaning you cant easily make adjustments on the trail.). We strongly believe in the power of getting families outside. Deuter was a little more difficult because it is a little further back when extended. This will vary slightly, so be sure to check the specific instructions on your pack, and ensure the harness can cinch down small enough to safely hold your child. There are a number of factors that will decide your ideal capacityincluding how long youll be out, time of year and weather, and if youll be sharing hauling dutiesbut weve found that 15 liters is often plenty for most hiking trips. We appreciate a range of pocket sizes to make it easy to distribute items we want close at hand, and large hipbelt pockets are great for storing snacks to keep your little one happy. Both the Osprey Poco and Thule Sapling are the more economical versions offered by Osprey and Thule. However, the front attachment cords are still a favorite toy when in the carrier and my kiddo is constantly pulling on them. Osprey was the easiest to use for my short arms. While getting a JPMA certification does not mean that a certain pack is safer than other packs on the marketand there are other global testing standards like TV for Deuter in Germanyit is nice to see that some are taking this voluntary step.Back to Our Top Baby Carrier Picks Back to Our Baby Carrier Comparison Table. The downside to this is you have to adjust in 2 increments. The primary storage in most packs is at the front with one or two pockets along the top and a larger, zippered pocket at the bottom. Both packs have a rain cover that is sold separately. My husband is 62 and 215 pounds. More expensive baby carrier models make greater use of soft touch fabrics, but even long stretches of hiking with a budget-friendly pack like the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT hasnt led to any complaints. The Deuter Kid Comfort has a similar mechanism with flip lock, out of the three, this was the hardest to adjust, just because you had to reach behind the back panel. In the end, unless you will appreciate the lower-profile, lighter construction, we think there are more well-rounded carriers available.See the Osprey Poco LT. Category: Lightweight/comfort packWeight: 5 lbs. The models above are dedicated hiking packs, but for cold weather or with small children, a simple baby carrier can be ideal. Their supportive designs allow for a comfortable and safe ride, and weve spent countless hours hiking with both a happy child and adult. Once you get to it, just drop any size bladder in and attach the hook, reassemble and you are good to go. The new-for-2021 Sapling is their second effort at a child carrier, and the latest version targets top-of-the-line options from Deuter, Osprey, and Kelty. But at $90 less than the Osprey above, its easy to forgive the Kelty for falling a little short, and it is a great option for families that wont be out every weekend. The Osprey tends to hug hips tighter though! Instead, its designed to be worn separately, stored in the open-top compartment (which takes up valuable space), or secured at the front (which is awkward while hiking). As with any pack used for hiking, water storage is an important consideration for a baby carrier. We also dont love that the sunshade doesnt offer very much protection along the sides, which can be a problem on windy days. It also has a very plush cockpit that is easy to adjust. From our list above, packs that come with pockets range from 12 liters to 26 liters in volume. For shorter hikes or if youre willing to compromise a little on comfort, Keltys Journey PerfectFIT is a great budget baby carrier. Category: Comfort packWeight: 7 lbs. I always felt like I was going to poke my kid. Ventilation for the baby usually is pretty good: the openings at the top and sides do a good job moving air, and theres enough space that they dont get too much of your body heat. The Deuter comes next, and some days I like that there is only cover on top and back so the little can have a full 270* view, but other days I like the full coverage on the Osprey. The buckling process isnt as simple as the Osprey Poco below, but the five-point harness is very secure and easy to adjust. The Thule is by far the easiest to adjust, push the buttons on each side and slide it up or down along the rails. Easiest bladder insertion, even if it takes a bit to get there. This means the child has less protection unless the sun is directly overhead. Both packs are made to last. While its a bit of a funny term, this refers to the space surrounding the baby while theyre seated in the pack. All rights reserved. Generally, what most people look for. In addition, the hipbelt and shoulder straps arent comfortable for anything more than a short walk. Both Kelty carriers have large 26-liter capacities and lots of storage, and the Elites extrasincluding a hydration reservoir sleeve, mesh side pockets, and an easier-to-clean lining inside the lower compartmentare worth it for families that get out a lot. This is one notable downside of the ClevrPlus Cross Country pack, for example, which doesn't allow for precise adjustments and is less comfortable as a result. Despite the complaints, if you need a womens-specific fit or prioritize a lightweight and airy build, the Comfort Active remains a solid option.See the Deuter Kid Comfort Active See the Women's Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL. Check out the gallery below with my 4.5 year old and 15 month old in each of the packs. Thank you both for your answers, I will receive the Osprey in 2 days, so I will test it first and then find a store which sells the Deuter to do a comparison. However, the hydration bladder will not get in the way here. And for those that share carrying duties, the ClevrPlus doesnt have the same level of fit customization and can feel unwieldy for shorter adults. What keeps the Kid Comfort Venture from taking out top budget spot? I've been struggling to figure out which will be best for me (I've been assigned pack mule duties by my wife) and my little. But overall, the Kid Comfort is a great match for families who get outside a lot with durable, high-quality materials and class-leading comfort for both baby and adult.See the Deuter Kid Comfort. The third variation of Deuters Kid Comfort to make our list is their top-of-the-line Pro model. As mentioned above, the design of the Osprey Poco really gives it an edge during nap time. To start, its recommended for children that are 2+ years of age, and at that stage they may only find standing in one place entertaining for short stretches. The Osprey and Thule both have good quality load lifters to ensure the pack weight fits comfortably on your hips vs. pressing down on your shoulders. The padding is soft and supportive for short jaunts, but the longer youre outand the heavier your kids getthe pack becomes less and less enjoyable. For storage, the Kelty has 3 additional liters, and its large zippered compartment at the top is much more useful and secure than the Deuters open cargo space. Deuter has a long, vertical zippered pouch in front of the child harness area to slide your reservoir in and a port on the opposite side (not labeled on the new Kid Comfort though). The good news is that these complaints dont matter very much if youll be on the trail for short stretches. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we earn from qualifying purchases. The extra thigh straps provide nice peace of mind for the adult carrying the pack. As with most features, organization improves as price goes up, but most packs on our list have a functional pocket design. You need to attach it to both the front and back of the back, which is a simple process. But there are more substantial differences in backpanel design. The Deuter was the easiest to insert and remove with a kid in or out of the pack. Were also happy to see that Osprey didnt trim away key features like generous storage (21 liters total), hydration reservoir compatibility, and a deployable sunshade. It shouldnt come as a surprise that there are a number of downsides with the Ergobaby 360. If you are a water bottle lover, the Osprey is the only pack that has a lower stash pocket that you might be able to reach for without help. For longer day hikes, this is our preferred hydration option.Removable Daypacks One sacrifice Osprey did make in simplifying the Poco pack is in carrying comfort for extended stretches on the trail. Expect to pay $25 to $35 for a manufacturer-specific design. The open-top design is far less secure for storing valuables and its plastic clip can be finicky to use. Disclaimer: if you use larger than a 1.5L hydration bladder, you cannot use the torso adjuster easily. Its also the first child carrier to be offered in a womens-specific SL version, which fits smaller torso sizes and includes narrower shoulder straps and an ergonomically shaped hipbelt. Im 52 and 125 pounds. What differentiates the three Journey PerfectFIT kid carriers? What keeps the Osprey from taking our top spot? But we like the flexibility to spend more than a couple hours on the trail, which is why we put Deuters very comfortable Kid Comfort at the top of our list. Thank you so much for this in-depth review. I am happy to report that I am loving the upgrades from the old KCII to the newer version Kid Comfort! But for those that plan to get out hiking a lot with their little ones, a comfort pack like our top-rated Deuter Kid Comfort is what we recommend. Water Storage I love that the Deuter has TWO stirrup attachment points, which is awesome for the little littles. We recommend the Kid Comfort Pro check out our full review of it here. To find the fully adjustable hipbelt on the Osprey, you will need to have a look at the Osprey Poco Plus. I hope this helps you make a decision, and if you have any questions, drop a comment below! Depending on your needs, either of these packs may be right for you. In terms of ease of use, weve found that the high placement of Ospreys harness is a standout, but we consider harness design to be a strong suit for all products featured above. We hope our comprehensive research allows you to confidently find the right backpack for your needs! Its surprisingly easy to set up and the on-off process doesnt take long to get down. Another notable feature is stirrups on either side of the child seat. The Thule Sapling also comes with a sunshade, but it is removable. Resembling a compact daypack, the Parade has an aluminum frame and adjustable harness system that provides sufficient support. The padded hipbelt and shoulder straps are noticeably cheaper than our top-rated models, and the pack isnt comfortable on anything more than a short hike. The Thule just might have an ever so slight edge. The Osprey is your best bet for smaller kids. Stepping up to the $290 Signature and $340 Elite gets you a build that stacks up well with the Osprey and Deuter packs above. 4 oz.Capacity: 22L (w/removable pack)Sunshade: YesWhat we like: Same proven Kid Comfort design but with a more protective sunshade.What we dont: Bottom compartment isnt zippered; removable daypack has questionable value. Using a framed child carrier is a great way to keep your kiddo comfy, give them the best seat on the trail and haul them around for some miles. Better safety features, Osprey Poco or Thule Sapling? Pro tip: use a Sharpie and mark where you like your adjustment, that way you get a perfect fit every time! I also felt like these rails made the pack very stiff and didnt contour to the body well. But if youll be sticking to short day hikes or are willing to compromise a bit on overall quality, the LuvdBaby backpack offers a competitive feature set at a reasonable price.See the LuvdBaby Premium Baby Backpack. The Osprey Poco is a better napping backpack due to the side mesh panels on the sunshade. And already, we do have some concerns about longevity. Theres an integrated sunshade, hipbelt pockets, and aluminum kickstand that locks for loading and unloading. Its what you grab for nearly any type of outdoor adventure, whether its a hike, bike ride, or day on the slopes. Its true that the Pros sunshade is more user-friendly and its hard to knock the quality and comfort, but we think youre better off saving with the mid-range $320 model.See the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro. What pushes the Pro down in our rankingsand below the other Kid Comfort optionsare a few questionable design choices. And Deuter didnt skimp for the most part on the rest of the pack: the Active has the same side entry as the Comfort, a well-designed five-point harness system, and an easily adjustable suspension with a 48.5-pound rating. The Thule was my least favorite, the buckle for the harness always ended up under the kids bottom when I put them in. Note: The Deuter Kid Comfort is hard to find right now. Both packs get very high scores on child comfort, but the Osprey wins slightly here due to a better designed and executed sunshade. They come in a bit less expensive but lack a few features that their bigger brothers offer (Thule Sapling Elite and Osprey Poco Plus). Our KCII is over 4 years old and still going strong and I love the new upgrades on the current model. None of the packs listed above come with a dedicated rain coveralthough all of the sunshades will provide a degree of protection against rainbut Osprey, Thule, and Deuter do offer separate covers for purchase. Lastly, if you are looking for a solid choice with features, but more economical overall, think about the CleverPlus Urban Explorer. She will probably fit it for a bit, but will outgrow it faster than a Deuter, for example. A baby carrier packs ventilation is a two-part assessment: the ventilation along the backpanel for the adult and around the childs seat. We often have to fit ours inside the pack, which can be a pain because youll need to either ask for help or completely remove the pack to access the water. Below we break down the top child carrier packs of 2022, which range from substantial packs that are strong enough for hauling a growing toddler to lightweight, frameless models for short trips. The Osprey Poco Plus takes the cake with storage with 26L capacity and pockets galore. As of August 2020, Thule has discontinued the Sapling, but is keeping the Sapling Elite. The mesh panel on the Osprey Poco Plus has a circle opening where you can make the adjustments. We hope you take some time to look around to be inspired, educated and know that you are not alone. Outside of the number and placement of pockets, overall capacity can be an important storage consideration. While its certainly not an essential item and weve found the foot rests can be hit or miss depending on the child, its a nice thing to have if youll be out on longer trips. Coming in at $385, you get the same high-quality carry system and padding as the standard Kid Comfort above along with upgrades like an integrated sunshade and removable daypack. The Thule has better padding, in our opinion, and we like the actual child seat a little better on the Thule, as it is a little wider which provides a more comfortable fit through a long day. The packs that excel in this category have strong suspensions to handle anything from a 16-pound baby up to a 40-pound toddler. In keeping things simple, however, the Parade is less appealing for hiking trips. For the occasional hour-or-two family hike, the ClevrPlus Cross Country is a nice budget option.See the Clevr Baby Backpack Cross Country Carrier. They also have adjusters on the stirrup to make the opening just a little smaller for smaller feet. While these models offer impressive ventilation, unless youre really particular about a sweaty back or live in a hot climate, weve found most packs are acceptable in almost all conditions. No issues with either of these packs, but the Thule wins here by a slight margin. As the mid-range model in the Kid Comfort lineup, the pack comes well-appointed. That said, as we touched on above, the Ergobaby has the clear edge in ventilation for summertime hiking, which is arguably its most important function. I am asking this because my daughter is 22 months old and I bought (not yet received) the Osprey Poco Plus. For hitting the trail with a little one in tow, its hard to beat a baby carrier pack. As mentioned above, both packs come with a sunshade, which is critical in our opinion. The child gets great rest, and it provides a nice peaceful experience for the carrier. Depending on your needs and how many people may wear the pack, this may the deciding factor. If I could come up with my own pack I think it would be a mash-up of the Osprey and Deuter with a few of the little features from the Thule. The Osprey and Deuter are pretty similar. What you give up with a lightweight pack is storage and often carrying comfort. As a bonus, the Journey PerfectFIT saves you over 2 pounds compared with the packs above and has a similar maximum weight capacity. The Osprey sunshade has 270* of coverage (back and sides) and was easiest to deploy and put away. You can certainly get started at a young age with an option like the Ergobaby 360 or similar product that provides sufficient neck and head support, but there are some specific recommendations for using a dedicated child carrier pack. The biggest upside is their significantly smaller size and lighter weight thats easier to carry, store, and transport in a car. The Elite also weighs about 0.5 lbs more and costs $50 more. The seat is easily adjusted, nicely padded, and an all-around comfortable place to be. And the interior has been upgraded from prior versions of the pack, with a wide child seat and nice touches like a removable drool pad and stirrups. The PerfectFIT in the name is for the torso adjustment system, which allows you to quickly dial in fit by pulling on two straps at the backpanel (the torso size range is pretty wide at 15.5 to 21 in.). The bottom has plenty of space for everything you need to a day trip, and then some. Deuters Kid Comfort Venture is the latest addition and most affordable option in their popular baby carrier line. Osprey and Thule are the two highest rated child carrier backpack brands at The Kid Packer. Either way, you cant go wrong with either pack. But Im not in the pack design business, so Ill go with my top choice and call it good for the few short years Im hauling kids around on my back. A friend was kind enough to lend me a new Deuter Kid Comfort as well so I could check out the updated features to share the most up to date info with you all! Republication, in part or entirety, requires a link back to this original post and permission from the author. The Thule Sapling excels in adjustability and the Osprey Poco excels with their sunshade design. We found that children take much longer naps when they have a spot to rest their head. Both packs are built with a tensioned mesh back panel to allow airflow to keep you cool. They are both great products that will last and bring countless memories to you and your child. Deuter Kid Comfort Pro Child Carrier Review, Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Carrier Review, Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL Child Carrier Review, Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Child Carrier Review, Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite Child Carrier Review, Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Child Carrier Review, ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Child Carrier Review, Chicco SmartSupport Backpack Carrier Review, LuvdBaby Premium Baby Backpack Carrier Review, Osprey Poco Plus vs. Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite, Osprey Poco LT vs Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL, Deuter Kid Comfort Venture vs Deuter Kid Comfort Active, Thule Sapling Elite vs Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite, Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite vs Signature, Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite vs Kelty Journey PerfectFIT, The Thule Sapling has an expandable hipbelt that offers greater adjustability for adult wasit size, The Osprey Poco has a high quality, fully integrated sunshade that provides better sun protection and better nap effectiveness, The Thule Sapling has zippered hipbelt pockets vs. mesh stuff pockets on the Osprey Poco, The Sapling has a larger lower storage compartment, The child compression straps on the Thule are adjustable while the pack is on, another nice feature, The Osprey Poco typically sells for $60-$80 less than the Thule Sapling. Downside, to get the max storage space, the kickstand must always extended. You can certainly skimp on carrying comfort if you stick to short hikes, and in those cases, any of the packs that made our list will do the trick. 6 oz.Capacity: UnavailableSunshade: NoWhat we like: Simple build and folds down flat.What we dont: Low on features and comfort. After having used a child carrier backpack for over 1,500 miles of adventuring and exploring, we have a passion for them and know what makes a great pack that both you and your child will love. The empty weight of a pack may not be the first thing you check on when researching baby carrier packsit certainly wasnt for usbut there are significant differences to be aware of. The Osprey Poco has the standard clasp and buckle that allows for some adjustability, but not nearly as much as the Thule Sapling. And be sure to note the maximum weight factors in the pack itself as well as any gear stored inside. My only issue, there is no hanger for your bladder so as it empties it just ends up in a heap in the bottom. The drop in comfort and finicky sizing adjustments are what hurt the ClevrPlus Cross Country on our list. Kylie was at the end range for weight for that carrier and was 4.5 yo in those pictures. Packs that fall into our comfort category are just that: comfortable and feature-rich designs. Copyright 2022 Tales of a Mountain Mama | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Osprey Poco Plus and husband Greg with a Deuter Kid.