10 Best Hiking Carrier For Toddlers 2026 in the United States

The Osprey Poco LT is a lightweight and compact toddler carrier designed for families who want a reliable and easy-to-carry option for everyday adventures and travel. It stands out for its portability, thanks to a patented folding stainless steel frame that makes packing and storage simple—ideal if you often need to navigate tight spaces or transport the carrier in a car or airplane. The adjustable torso length allows the carrier to fit multiple caregivers comfortably, which is great for sharing between parents or family members.

Its AirScape backpanel promotes ventilation, helping keep the wearer cool even on longer walks, while the built-in UPF 50 sunshade offers solid protection from the sun for your child. Weighing just over 5.5 pounds, it remains fairly light considering its sturdy build. Storage options appear minimal, with only the sunshade pocket mentioned.

The carrier’s ease of use and comfort features make it an excellent choice for parents seeking a practical, travel-friendly carrier for light to moderate hiking and daily outings with toddlers.

The Osprey Poco Child Carrier Backpack is designed with a strong focus on safety and comfort, making it a solid choice for parents planning hikes with toddlers. Its fully framed and padded cockpit with an adjustable Double Halo harness ensures your child stays secure, while soft contact surfaces and ventilated side panels help keep your little one comfortable during the adventure. The carrier also offers a neat adjustable fit feature that lets you tweak the torso length on the go, which is great for different body types and makes it easier to share the backpack between caregivers.

At 7.7 pounds, it’s moderately lightweight for a child carrier, helping to reduce strain on the adult wearer. Storage is well thought out, with both a zippered front pocket and a larger lower compartment, giving you space for essentials without adding bulk. The adjustable AirSpeed back panel improves airflow, which can help keep you cooler on warm days. The drool pad is removable and machine washable for easy cleaning, adding convenience for parents.

This carrier successfully balances safety, comfort, and practical storage, making it a strong option for parents seeking a reliable and adjustable hiking carrier that keeps their toddler secure and comfortable.

The Thule Sapling Child Carrier Backpack in Agave stands out with several strengths and a few potential drawbacks. Its weight capacity is adequate for most toddlers, while the adjustable torso and hip belt provide a customizable fit that can be easily transitioned between parents, making it versatile for family use. Comfort is well addressed with the ErgoRide child seat and ventilated back panels for both the child and parent, ensuring a cool and comfortable experience during hikes.

Safety is prioritized with the deployable UPF 50 sunshade which protects your child from harmful sun rays, and dual access points that make loading and unloading the child simple and secure. The 22L gear compartment provides a substantial amount of storage, and the side zippers for easy access are a practical feature. However, the need to purchase additional accessories for extra storage or weather protection might add to the cost.

Ventilation is effectively managed, making it suitable for warmer climates. The machine washable seat and drool pad simplify clean-up, which is a big plus for parents. At 7 pounds, it is relatively lightweight compared to similar products. The hydration compatible design is also a thoughtful addition for longer hikes. The Thule Sapling offers significant comfort, safety, and storage features, making it a great choice for hiking with your toddler, though the need for additional purchases may be a consideration for some.