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 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.

The Osprey Poco SLT is a lightweight and streamlined hiking carrier designed for toddlers, making it a great choice for parents who want something simple and travel-friendly for everyday use or family hikes. Weighing about 4.7 pounds, it’s lighter than many other carriers, which helps reduce fatigue during longer outings. It features a folding stainless steel frame that locks securely, allowing for easy storage and stable placement when not being worn. The carrier can be adjusted to fit different adults comfortably, thanks to its six inches of torso adjustment, so multiple caregivers can share it without hassle.

Comfort-wise, the ventilated back panel with foam and mesh provides good airflow, helping keep the wearer cool during extended use. The built-in child harness keeps your toddler secure, and an optional UPF 50 sunshade (sold separately) offers extra protection from the sun. Storage options are modest but practical, with grab handles and a hydration sleeve included, though it’s not designed for carrying lots of gear.

The Osprey Poco SLT suits families needing a lightweight, easy-to-use carrier that fits various adults and provides good ventilation and basic safety features. It is especially suitable for casual hikes, travel, and everyday errands, but might not cover the needs of those looking for maximum storage or heavy-duty support.