Looking for the best toddler carrier for hiking? You’re in the right place! Some people think that once you have kids, your adventure days are over. But that’s not true – things just change a bit. We’ve been hiking with our kids since they were tiny, and we’ve learned a lot along the way.
We’ve tried different child carriers like Ergobaby, Tula, and Kelty, and we know what works.
In this guide, we’ve put together a list of great kid carriers for hiking, perfect for little ones from 0 to 5 years old. We’re of course, giving you the best information on the best hiking carrier for toddlers (aka the one we used). But we’re also giving a few other options and alternatives if you wish to shop more.
We want to help you find a comfortable and safe carrier for your child so you can enjoy hiking together as a family.
Whether you’re new to hiking with kids or have been doing it for a while, we’ve got some great options to check out.
Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you.
If you’re new at hiking with your kids, you might also want to check our article Hiking With Toddlers: 17 Tips for a Happy Family Hike.
Best Hiking Baby Carrier: ErgoBaby Omni Breeze
Hiking baby carriers are designed to provide the comfort and support you need to carry out daily activities such as long walks and hikes.
When our kids were babies (up to little toddlers), we used the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier. It’s a great choice for parents who love to stay on the move with their little ones.
This carrier is made from durable polyester, which is easy to clean since it’s machine washable. What makes it stand out is its ability to grow with your child. It’s perfect for newborns up to toddlers around 48 months old or up to 45 pounds.
We also bought the infant insert so we could use this carrier when the babies were really tiny. Then, we used the pillow insert only before using only the baby carrier.
The Omni Breeze is known for its amazing airflow. It’s designed with a special SoftFlex mesh that keeps you and your baby cool and comfortable, even on warmer days. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking.
Comfort is a big deal with this carrier. It has padded shoulder straps and support for your lower back, making it easier to carry your child for longer periods without feeling tired.
You can wear this carrier in different ways. Whether you want your baby facing you, looking out at the world, or even on your back or hip, this carrier has you covered. It’s really versatile. I’ll be honest, though, we have never carried our babies in the front facing the front. It just seemed like a strange position for us. The kids were either in the front, facing us, or in our back.
This baby carrier is also designed to fit all body types, with a waist belt that adjusts from 25.5 inches to 55.25 inches.
Key Element of the ErgoBaby Omni Breeze:
✅ Versatile: Grows with your baby from newborn to toddler, offering all carrying positions.
✅ Comfortable: Features padded shoulder straps and lumbar support for ergonomic carrying.
✅ Breath: SoftFlex Mesh design ensures maximum airflow, keeping both baby and parent cool.
✅ Convenience: Comes with side pockets, a detachable pouch, and a protective hood.
✅ Adjustable: The waist belt and shoulder straps are adjustable to fit a wide range of body sizes.
❌ Price: May be considered expensive compared to other carriers in the market.
❌ Weight Limit: The maximum weight limit of 45 pounds, so it can grow with your kid. You might need another carrier for your toddler.
»» Find more information on the ErgoBaby Omni Breeze
Other Options for Babies and Little Toddlers
Tula Baby Carrier
The Tula Explore Baby Carrier is a great option for newborns to toddlers.
They adapt to the child’s development and needs by offering comfortable and safe positions that allow you to explore outdoors while bonding with your baby.
The front inward-facing position is the best for newborns as it allows you and your baby to have close moments while keeping your hands free.
This ergonomic baby carrier can also be used in a back carry position that distributes the weight in a way that relieves your back and shoulders.
Other incredible features of this carrier: are the adjustable neck pillow, the hood to protect your baby throughout the seasons, and a handy pocket on the hip to store small things such as phones or keys.
Some designs also offer Droola Strap Covers to protect your carrier when your baby is teething.
»» Check price for Tula Explore Baby Carrier on Amazon
Boba X Baby Carrier
Boba Carrier offers a wide range of carriers – including classic wraps. They are designed with selected high-quality materials that make them last for a long period of time.
But what’s more important is that they are designed for you and your baby. All of their carriers allow you to position your baby in inward-facing front and back carry positions that consider the healthy development of your baby’s hip and spine.
For traveling, we love Boba X Baby Carrier. This carrier, which is best for babies between 4 and 24 months, is very light and has an integrated hood to protect your baby from the rain, wind, or sun.
If you are still breastfeeding, this carrier also includes an easy and handy shoulder strap for breastfeeding.
Boba carriers are incredibly easy to clean and dry, so you don’t need to worry about stains and marks.
»» Check the price for Boba X Baby Carrier!
Best Soft Toddler Carrier for Hiking: Tula Coast Mesh Toddler Carrier
Toddlers and young kids can be very adventurous and active. However, they can instantly want to sleep or rest, and if you are on a long walk or outdoor adventure, there is nothing better than using a carrier.
When our kids were between 2 and 5 years old, we always brought a soft carrier when hiking in Banff. We could carry them if they got tired of walking by themselves. But it was easy to put in our day backpacks when they were walking. This is why we preferred a soft carrier over a structured hiking backpack.
❤️ ❤️ Our personal favorite hiking carrier for toddlers: Tula Toddler. It may surprise you that it’s not a hiking backpack for toddlers but a soft carrier. The reason is that when kids grow up, they’ll want to hike a bit by themselves, so a soft carrier can easily be stored in your hiking day backpack.
The Baby Tula Coast Mesh Toddler Carrier is an excellent choice for parents who need a reliable solution for their growing toddlers.
This carrier is crafted from cotton, making it soft and comfortable against your toddler’s skin, and it’s also machine washable for easy care. It is designed to support from 25 to 60 pounds. It’s a long-term purchase as your child grows.
Key Elements of the Baby Tula Coast Mesh Toddler Carrier:
✅ Ergonomic Design: Supports the safe development of your child’s body with an ergonomic M-position seat.
✅ Breathable: Large mesh panel keeps both the wearer and the child cool.
✅ Comfortable: Adjustable and padded shoulder straps for enhanced comfort.
✅ Adjustable: Suitable for children aged 2 to 6 years and weighing between 25 – 60 pounds.
❌ Specific Age Range: Designed specifically for toddlers, it’s not suitable for younger babies or tiny toddlers.
Other Options for Soft Toddler Carrier for Hiking
Lillé Baby
Lillé Baby has incredible carriers for toddlers and older children.
The Lillé Baby CarryOn Airflow range is specifically designed for toddlers and kids up to 60 lbs (28 kg).
The carrier is equipped with neck support and a wide and comfortable seat, and you can adjust the position – you can wear it on the hip, at the back, or facing in.
It’s the perfect carrier for a short walk to the supermarket or a hike with your family.
If you aren’t sure what type of carrier is best for your child, they have a quiz on their website to help you decide.
Also, if this is your first time wearing a toddler carrier, they have videos, tips, and lessons with your carrier manual. It will give you the confidence and reassurance you may need.
»» Check price for Lillé Baby CarryOn Airflow on Amazon
Beco Baby Carrier
Beco has a wide range of toddler carriers that include all the essentials you need – wide ergonomic seats, tall supportive back, and waist pockets.
They are carefully designed to carry large toddlers and preschool children aged between 18 and 24 months plus.
We love that the kid carrier has perfect-fit adjusters and a large body panel to provide support and comfort to tired toddlers.
These carriers have two main positions, the front Carry and the Back Carry (facing-in), to adapt to the baby’s and parent’s preferences and needs.
From the toddler range, we recommend using the Beco Toddler COOL Grey, which is lightweight, durable, and stain-resistant. It also includes SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection which is perfect for outdoor adventures.
»» Check price for Beco Baby Carrier here!
Best Toddler Hiking Backpack: Kelty Journey Perfect Fit Child Carrier
For toddlers, it’s recommended to use a backpack-style carrier with an aluminum frame. They are also adjustable to your kid’s development. The backpack-style hiking kid carriers usually have storage space and are easily adjustable.
But I’ll be honest, I preferred my soft hiking carrier to a hiking backpack for my toddlers. But we did use (mostly my husband) our Kelty Journet Perfect Fit Child Carrier.
Kelty has great hiking carriers recommended for babies older than 4 months (16 lbs or 7.25 kg) and children weighing less than 40 lbs (or 18 kg). The Kelty Journey Perfectfit Child Carrier is an excellent choice.
It’s well-known for having a great suspension system that adjusts to you or your partner so you can share the load.
The Kelty Journey Perfectfit Child Carrier also includes a comfortable wide seat, foot stirrups for leg support, and large zippered pockets to store snacks or kids’ essentials. However, it doesn’t include a sunshade, so if you want one, you must buy one separately.
The Kelty Journey Perfectfit Child Carrier has one super cool feature: a drool pad. This drool pad can be easily cleaned
»» Check the price for Kelty Journey Perfect fit Child Carrier on Amazon
Other Options for Toddler Hiking Backpack
Deuter Kid Comfort Pro
Deuter baby carriers are considered the best because of their comfort and safety for you and your baby. Also, Deuter carriers are known for their quality suspension systems.
The weight is perfectly distributed, the child seat is secure, and the back is ventilated. The carrier offers the comfort that your baby needs while exploring outdoor places.
The carrier has great features – including height-adjustable footrests, two big zipped pockets perfect for storage, and a fast-to-assemble sunroof/rain cover.
The Deuter Kid Comfort Pro carrier also comes with a mirror for a rear view of the baby and an integrated, separately useable daypack.
We absolutely love how easy it is to set up and fold, and it’s washable in the foot areas.
»» Check price for Deuter Kid Compfort Pro Carrier on REI/MEC
Osprey Poco Child Carrier Backpack
The Osprey Poco Child Carrier Backpack is equipped with a padded hip belt, a grab handle on top, and an adjustable and comfortable saddle, among other features.
One of our favorite features is the built-in sunshade to protect your baby from any natural elements during your hike.
Whether you are going on a short or long adventure, the Osprey Poco Child carrier backpack is very comfortable and safe for you and your baby. It allows you to move freely so your baby can also experience the world around him or her.
This child carrier backpack is also easy to set up, and you can buy additional accessories to attach to it, such as a lightweight water reservoir.
»» Check price for Osprey Poco Child Carrier Backpack on Amazon
F.A.Q Best Hiking Kid Carriers
Which baby carrier is best for hiking?
The Ergobaby 360 Carrier is the best baby carrier for hiking because it features an adjustable, ergonomic design that evenly distributes weight to provide comfortable support for you and your baby during long hikes.
What age can a child go in a hiking carrier?
A child can go in a hiking carrier once they reach 6 months of age. At this stage, they should be able to comfortably and safely sit in the carrier with proper neck and back support.
Are child hiking carriers worth it?
Yes, child hiking carriers are worth it! As a parent of 2 kids, I’ve found them incredibly useful for hikes in the woods and on trails. They make it easier to carry my little ones in challenging terrain and provide a safe and comfortable seat for them to enjoy the scenery. The extra support that most carriers offer helps distribute their weight evenly. Plus, they often have several pockets and compartments to keep snacks and other items close during your outdoor adventures.
How do I choose a baby hiking carrier?
When selecting a baby hiking carrier, there are several factors to consider.
- Comfort – Ensure the carrier fits you and your child comfortably and securely. Check straps and padding for support and adjustability.
- Safety – Ensure that the carrier meets safety standards and has appropriate straps, buckles, and other features for keeping your child secure while in motion.
- Adjustability – Some carriers offer adjustable features, such as increasing or decreasing carrying capacity, depending on your child’s size.
- Weight Limit – Consider how much you’re comfortable carrying when selecting a hiking baby carrier. Most carriers have a weight limit ranging from 25-50 lbs.
- Versatility – Look for a carrier that can be used for both front-facing and rear-facing positions.
- Weather Protection – Look for additional features like rain covers or sunshades to protect you from the elements while out on the trail.
Final Thoughts: Best Hiking Kid Carriers
There are many options available when it comes to hiking with babies, toddlers, and kids. It’s important to test a few different ones. During the 5 years period that your kid will require a carrier, you’ll most likely change a few times.
With our two kids, we used an Ergobaby baby carrier, a Tula toddler carrier, and a Kelty hiking carrier.
Related Articles
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like to read the following articles:
- Which One is the Best Travel Stroller for Toddlers?
- The Best Toddler Travel Beds For Families On The Move (2023)
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.