According to pediatrician Heather Shafi, MD, there are a few safety steps that caregivers should keep in mind before reaching for a hiking carrier for their next adventure. They need to be aware of their airway, for example. “They need to be tightly snug to you, with a supported back and facing you, close enough to kiss, chin off of your chest, and in view at all times,” Dr. Shafi tells Verywell Family. Consider whether you want a frame or non-frame carrier and if any additional features will be necessary, like storage or a canopy to shade your little one. We carefully considered design, material, frame type, ease of use, size, comfort, additional features, and value when reviewing products. Here are the best hiking baby carriers for your next adventure. Kiddos will stay cool in the airy, durable mesh, and a color-coded five-point harness makes it easy to keep your child secure. The carrier boasts 14 liters of gear capacity, and it comes with a removable chin pad and detachable sun and rain roof. Price at time of publication: $300 While it’s made with a lot of flexibility, shorter parents may find that this pack is not as comfortable for them as others. What you gain in storage, some parents may lose in comfort. Price at time of publication: $370 An adjustable sun shade provides protection and the seat adjusts to three heights, so your kiddo will get the best view around. While it’s probably not the best for avid hikers, we like this pick as a budget-friendly carrier that gets the job done. Price at time of publication: $130 A five-point harness keeps your kiddo strapped in and the adjustable seat ensures they are at an ideal height at every stage of growth. We love that the carrier has a detachable daypack that provides lots of room for storage and makes it easy to share the load with other adults. While on the pricier end of the spectrum, this carrier is great for travel or a family camping trip, since it’s so lightweight and has a truly compact fold. Price at time of publication: $250 Lightweight and easily packable, it’s great for on-the-go travel. If you’re a serious hiker, there are some limitations to keep in mind. A frameless carrier provides less lumbar support, especially when you’re carrying bigger kids. There’s no built-in storage and no sun/shade cover on this carrier. If you’re using it front-facing, be aware of your surroundings and avoid especially tricky or uneven terrain, since you’ll put both yourself and your baby at risk for tripping. Price at time of publication: $179 Price at time of publication: $200 While there is not a ton of padding on the shoulder straps, this carrier is designed with the comfort of avid hikers and active families in mind with features like easily an adjustable torso and hip belt. Our favorite feature is the removable and totally machine-washable child seat and drool pad, making messes a breeze to clean post-hike. Price at time of publication: $430 Your kiddo stands on the pack, so they’ll need the stamina to stay up as you carry them. Functioning like a backpack, the pack distributes the child’s weight along your core and back. While there is no storage, you can buy add-on accessories such as pockets. Price at time of publication: $155 Frameless carriers are a great choice for everyday wear, can be used for younger babies, and are useful in a variety of positions. However, frameless carriers don’t offer the same level of support, protection from the elements, or space to store your gear. They aren’t ideal for avid hikers as they simply won’t provide the same level of support for your child and, after a while, can make hiking less enjoyable for the wearer. We recommend choosing a frame carrier if you plan on hitting the trails regularly with your little one in tow so that you can really enjoy your investment. A frameless option is ideal for caregivers who want to use it for stroller-free walks that are less strenuous on the carrier.
Comfort
You want to find a carrier that is both comfortable for the baby and the wearer. Pediatrician Dr. Heather Shafi recommends a carrier that “is either wrapped or buckled at both hips and upper chest, as this will minimize stress to the parent’s back.” If the carrier will be worn by different adults, make sure it’s fully adjustable so that it is easy to transfer from one parent to another. “If you are hiking with heavier toddlers, I recommend [a carrier] that has a large weight capacity,” she adds.
Extras
Many carriers come with lots of extras like canopies, storage, add-on packs, and more. Consider in what setting and how often you’ll be using the carrier before adding on extras. Every add-on leads to additional weight, so make sure the extra load is truly needed. If you are hiking, prioritize storage that allows you to carry all of the essentials for you and your child safely. Bring supplies like water, diapers, wipes, and any other essentials with you. Dr. Shafi advises against trails that are “too onerous where you would be likely to trip and fall.”
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, an 8-year-old son, and a 4-year-old daughter. She is a huge fan of frameless baby carriers and still remembers the day when she put her firstborn in a carrier as a newborn and was amazed at the thought that she suddenly had two free hands! Maya considers a carrier a beach-day essential, since it leaves your hands free to carry all the rest of the never-ending gear.
