10 Best Backpack Child Carriers 2025 in the United States

The Thule Sapling Child Carrier Backpack is a well-designed option for parents looking to take their children on hikes or outdoor adventures. It supports a comfortable and safe ride for your child with an ergonomic seat, under-leg support, and a ventilated back panel. The carrier also includes a UPF 50 sunshade which is great for protecting your child from the sun and keeping them cool during hikes.

The machine washable seat and drool pad make cleaning easy, ensuring that the carrier can stay fresh and hygienic with minimal effort. Adjustable padded straps enhance comfort for parents, making it easier to carry the load over long distances. Additionally, the self-standing frame adds to the ease of use, allowing for simple loading and unloading of your child.

The 22L gear compartment is accessible while wearing the pack and provides ample storage space for essentials. However, the carrier weighs 7 pounds, which might be on the heavier side compared to other models, potentially making it less suitable for very long hikes or for parents looking to minimize their carrying weight. Despite this, the carrier's ability to add on accessories, though sold separately, offers customization and potentially more storage or weather protection options. Given its features and design, the Thule Sapling Child Carrier Backpack is a solid choice for parents who prioritize comfort and safety for both themselves and their child during hiking activities.

The Osprey Poco LT Lightweight Child Carrier Backpack is a solid choice for parents seeking a convenient way to carry their child. One of its standout features is the built-in sunshade, which offers UPF 50 sun protection and can be easily deployed from a dedicated zippered pocket. This is a great addition for outings on sunny days.

The patented lightweight stainless steel frame is another plus, as it not only folds smaller than many other child carriers, making it easier to store and travel with, but also locks in place to support the child securely and provide stability when setting the carrier down. This is especially useful for parents on the go who need something easy to handle and reliable.

Comfort is enhanced by the injection-molded AirScape Framesheet, which helps distribute weight and adds to the stability. Storage is also well-thought-out with a large zippered pocket featuring a stretch mesh compartment, as well as a separate zippered lower storage compartment. This allows parents to easily organize and access their essentials while on the move. The Osprey Poco LT appears to be a practical and convenient child carrier that balances functionality and ease of use, making it a suitable option for active parents looking for a versatile and travel-friendly solution.

The Osprey Poco SLT Lightweight Child Carrier Backpack stands out for its lightweight design, thanks to its stainless steel frame that can fold compactly, making it convenient for travel and storage. Weighing 4.63 pounds, it's reasonably light for a child carrier, which is beneficial for long hikes or travel. The adjustable fit feature is another strong point, allowing the carrier to accommodate various body types with 6 inches of torso adjustment, enhancing comfort for the wearer.

The carrier includes a zippered upper pocket with a key clip and a lower storage compartment, providing ample space for necessities. Additionally, the hydration sleeve is a thoughtful inclusion for those long hikes requiring hydration on the go. Safety-wise, the frame locks securely to support the child and maintain stability when setting the carrier down, which adds to the peace of mind for parents.

While the Osprey Poco SLT is a solid choice for parents seeking a lightweight and adjustable child carrier with essential storage, it may be worth considering additional accessories for complete weather protection, such as a built-in sunshade or rain cover.