Hiking with a young child can be easier with a carrier suited to the length and demands of the outing. In a guide based on testing several models over dozens of hikes, Outside Online highlights three packs: the Osprey Poco LT for travel, the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite for day hikes and the Deuter Kid Comfort for longer or more technical trails.
The Osprey Poco LT is the most travel-friendly option in the comparison. It weighs 5 pounds, 9 ounces, offers 25 liters of storage and folds flat enough to fit in an airplane overhead bin, according to the review. Its aluminum frame is designed to carry a child up to 40 pounds, and it includes a UPF 50 sunshade. The review says its thinner shoulder straps and shorter hip belt make it less suitable for long days or some larger wearers, but considers it a practical choice for trips involving walks or hikes of five miles or less.
For day hikes where storage and child comfort take priority over a compact design, the guide recommends the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite. Its nine pockets include hip pockets, mesh side pockets and a zippered compartment for soiled clothing. The review also points to its grab handles and large kickstand, which help with lifting and keeping the carrier stable when set down. Its roomy seat and oversized chin pad were described as comfortable for the writer’s daughter, who often fell asleep in it during hikes timed around her usual nap.
The Deuter Kid Comfort is presented as the strongest fit for longer distances and more technical terrain. A sliding torso adjustment helps different adults customize the fit, while a ventilated back panel and height-adjustable seat are intended to support comfort as a child grows. The reviewer reported less shoulder and hip fatigue with this model on longer hikes than with the Osprey and Kelty carriers, and said its stable fit felt secure on uneven routes.
That support comes with less room for gear: the Deuter has 14 liters of storage, compared with 25 liters in the Osprey and more storage in the Kelty, according to the article. The reviewer said a second daypack was sometimes needed. The guide’s overall recommendations reflect those tradeoffs: choose the Poco LT for easier packing, the Kelty for day-hike storage and features, or the Deuter for a more adjustable, supportive carry on longer and more demanding trails.
Sources: Outside.