My partner and I are lifelong hikers, so we wasted no time getting our newborn child out onto a hiking trail. We started hiking with a baby early and we just kept going, including when baby #2 joined our family. Over the years, I came to appreciate the many benefits of hiking with a baby carrier. I’ve personally tried many of these baby carriers for hiking and I am happy to share my first-hand experiences with you.
Related: Don’t miss my best tips for hiking with a baby!
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Best Baby Carriers for Hiking
Based on my many years of experience hiking with newborns, babies, toddlers and preschoolers, I have first-hand experience using several of these carriers over the years. Here are the hiking baby carriers I recommend to you:
When I hiked with my babies and toddlers, I used the Original 3-position Ergobaby Carrier and loved it. Today, the Ergobaby Omni Breeze is the natural upgrade I recommend now.
It has the same secure, comfortable feel I loved in our Ergo, but with better ventilation, padded lumbar support, and all carry positions from 7 to 45 lb.
For hiking with a baby, that wide waistband and supportive fit matter when you are climbing, zig-zagging, and wearing it for hours. The Omni Breeze keeps baby high and close, which is exactly where I want them on uneven trails, and it packs down far smaller than a framed backpack, so it works for flights and everyday travel too.
If you are searching for the best baby carrier for hiking that can also handle naps at the airport, city days, and hands-free travel, the Ergobaby Omni Breeze is the one carrier I would buy first.
For even more information, don't miss my full review of the Ergobaby Omni Breeze.
- Comfortable for long walks and hikes with strong lumbar support
- All positions (including forward-facing) from 7 - 45 lbs
- Breathable mesh keeps both of us cooler on hot trails
- Works as an everyday carrier, not just for hiking
- Higher price than basic carriers
- Too warm for some in full sun if you choose non-mesh versions
I transitioned from the Ergobaby to using the LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons when my kids started to get bigger. With 6 ergonomic carrying positions, a zip down front to help control your baby’s temperature, a headrest, and a sleeping hood that also works for sun protection, I liked that the LÍLLÉbaby has all the features I want in a baby carrier for hiking and travel. It is designed for babies from 7 to 45 lb, with an adjustable seat that supports a hip-healthy position as your baby grows, plus it is fully machine washable.
I like how the LÍLLÉbaby has proper lumbar support, a wide waistband, and padded shoulder straps to help with any back issues on longer walks, sightseeing days, and moderate hikes. The zip down mesh panel is especially useful on warmer trails or in the summer, when you still want the support of a structured hiking baby carrier without overheating.
The LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons can be used for hiking with an infant without an insert, all the way through hiking with a toddler. However, if you plan to carry your toddler a lot or on more demanding hikes, I highly recommend moving into either a sturdier hiking backpack carrier or the LÍLLÉbaby CarryOn Toddler, since those are specifically designed with a taller panel and better fit for bigger kids.
- Multiple carry positions from newborn to toddler
- Zip-down mesh panel helps regulate temperature on hikes
- Wide, supportive waistband and lumbar support
- Good value compared to other multi-position carriers
- More buckles and adjustments to learn for first-time users
- Can feel warm in hot, humid conditions with panel zipped
If you value a really comfortable, body-hugging fit for both you and baby on hikes, the Baby Tula Explore earns its place on my list. It supports 7 - 45 lbs with an adjustable panel, so you get a proper newborn fit without an insert and a supportive seat as your baby grows. The padded waistband and shoulder straps distribute weight well, which I notice most on longer “stop and start” hiking days.
I like the Baby Tula Explore for families who split their time between urban exploring and easier hiking trails and want something that looks good, feels soft, and still keeps baby in an ergonomic position. Choose one of the breathable mesh versions if you are planning summer hiking or warmer destinations.
- Soft, ergonomic fit that is easy to love
- Works from newborn (no insert) through toddler
- Forward-facing option plus back carry for bigger babies
- Less structured than some carriers for heavier toddlers
Once your toddler hits 25 lbs+, many standard hiking carriers start to feel less supportive. This is where the LÍLLÉbaby CarryOn Airflow shines. It is purpose-built for 25 - 60 lbs with a tall panel, wide seat, and breathable mesh that works well on real hikes and travel days when your “big kid” still needs a ride.
I like the LÍLLÉbaby CarryOn Airflow as the natural next step after a standard soft structured carrier, especially for families tackling national park trails or sightseeing trips with lots of walking. It keeps the hip-healthy position, has serious lumbar support, and gives you more longevity than squeezing a tall toddler into a newborn-friendly design.
- Designed specifically for larger toddlers and preschoolers
- Breathable mesh for warm-weather hiking
- Supportive waistband and tall back panel
- Extends the life of babywearing for adventure travel families
- Not suitable for babies under 25 lbs
- Bulkier to pack than a standard soft carrier
Once we graduated from soft baby carriers for hiking, we moved into the Deuter Kid Comfort and never looked back. We loved our Deuter Kid Comfort 3 so much that we bought a second one when our youngest was big enough. The current Deuter Kid Comfort child carrier is the natural successor I recommend now.
The Deuter Kid Comfort is designed for children who can sit independently with strong head and neck control and provides a secure, supportive cockpit with a 5-point safety harness, adjustable seat height, and stirrups to keep little legs comfortable on longer hikes. The ventilated back system, padded hip belt, and adjustable back length help transfer the load to your hips and make it easy to share between parents, which I really appreciate on full-day mountain trails.
There is enough storage for snacks, diapers, and extra layers, and the overall build quality is exactly what I want in a framed hiking baby carrier for frequent use. The Kid Comfort sits in the sweet spot of comfort, support, and durability for families who are serious about hiking with a baby or toddler, while the Kid Comfort Active is a good lighter-weight alternative if you prioritize minimal features and a closer fit.
- Very comfortable suspension and hip belt for longer hikes
- Adjustable back length makes it easy to share between parents
- Secure child cockpit with 5-point harness and stirrups
- High quality build designed for frequent hiking use
- Heavier and bulkier than a soft carrier for travel days
- More expensive than budget carriers, though resale value helps
While I absolutely loved my Deuter backpack carriers, the Osprey Poco Premium Child Carrier is the model I recommend if you want a high-quality framed hiking baby carrier with all the extras. The Poco Premium sits in the same top tier as Deuter, with a true hiking suspension system, Osprey’s ventilated AirSpeed backpanel, a highly adjustable torso, and a Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt that make it easier to get a comfortable fit and share the load between parents.
For your little one, it has a secure Double Halo harness, adjustable seat height, soft padded drool pad, adjustable stirrups, and a built-in UPF sunshade that tucks away when you do not need it. There is ample storage in the main compartment, lower compartment, hip belt pockets, and side pockets, which I find essential for carrying snacks, diapers, layers, and water on longer hikes or travel days.
If you are choosing between Osprey’s options, I see the Poco Premium as the best “do everything” choice for real hiking and active travel, while the lighter Poco LT is better for shorter walks and when packability matters more than maximum storage.
- High quality suspension and hipbelt for real hiking comfort
- Highly adjustable fit makes it easier to share between parents
- Integrated UPF sunshade and secure Double Halo harness for your child
- Excellent storage for baby gear, snacks, and layers
- Heavier and bulkier than soft carriers or minimalist frames
- Premium price
Read More
If you’d like to consider more options, I have written a complete post on the Best Backpack Carriers for Babies & Toddlers.
Based on my experience, the Baby K’tan is an all-around great baby carrier for hiking with newborns and young babies. It is comfortable for both mom and baby and it keeps your infant snuggled in close, which I really appreciate on uneven trails and in busy places when we travel. I like that its design gets you all the benefits of a baby wrap for hiking and everyday wear, but without the added complication of tying long woven fabric.
The Baby K’tan Original uses adouble-loop design you simply slip on like a t-shirt, is made from 100% soft cotton, is machine washable, and is designed for babies from around 8 to 35 lbs
I often used a Baby K’tan wrap carrier for hiking with an infant, especially when my Ergobaby Carrier with an infant insert felt too warm. The Baby K’tan packs down small, keeps baby high and close to my center of gravity, and is an easy option to throw in your daypack as a backup hiking baby carrier or travel carrier.
The only downside to the Baby K’tan carrier is that it is size specific, so you may not be able to share it with your partner unless you are similar sizes. A snug, correct fit is important for both comfort and safety, so I always recommend using the size chart instead of trying to size up or down to share. If you would like to share the carrying duties with your partner in a one size fits most option, the Boba Wrap is a highly regarded stretchy wrap alternative that works well for home, travel, and gentle walks.
- Fast and simple to put on
- Excellent for newborn closeness when used correctly
- Very lightweight and compact for travel
- Soft fabric is comfortable for both parent and baby
- Sized carrier means different wearers may need different sizes
- Less supportive for heavier babies or long, steep hikes
If you want to try a framed hiking baby carrier without paying Deuter or Osprey prices, this Besrey Baby Backpack Carrier is a good budget option to consider. It is a lightweight framed carrier (around 5.5 lb) with a foldable stand, multiple storage pockets, and an included sunshade, which makes it practical for occasional hikes, travel days, and outings where you want your toddler up high with a good view.
The adjustable shoulder straps, waist belt, and load lifters help you get a more balanced fit than very cheap no-name packs, and the 3-height adjustable child seat, 5-point safety harness, and foot stirrups are key features I look for in hiking child carriers.
For families who hike regularly, tackle longer or more technical trails, or want maximum comfort and longevity, I still recommend investing in a Deuter Kid Comfort or Osprey Poco. But if your budget is tight and your hikes are shorter and less frequent, this Besrey model offers decent value while still providing core safety and comfort features.
- More affordable than premium Deuter and Osprey carriers
- Lightweight frame with foldable stand for easier storage and travel
- Includes 5 point harness, adjustable seat heights, stirrups, and detachable sunshade
- Multiple pockets provide enough space for basic baby gear and snacks
- Lower max weight and overall durability than premium carriers
- Harness, padding, and suspension are simpler and less supportive for long or technical hikes
- Best suited for occasional use rather than heavy, long term trail abuse
Benefits of Hiking with a Baby
As a parent who started hiking with a baby when my first child was only 6 – 8 weeks old, I can say with confidence that getting out in nature with your baby makes for wonderful family experiences. Not only do you get the benefits of being out in the fresh air and in nature, but there are so many more reasons why you should be out hiking with your baby.
As a new mom, staying at home all day is not healthy. Getting out gives you confidence in your ability to do more things with your baby. Plus, the fresh air and exercise that hiking with your baby provides is just so good for your mental well-being.
Hiking with a newborn is a great time to start, since newborns are most happy when they are cuddled up on you. They are quick to sleep while you are enjoying your hike. Also, if you use a baby carrier for hiking, they will quickly get used to being in a carrier, which you can reap benefits from well into those toddlers years.
In my experience, the best way to get out hiking with an infant or baby is to have a good hiking carrier for baby (and for you).
How do you Choose the Best Baby Carrier for Hiking?
Based on my experience, the best hiking baby carrier will be the one that is most comfortable for you and your baby. I’ve learned there are several considerations for finding the best baby carrier for hiking for you:
1. Climate is a big consideration when choosing which baby carrier is best for hiking. I used my original Ergobaby carrier with an infant insert when we first started hiking with a newborn. In our Canadian summers, the Ergobaby was a good choice, but when we traveled to a warmer climate, I found the infant insert was quite hot.
In warm climates, a hiking baby carrier with some airflow and mesh is the best option.
2. Also, depending on the age of your baby, you’ll want to consider a baby carrier for hiking that gives you multiple ways of wearing it. For newborns, infants and young babies, front carrying is the best way to use your carrier. Then, once your child is old enough, back carrying your baby during a hike is easier since you can see where you are stepping.
By choosing a good quality, versatile hiking carrier, you’ll get plenty of use out of it not only hiking with a baby but hiking with toddlers too. Just make sure you practice using your carrier around the house and in your neighborhood before heading out on your first family adventure!
Read More
If you are hiking with a toddler too, make sure to check out all my favorite toddler hiking gear.
What about Hiking Backpack Baby Carriers?
I LOVE hiking backpack carriers! In fact, I’ve owned two Deuter Kid Comfort backpack carriers and am a huge proponent of these types of hiking carriers for babies.
Some people will claim that a soft structured baby carrier is all you need for hiking, but while I like having that option, a hiking backpack baby carrier has many added benefits. If you plan on hiking often and/or doing longer family hikes, I recommend going with one of these hiking backpack carriers for babies.
Making a Final Decision on the Best Baby Hiking Carrier
How do you know which baby carrier for hiking to choose? Choosing the best baby carrier comes down to the right fit for you and your baby. This means, you need to try them on.
I recommend you either purchase several and return the ones that you don’t like or find a local babywearing lending library where you can try on different options.
Other Baby Hiking Gear
Hiking with a baby is so easy and enjoyable. You don’t need much baby hiking gear to get out on the trails, but I recommend you bring these accessories when hiking with a baby:
For soft structured carriers, this Ergo Fleece Lined Cover is great for when the weather gets chilly. For wet climates, the Ergo also has a rain cover.
A wide brimmed baby sun hat is a must, even if you have your child in a backpack carrier. I love these sun hats by Sunday Afternoon, the sun protection is excellent and my kids have happily worn them for years.
If they are old enough to use it, further protect your baby from the sun with sunscreen.
For hiking with a newborn, don’t forget the infant insert if your baby carrier requires it for children that small.
Diaper changes don’t stop just because you are hiking. I couldn’t live without my portable diaper changing mat.
Where to Get Out Hiking with a Baby
If you are traveling internationally with a baby, see these best hikes with a baby or toddler around the world or these best hikes with toddlers and babies in the USA.
If you love the idea of hiking with a baby, but don’t want to do it solo, talk to fellow moms in your new mom group or look into Hike It Baby to find a community of hikers!
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This post was written & edited by:
Celine Brewer is the owner of Baby Can Travel. Not only does she have years of experience traveling with babies & toddlers, but she's helped millions of new parents travel with their babies and toddlers for over a decade. In addition to writing on her baby travel blog, she has shared her expertise on traveling with a baby or toddler by contributing to articles about traveling with a baby with the Washington Post, USA Today, the Lonely Planet magazine and Pregnancy & Newborn magazine.
Celine also writes about family travel on the site FamilyCanTravel.com, which she co-owns with her husband. Being from the Canadian Rockies, she shares her passion about her home and travel to Banff National Park and area on their site TravelBanffCanada.com.