The Best Baby Carriers for Hiking 2022

There’s a lot that goes into a hiking gear setup, but one of the most important pieces of gear is your pack. The purpose of a hiking pack is to distribute weight and carry it evenly, but when the kid comes along, you also have to keep them safe and comfortable. We love a good jogging stroller, but for off-road outings, baby carriers are undeniably more convenient pieces of equipment. This piece of gear has the tricky job of striking a balance between being a comfortable hiking pack and being a safe way to bring your child along. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best baby carriers for hiking that will keep your little one safely contained without adding uncomfortable weight or limiting your range of motion.

The Best Baby Carriers for Hiking

What to Consider

Weight Limit

Most full-size carriers have a weight limit of around 48 pounds, and it’s important not to exceed this recommendation for structural stability and child safety reasons. Baby-specific carriers will weigh less and have a lower weight limit, though many models with a higher weight limit are highly adjustable and can cinch down or expand to fit babies and toddlers of different heights and weights.

Features

Many baby carriers for hiking come with special features, like pop-up sun shades to keep your little one protected from the sun, stirrups for them to kick their feet around, and one or more options for loading them in—usually from the top or side. This will impact the comfort of your child, but it’s important to not overlook your own comfort, as well. Look at the weight distribution for the hip belt, load lifters to stay balanced, and how well the padding and straps fit your own body so everyone has a great day on the hiking trail.

How We Selected

We evaluated a range of offerings from trusted brands in the outdoor industry, and chatted with hikers on the trails, ranging from steeper sections with tricky terrain to the most relaxed in-town spots where the kids can get out and run around. These hiking carriers include options for babies, toddlers, and a few with a higher weight limit for older kiddos, and we only chose trusted, vetted models and brands to ensure the safest and most comfortable outing for your family.

For more kid-friendly outdoor gear, check out our top picks for kids’ running shoes, jogging strollers, and gifts for new moms who run.