Backpacking using a hiking pack, soft structured carrier, woven wrap, or something in between?
The journey of finding a baby/toddler hiking carrier that works for your family can be such a challenge. Each family is unique in what they are looking for and i’m a BIG believer in finding a solution that works individually and uniquely for YOU!
With that said, I’ve been on quite the journey myself! Over the past 18 months of hiking and backpacking with our little one I’ve tried so many different options. In this post I’m not going to try and convince you that what I use is the best option for you. Rather, I’m weighing out the pros and cons of each option I have tried to help you find a solution!
Troubleshooting pain points with hiking and backpacking baby carriers
First off, I want to say that I think our culture has “normalized” a lot of the pain points in baby wearing. Because of that I see families give up on finding a good solution OR just grit through a solution that’s not ideal.
What are some pain points to be aware of and how do you troubleshoot them?
If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or frustration with the carrier option you have. Especially for longer hikes.
If your baby seems discontent, uncomfortable, or unable to sleep in the carrier option you have. Especially for longer hikes.
As a Mama ultimately your instincts can troubleshoot yours or your babies frustration far better than I can. Sometimes fussy babies on a hike just mean a teething babe, or hungry babe, or sleepy babe. But if you’re noticing patterns of continual discomfort it may be a sign to either find a new carrier option OR find structural support from a practitioner for your baby, like cranial sacral or chiropractic care!
Baby Hiking Packs: Pros and Cons
I know a lot of families that absolutely LOVE their hiking pack! Whether it’s a Dueter, Osprey, Gregory… I've tried a few hiking pack options and here are the pros and cons I’ve observed.
PROS:
Super easy on and off
Great wind flow since baby isn’t directly on your skin - especially helpful in the summer or warmer climates!
A lot of attachment and accessory options: bug protectors, shade umbrellas, backpacking attachments.
CONS:
Because it’s a framed carrier it can be challenging to find an option that works for both Mama and Papa comfortably. Especially if you have a tall Papa and shorter Mama (such as the case in our family).
The ergonomics for baby aren’t ideal. Often these carriers put stress on babies sacral.
It isn’t particularly pregnancy belly friendly.
It’s not breastfeeding friendly. This is a big con for me as so often I’m breastfeeding Piper while we hike.
If you are hiking in windy or colder areas it’s not ideal unless you have baby in some pretty stellar layers.
When you buy a hiking pack you are pretty limited to using this carrier for just hiking. Meaning, you don’t see to many people running around in the grocery store with a hiking pack! It’s not very multi-use friendly.
Ergo Omni 360 - Soft Structured Carrier: Pros and Cons
I used this carrier quite a bit with Piper from about 5 months - 18 months. Again, there are a lot of pros and cons and depending on what you are looking for it may be a great option for you!
PROS:
Super easy on and off buckle system
Multiple carry options including forward facing, nursing friendly, and a back carry
Adjusts to work on multiple body types
The omni mesh has pretty good airflow
Keeping baby close to your body makes for easier hiking, balance, and keeping baby warm
CONS:
The biggest one is discomfort for the carrier. I’ve heard this from a lot of others as well. Because of the buckle system it’s hard to get this carrier adjusted JUST right which often puts strain on your back. Especially for long hikes.
Discomfort for baby. It is ergonomically friendly but doesn’t quite achieve the deep seat that babies bodies love to be in. I’ve noticed Piper gets fussy in this carrier after a couple hours.
Not super backpacking friendly. It’s hard to use this carrier with a backpacking pack. Mainly because of the buckles on buckles.
Woven Wrap Options: Pros and Cons
The world of woven wraps is SO vast that this short paragraph is only scratching the surface! Although woven wraps have the biggest learning curve they are by far the most comfortable for baby and Mama. The flexibility to adjust the wrap to the MM for your body type and use the wrap for all sorts of carry options makes it really ideal. I thought that this was the answer for backpacking and hiking for us for awhile!
PROS:
By far the most comfortable option. It’s how Mamas have been carrying babies for generations!
So many different carry options you can youtube tutorials for. Some are super easy on and off and some take a few minutes to get the wrap just right.
Great nursing friendly carry options. Nurse baby discretely while in a comfortable carry!
You can support baby really well in a deep seat position making it optimal for really long cozy carries.
Warm and cozy for winter hikes!
Works well with a backpack since there are no buckles and knotless carry options!
CONS:
The learning curve can be frustrating and challenging. Many Mamas prefer the buckles!
Depending on what wrap and what carry you utilize it’s not always a quick on/off option.
Not ideal for warm weather hikes
Fidella Fly Tai: Pros and Cons
I searched and searched for a carrier like this for MONTHS! Some sort of Ergo meets a Woven wrap option. I couldn’t find what I was looking for. UNTIL a Mama in one of my FB groups posted her recent 5 day backpacking trip with a toddler using this carrier. So… I bought one and tried it out! SUCH A GAME CHANGER and exactly what I was looking for. Now, it still may not be the right option for you… but here are the pros and cons.
PROS:
Extremely comfortable for the carrier! It works similarly to a wrap in how adjustable it is. I couldn’t believe I had 0 back pain even after carrying my toddler 24 miles over 2 days.
Easy to use with a backpack or large fanny pack for backpacking.
Great deep seat and comfortable for baby.
Nursing discretely friendly. I probably breastfed Piper for about 2hours on our recent hike out in this carrier. It was super hot and she just needed milk to help her get through the final stretch of hiking.
Works for any body type. Richard and I both use this carrier.
Keeps baby close to your own body to make hiking easier and safer.
CONS:
There is a learning curve with this carrier as well. If you’re coming from buckles to a wrap type carrier it can be frustrating - finding in person support is a great option.
It’s not a super quick on and off option. It probably takes me about 2 minutes to get the carrier just right. Which, in the grand scheme of things I much prefer taking two minutes for a pain-free long carry option!
It can be hot carrying skin to skin (although I’ve done it). I always put both Piper and I in wicking layers.
Summary: Hiking and Backpacking Baby/Toddler Carrier Option Review
I hope this helps you to make a decision that works for you and your family! I always say a babywearing lifestyle is similar to buying shoes. Sometimes you do need 2-3 pairs for unique situations. But, in the end it’s WORTH it to find the right fit for what you are looking for!!
Happy adventuring!!