Best Baby Backpack Carriers for Travel
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What are the best baby backpack carriers for travel?
Updated: February 11, 2022
Best Baby Backpacks Carriers for Travel
We are huge proponents of travel with kids at any age. When they are young as long as you provide a place to sleep when needed they are generally good to go. We have found that while keeping a consistent schedule for sleep and food at home, we are able to be flexible while traveling as long as we have snacks and a place for sleep. Baby backpack carriers provide the perfect place for your child to see the world and rest as needed while on a family adventure.
So, here are The Kid Packer’s top 3 baby backpack carriers for travel:
Top Rated Baby Backpack Carriers for Travel - Overall Ratings
Top Rated Baby Backpack Carriers for Travel - Ratings Break Down
Quick Links:
Deuter Kid Comfort Pro
Osprey Poco LT
Osprey Poco
Why a baby carrier backpack for travel?
Why choose a baby backpack carrier versus a stroller while traveling? We actually wrote an entire article on just that (link below)! To summarize, baby backpack carriers provide the most flexibility. You can take them on escalators, beaches, in crowds, on Tuk Tuks (take a look at Unexpected Ways to Use a Baby Carrier Backpack for more inspiration!). One of the best benefits is that baby carrier backpacks are overhead compartment compatible. No waiting for gate checked strollers when de-boarding the plane. This can be a trip saver when on a tight timeline.
Child carrier backpacks are not only for traveling by plane! The benefits of backpack carriers extend well to car travel as well. They are much smaller than your typical jogging stroller and generally lay flat which helps while playing packing Tetris in your trunk.
Baby carrier backpacks typically include gear storage space so, not having a stroller will not significantly limit what you can carry. Another great benefit to the baby backpack carrier versus strollers for travelling is that you can keep your child close to you. Literally on your back! This provides peace of mind knowing they are safe and close while in crowds.
What makes a baby carrier backpack great for travel?
So, now that we know that baby carrier backpacks are an amazing mode of transportation for your little one while on the go. Let’s take a look at what features make a child carrier backpack best for travel.
- High comfort ratings
- Sunshade
- Lays flat when not in use
- Zippered storage
- Rain cover available
- Extra features unique to a particular child carrier
The Deuter Kid Comfort Pro is the most plush child carrier backpack on the market! This backpack carrier is not only comfortable for the adult wearer but, also your child! When traveling, your child could be in the backpack for 6-8 hours a day for a week or two at a time, and a backpack your child will be comfortable in should be a top priority.
Comfort
The Deuter Kid Comfort Pro is the most plush, luxurious child carrier backpack we have reviewed.
Let’s start with the child cockpit area. The Kid Comfort Pro is designed with an extended head rest panel behind the child’s head. Although we don’t love that this makes the pack larger, we do appreciate that it provides extra space for your child to rest their head when it comes nap time. This child carrier also includes foot stirrups for your child to rest their feet.
For the adult, the shoulder straps and hip belt are very well padded and the back panel is made with tensioned mesh to keep your back cool.
Sun Protection
A sunshade is often an underrated feature but, in our opinion completely necessary especially for travel. The Deuter Kid Comfort Pro includes a sunshade and not only is it included but integrated into the pack. You simply unzip, pull the shade up and forward, and attach it next to the adult shoulders with two clips.
We love that the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro includes a sunshade but, wish more robust side panels were included to provide better sun protection.
For the child carrier backpack with the best sunshade, have a look at the Osprey Poco.
Gear Storage
The Deuter Kid Comfort Pro storage system includes a removeable daypack that can be worn separately from the carrier. The removeable backpack slides into the lower storage compartment and locks into place with a hook closure. This allows you to share the load with someone else, or leave it home entirely if you plan to be in a crowd and prefer a slimmer profile.
We like the removeable daypack option but, since it stows in the storage underneath, you are not able to use both storage options at the same time unless someone else is wearing the day pack. This child carrier includes additional storage options including an upper stuff compartment, zippered hip belt pockets and a dedicated hydration bladder sleeve.
While the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro does not lay completely flat, it does compress down with the kickstand pushed in, sides cinched tight and best with the day pack removed. A rain cover can be purchased separately here.
This pack receives an 83/100 from The Kid Packer. The Deuter Kid Comfort Pro child carrier backpack is super comfortable, and is a great option for travel. When your child spends hours in a backpack for several days in a row, it needs to be comfortable.
Take a look at our comprehensive Deuter Kid Comfort Pro Review here! For a much more compact but less plush child carrier, take a look a second best baby backpack carrier for travel, the Osprey Poco LT.
The Osprey Poco LT was designed specifically for travel! This child carrier backpack design has being compact and light weight taking precedence over being super plush as opposed to the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro listed above. Both are excellent for travel with kids but, focus on different features. Let’s take a deeper look at the features of the Osprey Poco LT that make it a great option for travel!
Comfort
First, let’s discuss the overall comfort ratings of the Osprey Poco LT. This child carrier has less padding than other Osprey models but is adequately padded in the right places. The back panel is a full contact design that while warm, provides a snug fit. The child cockpit is modestly padded but soft and spacious. A feature missed on the Poco LT is foot stirrups for added support as your child grows. This child carrier includes all the standard fit adjustments and does it with the quality we have grown accustomed to from Osprey.
Sun Protection and Gear Storage
While the sunshade is not the design we have grown accustomed to from Osprey, it is included and fully incorporated in this child carrier backpack. We do prefer the typical Osprey Poco series sunshade that includes side panels. The storage included on this baby backpack carrier is comprised of lower and upper zipper compartments. You will be able to carry everything you need for a full day exploring with your child. A difference with this child carrier versus others on the market is that the kickstand does not fold in while being worn. Since this pack is smaller overall, this is not much of a problem but, different than what you typically see.
Features
This pack has been thoughtfully designed to be lightweight and compact, perfect for traveling! The unique ultra compact collapsing feature of this pack makes it exceptionally easy to pack and stow for flying. In addition, Osprey has added an option for stowaway straps and hip belt with a zipper enclosure on the front of the pack. The stowaway feature utilizes a piece of fabric that zips around the front. When not in use, the cover stuffs into the bottom of the pack. The pack can travel collapsed as is but, for added protection, the Poco LT is compatible with the existing Osprey Carrying Case.
The Poco LT is compatible with the existing rain cover. We highly recommend purchasing a rain cover with any baby backpack carrier you choose!
The last feature we want to mention is the overall dimensions of this baby backpack carrier. The Poco LT pack dimensions are: 24 x 15 x 13 inches. Compared to the Osprey Poco: 28 x 17.75 x 15.75 inches and the Osprey Poco Plus: 28.75 x 19 x 15.75 inches. This pack is definitely smaller and more nimble. Not to mention the weight! The Osprey Poco LT is only 5 pounds 1 ounce! Well over 2 pounds lighter than the other Poco models. Even though the pack itself is lightweight, the carrying weight capacity is still 48.8 pounds. The same capacity as the larger Poco models. This lightweight and compact design is what really makes the Poco LT stand out!
In summary, this is a high quality baby backpack carrier offering unique lightweight and compact features at a reasonable price. The Osprey Poco LT has a small profile while wearing and collapses completely flat, perfect for stowing in an airplane overhead compartment. These unique features make the Osprey Poco LT one of the best baby backpack carriers for travel!
Let’s take a look at the classic Osprey Poco to see why it is also a great option for travel with kids!
The Osprey Poco is the gold standard when it comes to baby backpacks in general. This child carrier has it all, comfort, great gear storage and the best sunshade on the market. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes the Osprey Poco one of the best baby backpack carriers for travel.
Comfort
The Osprey Poco is very comfortable for both the adult and the child! The back panel is a tensioned mesh that provides great ventilation. The shoulder straps and hip belt have good padding and rest very comfortably, properly distributing the weight to the hips and legs, limiting stress on the shoulders and back. The straps and buckles, like with all Osprey products, are high quality and easy to adjust. The child cockpit is padded, includes foot stirrups and is spacious.
Gear Storage
Most of the gear storage is located in the lower zipper compartment. With 20 liters of gear storage, there is plenty of room for whatever your day of exploration requires. Additional storage is included via an upper stuff pocket, two small side stuff pockets, small zipper pocket and hip belt stuff pockets. We do prefer zippers on most storage especially while traveling but, find the combination of the large and small zippered compartments to be adequate. The Osprey Poco also includes a hydration bladder sleeve.
Features
The Osprey Poco design is well thought out with efficiency in mind. Something as simple as loop tether point for a child’s favorite toy or pacifier go a long way in making your travel experience more enjoyable for everyone.
The Osprey Poco includes an incorporated sunshade and is simply the best design on the market. The Poco sunshade includes side panels which provide full coverage sun protection for your child.
As mentioned above, Osprey has a great rain cover perfect for protecting your child from inclement weather of any type. The rain cover can be purchased separately here.
The Osprey Poco lays flat but, unlike the Osprey Poco LT, does not buckle to lock in flat. This does not hinder you while stowing it in an airplane overheard bin, but something to note. It is bulkier folded flat than the Poco LT. The Osprey Poco is also compatible with the existing Osprey Carrying Case. The carrying case is not necessary unless you want extra protection while transporting your child carrier.
With a total score of 88/100, the Osprey Poco is a quality pack with great features that any child or backpack wearer will love. This child carrier has it all in a quality package and is one of the best baby backpack carriers for travel.
If you like the Osprey design and prefer additional storage you may consider the Osprey Poco Plus. The Poco Plus is The Kid Packer’s best rated baby backpack carrier overall but, is a bit bulkier and less easy to stow in an overheard compartment. We flew with an Osprey Poco Plus countless times and had no problems but, the Poco allows you to be a bit more nimble. If you are interested in more information on the Osprey Poco Series, take a look at the following:
Osprey Poco LT Review
Osprey Poco Review
Osprey Poco Plus Review
Osprey Poco vs Osprey Poco LT
Osprey Poco Plus vs Osprey Poco
Best Baby Backpack Carriers For Travel - Summary
So, if you are ready to travel with your baby or toddler a baby carrier backpack is the way to do it! When it comes to choosing the best child carrier for travel for your family, consider the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro (Review), Osprey Poco LT (Review), or the Osprey Poco (Review). You can’t go wrong with any of these options! If considering other child carriers, take into consideration overall comfort for the child and adult wearer, whether it includes a sunshade, has a rain cover available, zippered storage and the ability for the pack to lay flat for stowing in an overhead compartment.
Whichever baby backpack carrier you choose, you will be able to enjoy countless adventures with your child in a comfortable and efficient way! So, get out there and explore the world with your kids!
About The Kid Packer
Here at The Kid Packer, we want to help you live your best life. A great baby backpack child carrier can help you do just that. After having used a child carrier backpack for over 1,500 miles of adventuring and exploring, we have a passion for them and know what makes a great pack that both you and your child will love. We hope our comprehensive research allows you to confidently find the right backpack for your needs!