Are Baby Backpack Carrier Rain Covers Needed?
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Do you need a baby backpack carrier rain cover?
Updated: September 22, 2022
Child Carrier Backpack Rain Covers
Once you’ve determined a baby backpack carrier is a great fit for your family, the next step is choosing if accessories are necessary. In this article, we answer the question: Are baby backpack carrier rain covers needed?
In order to answer this, we delve into the following:
- What are rain covers and how do they work?
- What are they good for?
- Do I need one?
Do you really need a baby backpack carrier rain cover?
It’s no secret that baby backpack carriers come with a hefty price tag. Is it worth adding an additional $30-$40? The answer in most cases is yes. Rain covers are an excellent multi-purpose item for travel with babies and toddlers. Let’s dig a bit deeper into what a rain cover is, what it’s good for and if a rain cover makes sense for your family!
1. What is a baby backpack rain cover and how do they work?
So, what is a child carrier rain cover? Well, exactly how it sounds! A rain cover is an accessory that attaches to the outside of the baby backpack carrier for rain protection. Most major brands offer a rain cover attachment but some, like Kelty, do not which needs to be considered when purchasing a baby carrier backpack. Some rain covers are included with the purchase of the baby backpack carrier and others are purchased separately. In most cases each brand offers one rain cover compatible with all of the child carriers in their line up.
Every brand is a little different but most have clasps/clips/loops or some type of attachment mechanism to attach the rain cover to the child carrier at various points. All brands require the sun shade to be engaged in order to attach the rain cover. You may be wondering if a different brand rain cover would fit your pack. The answer is most likely not. Each rain cover is specifically designed for attachment points on a specific pack. We have not found a universal rain cover that fits any child carrier backpack yet.
Rain covers are completely separate and typically pack into their own pocket. They fold down to about the size of your hand and can be stored in the baby backpack carrier storage pouch.
Take a look at the Thule Sapling Rain Cover tutorial for more information on how to attach a rain cover!
2. What are baby backpack carrier rain covers good for?
Baby backpack carrier rain covers are not just for rain! We’ve found them to be equally useful for cold climates and wind. Rain covers are great at keeping the heat in and the wind out for your tiny passenger. Rain covers often cover your child’s legs and help prevent any extra blankets/layers from falling out.
Your child will enjoy the extra warmth while still being able to see around them with clear plastic sides on the child cockpit portion of the cover.
Having a rain cover can take your child carrier backpack from a 1-2 season gear item to a 3-4 season item.
3. Do I need a baby backpack carrier rain cover?
Determining if purchasing a rain cover is best for your family depends on how you plan to use your child carrier and where you live. From our experience, with the active style of travel we prefer, we always recommend a rain cover for baby backpack carriers. That being said, not everyone uses their child carriers the same way so there are scenarios where you may not need one. For example, if you are a grandparent that only plans to use the child carrier for light use or indoor events, you may not need a rain cover. If you live in a warm climate, don’t plan to travel, and are not using the child carrier for hiking then you may not need one.
For most travel scenarios, whether international or domestic, rain covers are super helpful even if only for peace of mind. You may never need to use yours, but knowing you have it just in case is valuable.
Osprey Poco Rain Cover
Deuter Kid Comfort Rain Cover
Thule Sapling Rain Cover
Are Baby Backpack Carrier Rain Covers Needed? - Summary
In summary, most travel and daily scenarios benefit from having a rain cover in tow. Not only do rain covers protect from the rain but also the cold and wind.
When comparing baby backpack carriers during the buying process make sure to consider if the rain cover is included, available for purchase or not an option. Many of the economic brands do not offer rain covers for their child carriers.
For more information on purchasing a baby backpack carrier for your family, take a look at the following Kid Packer resources:
If you are an active family that enjoys hiking and travel, we definitely recommend the purchase of a rain cover for your baby backpack carrier!
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!
