Osprey POco LT Child carrier Review
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Osprey Poco LT Review
Updated: May 6, 2021
Here at The Kid Packer, we are huge fans of Osprey’s Poco Child Carrier series. Osprey has been able to seamlessly blend functionality, durability and comfort in their previous Poco models. The Osprey Poco LT is their latest child carrier offering (new in 2021) and we are so excited to share our research and review! The Osprey Poco LT is a lightweight and compact child carrier that comes in 4 great colors. We break down all the details below!
Osprey Poco LT Child Carrier Scoring Summary
Osprey Poco LT Child Carrier Pros and Cons
Very Lightweight
Entire backpack is 5 ibs 1 oz!
Compact
Small profile, folds down very small and includes stowaway straps
Sunshade Built In
Provides a comfortable and safe ride
No Side Pockets
No place for water bottles/quick grab items.
No Foot Stirrups
Would be nice for longer outings
No Sunshade Side Panels
Provides less side coverage and impacts napping
Osprey Poco LT Adult Comfort: 7/10
The Osprey Poco LT is designed primarily to be compact and lightweight and is not intended to be the most plush child carrier backpack (if you are looking for plush check out the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro!). With that said, Osprey knows how to make a comfortable pack and has done so with this new model.
For the back panel, Osprey uses their AirScape suspension system which utilizes a mesh covered foam for a lightweight yet conforming fit. This is a very different back panel compared to other Osprey Poco models on the market today. The Osprey Poco LT back panel is more in contact with the adult wearer which makes it a bit warmer.
The Osprey Poco LT includes torso and hip belt adjustability (discussed next) to accommodate various sized wearers. Load lifters on the Poco LT offer classic Osprey pack comfort by reducing the weight/pressure on the shoulders.
Overall, this should be a comfortable child carrier backpack for most frames but, it is lacking a few premium touches that we have grown accustomed to from Osprey in order to make it lightweight and compact. Hip belt extenders are one such touch missing from this pack. The hip belt on this pack does provide a wide range of fit (26-48 inches) but, does not include extensions of the padding for larger waist sizes. The waist belt is adequate for most but, some may find it lacking in comfort for this reason.
One miss in regards to comfort on the Poco LT is child cockpit compression capability. The top brands on the market include a tightening strap on both sides of the pack for compressing the child cockpit which essentially draws the pack weight closer to your body. As your child grows and wiggles around more, this is a really helpful feature and one we wish Osprey would have included on the Poco LT.
Osprey Poco LT Fit Adjustability: 7/10
Osprey Poco child carriers all include various ways to adjust and properly fit the backpack.
The Osprey Poco LT child carrier includes an adjustable torso with 6 inches of torso adjustments available. This will fit torso measurements of 15-21 inches. The torso adjustment mechanism on the Poco LT differs completely from the ‘One-Size-Fits-All’ mechanism featured on the Poco and Poco Plus models. This difference does not appear to limit the torso length or functionality, it just doesn’t have the same sturdy feel. The Poco LT uses velcro to secure the adjustment. The ease of changing the torso length is a wonderful feature but, the velcro can be a bit difficult to undo to move it up or down.
Another adjustable feature on the Osprey Poco LT is the hip belt. The hip belt on this pack does provide a wide range of fit (26-48 inches) but, as mentioned above does not include the padded extenders for additional comfort. The hip belt storage pockets also do not include a zipper which in our opinion limits their functionality.
Otherwise, this is a smaller and lighter pack than most on the market and will comfortably fit most frame sizes.
To learn a bit more about how to properly fit a backpack, check out this helpful article from REI.
Osprey Poco LT Child Comfort: 7/10
Keeping in mind that this pack is specifically designed to be lightweight and compact and not plush, the child cockpit is still spacious and will be plenty comfortable for your child. The child cockpit is bare bones in comparison to more plush backpacks on the market but, has all of the essentials including an adjustable seat, modest drool pad and a built in sunshade.
Although we realize this pack is not built for maximum comfort, we do feel that a few things are missing in regards to child comfort. The Osprey Poco LT does include a drool pad with plenty of padding, but not removable for washing. We would not recommend your child eating in this pack for that reason.
Foot stirrups are not included in this version of the Poco. Stirrups are not necessary while your child is small but, as they grow, it is helpful for circulation and comfort to have foot stirrups for support.
In our opinion, one of the most important features of a baby backpack carrier is the sun shade. The Osprey Poco Plus is our top rated child carrier backpack for this (and many more) reason. The Osprey Poco LT has a built in sunshade which is a win for sure! Comparing this sunshade to that of other Osprey models shows its shortfall. No side panels! The Poco LT sunshade literally falls short here. The lack of side panels leaves the child exposed to the sun except high noon. The lack of side panels also impacts our nap effectiveness rating discussed below.
This is definitely an adequate pack in regards to child comfort. Your child will love it. But, it is not as plush as other models. However, keep in mind that this backpack was primarily designed to be lightweight and compact. If you are interested in a pack built with child comfort in mind, take a look at the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro (Review) and Osprey Poco Plus (Review).
Osprey Poco LT Child Safety: 8/10
Osprey utilizes a double halo harness with front facing arm loops as opposed to some harness systems that go over the child’s head to clip in. This harness design provides a snug and safe ride. An added benefit to the lightweight materials used on the Osprey Poco LT is your child should remain cool and well ventilated on a warm day.
The pack has a secure kickstand that firmly locks into place via two red clips to let you know it is locked and stable. This allows you to put your child down without concern of them falling over.
A few downsides in regards to child safety with this pack is the lack of foot stirrups to help with circulation and a general lack of padding for when things get a bit bumpy on the trail.
Overall, Osprey has continued their safety standards in the Poco series to its newest member, the Osprey Poco LT.
Osprey Poco LT Sun Protection: 7/10
We have mentioned the sunshade on this child carrier backpack multiple times so, lets take a look at it! Osprey has the highest quality sunshades on the market and the Osprey Poco LT has many of those qualities.
The sunshade on this model is included and incorporated in the pack. It order to use it, open the top most zipper compartment labeled ‘Sunshade’. Pull the sunshade straight up then forward to affix to the front of the pack via two toggles. The Osprey Poco LT sunshade is rated UPF50, spacious, and exceptionally easy to use. Unfortunately, is it not the same design as other Osprey models and does not include side panels. Side panels allow for sun protection from the sides and provides a place for your child to rest their head during nap time.
We do appreciate that a high quality sunshade was included with this pack but, would prefer to see the same design used on other Osprey packs on the Poco LT.
Fully Integrated Into Pack
Quick and easy setup
Good Child Headspace
Shade sits high above the child
Limited Side Coverage
Leaves your child exposed during certain parts of the day
Less Ideal for Nap Time
Limited side panels can make napping more difficult
Osprey Poco LT Nap Effectiveness: 7/10
Nap time is absolutely critical for a small child while on a long day out. A baby backpack carrier is a great place for your child to rest in a safe and mobile manner. The Osprey Poco and Osprey Poco Plus are our highest rated baby backpack carriers in regards to nap effectiveness. Unfortunately, The Osprey Poco LT falls a bit short in this category.
The main differences are the sunshade without side panels and a sparsely padded child cockpit/drool pad. Without side panels on the sunshade the child’s head will likely rest on the drool pad which in this case may be a bit less comfortable. The Poco LT also does not include mesh side pockets for the placement of a phone with a white noise app to help drown out surrounding sounds.
The Poco LT is made of light weight material that is breathable which does provide a cooler experience.
Will your child be able to nap in this baby backpack carrier? Yes! Will they be at maximum comfort? Probably not.
Osprey Poco LT Gear Storage: 8/10
With 21 liters of storage capacity, the Osprey Poco LT is not lacking on gear storage! This pack includes a lot of the traditional storage options offered in the Osprey Poco Series.
Bottom zip storage is great for diaper changing gear, extra clothing layers and water bottler for your child. The top zippered compartment is great for smaller items including sunscreen, keys, and snacks. The Poco LT also includes a hydration bladder compartment! Just slip the filled hydration bladder into the pocket behind the adult shoulder straps labeled ‘Hydration H2O’, clip it in and run the hose through the loops on the preferred strap.
This pack is intended to be as lightweight and compact as possible, therefore the lack of side pockets can be forgiven. We do wish the hip belt pockets were zippered to prevent the loss of small (and usually important) items.
Overall, the Osprey Poco LT has great gear storage!
Osprey Poco LT Extra Features: 9/10
Even though the Osprey Poco LT is lightweight and compact, it still comes with plenty of extra features! This pack is unique to Osprey in that it isn’t maxed out with premium features but, comes with its own unique spin on a baby backpack carrier.
The Poco LT includes 4 grab handles. The two side grab handles are a new addition to the Osprey series and a good one! Grab handles in multiple locations can really help when trying to put on a pack loaded with your child and gear. Osprey has always included two substantial top grab handles but, the additions are a nice touch.
This pack has been thoughtfully designed to be lightweight/compact and seems to be aimed at families on the go. 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.
This latest addition to the Osprey Poco series is also compatible with the existing rain cover which can be a life saver. Not only can it be used for rainy conditions but, also can protect your child from the wind and cold. 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!
Osprey Poco LT Durability: 8/10
Osprey is an industry leader in quality, design and durability. This pack may be lightweight but, it is made of durable 210-denier Mini Hex nylon/420-denier HD nylon. In this case, lightweight does not mean low quality.
The Osprey Poco Series is covered by the Osprey All Mighty Guarantee which includes a 7 year warranty.
Osprey Poco LT Value: 7/10
Now that we have discussed the many upsides and downsides to the latest Osprey Poco offering, lets discuss price. The Osprey Poco LT comes in at $260. This in the ballpark of other high end brands. The Osprey Poco LT is a unique product and could be the perfect fit for your travelling family which would make it a great value.
If you plan to use a baby backpack carrier primarily for hiking/long outings, the Osprey Poco may be a better value for your family. The Poco comes in at $30 more than the Poco LT but, provides some features that we prefer to the more barebones, lightweight, and compact nature of the LT for hiking.
The value is definitely there for a family looking for these unique and high quality features offered by Osprey in this model.
Osprey Product Tour
Close Ups
Osprey Poco LT Carrier Summary
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 for easy and efficient traveling. Who would this child carrier backpack model be perfect for? This pack is adequate for most anyone interested in a baby backpack but, is ideal for traveling/flying, shopping/tight spaces, and someone looking for a lighter weight option.
If you are looking for a plush child carrier with all the bells and whistles and don’t require a small profile, take a look at the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro and Osprey Poco Plus. When looking for the best baby backpack for hiking, you may want to consider a more plush pack for ultimate comfort for the adult and child.
If you are looking for other minimalist travel ready child carriers, take a look at the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL and Phil and Teds Parade.
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!
