Osprey Poco LT vs.
Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
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Osprey Poco LT vs Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Updated: May 06, 2021
Comparison Summary
Looking for the best baby backpack carrier for travel? Or, looking for the best baby backpack carrier for women? Here, we take a look at two options that could work for both!
Osprey and Deuter are two of the most well known baby backpack carrier brands on the market and both are highly rated by The Kid Packer. The Osprey Poco LT and Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL are both unique compared to other child carrier backpacks. The Poco LT has been designed to be both lightweight and compact where the Kid Comfort Active SL was designed specifically with Women in mind but, by doing so is also very lightweight. With these being two of the lightest weight full featured baby backpacks on the market, we wanted to compare them for you!
Both brands offer deluxe models of their packs (Osprey Poco Plus and Deuter Kid Comfort Pro) but, these packs are not intended to be deluxe and instead are great lightweight options.
Despite lacking a few features, both packs are top notch and great options. Depending on your needs, either of these packs may be right for you.
If you want to read our comprehensive review on either backpack, have a look at the links below.
Comparison Summary
Deciding between Osprey Poco LT or Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL? Looking for the best baby backpack carrier for travel? Or, looking for the best baby backpack carrier for women? Here, we take a look at two options that could work for both!
Osprey and Deuter are two of the most well known baby backpack carrier brands on the market and both are highly rated by The Kid Packer. The Osprey Poco LT and Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL are both unique compared to other child carrier backpacks. The Poco LT has been designed to be both exceptionally lightweight and compact where the Kid Comfort Active SL was designed specifically with women in mind but, by doing so is also very lightweight. With these being two of the lightest weight full featured baby backpack carriers on the market, we wanted to compare them for you!
Both brands offer deluxe models of their packs (Osprey Poco Plus and Deuter Kid Comfort Pro).
Despite lacking a few features, the Osprey Poco LT and Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL are top notch and great options. Depending on your needs, either of these packs may be right for you.
For more detailed information on each pack, take a look at our full reviews!
Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL Review (for women)
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Review (unisex)
Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Osprey Poco LT vs Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL - Key Differences
Osprey Poco LT
Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
- The Osprey Poco LT offers more storage
- This Deuter model includes foot stirrups
- The Osprey Poco LT has a fully integrated sunshade included. The Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL does not include a sunshade.
- The Osprey Poco LT is smaller and lighter weight.
- The Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL typically sells for $10 less but, the sunshade needs to be purchased separately ($35).
Osprey Poco LT vs Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL - Feature Comparison
Osprey Poco LT vs Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL - Rating Comparison
Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Osprey Poco LT vs Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL - Comfort
Overall Comfort Winner: Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
While determining which baby backpack carrier is best for comfort between the Osprey Poco LT and Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL, the plushness of the materials used is a big factor.
In this case, the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL is the overall more comfortable pack. Lets take a look at the details below!
Adult Comfort Winner: Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Both packs are made with high quality materials with padding where needed but, the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL has much more plush padding on the hip belt and shoulder straps. The Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL is specifically designed for women so it has a more narrow fit and the hip belt padding hits just the right places on a smaller body frame. This does not mean that this pack can not be worn by someone with a larger frame, it can be, it is just more comfortable for someone smaller. The Deuter Kid Comfort Active also uses plush padding on the hip belt and straps and is designed as a unisex option.
These Osprey and Deuter child carriers both have good quality load lifters to ensure the pack weight fits comfortably on your hips versus pressing down on your shoulders but, we prefer the way the Deuter load lifters are higher up on your shoulders and easier to grab while wearing.
Fit Adjustability Winner: Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
The Osprey Poco LT and Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL are both fully adjustable baby backpack carriers. Determining which pack would be better for you comes down to the size of your body frame. The Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL was specifically designed for women and thus is best adjusted for a smaller frame.
The torso adjustment on this Deuter child carrier uses their Vari-Quick system which uses loops and velcro on the back panel. The adjustment range is 14-18 inches which is decidedly shorter than the 15-21 inches offered by Osprey on the Poco LT. In contrast to the SL model, the Deuter Kid Comfort Active adjustment range is 15-20 inches. However, we tested the SL on a male that is 6′ – 2”, and it still fit just fine. Despite being built for women, the Deuter Active SL should work for most men as well.
We prefer the torso adjustment mechanism on the Deuter to the system on the Poco LT. On the Poco LT you have to detach the cumberson velcro torso adjustment, slide the panel up or down then push the velcro back on. If you are the primary wearer and not changing the torso length often, this isn’t a big concern.
Both of these packs include an adjustable hip belt but, neither include extended hip belt fins for improved comfort on a larger waist.
To summarize, the fit range is larger and accommodates more frame sizes on the Osprey Poco LT but, for a female specifically the fit adjustability on the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL makes this pack fit in just the right ways. The decision here comes down to who will be the primary wearer of the pack. If that person has a smaller frame you might consider the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL.
To learn a bit more about how to properly fit a backpack, check out this helpful article from REI.
Child Comfort Winner: Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Your child will be comfortable in either of these child carrier backpacks but, the extra plush padding, soft/washable drool pad and high back on the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL give it the edge in this category.
Both packs have adjustable child seats and great ventilation in the child cockpit. The Deuter may be a bit cooler with fully mesh sides. We do prefer the child straps on the Osprey Poco LT. The Poco LT uses a double halo harness with front facing arm loops which makes the buckles easier to get to in order to secure your child and the straps are made of a softer material.
A big miss on the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL is the lack of sunshade but, it can be purchased separately. We do prefer the Osprey Poco LT sun shade design (although it is not as good as the sun shade on the Osprey Poco and Poco Plus). More on sunshades below. The lack of foot stirrups on the Osprey Poco LT is a big miss in our opinion. When your child is still a baby this is not a big deal but, as they grow, the support they get from foot stirrups can really help them find a comfortable position and helps with circulation.
Overall, your child is going to love either of these child carrier backpacks! The Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL child cockpit is more plush and includes foot stirrups. Deuter for the win on child comfort.
Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Osprey Poco LT vs Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL - Safety
Overall Safety Winner: Osprey Poco LT
Both of these baby backpack carriers are safe and a great way to transport your child but, which provides the best safety features?
Overall, the Osprey Poco LT comes out on top mainly due to the included sunshade.
Child Safety Winner: Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
The child safety features on these packs are very similar. Both child carriers include a solid base with kickstand that provides a stable place to set them down. One drawback to the Osprey Poco LT kickstand is that it can not be pushed in while you are wearing it. We much prefer the kickstand on the Deuter for this reason.
Both packs also include safety harnesses with leg straps. We do prefer the child harness design on the Poco LT to the Deuter mainly because its a little easier to use (2 buckles as opposed to 4) but, functionally, they are very similar.
The main difference in safety here is just the extra plush touches on the Deuter for when the ride gets bumpy and the foot stirrups so, the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL wins this category by a slight margin.
Sun Protection Winner: Osprey Poco LT
If you have read any of our other reviews/comparisons you will know how important we think sun shades are on a baby backpack carrier.
The Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL does not include a sunshade. Fortunately, one is available for purchase separately (here) but, the design could use some improvements. We much prefer the built in sun shade on the Osprey Poco LT in that it is included, easier to install and stow and, provides a bit more sun protection.
Unfortunately, neither of these packs have our highest rated sunshade. That honor goes to the Osprey Poco and Poco Plus. If sun protection is a top consideration in your purchasing decision, take a look at these.
Osprey Poco LT
Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Nap Effectiveness Winner: Osprey Poco LT
Nap time is one of the best features of a child carrier backpack. The child gets great rest, and it provides a nice peaceful experience for the wearer.
The main difference here is the sunshade. As mentioned above, the design of the Osprey Poco LT sunshade is more effective than the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL. Not perfect but, more effective. While neither sunshade has full side panels (more ideal for nap time), the Poco LT does provide a bit more side protection which gives this pack the edge in this category.
The Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL is a bit more plush and does have a soft drool pad so, a nap in this child carrier backpack would still be very comfortable!
For The Kidpacker, the nap effectiveness rating really separates the Osprey Poco and Poco Plus from the rest of the competition.
Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Osprey Poco LT vs Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL - Other
Overall Other Winner: Tie
These are both great packs with great features! Lets dig a bit deeper into what differentiates each child carrier from the pack and why each might be a better choice for you and your family!
Gear Storage Winner: Osprey Poco LT
In our opinion, the Osprey Poco LT is the clear winner in this category.
Unfortunately, the Deuter storage options are limited to a stuff pouch at the top, a cinch closure on the bottom and one zippered hip belt pocket. The Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL does not include a dedicated hydration bladder compartment although, you could place one in the bottom storage (not ideal). Another downside to the storage options on this pack are the lack of water bottle holders on the sides. If the wearer needs a drink and does not have a partner with them, they will have to remove the pack to get a water bottle out.
We can let the lower storage capacity pass since the Deuter Kid Comfort Active series is designed to be lightweight and a bit barebones in comparison to their larger deluxe child carriers but, the cinch closure on the bottom just isn’t a very effective storage option. Traveling with kids typically requires a lot of small items and a zipper closure feels more secure.
On the other hand, the storage on the Osprey Poco LT is surprisingly robust considering its small size. The Poco LT includes a large zippered lower compartment, zippered upper compartment and two hip belt pockets. The hip belt pockets are not zippered which we would prefer. The Poco LT does include a dedicated hydration bladder compartment but, does not include water bottle holders. The only real downside to the storage on the Poco LT is the fact that the kickstand with lower storage does not push in while in use. While this child carrier backpack does have a slim profile, the permanently out kickstand protrudes farther than we would like. We do prefer that the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL pushes in.
All in all, both packs include plenty of storage. The Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL has 14L of storage capacity but, we find the storage to be less useful without zippers.
Osprey Poco LT
Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Extra Features Winner: Tie
First, lets take a look at the Poco LT features that make it unique. The Osprey Poco LT is unique in that it is very lightweight (5 pounds 1 ounce!) and folds compact. This child carrier is ideal for flying since it folds flat and locks into place. Another unique feature is stowaway straps and hip belt. We go into more detail on this in our Osprey Poco LT Review. Curious how the Osprey Poco LT compares to another full featured backpack? Take a look at our comparison Osprey Poco vs Osprey Poco LT.
Now, lets take a look at what makes the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL unique! The most obvious is that this pack is specifically designed to contour to a woman’s body. The SL is 2 inches narrower than the Deuter Kid Comfort Active which is Deuter’s unisex version of this baby backpack carrier. The hip belt padding on the SL model also molds to a female frame in a very comfortable way. Besides being designed for women, the Deuter Kid Comfort SL also includes a side entry for your child. You simply unbuckle the side and they can walk right in! This is specifically helpful when its time to remove your kid from the pack after a long hike!
Both packs have a rain cover sold separately (Osprey Rain Cover and Deuter Rain Cover). Rain covers are a must in our book!
Durability Winner: Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Value Winner: Tie
Even though the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL has a slightly higher value rating, we feel this category is a tie because value is in the eyes of the user in this case.
First, lets talk price. The Osprey Poco LT sells for $260 and includes a sunshade. The Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL sells for $250 without the sunshade. With the sunshade the price is $285. Both are high quality and unique packs at a similar price point.
If you are looking for a lightweight, compact and unisex baby backpack carrier the Osprey Poco LT would be the better value.
If you are looking for a lightweight baby backpack carrier and the primary wearer is petite, the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL may be the better fit and value for your family.
Overall Winner: Osprey Poco LT
Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Close Ups
Osprey Poco LT vs Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Osprey Poco LT
Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Osprey Poco LT
Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL
Osprey Poco
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT
Thule Sapling
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!
