Osprey Poco Plus vs. Osprey Poco
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Osprey Poco Plus vs. Osprey Poco Comparison
Updated: April 27, 2021
Comparison Summary
Which child carrier backpack is better, the Osprey Poco Plus or Osprey Poco?
Overall, these backpacks are very similar, and both rank towards the very top of the Kid Packer’s child carrier backpack ratings, but there are few key differences you need to know about to ensure you select the right backpack for you and your child.
The Osprey Poco Plus ranks as our top child carrier backpack with a 91/100 rating, but the Osprey Poco is not far behind with an 88/100 rating.
For a more detailed review of these backpacks, give these a quick read:
Osprey Poco Plus – Full Kid Packer Review
Osprey Poco – Full Kid Packer Review
Take a look at Osprey’s latest (2021) baby backpack carrier the Osprey Poco LT for a lightweight alternative!
Comparison Summary
Which child carrier backpack is better, the Osprey Poco Plus or Osprey Poco?
Overall, these backpacks are very similar, and both rank towards the very top of the Kid Packer’s child carrier backpack ratings, but there are few key differences you need to know about to ensure you select the right backpack for you and your child.
The Osprey Poco Plus ranks as our top child carrier backpack with a 91/100 rating, but the Osprey Poco is not far behind with an 88/100 rating.
For a more detailed review of each backpack carrier, give these a quick read:
Osprey Poco Plus – Full Kid Packer Review
Osprey Poco – Full Kid Packer Review
Take a look at Osprey’s latest (2021) baby backpack carrier the Osprey Poco LT for a lightweight alternative!
Osprey Poco Plus vs. Osprey Poco Key Differences
Osprey Poco Plus
Osprey Poco
- Osprey Poco Plus has more gear storage (26 L vs. 20 L)
- The Poco Plus has zippered hipbelt pockets
- Osprey Poco Plus has two larger mesh stuff pockets behind the hips, great for large water bottles
- Poco Plus has the “Fit-On-The-Fly hipbelt, which allows you to adjust to the hipbelt to accommodate a wide variety of waist sizes, and comfortably shift the weight to the hips and legs
- The Osprey Poco has a slimmer design due to having less storage and is more ideal in large crowds
- The Osprey Poco typically sells for $30-$40 less than the Poco Plus
Osprey Poco Plus vs. Osprey Poco Feature Comparison
Osprey Poco Plus vs. Osprey Poco: Comfort
Overall Comfort Winner: Osprey Poco Plus
When it comes to overall comfort, the Osprey Poco Plus comes up just in front due to the hipbelt extender fins that allow the pack to comfortably fit a wide range of body types.
Adult Comfort Winner: Tie
Both backpacks offer the same features with respect to adult comfort. Fully tensioned mesh backpack keeps the wearer cool. The well padded shoulder straps and hip belts ensure a good fit that transfers the weight to hips and legs.
Fit Adjustability Winner: Osprey Poco Plus
The Poco Plus gets the adjustability nod as it has the “Fit-On-The-Fly” hipbelt. The “Fit-On-The-Fly” hipbelt on the Poco Plus includes extender fins that easily slide out to create a larger hipbelt. This really helps ensure the proper fit for bigger waistlines, about 36’’ or larger, and makes sure the weight is properly transferred to the hips and legs.
Both backpacks have the fully adjustable shoulder and torso straps that easily adjusted to allow the packs to be fitted for tall or short wearers. Good quality loader lifters are also installed on both packs.
Child Comfort Winner: Tie
Both packpacks are built to the same level with respect to child comfort. Both have a fully padded child cockpit with drool pad, great foot stirrups, and a high quality sunshade.
For a full review of the child comfort features included on Osprey backpacks, have a look at this article.
Osprey Poco Plus
Osprey Poco
Osprey Poco Plus vs. Osprey Poco: Safety
Overall Safety Winner: Tie
When it comes to safety between these two child carrier backpacks, it is another tie.
Child Safety Winner: Tie
Similar to child comfort, there is no difference in child safety between these two packs. Both backpacks are built to ensure your child is safe and secure regardless of the conditions. From the soft, plush, padded materials used throughout, to the rugged but lightweight aluminum frame, to the secure double halo harness, you will have peace of mind knowing your child is safe.
Sun Protection Winner: Tie
When determining the ideal child carrier backpack for your needs, the sunshade is a critical item that is often overlooked. The Osprey Poco Plus and Osprey Poco have the best sunshade of any offered on child carrier backpacks.
Both models feature a built in sunshade that provides full coverage for your child, easily stows when not in use, and is designed to help your child nap by providing them a spot to lean their head (on the side mesh panels).
Have a look at the Osprey Poco or Osprey Poco Plus full reviews to read more details on the best designed sunshade on the market.
Osprey Poco Plus
Osprey Poco
Nap Effectiveness Winner: Tie
Both the Poco and Poco Plus are constructed exactly the same with respect to the child cockpit, drool pad, and sunshade. These are the main ingredients to a great child nap in the backpack.
One of best things about a child carrier backpack is being on the trail or exploring a city while your child takes a 1-2 hour nap in the pack. Yes, it is possible!
Osprey has been the only child carrier backpack manufacturer to date that scored a Kid Packer 10/10 for nap effectiveness!
Osprey Poco Plus
Osprey Poco
Osprey Poco Plus vs. Osprey Poco: Other
Overall Other Winner: Osprey Poco Plus
The Osprey Poco Plus comes out just ahead in this category due to zippered pockets on the hip, extra stuff pockets higher up, and overall more gear storage (26 liters vs 20 liters). However, the Poco does have a higher value rating coming up $30-$40 less than the Poco Plus.
Gear Storage Winner: Osprey Poco Plus
The Osprey Poco holds 20 L of gear while the Osprey Poco Plus holds 26 L of gear, a 30% increase. This extra space makes the Poco Plus the better choice for longer trips or journeys where extra layers are needed, like alpine environments, winter outings, or vacations.
The Poco Plus also has extra mesh stuff pockets behind the hips to hold water bottles or other gear. These are really handy once your child is large enough to need their own water bottle.
Lastly, both packs have hipbelt pockets, but the Poco Plus has zippered pockets vs. mesh stuff pockets. We like zippers.
Osprey Poco Plus
Osprey Poco
Extra Features Winner: Osprey Poco Plus
The packs are essentially the same when it comes to features, but the extra pockets, “Fit-On-The-Fly”, and extra gear storage push the Poco Plus to the front on extra features.
The rain cover (sold separately) fits both packs and is a must. Also, the backpack carrying case, sold separately, is worth considering. It provides protection for your pack sending it through an airline’s checked luggage. Although, we always carried ours on and stowed it in the overhead bin. We never had any issues with airlines allowing us to bring it as an extra carry on.
Osprey Rain Cover - Fits Both Backpacks
Osprey Backpack Cover - Fits Both Backpacks
Osprey Rain Cover
Osprey Backpack Cover
Durability Winner: Tie
The packs are constructed of the same material, 210D Diamond Nylon. Both backpacks also come with the Osprey 7 year warranty There should be no difference between the two and how they hold up over the years.
Value Winner: Osprey Poco
The Osprey Poco typically sells for $30-$40 less than the Poco Plus. Sure, the Poco has a few less features than the Poco Plus, but the Poco is a tremendous value. You really get a ton of bang for your buck with the Osprey Poco.
Overall Winner: Osprey Poco Plus
As The Kid Packer’s top rated child carrier backpack to date, the Osprey Poco Plus comes out as the winner. The extra features related to gear capacity, additional pockets, and extra fit adjustability associated with the hipbelt push it to the top of our list. If you plan to use the backpack extensively in the years to come, we suggest you go with the Poco Plus.
However, you truly can’t go wrong with either pack. Both are built to last and have numerous features that other child carrier backpacks just don’t have. If you are looking for an awesome child carrier backpack that cost a bit less, and has a bit less storage, go with the Osprey Poco!
If you are looking for backpacks with similar features, check out the Thule Sapling Elite, Deuter Kid Comfort, or Deuter Kid Comfort Pro. All great options!
Osprey Poco Plus
Osprey Poco
Osprey Poco Plus
Osprey Poco
Thule Sapling Elite
Kelty Journey Elite
Deuter Kid Comfort Pro
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!
