Thule Sapling Elite vs.
Thule Sapling
Thule Sapling Elite or Thule Sapling?
Updated: December 7, 2020
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Comparison Summary
Which child carrier backpack is better, the Thule Sapling Elite or the Thule Sapling?
Overall, there are not many differences between the two top rated child carrier backpacks. They are built with many of the same features, with only a few key differences.
Thule is known for designing and manufacturing quality products, and same goes for their child carrier backpacks. Both get strong overall scores (Thule Sapling Elite 89/100; Thule Sapling (86/100) from The Kid Packer team.
For the full, highly detailed review of these backpacks, give these links a quick read:
Comparison Summary
Which child carrier backpack is better, the Thule Sapling Elite or the Thule Sapling?
Overall, there are not many differences between the two highly rated child carrier backpacks. They are built with many of the same features, with only a few key differences.
Thule is known for designing and manufacturing quality products, and the same goes for their child carrier backpacks. Both get strong overall scores (Thule Sapling Elite 89/100; Thule Sapling (86/100) from The Kid Packer team.
For the full, highly detailed review of these backpacks, give these links a quick read:
Thule Sapling
Thule Sapling Elite vs. Thule Sapling Key Differences
Thule Sapling Elite
Thule Sapling
- The Thule Sapling Elite has a removable small day backpack included – great for leaving behind on short shopping trips, or provides extra storage for long day trips
- The Thule Sapling has small zippered hipbelt pockets – oversized hipbelt pockets on the Sapling Elite
- Removable child foot stirrups on the Sapling Elite vs. non-removable stirrups on the Sapling
- The Thule Sapling Elite typically sells for $40-$50 more than the Thule Sapling
Thule Sapling Elite or Thule Sapling? - Feature Comparison
Thule Sapling Elite or Thule Sapling? - Rating Comparison
Thule Sapling
Thule Sapling Elite vs. Thule Sapling: Comfort
Overall Comfort Winner: Tie
When determining which backpack to buy, Thule Sapling Elite or Thule Sapling, comfort should not be a big concern. Both backpacks offer the exact same “comfort” features and both packs receive the same scores from Kid Packer in this category.
Adult Comfort Winner: Tie
Both packs have the same features when it comes to adult comfort. The Sapling Elite and Sapling both have fully padded mesh shoulder straps and hip belt, and both comes with a tensioned mesh back panel to keep you cool. Both packs also have a great lower back lumbar to ensure a comfortable fit even with heavy loads.
Fit Adjustability Winner: Tie
With either the Thule Sapling or Thule Sapling Elite, you will get a highly adjustable pack.
The padded mesh hipbelt on both packs has an extender to ensure a great fit for S, M or L waistlines. This is a fairly unique feature. If you plan to have a wide variety of people wear the pack, the extender is a must to ensure it fits everyone properly. The only other pack that offers a hipbelt extender is the Osprey Poco Plus, (Review) the top rated pack by The Kid Packer.
The torso and shoulder straps are also fully adjustable to ensure tall or short frames are accommodated. Both packs have the same adjustability features.
Child Comfort Winner: Tie
Both backpacks are built exactly the same with respect to child comfort. Well padded, plush material lines the child cockpit and ensures your child has a comfortable ride either in a grocery store or on an all-day hike.
One feature we love on both of these packs is the mesh back panel for the child. Most packs only have this for the adult, but the child mesh back panel is thoughtful and helps keep your child cool after a few hours in the pack.
Thule Sapling
Thule Sapling Elite vs. Thule Sapling: Safety
Overall Safety Winner: Tie
Similar to the comfort section, score comes out a tie for the safety section as well. There are no material differences when it comes to safety between the two baby backpack carriers.
Child Safety Winner: Tie
Both packs are made out of sturdy but lightweight aluminum.
Both versions also utilize the five-point harness, extra wide child seat to ensure good circulation, and the pop out kick stand. We like the kick-stand design that snaps out when you take the pack off and put it on the ground safely, with the child still in it.
Sun Protection Winner: Tie
If there is one improvement to make on the Thule models, it is the sunshade. Both packs include a sunshade, and it is effective, but could improve.
If the sun is high in the sky, the shade works well, but if it is early morning or in the afternoon, there are no side panels built in, so the child is not fully protected. Also, the lack of side panels makes it more difficult for the child to nap. Have a look at the Osprey Poco or Osprey Poco Plus for the best designed sunshade on the market. The same sunshade is utilized on both the Sapling Elite and Sapling.
Thule Sapling Sunshade
Thule Sapling Sunshade
Nap Effectiveness Winner: Tie
No difference between the two packs here. Both have the same child cockpit design with a plush, well padded head, shoulder, and chin areas. There are plenty of great spots for the child to nap. Only improvement would be to build in side panels on the sunshade as mentioned above. Overall, your child will get a solid nap in this backpack.
Thule Sapling
Thule Sapling Elite vs. Thule Sapling: Other
Overall Other Winner: Thule Sapling Elite
The other section is where the two packs differentiate. The Sapling Elite scores higher in both gear storage and extra features.
The detachable day pack on the Sapling Elite provides significantly more storage, and also provides more flexibility on how the pack can be used.
Gear Storage Winner: Thule Sapling Elite
Although both packs have solid storage relative to other child carrier backpack options, the Thule Sapling Elite wins between the two.
There are two main storage differences.
- The Elite has bigger zippered hipbelt pockets. The larger pockets allow a larger smartphone to fit comfortably. The Sapling model has smaller pockets, but still functional for items like keys or chapstick.
- The Sapling Elite model has a fully removeable backpack attached to the rear of the child carrier. This is a great feature as you can either leave it behind for trips around the city, or load it up when going on a longer day hike. We really like this extra flexibility as it allows you shrink the size of your pack if you plan to be in a crowd. Or if you plan to load it up with extra gear, you could have your partner carry it to distribute weight. Either way, it just provides appreciated extra flexibility.
Thule Sapling Elite
Thule Sapling
Extra Features Winner: Thule Sapling Elite
The Thule Sapling Elite has the removeable small day pack. This extra flexibility is really a nice feature.
The Sapling Elite also has removeable child foot stirrups. Although keeping the stirrups on full time is not a particular nuisance, it is nice to be able to quickly remove them if not needed. After the child turns 18 months or older, you will want them on full time. We wouldn’t pay extra for removeable stirrups, but it is a nice feature.
The Thule rain cover that is sold separately fits both packs and is a must.
Durability Winner: Tie
The packs are constructed of the same material, 210D Cordura Nylon and 420D Nylon. There should be no difference between the two on how they hold up over the years.
Value Winner: Tie
Both are premium packs and have a premium price tag. The Sapling Elite typically sells for $40-$50 dollars more but has a few extra features that are quite nice. The less expensive Sapling model lacks the removeable backpack and has smaller hipbelt zipper pockets. Overall, it is a value wash between the two.
Overall Winner: Thule Sapling Elite
Thule Sapling
As The Kid Packer’s second highest rated child carrier backpack, the Thule Sapling Elite comes out as the winner. The removeable backpack gives it the edge. Despite the fact that the two packs are very similar overall, we really like the extra flexibility the removeable pack provides. If you plan to keep the pack for a long time and use it frequently both around town, while traveling, and out on the trail, we would go with the Thule Sapling Elite to be able to adapt for all occasions.
However, you cant go wrong with either pack. Both will provide you with many great outings and countless memories.
If you are looking for backpacks with similar high-level features, check out the Osprey Poco Plus or Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite. If you are looking for a more economic option with a bit less adult fit adjustability, have a look at the Osprey Poco.
Lastly, if you are looking for a solid choice with features, but more economical overall, check out the CleverPlus Urban Explorer.s
Thule Sapling Elite
Thule Sapling
Osprey Poco Plus
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! To learn more, check out our About Us page!