Thule Sapling Review
(2021 Model)
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Thule Sapling (2021 Model) Child Carrier Review
Updated: January 29, 2022
We are big fans of the previous Thule Sapling and Thule Sapling Elite child carriers, and are so excited for our NEW Thule Sapling Review! We will refer to this baby carrier backpack as the NEW Thule Sapling, 2021 Thule Sapling or just Thule Sapling going forward. The new Thule Sapling is completely re-engineered with an innovative design that includes removeable parts for easy cleaning.
We love the fresh design of the new Thule Sapling but, let’s take a deeper look at the pros/cons and details of this baby carrier backpack!
Thule Sapling Scoring Summary
Thule Sapling Child Carrier Pros and Cons
Side Entry
Allows your passenger to enter/exit when they are bigger
Adjustable Child Seat
Child seat moves up and down to adjust as your child grows
Sunshade Included
Provides a comfortable and safe ride
No Water Bottle Holders
All storage is in the bottom storage compartment
No Foot Stirrups
A nice feature for toddlers
Does Not Pack Flat
This pack does not compress very small when not in use
Thule Sapling Adult Comfort: 8/10
During our Thule Sapling review we found that this pack has a different fit than past models and is quite comfortable! Thule has managed to blend a well ventilated back panel with a nice snug fit. The middle section of the back panel is a tensioned mesh while the sides are made of a perforated and textured material that curves in and contours nicely to the body.
This child carrier includes standard hip belt, shoulder straps and load lifting mechanisms to customize the fit to each wearer’s needs. Where Thule goes above and beyond typical adult comfort standards is the plush and adjustable hipbelt padding. The padding is adjustable for smaller and larger waists and since most of the weight when carrying a baby carrier backpacks falls on the hips this is a great feature!
Overall the padding on the shoulder straps is pretty sparse but, we found that since we were able to fit the pack so nicely to each wearer this was less of a concern. The shoulder straps also have a very dramatic ‘S’ curve to the shoulder straps that seems to enhance overall shoulder comfort particularly for smaller frames.
The only real down side to the new Thule Sapling design in regards to adult comfort is the lack of easy access water. There are no water bottle pockets on the outside of the bag. The lower storage was designed so that the wearer can reach back and unzip the sides to reach in. This is a bit difficult to do and depending on how much you have in there you may or may not find what you are looking for. The Thule Sapling is compatible with hydration bladders. However, this requires the bladder to be placed in the main storage compartment below the child seat which works but, takes up spacce. We prefer easy access water bottle holders.
Thule Sapling Fit Adjustability: 9/10
To pair with the excellent adult comfort rating, the new Thule Sapling fit adjustability rating is equally good. Our Thule Sapling review found this to be a fully adjustable pack that accommodates small to large wearers.
The torso adjustment is simply a velcro panel attached to the shoulder straps that you remove and place where needed. The back panel includes a labeled sizing guide from X-Small to Large to help with placement. While this adjustment does exactly what it is supposed to, we are not big fans of velcro adjustments. They take a bit of manhandling to remove, are noisy and take two hands to operate.
The hip belt adjustment in itself is pretty standard but the padding adjustment is via velcro. There are black tabs with arrows on the inside of the hip belt pointing to where you remove the padded velcro and re-place it. We found it very easy to make larger but, a bit difficult to adjust the padding smaller. This is not an adjustment we would want to make often and would probably find a compromised hip belt padding position that works for the wearers of the pack.
The final adult adjustment is the load lifters. There are load lifters on each side of the child cockpit front which connect to each shoulder strap. To bring the weight of the baby carrier backpack as close to the wearer as possible you pull the load lifters out and down. This is usually the last adjustment we make after getting the shoulder straps and hip belt adjusted. For more information on how to wear a baby carrier backpack take a look at our article on just that!
Thule Sapling Child Comfort: 9/10
True to the Thule Sapling series the child’s comfort is clearly a design focus on this baby carrier backpack.
The first and most obvious difference with this child carrier versus others is the ErgoRide child seat. This unique seat design angles the child’s lower half back as opposed to a more upright and forward position. The child seat on the Thule Sapling adjusts up and down. As the seat is moved down to accommodate your child’s growth, the leg holes are larger as well. When your child is small (6 months – 1.5/2 years) they can rest their feet on top of the lower storage compartment. Once they are older their feet will have to hang down. Even with the new ergonomic seat design, we would have liked for Thule to offer foot stirrups even as an add-on. Foot stirrups provide a place for larger children to rest their feet and prevent them from swinging while on the move.
Another new and very unique feature of the new Thule Sapling is the sun shade design. We will discuss the details in the Sun Protection section below but, for now know that the sun shade provides excellent coverage not only from the top but the sides as well. The sunshade is a bit low which isn’t great for head space for your child but, can be helpful for the wearer by keeping the carrier height a bit more manageable.
The chin pad and side panels of the child cockpit on the Thule Sapling are well padded while the back has some padding but just above that is the frame which is hard plastic. Typically this is not a problem but, if the ride is particularly bumpy or your child pushes their head back hard they will hit the frame. The harness is not particularly plush but comfortable and simple to use.
So, clearly this is a very comfortable ride for your child but we wanted to mention one more great feature with your child’s comfort in mind! The Thule Sapling child cockpit has mostly mesh sides and is very well ventilated. If you live in or travel to a warm climate this baby carrier backpack will help keep your child cool.
Interestingly, while researching for our Thule Sapling review we found mention of a head rest attachment and even a picture of what it looks like but not where to purchase one. If this becomes available we will add that information here.
Thule Sapling Child Safety: 9/10
Keeping with the child focused design, the Thule Sapling child safety rating is excellent. The new Thule Sapling includes unique buckle safety locks on three of the child cockpit buckles. This includes the side panels and child harness chest clip. When you close these buckles you push a small grey slide to secure the buckle. This is essentially a child lock to prevent your child from accidentally unbuckling themselves. This is probably unnecessary while your child is a baby but as they get bigger and more curious this is a great safety feature for parental peace of mind.
The safety harness includes three buckles for a secure fit. Two clip behind your child’s shoulders and the third at the chest.
The ventilation and sun shade keep your child cool and protected from the sun.
Even though the Thule Sapling has the ErgoRide child seat, we would still like to see foot stirrups provided as an option for larger children. This helps with circulation and provides a place for them to rest their feet. We did notice that the kickstand while solidly made, does not provide the typical click sound when engaging or pressed in. It sounds odd but, we like to hear that sound as it gives reassurance that the kickstand is fully engaged before we remove the pack.
Thule Sapling Sun Protection: 9/10
The 2021 Thule Sapling approach to sun protection is new and includes multiple options when in use. To install the sun shade place the two posts on the sides into slots on each back corner then attach the velcro (detailed photos in Close Ups section below). In order to engage the side panels slide the grey piece on each side of the sunshade up then slide it into place on the sides of the child cockpit.
If while in use your child wants better visibility they can ride with the sides up. Another option is to clip the front of the sunshade to the back to open the top. This is helpful for putting in or taking your child out of the child carrier without removing the sunshade entirely. The clip for this feature is quite small and a bit difficult to secure.
The sun shade is included though not incorporated so it does need to be stored in the zippered pocket on the front of the lower storage when not in use.
One downside to the sunshade design is that it comes a bit far forward and can touch the back of the adult wearers head. This is obviously not really a problem but, something to note.
Thule Sapling Nap Effectiveness: 8/10
Baby backpack carriers are amazing for so many reasons but, one often overlooked benefit is nap time on the go. The keys to a good baby backpack nap are child cockpit padding, ventilation, and a great sunshade. The new Thule Sapling ticks all of those boxes easily!
The Thule Sapling sunshade is included and not only that, the design includes side panels. This is a big win in our book! Not only do the side panels provide added sun protection, they provide a comfortable place for your child to lean while napping. This really helps them nap longer and better.
The child cockpit on the 2021 Thule Sapling is also really well ventilated with mesh sides and back panel. All in all, this is a great ride for your little one to take a nap in!
The only downsides to taking a nap in this baby carrier backpack is the hard frame behind the child’s head (children typically lean to the sides or front to nap) and lack of foot stirrups for older children. Your child will likely not need foot stirrups with this child carrier backpack until 1-2 years old because of the ErgoRide child seat but, once their feet pass the ability to rest on the storage compartment, they may want a place to rest their legs.
Thule Sapling Gear Storage: 7/10
The gear storage included on the Thule Sapling is quite simple in that it is only one compartment. There are three zippers on the lower compartment. The front zipper is for the sun shade. The two side zippers provide easy access to the main storage compartment.
While the wearer can technically reach back into the storage compartment it isn’t particularly easy and can be difficult to find exactly what you are looking for. As mentioned above, we prefer baby carrier backpacks include easy access water bottle holders.
The new Thule sapling includes not one, but two excellent hip belt pockets! This is often an unappreciated feature but so useful! You can fit a large phone, small sunscreen, keys, wallet, Chapstick, basically anything you need (except water!). We really love this gear storage feature on the Thule Sapling!
To summarize, the total gear storage included on the Thule Sapling is the lower storage compartment and zippered hip belts which provide 22 liters of storage capacity. If you purchase the additional Thule Sling Pack you add 10 liters of organized gear storage space. We go in more detail on the Sling Pack below but, found during our Thule Sapling review that the storage seems incomplete without it.
Easy Access Storage
Thule Sling Pack - Purchased Separately
Thule Sapling Extra Features: 10/10
A few extra features that are included on the Thule Sapling are the double access storage compartment, fully removable and washable seat and chin pad and dual side entry for your passenger. A feature that we are not a fan of is the grab handles. There are only two points for the adult to pick up the pack. The front grab handle is awkwardly straight and when you grab it from underneath you may inadvertently unbuckle the removable drool pad. The back grab handle is actually the top of the pack frame which is a wide, hard plastic. Some may prefer this as it is sturdy but may be hard on the hands for some.
A feature that we like to see on all baby backpack carriers is the ability to compress and lay flay when not in use. The 2021 Thule Sapling does not compress down very flat which makes stowing in an airplane overhead more difficult (still possible!). If you are looking for the best baby carrier backpack for air travel, take a look at the Osprey Poco LT (Review).
The new Thule Sapling has two accessories that can be purchased separately and we recommend purchasing both. They are not compatible with the old Thule Sapling designs.
Rain Cover (purchased separately)
First, the rain cover really extends the usefulness of any child carrier backpack by making it all season. Not only does a rain cover protect your passenger from the rain but from the wind and cold as well. The Sapling rain cover design fits the pack nice and snug and even provides a face shield for your child. Take a look at this video from Thule on how to install the rain cover: Thule Sapling Rain Cover.
Thule Sling Pack (purchased separately)
The second accessory currently available for the Thule Sapling is the Thule Sapling Sling Pack. We really love this accessory! The sling pack completely changes the storage functionality of this pack by providing a way to organize your gear and adds 10 liters of storage. Not only is the sling pack great on the Thule Sapling but it is a completely functional stand alone sling pack that looks and works great! To attach the sling pack to the Thule Sapling you tuck in the strap, buckle the two top buckles then untuck the velcro straps on the bottom, insert through the loops and velcro. To remove the sling pack you simply do the reverse. The Thule Sapling Sling Pack is a really unique and functional accessory that we really enjoy!
Thule Sapling Durability: 8/10
Thule is known worldwide for quality and durability. The new Thule Sapling is no different. This baby carrier backpack is made of 70D nylon fabric and includes a frame primarily made of aluminum. The frame does include multiple plastic parts including the kickstand hinges and back handle which is why our rating is not higher. We also noticed that the kickstand on the bottom of the bag is covered in fabric. When placing this on the ground it will get dirty and potentially worn over time.
Overall, this baby backpack carrier feels durable with well made straps, zippers and buckles. Like all Thule products, this baby carrier backpack will bring years of enjoyment to your family.
The Thule Sapling comes with the Thule Guarantee. For more information take a look at their website: Thule Guarantee.
Thule Sapling Value: 6/10
Now that we have reviewed everything that makes this baby carrier backpack a great addition to your family’s child gear let’s talk price. The new Thule Sapling comes in at $349 which includes the sun shade. When you add the Thule Sling Pack ($49) and Rain Cover ($39) you are out around $440. This may seem like a lot but, at this price you are getting an extremely well made child carrier with unique features. We gave the Thule Sapling a 6/10 rating on value because we feel that for this price the Thule Sapling Sling Pack should be included to provide optimum gear storage capabilities.
This is an excellent baby carrier backpack that will pass the test of time and allow your family to enjoy adventuring together in a new way. This particular baby carrier backpack does come with a premium price tag but includes a lot of unique features. If you are interested in what a lower cost/high value baby carrier backpack looks like take a look at the Osprey Poco (Review) and ClevrPlus Urban Explorer (Review).
Thule Product Tour
Thule Sapling Close Ups
Thule Sapling Summary
From our Thule Sapling review, we really like the new and innovative design! This is a premium child carrier loaded with extra features, comfort and honestly, we love the new look. If you are an existing fan of Thule products you will not be disappointed with this child carrier.
Baby backpack carriers are the best way to take your child on adventures comfortably and safely. If you are interested in looking at other child carriers take a look at our highest rated pack overall the Osprey Poco Plus (Review). If you are looking for the most plush and comfortable child carrier on the market take a look at the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro (Review) and if you are looking for the best overall value take a look a the Osprey Poco (Review) and ClevrPlus Urban Explorer (Review).
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!
