As with the Ergobaby 360, the Lillebaby All Seasons baby carrier is a frameless and lightweight pack designed for short family vacations. This adaptable design has a tiny pocket and a zippered panel that enables you to alter ventilation according to the weather. For instance, on hot days - or if you or your baby begin to sweat - you can unzip the solid material along the front to reveal the mesh lining beneath. While not as comfortable as the Ergobaby and not recommended for rigorous summer walks, the Lillebaby All Seasons thrives in moderate regions and snowshoeing in the winter.

What is the difference between the Lillebaby Complete and Ergobaby's renowned 360 Cool Air Mesh? Both contain a sun cover and allow for many carrying postures (back, front, and side); however, the Lillebaby accommodates a wider range of sizes and weights. Also, the Lillebaby All Seasons is pre-configured to support newborns weighing up to 7 pounds, while the 360 Cold Air needs a special baby insert for infants less than four months.

Ratings: 4.5 stars (from 5454 reviews)

Price: $99.99

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IXXYYQC

While the other models are designed specifically for trekking, in cold weather, or with tiny children, a basic baby carrier may be preferable for some people. The Ergobaby 360 Air Mesh is a traditional pick, with a comfy waistline and a variety of child-carrying choices. For hiking reasons - or after the infant is old enough to support their own head - we have found that the rear backpack-style posture is the most pleasant on the route. Additionally, the Ergobaby 360 Air Mesh's moderate layout makes it much simpler to transport than a traditional kid carrier.

Still, it is unsurprising that the Ergobaby 360 has a lot of disadvantages. To begin, the carrier lacks a frame structure, making it less comfortable over extended distances, and it also lacks outside pockets. Also, having the baby near you restricts your movement, and it is easy to get really sweaty while working hard. So our final verdict is that the Ergobaby is a fantastic supplement to a proper kid carrier, but it is not the only solution for most trekking families.

Ratings: 4.7 stars (from 4193 reviews)

Price: $116

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010C4IS34

Although its name and the bland style provide a poor first impression, the ClevrPlus Country Kid Carrier is our top child carrier pack under $150. What's most amazing is the number of accessories included at this price; it features a sunshade that doubles as a rain cover thanks to its transparent plastic sides, a strong kickstand, and a generous assortment of compartments. The pack's materials will not blow your mind, but you are not sacrificing nearly as much as you would imagine for a $135-ish (the cost fluctuates somewhat on Amazon) infant carrier.

The loss of comfort and difficult size modifications cost them a higher spot on our list. The cushioned hip belt and arm straps are far less comfortable than those on our top-rated versions, and the pack is unsuitable for anything that is more intense than a brief stroll. Also, for couples sharing caring responsibilities, the ClevrPlus lacks the same amount of fit adjustment and may feel cumbersome on shorter people.

The great news is that such objections are moot if you are just going to be on the road for brief periods. The ClevrPlus Country is an excellent affordable solution for a simple family trek.

Ratings: 4.6 stars (from 2176 reviews)

Price: $134

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F105IVK

Premium Baby Carrier by LuvdBaby is a budget-friendly model that is mostly available on Amazon. On principle, this LudvBaby Premium pack seems to be a decent value for your money, since it has all of the features seen in premium products from Osprey, Deuter, Kelty, and Thule - and still has a rather affordable price tag. A sunshade is included into the bag, along with hip belt compartments and a locking aluminum kickstand for lifting and carrying. Additionally - unlike the Clevr product - the LuvdBaby Premium does not seem or feel cheap at all, thanks to the pack's body being made of durable ripstop polyester.

As expected, the LuvdBaby's reduced price tag entails certain trade-offs. To begin, the pack's shoulder restraints and hip belt are made of inferior padding, which becomes more uncomfortable as the day progresses. Additionally, the weight capacity of 40 pounds (with infant and accessories) falls short of the brand's claims (about 48 to 50 pounds). However, if you are just planning short day excursions or are ready to sacrifice some overall performance, the LuvdBaby Premium backpack is perfect.

Ratings: 4.6 stars (from 1548 reviews)

Price: $179

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GY27KPC

Piggyback Rider SCOUT allows babies and young children to stand in the carrier, and take in the terrain from a unique vantage point. The system is activated by binding the kid's harnesses, which lets your child walk upon an aluminum bar. It is very simple to set up, and the on-off procedure takes little time to master. Although the pricing seems high, especially given its plain appearance, there is almost nothing like that in the marketplace.

However, in comparison to the other alternatives on our list, Piggyback Rider SCOUT is a less ideal bundle. To begin, it is only suitable for children who are at least two years old, since children below that age point would feel quite bored when standing still for extended periods. Also, when worn for trekking, the Piggyback Rider SCOUT is inconvenient for adults since most of its weight is concentrated on the shoulders.

However, despite its restrictions, the Piggyback Rider SCOUT is a fun instrument that may be used in lieu of a stroller or infant carrier.

Ratings: 4.1 stars (from 362 reviews)

Price: $124.99

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019BPYNB6

By combining excellent levels of comfort and safety, superior build quality, and organization, Deuter Kid Comfort is our top selection for the best hiking baby carriers.

Deuter packs are well-known for their superior shock absorbers, and this current Deuter Kid Comfort model is no exception. The pack is a well-appointed mid-range variant in the Kid Comfort portfolio. It has a robust metal frame that readily supports a developing (and active) youngster. Also, the cushioned hip belt and vented back panel provide an excellent balance of support and ventilation. Furthermore, Deuter also offers one of the greatest kid seat designs available. Although the buckle system is not as straightforward as the Osprey Poco, the five-point strap is quite safe and easy to modify.

Even better, the high back, the supporting sides, and the soft and machine-washable front cushion allow for excellent mid-hike rests (and easy cleaning after). The sunshade deploys fast and boasts a separate pouch behind your back, ensuring there is enough storage for most day outings. Last but not least, the side entrance option is convenient for children who wish to load and unload their items independently.

Ratings: 4.9 stars (from 41 reviews)

Price: $320

Buy it at: https://www.rei.com/product/147417/

Osprey packs are among our favorites for day hiking and backpacking, and deserve their spot on our list of the best hiking baby carriers. For years, their famous Osprey Poco Plus product has been extremely well-received, and they just revamped it significantly. Most notably, this item has addressed customers' biggest criticism of the previous models, by further boosting hip belt cushioning.

Furthermore, Osprey Poco Plus redesigned the harness so that it now buckles comfortably behind your child's shoulders and included blue sign-approved nylon into the pack's body. There are three Poco settings available, but we like the higher-end Plus because of its more flexible hip belt and more storage. With a capacity of 27 liters, the Plus is an industry leader, well-equipped for anything from long daily walks to family overnight trips.

Then what prevents the Osprey from reaching the first position? We discovered that the pack is inferior to the Deuter carrier in terms of overall comfort throughout our testing.

Ratings: 4.7 stars (from 44 reviews)

Price: $340

Buy it at: https://www.rei.com/product/164405/

The lightweight Parade pack from Phil & Teds is ideal for travel or fast family trips. The Parade, which resembles a tiny daypack, has a chassis and an adjustable strap system that offers enough support. Some of you might not want to strap it to your neck for hours, but do not worry. This basic design is convenient to carry and unfolds low enough to fit in most airlines' carry-on luggage. The Parade Phil & Teds is also reasonably priced at $140.

However, the Parade Phil & Teds is less enticing for trekking excursions by keeping things basic. There is little space; and also, the tiny detachable backpack is not really helpful (although it is a cute notion for giving children their own pack). Also, the hip belt and straps are inconvenient for longer strolls. Still, if you keep to the Parade pack's intended use (for around town and on the road), then it is a reasonable alternative.

Ratings: 4.1 stars (from 21 reviews)

Price: $139.99

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VDFSFKY

For shorter excursions - or if you are prepared to forego some comfort- then Kelty Journey PerfectFIT baby carrier is an excellent value. What struck us about the Journey instantly was how nicely the harness and upholstery can compare to the pricier versions above. The seat is readily adjustable, well-padded, and a generally pleasant place to sit. Additionally, the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT weighs less than two pounds- much less than the packs mentioned above while still having the same maximum weight capacity.

As previously stated, the most significant sacrifice of the Journey occurs on longer walking days. The padding is comfy for short excursions, but the longer you are out — and the bigger your children get — the more unappealing the pack becomes.

The pack's modest features may sometimes be a problem. We believe it should include more hydrating compliant sleeves, more zipped hip belt pouches (there is only one so far), and more organization sectors inside the pack's single main pocket.

Ratings: 4 stars (from 15 reviews)

Price: $249.95

Buy it at: https://www.rei.com/product/126512/

Although Thule is known best for their automobile rack systems, they have made significant inroads into the packing and hiking industry in recent years. The Thule Sapling, which was released in 2021, is their second attempt at a kid carrier, and the current iteration is designed to compete with top-of-the-line alternatives from Werner, Osprey, and Kelty.

The totally revamped highlights of the Thule Sapling include a washable hanging mesh kid seat (a rare feature in this area), a simpler construction that keeps weight low, and an urban appearance that differentiates it from some of the more hiking-focused competitors. In usage, the Sapling has shown to be user-friendly, with several fit modifications for both infants and adults. And with 22 liters of total storage capacity, it is one of the most organized strollers on the market.

What is preventing the Thule Sapling from becoming a top pick? For starters, it is a new model, and we are still in the early stages of testing. And we already have some reservations regarding longevity. Thule's design, in particular, seems to depend excessively on Velcro: the back panel has large strips of fabric to adjust the torso elevation and anchor the drool cushion along the sides.

Ratings: 4.4 stars (from 14 reviews)

Price: $349.95

Buy it at: https://www.rei.com/product/199256/