What's the best baby backpack?

[Sutherland]

The wife and I are looking to take our 8 month old out hiking and hitting the trails near our place. Anyone have any recommendations on a good baby carring pack for longer hikes?
 

[hollymaster]

Deuter I found the most comfortable. REI usually has a couple brands in stock, go try them on. 

[highcountry_hunter]

I looked at a whole bunch of them online and finally just found a way to fit my kid into the mystery ranch frame pack I already have. Had to get creative but we made it work. I can’t get myself to buy a 300$ kid pack that I guarantee is not as comfortable or as well built as the pack I already own, that is built to withstand carrying elk quarters for miles and miles. 

[fireweed]

I've gone through several with my kids.  The best are REI, Kelty.  They've got some great ones now.  Here's what I would look for: does it free stand? Sun shade? place for kids to put feet? storage areas? Harness for you and for kiddo. 

[andersonjk4]

I’m in the process of trying out a couple packs. I have an old REI pack that I finally got fed up with. I bought the Kelty Journey Signature first, and it is ok for the packer and my 4yo son was good with it. But at 36lbs he barely fits in it and he’s in the 40th percentile in height and weight for his age (just had is checkup yesterday). And it is not easy to get the kid in and out of the pack as the sides don’t open up. I bought a Deuter, but haven’t put it to use yet. I will give a review once I put a few miles on it. I have also thought about getting the Osprey Poco to try out if I find the right deal.

[Platensek-po]

Ergo baby packs are the best.

[PsoasHunter]

Ergo baby packs when they're really young with no neck control, it worked awesome for us but at 8 months you're probably past that stage.

I highly recommend buying used on Craigslist, there are a ton on there half priced or better, and most people hardly use them.

I bought a deuter for 100 bucks (they are about 400 new) and my daughter and I both love it.  I hike with her at least once, usually twice a week and it's very comfortable. I've loaded it up to 50 pounds for training and the frame handled it no problem.

 I've heard good things about the osprey too, a buddy of mine really liked his.

[Tbar]

Osprey poco. It's the most full feature pack and incredibly comfortable.  Built in rain/wind/sun shade, lots of storage and very adjustable. 

[PacificNWhunter]

We had great luck with a Deuter, don’t remember the specific model though.

[Wphunt]

I have a Deuter, it works very well. Comfortable for both of you and has pretty good storage. Haven’t tried the others though.

[dwils233]

Yeah the turnover on these carriers are pretty much guaranteed, so I wouldn't buy new...they see light use for a year or two for the most part. We've got an osprey Poco and it's...fine. personally I find the straps a little thin and narrow but that seems normal for these style packs.

Keep an eye on this site if craigslist isn't getting you a good option: https://rambleraven.com/search?type=product%2Carticle%2Cpage&q=Child+carrier

We got a like-new used osprey there for 120 bucks. They even have a few models there now (new & used). I can run it to Wenatchee if you find something you like there

[Dysfunctional Vet]

I have an osprey with rain cover I’m about post on Craigslist. But, I’m in the Tacoma area. If I was closer I’d let you try it out. I thought it was a fantastic pack. Way better than the ones I used for my older kids. (17yr difference ). Lots of adjustments and way more comfortable for me. He always slept in it so it must be comfortable for them as well. I’ll hold onto it for now just in case.

[Dysfunctional Vet]

Sutherland here’s the pics

[Dysfunctional Vet]

Couple more

[Sutherland]

Very nice, I'll show the wife when I get home from work. Thanks for uploading those!