Carriers
The best pieces of gear to get out on trails
Osprey Poco Plus
How did we get up mountains, down trails, and on backpacking trips with our baby and toddler? The Osprey Poco Plus. It is comfortable for both my husband and I and has a system to relieve pressure from your shoulders. It has a ton of storage for a carrier. I was able to carry all of my baby’s items for our backpacking trip in it as well as my down jacket and 3 liters of water. The belt pockets have zippers where I store my phone, knife, quick snack like a bar, pepper spray (if out by myself) in the pockets. There is a designated area for a water bladder, which I use a three liter water bladder that I also taught my one year old to drink from, so we could share and not have to carry another water bottle.
I like the two main compartments on the back of the backpack. I use the upper one for food and the lower one for a diaper bag and clothing. There is also a small “purse” zipper pouch up top to store keys, wallets, and chapstick in. It also stands on its own when you have the bar out, which I always have it out so I don’t have to think about it. The sun shade is great for blocking sun and providing a cozy spot for baby naps. We also bought the rain cover, which helps not only in blocking out rain so your babe stays dry but also blocks out wind and provides another layer for warmth. This is great on windy days, windy summits, and snowy winter days. We have used it for both kids, and it’s still strong and durable. It is our number one gear for adventuring with our kids.
Ergo 360 Mesh
I use this item all the time in the house, neighborhood walks, and out on trails. My babies have slept hours against my chest in this carrier. They love to feel my body and hear my heartbeat. This also allows me to be hands free to make our to go lunches and set up our tent camping.
The biggest feature I have loved about this carrier is the sliding adjustment between my baby facing toward my body and facing away from my body on my chest. The slides are so easy to use. I can loosen the straps a little, turn my baby around, and then slide the sliders to widen or shorten the butt support. This is very easy compared to having to undo and redo buttons.
I also enjoy the large padded lumbar support to increase my comfort, and the mesh allows for air flow to help on those hot, summer hikes.
I thought I was done using it with my first kid, but I took her up a mountain on my snowshoes with her on my back in this carrier as a three year old. I have also used it if she has gotten tired on short hikes where I didn’t need a backpack of gear with me. I have used it for four years now with both of my kids and everything is still intact and works correctly. It’s lightweight and easy to pack, which has made it my go to day to day carrier.
ADVNTR Together aims to reduce the exhaustion of parenthood and increase the adventure. You will find fun, low stress family photography sessions, product reviews, a book shelf of recommended parenting books, and a periodical. All photography is by Leslie at ADVNTR Together unless otherwise noted.
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Leslie, the founder of ADVNTR Together, wants you to love being a parent and experience amazing adventures with your kids in the outdoors.