Best baby carrier for hikers?

tina924 · August 2012

So, I'm looking for a new baby carrier. I didn't know a whole lot about them when making my registry and I got the baby bjorn, and I hate it. DS is only 4 months old and 11 lbs and it kills my back. Anyway, my husband and I are avid hikers and want to start taking the little guy out with us. He's not quite old enough for our framed backpack carrier. I was wondering if any of you are hikers and have a carrier that works well.

mwitter80 · August 2012

I love the ergo for hiking.

tina924 · August 2012

Do you use the original ergo or the ergo sport? Other than lighter fabric is there really a difference?

mwitter80 · August 2012

I have the regular and can't speak to the ergo sport. There are a couple different benefits. When LO's are litter having them in the front carry keeps you centered and allows them to nap comfortably. As our oldest got bigger, I did the hip carry a lot. It allowed for him to see everything around, have a snack, and I could switch him from hip to hip when I wanted.

TiffanyBerry · August 2012

An SSC (soft structured carrier) like an Ergo, Beco, etc. (I have a PIkkolo.) They're great for easy on/off too.

I also really like hiking in a woven. Yeah, getting it on and dealing with the dirt is a bit of a pain, but it's so comfy!

kcisthebombdotcom · August 2012

Another vote for the Ergo. We have the ergo sport and I love it. Not only is it lightweight, it fits my DH comfortably as well so we can take turns babywearing.

DeniseRN · August 2012

I used to have an ergo and loved it bc it was comfy, easy to use and had a pocket for my stuff. I didn't like how hot it was, but I'm in Florida. I actually just bought a beco for this baby bc it is just like an ergo, but allows for a forward carry. I don't plan to forward carry much, but around 46 months my older son really wanted to look around

ncbelle · August 2012

Most hikers I know prefer a buckle carrier over a frame pack unless they are doing serious back country hiking/camping and need to haul gear (and need the cargo space). A buckle carrier will put LO closer to your center of gravity making for an easier ride.

The problem is that at 4 months and 11 pounds you aren't going to be able to do a back carry in a buckle carrier like the Ergo. Because they sit lower on your back, baby needs to be able to sit unassisted to prevent slumping in the carrier.

You can however do a high back carry in a mei tai or a woven wrap. Neither is "better" just a matter of what seems more doable to you. I know plenty of folks (myself included!) who would definitely go for a woven wrap when hiking with a non-walker as they can be so so comfy! I love MTs too and many find them a bit "easier". You might take a look at my siggy link as well for more info on each option.

tina924 · August 2012

Thanks everyone, Ergo sport it is for us. We will eventually need to use our frame carrier because we do some serious hiking and backpacking, but the ergo seems perfect for now when we can only do day hikes.

Another question, how old should a baby be when put in a back carry in the Ergo?

tina924 · August 2012

The beco and boba seem like they have more head support. My little guy is great at holding his head up, but when he gets tired I feel like he needs something there to support his head. The boba also says it carries the baby higher, this seems like it would be a bit more comfy for the wearer.

I'm wondering if there are any carriers that would allow me to back carry him. He can sit up with assistace, but that's it.