I have to admit, I am kind of a backpack junkie. Long before kids and the quest for the perfect child carrier backpack, I collected lots of different backpacks.
Let’s be honest, you need the right one for the right occasion. Backpacks for work, backpacks for travel – fancy backpacks to look fancy, sporty backpacks for the gym.
Once kids hit, I got into diaper bags and even started dabbling in fanny packs (don’t judge, they’re convenient!).
This pack however is a bit different, as it will be tasked with securing your most precious cargo, your jewelry…I mean your baby!
As a long-time admirer of Osprey’s commitment to quality and innovation, I was eager to see how the Osprey Poco LT would stand up to the demands of my family’s everyday adventures.
To be honest, we’ve ended up taking the Osprey Poco LT everywhere and using it in tons of different scenarios I never initially envisioned – it’s not just for backpacking trips!
Picking apples, grocery shopping, making dinner – it gives adult users immediate hands-free unrestricted movement with a child in tow.
My kids often demand the child carrier backpack as opposed to any other baby carrier – I think they fell in love with the different vantage point – “Forget the stroller, I want a child seat that’s up high!”
It’s as if they got addicted to being above face level — don’t we all love to look down on people?
Osprey packs are known throughout the industry for their sleek, intuitive designs — the Poco LT promised a blend of simplicity and comfort that seemed almost too good to be true.
My family’s experience with this child carrier, however, has proven it to be revolutionary for both our outdoor excursions and everyday life.
Unveiling the Osprey Poco LT
The Osprey Poco LT child carrier is part of a trio of backpacking packs designed to cater to varying needs, the brand also offers a regular Osprey Poco and the top-tier Osprey Poco Plus.
The Poco LT stands out for its ultralight design and compactness. Its unique build makes it ideal for longer hikes as well as storing in tight spaces.
Priced at $300 (currently on sale for $240), it’s the most budget-friendly option in the Osprey child carrier lineup, without compromising on the brand’s hallmark quality.
Weighing just over 5 lbs and capable of supporting a load up to 48.5 lbs, it’s equipped with a sunshade, drool pad, and ample storage space, ensuring both comfort and convenience on the trail.
What Sets the Poco LT Child Carrier Apart
1. Sturdy Yet Lightweight: A Safe Haven for Little Explorers
If you’ve read any of my other reviews, you know I’m all about lightweight. It truly is what sold me on the Poco LT.
When you’re at the store and you pick up all these different child carriers, the Poco LT is just, well, lighter.
I’m generally a smaller person, so I try to avoid all things boxy, bulky, and heavy.
Despite its feather-light build, the Osprey Poco LT doesn’t compromise on safety or durability.
Its sturdy frame and secure child harness system offer peace of mind, even when traversing uneven paths or when the kids decide to test its limits.
My oldest often becomes jealous after watching baby brother get lugged around for any extended amount of time – she wants a turn!
As she is still under the maximum child weight limit, a few quick adjustments and I can easily accommodate her.
It’s a fortress of comfort and security, ensuring that our family can have fun and be safe while we share everyday adventures.
2. A Perfect Blend: Don’t Fix that Mix
The Poco LT masterfully combines the benefits of a soft structured carrier with the robustness you’d expect with a backpack built for the trail.
It offers a snug, secure fit and additional storage without the bulkiness, making it a versatile choice for parents.
Do I sometimes wish it had the upper-side pockets like the middle-tier Osprey Poco? Sure. But I’ve adjusted to the storage space the LT offers, which is sufficient for all the baby essentials.
Do I sometimes dream of stirrups like those included with the Osprey Poco Plus? Yes. The added material however is only going to add to the overall weight of the unit – and I want ultralight.
With comfortable contact surfaces, a pocket dedicated to your hydration bladder, and a stylish deep teal green color, it’s the perfect blend.
You may see other brands or even other Poco models with a few sleek perks, but for me, the Poco LT is the right mixture at the right price point.
3. Compact and User-Friendly: Tight Squeeze Breeze
The Osprey Poco LT shines brightest with its portability. Designed with travel in mind, it’s a breeze to pack, set up, and move, making it perfect for families always on the go.
Whether I’m navigating airport terminals or setting off on woodland trails (or giving the kids a ride while I vacuum the living room), the Poco LT’s lightweight design and intuitive setup make it a hassle-free companion for all my family’s journeys.
Its ability to fold down nearly flat and the inclusion of a dedicated zippered pocket for harness protection highlight Osprey’s attention to detail.
I’ve never particularly run into issues with backpack straps getting tangled, but the zip feature that hides the harness straps, if nothing else, looks super slick.
While zipping up the harness, I also discovered a handle I never even knew existed! The handles on the Poco LT seem to pop up everywhere.
Sturdy, well-built handles on the top when loading or unloading a child — neatly hidden handles on the side for carrying like a suitcase when towing.
My car has this little bonus space in the trunk — intended I suppose for a first aid kit or jumper cables. How about my Osprey Poco LT child carrier?
It fits perfectly in this nook, and travels with me everywhere. Our family has come across many situations where we have the stroller, but for whatever reason the Osprey just makes more sense.
I continue to be surprised by how compact the folded-up Poco LT can be which is one of its greatest traits.
The carrier’s compactness doesn’t just save space; it makes for a less cumbersome hiking experience.
4. Child Comfort and Security: Buckle Up Buttercup
The innovative child harness system, which features front facing arm loops and buckles behind the child, prevents little escape artists from making a getaway.
The deluxe child cockpit and cushioned padding ensure that my little one enjoys the journey as much as I do.
When it’s secured and sitting on the ground, the Osprey Poco Lt is firm and stable. Surprising for a unit that folds up so compact, it’s quite difficult to knock over.
Not that I recommend it, my child has successfully attempted to climb in without any adult assistance whatsoever — no toppling.
I’ve read some reviews wishing the drool pad was removable, but I like the extra deep ridged foam all around the Poco Lt child carrier. Extra padding for my child and extra security for their little noggins.
5. Adjustability for All: A Fit for Both You and Him
With an adjustable hip belt and torso harness, the Poco LT can easily accommodate any body shape.
My husband and I quickly change the fittings to suit my build, and vice versa while on the go. After a bit of use, tightening shoulder straps and customizing the torso length adjustment becomes intuitive. The Poco LT is an outstanding fit even with our differing body shapes.
If I have it on for any extended amount of time, I like to tinker with the hip belt and shoulder straps frequently to help disperse weight around.
Twenty minutes with weight on my shoulders, then tighten my hip belt to transfer more weight lower on the pack for the next twenty minutes. Rinse and repeat.
The airscape back panel also provides maximum ventilation and allows for quick and easy adjustments. The added airflow helps keep my back from getting all sticky and sweaty.
A Few Considerations
While the Osprey Poco LT is a standout choice for active families, its streamlined design prioritizes compactness and weight over extra features.
I think the unit hits nearly all the marks for an ideal child carrier, but perhaps a few minor aspects could be enhanced for an even better experience.
Mr. Golden Sun: Please Shine Down on Me
The sunshade, though easy to deploy, could benefit from a simpler securing mechanism.
When we’re out and about, my husband especially can have a hard time securing the shade properly. Yes, he’s a big clumsy gorilla, but I admit it is kinda tricky.
The Osprey Poco Lt child carrier offers shade strictly overhead, which is great when the sun is up high in the big blue sky.
I’ve had instances though, where the sun is shining at an angle, and without any side cover the sunshade is rendered useless.
While the Poco Lt offers good coverage in terms of sun protection, I get jelly when I see the larger mesh covered sunshade included with both the Poco and Poco Plus.
Not just for shade, the mesh side covering gives a little extra cushion for your child to lean against when they inevitably fall asleep mid-hike.
This can help keep their head upright, perhaps making the baby inside more comfortable and allowing for longer naps (yes please!).
Stirred up: No Foot Stirrups
In addition, there are no foot stirrups on the Osprey Poco LT, which I’ve seen many criticize.
I can certainly see the pros and cons here. On the pro side, you never have to clean out mud and gook from the foot stirrups since they don’t exist on the Poco LT.
Cons include getting a dirty shoe to the back of the head every once and awhile (ouch!) — as well as your child becoming uncomfortable in the child cockpit without the ability to adjust.
I combat this by making frequent stops, allowing my child to get out and re-adjust often.
When in action, I like to use my hands to push up against my child’s feet from time to time, giving them the ability to push back off my hands to adjust their positioning.
The extra padding and benefit stirrups provide would also add extra weight to the pack, which may prevent it from being the super lightweight child carrier I’ve come to love.
Hold My Water: Who Will Do It?
The non-removable drool pad and the lack of an easily accessible water bottle storage are a few other minor inconveniences that, if addressed, would make the Osprey Poco LT flawless.
For me, the benefits far outweigh these considerations, making it an awesome piece of gear that accompanies my family on every excursion.
Other Moms Experience and Reviews
We love this carrier pack! Comfortable for the adult, easy set up, and so comfortable for my 1-year-old that she fell asleep mid hike for more than an hour. A little more difficult to get her out because of her shoes, but in hindsight, I would just take her shoes off then take her out. Still 5 stars.
Perfect for a Mini Hiker (From Amazon)
Excellent value, it can be folded down to take anywhere but we never do, great quality but I wish it was easier to take off some fabric to clean where baby drools. Great fit. The storage is what I was after. I can pack extra clothes, diapers, my lunch and it comes with a sun shade that also helps hold up the rain cover sold separately.
Best Purchase Ever for Hiking Carrier (from Amazon)
Final Thoughts: The Osprey Poco LT as a Family Hiking Essential
The Osprey Poco LT child carrier has become an indispensable part of my family’s hiking gear (and everyday life).
Its thoughtful design, which balances simplicity with functionality, makes it a standout choice for parents seeking a comfortable, reliable carrier for their little adventurers.
Despite a few minor drawbacks, its ultra-light compact build outweighs any minor limitations, making it a top contender for the best carrier in the child carrier market.
In the end, the Osprey Poco LT is more than just a carrier; it’s a gateway to unforgettable family experiences, offering the freedom to explore with confidence and comfort.
For families who cherish the great outdoors, the Poco LT is a worthy investment, promising years of happy trails.
