Foot stirrups are not included in this version of the Poco. Stirrups are not necessary while your child is small but, as they grow, it is helpful for circulation and comfort to have foot stirrups for support. Kids (much like dogs) are a conversation starter for people, so be prepared to chat with more folks than normal. Minimum child age for use: 6 months (child must also weigh 16 lbs. and be able to sit up with head upright) Try jogging or bouncing a bit as you walk. When our daughter gets tired of riding, I start to bounce and she laughs every single time. Each tester said they preferred the comfort and fit of the Poco LT. Both dads said the Poco Plus was still a viable option, but given the choice, they’d choose the LT.

Osprey Poco LT child carrier review - MadeForMums

The Poco LT is slimmer and lighter than most other kid carriers. It cuts down on weight and allows you to transport it more easily. It has a UPF 50 sunshade to protect your kiddo and two spacious storage compartments for essentials. Keep kids interested in the hike by pointing out things on the trail. I point out animals, bugs, puppies, water, or really anything. The moms said they’d exclusively carry the LT, as it was comfier, smaller, and easier to put on while the child is in it. Additionally, it’s lighter in weight at 5.1 pounds compared to 7.9 pounds.Take advantage of kids napping in the carrier. Ours always naps on hikes longer than 3 miles and often we try to time the hike so she gets a nap at the same time. Since those initial tests, my daughter Finola has grown to love the carrier (and just grown in general). When she sees it, she knows we’re going on an adventure. She’s getting bigger and heavier (25 pounds). And our hikes are often farther, as she is used to it and has a longer attention span.

Osprey Poco LT Lightweight Child Carrier Backpack Osprey Poco LT Lightweight Child Carrier Backpack

Start small! Do some short, local hikes in good weather and work up to longer hikes as your kid gets accustomed to it. Consider letting them walk at the beginning of the hike to get some wiggles out. Our child loves this, but I hate it since I want to “hit the trail.” However, she’s almost always happier on the hike if we let her roam for while before we start. Your life changes when you have a kid, but you don’t have to stop hiking. The Poco LT is built to carry kids for longer distances while keeping you comfortable. Both my wife and I are big fans of the Osprey Poco LT child carrier, and it’s the top carrier we recommend to our parent friends who are looking for a comfy and lightweight carrier. The Osprey Poco LT child carrier includes an adjustable torso with 6 inches of torso adjustments available. This will fit torso measurements of 15-21 inches. The torso adjustment mechanism on the Poco LT differs completely from the ‘One-Size-Fits-All’ mechanism featured on the Poco and Poco Plus models. This difference does not appear to limit the torso length or functionality, it just doesn’t have the same sturdy feel. The Poco LT uses velcro to secure the adjustment. The ease of changing the torso length is a wonderful feature but, the velcro can be a bit difficult to undo to move it up or down. Be happy and enthusiastic. Kids can read off your energy, so try to stay chipper even when you’re tired.

Both my wife and I have been hiking with our daughter Finola since birth. She’s 2 years old now and loves hiking with us. That said, if we’re 6 miles into a hike, she’s as tired as we are, so we’ve learned a few things to keep her happy on the trail.