Before having kids, I could have been quoted saying, “When I have kids, I won’t let them slow down my outdoor adventures. I mean, c’mon, they’re just little kids. They go where you go, right?”
WRONG!
Our lil’ Ranger, James, was the ultimate wakeup call on how difficult it can be to bring the little ones along for your outdoor adventures. But rather than sequestering your kids forever, we’ve found that finding the right clothing, equipment, and preparation make bringing babies and kids into the outdoors easier and more enjoyable.
If hiking or backpacking is on your list of outdoor adventures, and you’re determined to bring your lil Rangers along, then you need to start thinking about Child Carrier packs.
In preparation for the upcoming Rangers + Wranglers Bryce Canyon Group Excursion, I was given the Osprey POCO AG Plus child carrier. While my test hike was relatively short, the pack made a big impression.
The Osprey POCO AG Series packs come in three different models:
– POCO AG Premium
– POCO AG Plus
– POCO AG
I tested the POCO AG Plus that features:
– Sunshade
The built-in sunshade is easily stored and deployable from its own zippered pocket. It offers quick and easy UV protection for the child.
– Drool Pad
The drool pad at the front of the cockpit is soft to the touch and comfortable padded for the child.
– Toy Attachment Loop
While we didn’t use these loops for toys, it did make it handy to attach binkys and other gadgets.
– Adjustable Stirrups
While our 9-month-old baby is still too small to use this feature, for taller kids, this will ensure their legs don’t just dangle. Happy baby, happy trail 🙂
– Folding Aluminum Frame
The frame opens up like a kickstand allowing a platform to set the carrier down. This was by far the handiest feature of the entire pack.
What makes the POCO AG Plus different than the other models? In addition to the shared features, the Plus also includes:
+ Extra large lower zippered compartment
+ Zippered hipbelt pocket with safety mirror
+ Zippered and padded hipbelt pocket for cell phone or camera protection (Love thy selfie 😉 )
+ Side stretch mesh pockets
+ Large front panel compartment
+ Front panel stretch mesh pocket
The bottomline? There is tons of room for storage. I jokingly told my wife that the POCO Plus could replace my regular backpacking pack because there was PLENTY of storage.
Osprey certainly doesn’t skimp on the ability to customize the fit for the adult and child. This makes it super easy to share the carrying duties with my wife. As with all Osprey products, they offer a lifetime warranty!
So, while this pack is rated up to 50 lbs of complete payload, the $290 price tag doesn’t seem so high considering you can use the pack for a single child until he/she is 5-6 years old and with the lifetime warranty, you can be using the POCO Plus for multiple children.
Trust me, a carrier/pack is not something to go cheap on if you plan on keeping up your backpacking, camping, and hiking.
PRICE NOTE: At the time of this post, the POCO Plus is on sale at REI for $216. HUGE SAVINGS!
POCO AG Plus Specs:
Cubic Inches: 1587
Liters: 26
LBS: 7lbs 11 oz
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