Choosing the Best Carrier for You - A Little Trekkers' Guide

As gear specialists in everything for children and the outdoors, we are asked many times a day for more information on child carriers. You often want to know which one is the best. It’s a tough question as what is best for one person’s needs may not be best for another. We have therefore come up with our quick reference guide to be used alongside the individual carrier specifications that are available on our website.

Your reassurance is that we only stock the best child carriers that are available on the market. We thoroughly assess them ourselves for key important features and also listen to the feedback that we get back from our customers. If you can’t find it at Little Trekkers, it may be worth checking the specification very carefully. On the other hand, if you find a great carrier that you think should be available at Little Trekkers, please let us know so that we can put it to the test!

Buying from us gives you reassurance – call us after you buy if you have any problems and we’ll know what you’re talking about. We’ve many, many years of experience in fitting them and our customers travel from all over the UK just to buy from us – we’ve got the largest range available with all the best ones ready and waiting for you to try. We also have very long-standing relationships with the manufacturers – any problems and we get it solved.

Little Trekkers' Child Carrier Rating System

Up to all day hikes with no problems. Normally top end carriers with all the storage that you would need and often a zip-off or removable bag for versatile storage options (i.e. easy to nip for a pub lunch without having to empty all of your baby’s gear from the bottom pocket!). Additional comfort features on the harness for the wearer to ensure a comfortable fit.

May lack some of the additional harness comfort features but still up to all day hikes. Plenty of storage, but lacking the versitilty of zip-off or removeable bags.

Still a very good harness system for a great level of comfort but, as there’s not much need for it, some of the storage space and maybe some other extra features have been removed.

Great for travelling and sometimes come with a specially designed bag to put the carrier in. However, they still offer a good level of comfort and are very popular with customers who want a smaller lightweight carrier with little fussiness about it. Normally best for customers who fall within the average height range of 5’4” to 6’, but there are some exceptions (see individual model information).

These carriers are what they are – ideal for short walks, trips around town, or holidays where space is a premium. They often have limited, if any, storage and usually have no size adjustability. Therefore, those at the taller end of the height spectrum may find it more difficult to get a good fit.

Brand Name
Bush Baby

Child Carrier
Elite

What It's Great For
Great adjustability between wearers on a fixed multi-strap system, and especially good for taller customers over 6'2". Bush Baby's top of the range carrier that comes complete with a sunshade, rain cover and travel bag. The BIGEYE multi-position back system means that it is really quick and easy to adjust between wearers once you know your setting. The little zip-off rucksack is more useful than you would image (picture the long walk, arriving back at the car, pub lunch, zip off the bag with your nappy and feeding supplies. Carrier in the car, you in the pub complete with baby and everything that you need). Keep it stocked up and you're also ready for a trip out at any time.

Any trade offs or compromises
It's top of the range and therefore not really – unless you only want a small and compact carrier. However, the frame can be flat-packed if required for space-saving.

Brand Name
Bush Baby

Child Carrier
Pinnacle

What it’s great for
Pinnacle has been designed using Bush Baby's patented suspension system and is their top of the range child carrier. The wearer’s comfort is enhanced by spring absorption in the frame, removing the excess stress from the spine. Therefore, the Pinnacle is ideal for extended trips on rougher terrain and daily use. Comes with the sun/shower canopy and a full length rain cover. The BIGEYE multi-position back system means that it is really quick and easy to adjust between wearers once you know your setting.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
The obvious one – it costs more! A pricey package, but a great buy if you will use it often for long days out. No removable bags.

Brand Name
Bush Baby

Child Carrier
Premier

What it’s great for
A good all-round carrier which still has a very good back system at a more competitive price. Comes complete with a sun/shower canopy and stirrups. The BIGEYE multi-position back system means that it is really quick and easy to adjust between wearers once you know your setting.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
No zip-off bag and the full length rain cover needs to be bought as an extra accessory if required.

Brand Name
Bush Baby

Child Carrier
Lite

What it’s great for
For a lighter weight, mid-price range child carrier it still has reasonable adjustability between wearers with a BIGEYE 3-position back system. The Little Trekkers model always comes complete with a sun/shower canopy.

Any trade offs or compromises?
Less storage than the Bush Baby Elite and Premier child carriers, and no Zip-off bag for added versatility. The full length rain cover and stirrups need to be purchased as an additional extra if required.

Brand Name
Bush Baby

Child Carrier
Micro+

What it’s great for
Travelling – it’s compact and lightweight, but still has a small top storage bag and a small lower bag that’s removable for added versatility. The now adjusting back length is designed to fit a wide range of wearers between 5ft to 6ft.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
Only for customers who fall within the 5’-6’ height ranges, with less adjustability in the harness system than the higher specification models offer. Accessories need to be purchased as additional extras if required.

Brand Name
Littlelife

Child Carrier
All Terrain

What it’s great for
This new high Spec carrier has been designed for full days trekking up over the hills and far away! Also has Littlelife’s new 5 point x-buckle (patent pending) Height range: 5’2” – 6’4” so great adjustability!

Any trade-offs or compromises?
It’s a top of the range model and therefore not really – unless you only want a small and compact carrier.

Brand Name
Littlelife

Child Carrier
Cross Terrain

What it’s great for
Ideal for long rough terrain hill walks and days in the country side. This carrier has Littlelife’s new 5 point x-buckle and has an adult height range of: 5’2” – 6’2” so great adjustability! Comes complete with sun shade, foot stirrups and has the new collapsible internal frame so great for storage and transportation.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
It’s a top of the range model and therefore not really – unless you only want a small and compact carrier. Also has no additional zip off pack.

Brand Name
Littlelife

Child Carrier
Voyager

What it’s great for
Great variety of adjustability on a sliding mechanism to fine tune your fit, and especially good for taller customers over 6’2”. Littlelife’s top of the range carrier which comes complete with a sun/light shower canopy, changing mat and stirrups. Even though it’s not free-standing it has a nifty little anchor point to firmly ground the carrier with your foot for safe loading and unloading of your child. The little zip-off bag is a real bonus for easy trips into the nappy changing facilities when you are out and about. The Littlelife carrier range has superb extra accessories available to purchase seperately, including a full length raincover and a comfort pack for sleepy children. The accessories come packed in very smart little bags that keeps them well contained. Height range: 5’2” – 6’4” so great adjustability!

Any trade-offs or compromises?
It’s a top of the range model and therefore not really – unless you only want a small and compact carrier. The full length raincover and comfort pack are additional extras (but look out for our LT Special deals).

Brand Name
Littlelife

Child Carrier
Freedom

What it’s great for
Great for whole days out and has an adjustable airflow back system, ideal for those long warm summer days out and about. Comes complete with a sun/shower canopy and a rear view mirror so that you can keep watch of your little one. Height range: 5’2” – 6’2” so great adjustability!

Any trade-offs or compromises?
Whilst it does have a large front pocket for plenty of storage, this is not removable. The full raincover and comfort pack need to be bought as additional extras if required.

Brand Name
Littlelife

Child Carrier
Cross Country

What it’s great for
This is an excellent mid-range price child carrier where you still get a very good harness system and plenty of storage space, but it is stripped down of some of the ‘bells and whistles’ of other models. Lighter in weight but as strong as a bull, this carrier is perfect for getting out and about in the city, but is still up to all day hikes. Comes complete with sun/shower canopy. Height range: 5’2” – 6’2” so great adjustability! (Look out for our LT Special Deals!)

Any trade-offs or compromises?
No zip-off bag and the full raincover and comfort pack need to be purchased as additional extras if required.

Brand Name
Littlelife

Child Carrier
Traveller S2

What it’s great for
This compact carrier has been designed to save on space when traveling, yet it retains many of the features of much higher specification models. Comes with its own transporter case and the frame is slightly smaller than the other Littlelife carriers to make it useful as carry-on luggage on a flight. Height range: 5’2” – 6’0” and still has a good range of adjustability in the back system, especially for a traveling model where the back systems are often fixed.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
A little less padding and adjustability in the harness system than the higher specification models offer. The sun/rain canopy, full length raincover and comfort pack need to be purchased as additional extras if required.

Brand Name
Littlelife

Child Carrier
Ultralight Convertable

What it’s great for
This super lightweight design is great for short walks and has recently received a “highly recommended” award in the rucksack category in the Camping Magazine’s 2010 awards. It can be used to carry your child and then zipped up and used as a back-pack when your child is walking around. Another good option for a traveling/holiday child carrier. Height range: 5’2” – 5’11”.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
Static back system so less adjustability than other models. All accessories need to be purchased as additional extras if required.

Brand Name
Littlelife

Child Carrier
Discoverer

What it’s great for
This minimalist child carrier is ideal for shorter walks and where a more compact and lightweight design is required. Comes with a kick-out-leg design to enable the carrier to stand on its own (but it is recommended that a child should never be left unattended in any child carrier). Height range: 5’4” – 6’.0” with adjustable straps but not adjustable back length.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
Less adjustability in the harness system than the higher specification models, and no storage space. All accessories need to be purchased as additional extras if required.

Brand Name
Osprey

Child Carrier
Poco Premium

What It's Great For
The Poco Premium is Ospreys top of the range deluxe child carrier. It features a strong and lightweight framing system, and comes complete with a built in sunshade, detachable daypack and a padded lightweight changing pad. It boasts a large 34 litre storage capacity and room for use with a hydration pack ensuring plenty of room for everything you will need for a full days adventuring. The recommended torso range on all Poco styles is 39.5cm – 54.5cm.

Any trade offs or compromises
It’s top of the range and therefore not really – unless you only want a smaller or more compact/ lightweight carrier or something that comes complete with a rain cover.

Brand Name
Osprey

Child Carrier
Poco Plus

What it’s great for
The Poco Plus still has all the features you would need for a full days outing but without the changing pad or daypack that is included in the Poco Premium. There’s a large stretch mesh pocket and large zippered pocket on the back and comes complete with a built in sun shade. The recommended torso range on all Poco styles is 39.5cm – 54.5cm.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
The Poco Plus has slightly less storage space that the Poco Premium however it comes with cord loops that allow the attachment of an optional Daylite day pack should you need the extra storage.

Brand Name
Osprey

Child Carrier
Poco

What it’s great for
The Poco provides all the basics needed in a child carrier. It is suitable for regular use over longer periods of time but is more suited for people wanting to travel light. It features a fixed, non-adjustable hip belt, a mesh pocket with small zippered pouch and built-in loops that can be used to attach the optional Daylite daypack. The recommended torso range on all Poco styles is 39.5cm – 54.5cm.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
The Poco carrier is the most basic model of carrier that Osprey have to available and therefore offers minimal storage and additional features such as a built in sunshade, although these can both be bought as optional accessories if required.

Brand Name
Vaude

Child Carrier
Butterfly comfort

What it’s great for
Vaude’s top of their range child carrier comes complete with a sun canopy/short rain cover, full rain cover, and changing mat, and has a torso support element for the child. Vaude know their rucksacks and this knowledge has been developed and incorporated into creating a range of child carriers with comfortable harness and back systems. The Vaude Butterfly child carrier is up to all day hikes and it has a free-standing leg support for easy loading and unloading. Adult height range of 150 - 185cm.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
Although it still has a large lower pocket, the additional comfort adjustments for the child mean that there are no removable bags and slightly less storage than other top of the range child carriers.

Brand Name
Vaude

Child Carrier
Jolly Comfort II

What it’s great for
Suitable for full days out and ideal for rough terrain, this carrier has a well padded, adjustable Tergoform suspension velour back system for added comfort. It comes complete with a sun canopy/short rain cover, full length rain cover, and a changing mat, and it has a free-standing leg support for easy loading and unloading. The Jolly Comfort is available in two back lengths, with the Jolly Comfort II specifically designed for taller adults 185cm – 210cm (i.e. very tall!).

Any trade-offs or compromises?
Customers under 185cm (about 6’) may be better with the Jolly Comfort I.

Brand Name
Vaude

Child Carrier
Jolly Comfort I

What it’s great for
Suitable for full days out and ideal for rough terrain, this carrier has a well padded, adjustable Tergoform suspension velour back system for added comfort. It comes complete with a sun canopy/short rain cover, full length rain cover, and changing mat, and it has a free-standing leg support for easy loading and unloading. The Jolly Comfort is available in two back lengths, with the Jolly Comfort I specifically designed for taller adults within the 150-185cm height range. We have found this to be a superb option for sharing the carrying between 2 people of different heights, especially if one person is a little shorter. It seems to suit customers at both ends of the recommended height range very well.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
Customers over 185cm (about 6’) may be better with the Jolly Comfort II.

Brand Name
Vaude

Child Carrier
Jolly Light

What it’s great for
This lightweight carrier is a great all rounder, suitable for mid length walks. Great for the warmer months thanks to the mesh suspension system allowing air to circulate freely. It comes complete with a sun canopy/short rain cover, full length rain cover, and a changing mat, and it has a free-standing leg support for easy loading and unloading. Has an adult height range of 150-185cm.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
Customers over 185cm (about 6’) may be better with the Jolly Comfort II.

Brand Name
Vaude

Child Carrier
Swing

What it’s great for
A lightweight affordable child carrier with air flow back system for ventilation and comfort. This is a very comfortable child carrier for its size and price range, and it maintains a good amount of adjustability for a carrier in this category. Also has mesh side pockets for easy access to drinks etc. Has an adult height range of 150-185cm. Comes with sun/shower canopy.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
This child carrier does not have a free-standing leg support, but remains pretty stable with support for unloading purposes. Additional accessories need to be purchased as additional extras if required.

Brand Name
Vaude

Child Carrier
Teffy

What it’s great for
Perfect for travelling light, will carry children up to 14kg and can easily be transformed into a 20 litre adult backpack. Therefore, it can be used to carry your child and then zipped up and used as a back-pack when your child is walking around. Has a good amount of adjustability in the back system for this style of compact convertible carrier. Has an adult height range of 150-185cm. Comes with neck support.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
The maximum child weight of 14kgs and maximum height range of 90cm is less than that of a full size model. Additional accessories need to be purchased as additional extras if required.

Brand Name
Vaude

Child Carrier
Kenta Plus

What it’s great for
The Kenta Plus is uncomplicated and a great choice for short trips and where a compact and lightweight design is required. Also has a 10 litre storage pocket which is often missing on this size and weight of child carrier. Has an adult height range of 150-185cm. Comes with sun/shower canopy.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
The maximum child weight of 14kgs and maximum height range of 90cm is less than that of a full size model. Additional accessories need to be purchased as additional extras if required.

Brand Name
Vaude

Child Carrier
Kenta

What it’s great for
The simply designed Kenta child carrier is a great choice for short trips and where a very compact and lightweight design is required. Has an adult height range of 150-185cm. Comes with sun/shower canopy.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
The maximum child weight of 14kgs and maximum height range of 90cm is less than that of a full size model. Additional accessories need to be purchased as additional extras if required.

Brand Name
Macpac

Child Carrier
Vamoose S2

What it’s great for
US Airways Magazine calls this model “a veritable cadillac of a carrier”. The top of the range Vamoose child carrier’s sturdy construction and classic design will take you into the hills and over rough terrain with confidence. Great for transportation purposes due to the collapsible frame and it has a spacious 25-litre base pocket and a zip-off 15-litre day pack. Comes complete with a sun canopy, full length rain cover, and neck support. The Vamoose is available in two different sizes, with the Vamoose S2 being suitable for persons of height 1.52m (5 ft 01 in) to 1.78m (5 ft 11 in).

Any trade-offs or compromises?
It’s top of the range and therefore not really – unless you only want a small and compact carrier. However, the frame can be flat-packed if required for space-saving.

Brand Name
Macpac

Child Carrier
Vamoose S3

What it’s great for
US Airways Magazine calls this model “a veritable cadillac of a carrier”. The top of the range Vamoose child carrier’s sturdy construction and classic design will take you into the hills and over rough terrain with confidence. Great for transportation purposes due to the collapsible frame and it has a spacious 25-litre base pocket and a zip-off 15-litre day pack. Comes complete with a sun canopy, sleepy head neck pillow, and full length rain cover. The Vamoose is available in two different sizes, with the Vamoose S3 being suitable for persons of height 1.73m (5 ft 09 in) to 1.93m (6 ft 04 in).

Any trade-offs or compromises?
It’s top of the range and therefore not really – unless you only want a small and compact carrier. However, the frame can be flat-packed if required for space-saving.

Brand Name
Macpac

Child Carrier
Possum

What it’s great for
Macpac's award-winning Possum child carrier lets you get off the beaten track for full day hikes. Like the Vamoose, it has plenty of great features and load-carrying comfort for both parent and child and has a generous 25ltr base pocket for gear storage as well as a 10lt zipped fixed pocket. Comes complete with sleepyhead neck pillow.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
Sombrero sun shade and rainbow rain cover need to be purchased as additional extras if required.

Brand Name
Macpac

Child Carrier
Koala

What it’s great for
The Koala is Macpac’s most compact child carrier and is a popular choice for customers who still want a technical pack, but without the bulk of the larger models. It still has a generous 25lt base pocket for gear storage, and an air-supply harness for comfort. Comes complete with sleepyhead neck pillow.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
Less storage capability than other Macpac models. Sombrero sunshade and Rainbow rain cover need to be purchased as additional extras if required.

Brand Name
Deuter

Child Carrier
Kid Comfort III

What it’s great for
The Comfort III has a breathable foam back and pivoting hip fins for ultimate comfort and maximum freedom of movement whilst carrying loads up to 21.9kg. It has a free-standing leg support for easy loading and unloading. A sun/shower canopy is cleverly integrated into the body of the carrier, so it won’t get lost and it is quick to deploy in the event of a sudden rain shower or, well you never know … some sunshine! Oh ... and you get a free little teddy too! Comes complete with KC Deluxe rain cover

Any trade-offs or compromises?
The Streamer 2.0 hydration system needs to be purchased as an additional extra if required and there’s no detachable daysack.

Brand Name
Deuter

Child Carrier
Kid Comfort II

What it’s great for
With Vari-flex hip fins and load adjustment straps on the hip pads and a good amount of harness adjustability, this more compact Deuter model is up to all day hikes. It has a free-standing leg support for easy loading and unloading. Just like its big brother it has a carrying load of 21.9kgs. Oh ... and you get a free little teddy too! Comes complete with sun and shower cover.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
KC Deluxe rain cover and streamer 2.0 hydration system need to be purchased as additional extras if required, and there may be trouble if you lose your teddy!

Brand Name
Deuter

Child Carrier
Kid Comfort I

What it’s great for
Nice and compact design so great for out around town but still has the typical high performance features for a good level of comfort for both child and adult. It has a free-standing leg support for easy loading and unloading. Affordable and versatile with a well ventilated back system. You still get your teddy too! Comes complete with sun and rain cover.

Any trade-offs or compromises?
KC Deluxe rain cover and Streamer 2.0 hydration system need to be purchased as additional extras if required. A little less storage than some but can still hold up to 10 litres in the large pocket.

Still undecided about which carrier to choose? Well if you take a trip to our showroom at the Millhouse Green, near Penistone, all our carriers are available to try on and our friendly staff there can answer all your questions to help you pick the one that’s right for you.

Guidance Notes

Please note, this key is a usage guide and not a judgement on quality – i.e. a ‘C5’ does not mean it’s rubbish – we don’t stock rubbish! A ‘C5’, for example, is a category for a very lightweight and compact carrier – perfect if this is what you need. Please also read the specification on the product pages for full information about each carrier. If you are still stuck on which model to opt for, please give us a call on 0844 855 3242, email info@littletrekkers.co.uk, or visit us at our shop.

©Little Trekkers Limited 2005. Revised and updated 2013. Information compiled from manufacturer recommendations and the experience of Little Trekkers' staff. No liability can be accepted by Little Trekkers Limited.