Child Carrier Guide

Hiking child carrier weight limits by manufacturer and model

This table lists child weight limits, maximum loads and age limits for 11 framed hiking child carriers from 4 manufacturers. Osprey, Deuter and Thule set the child maximum at 18 kg (40 lb). LittleLife lists a 20 kg maximum load. All limits come from the manufacturers' manuals and product pages.

Child weight, maximum load and age by model

CarrierChild weightMaximum loadAgeDetails
Osprey Poco7.3 to 18 kg22 kg (48.5 lb)6 monthsOsprey limits
Osprey Poco Premium7.3 to 18 kg22 kg (48.5 lb)6 monthsOsprey limits
Osprey Poco LT7.3 to 18 kg22 kg (48.5 lb)6 monthsOsprey limits
Deuter Kid Comfortup to 18 kg22 kgabout 9 monthsDeuter limits
Deuter Kid Comfort Activeup to 18 kg22 kgabout 9 monthsDeuter limits
Deuter Kid Comfort Active SLup to 18 kg22 kgabout 9 monthsDeuter limits
Deuter Kid Comfort Proup to 18 kg22 kgabout 9 monthsDeuter limits
Thule Sapling7.3 to 18 kg22 kg (48.5 lb)6 monthsThule limits
LittleLife Voyager S5Not listed20 kg6 months to 3 yearsLittleLife limits
LittleLife Cross Country S4Not listed20 kg6 months to 3 yearsLittleLife limits
LittleLife Ranger S2Not listed20 kg6 months to 3 yearsLittleLife limits

Sources: manufacturers' owner's manuals and product pages, linked in the source list. The full carrier table adds child minimum, carrier weight and volume.

The manufacturer's current manual sets the limits for each carrier. A pediatrician answers questions about whether a child is ready to ride in one.

Fit finder

The fit finder compares a child's age, weight, height and foot length with the limits in these tables.

Step 1 of 5

Child's age

The minimum age is 6 months for Osprey, Thule and LittleLife carriers and about 9 months for Deuter carriers.

Other tables

AgeAge at 15, 18 and 20 kgAges at which the WHO growth curves reach the weights where carriers stop. LoadGear allowance by child weightOsprey counts the child, the gear and the carrier together. Deuter limits gear to 4 kg. AgeMinimum age and weightMinimum age, minimum weight and the sitting rule by manufacturer. AdultsAdult fit by modelTorso length, back length, adult height and hipbelt ranges. PacksDeuter kids' packs by height7 packs for children 92 to 170 cm tall. BootsMerrell kids' boot sizes36 sizes by foot length in centimetres. Stage6 to 12 monthsMinimum age and weight against WHO weights. Stage1 to 3 yearsWHO weights and the LittleLife age limit. Stage4 and 5 yearsAges at which children reach 18 kg.