You already know about the Osprey Poco Child Carrier, don’t you? Well, the Osprey team went back to the drawing board, did their homework, and came back with the Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier. You know a child carrier that comes with everything needed to take care of your child.
From the pads to the adjustable hip belt, to the shoulder straps, cockpit, harness, built-in sunshade, and storage pockets. What other child carrier do you know that’s as perfect as this? But if you haven’t used it before, don’t worry. This review talks about the good, the bad, and the better of the Osprey Poco Plus. And then, you can decide if you want to go ahead and get it.
Overview of the Osprey Poco Plus
Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier Backpack
Buy on AmazonThe Osprey Poco Plus is one of the best-framed child carriers out there, especially for parents who love going on hikes or camping trips with their babies. This carrier is comfortable, safe, and convenient for both the parent and the baby.
It comes with a built-in sunshade, two zippered hip belt pockets, multiple storage pockets, a harness clip, and more. You can see that this Osprey baby carrier was designed for you and your baby. The nitty gritty specs of the Poco Plus are:
- Weight: 7.89 lbs 14.4 oz
- Total weight capacity: 48 lbs
- Storage capacity: 26 liters
- Dimensions: 26.75 x 29 x 15.7 inches
- Sunshade: UPF 50 rated
- Rain cover: Sold separately
- MSRP: Around $350
12 Features of the Osprey Poco Plus
1. Set up & Storage
If you’re thinking that once you put your baby into the Osprey Poco Plus baby carrier, it will tip and fall over, cos you’re baby can be quite active, my dear, think again. The Poco Plus is made from a lightweight aluminium frame, which means it is rock solid. And the setting up, easy peasy.
Just pop it open until you hear the click to know it’s in place, then rotate the sidearms and lock securely to make a comfortable spot for your baby. See, easy. Packing it up is even easier, just fold the sidearms and close, that’s it.
2. Fit & Sizing
The Osprey Poco Plus is worth all the rave cos you can fit it perfectly till you feel comfortable. The belt has extender wings by the side so you can adjust it so your back won’t hurt during those long hikes. The torso? Adjustable too.
You just need to find the lever in the hidden mesh in the back panel, then lift, slide, and lock in. Of course, you already know that the chest strap on the shoulder can also be adjusted. So you see, even when you get very tired, you can just easily swap with your partner, and they can make it comfortable for themselves too.
3. Weight
Officially, the Poco Plus child carrier weighs 7.89 pounds, but trust me, even when you’re baby is settled right in, it feels so much lighter. How come? The Osprey Poco Plus comes with smart weight distribution, and that’s why it is perfect for a long hiking trip.
What am I trying to say? Yes, the Poco Plus is not the lightest baby carrier you can find online, but it well well-balanced and won’t be a heavy burden when you’re on a hike.
4. Gear Capacity, Organization, & Pockets
If there’s anything the Poco Plus child carrier doesn’t play with – is its storage. With a pocket for diapers, wipes, snacks, toys, extra clothes, water bottles, and even a blanket, the Poco Plus feels like a personal hiking assistant.
With its cockpit mesh pocket, zippered neck pocket, big compartment at the bottom, zippered back panel compartment, lower mesh side pockets, two zippered hipbelt pockets, and a hydration sleeve, you can keep everything properly and within reach.
5. Cockpit, Harness, & Child Seat Design
Even the kids love the Poco Plus child carrier. To them, it’s like a car seat that is comfortable with a removable drool pad for them to rest their head and ventilated side panels to bring in air. So you see, with it, you just feel that the kids are safe and secure.
This Osprey baby carrier also has a repositioned buckle, so the harness clips at the child’s back, making it easy for you to bring them out but hard for them to get out on their own. Cool, right?
6. Durability
When investing in a baby carrier, especially one priced to be around $350, with so many cool features, you’ll want it to last you through the hiking days and regular use. Unlike the Poco, the Poco Plus is close to being described as indestructible.
It’s made from quality fabrics, and the sewing is top-notch, so it won’t tear or come loose. Then it also comes with abrasion resistance, which means that it can handle any type of friction and still come out strong.
7. Breathability & Ventilation
With this Osprey Poco Plus child carrier, you won’t have to worry about how your child is going to survive on the hot days without being sweaty and uncomfortable.
Why? Cos the Poco Plus is designed in a way that allows air to flow to where your child needs it most. With a breathable mesh in the back, cockpit, shoulder straps, and hip belt, you are your baby will be cool and cozy all through your hiking trip.
8. Water Resistance
The Osprey Poco Plus is waterproof and does a good job of repelling water, keeping the child dry. It also comes with a built-in sunshade, which can also work as a shield against the rain.
That said, the Poco Plus only works against drizzles. So if you’re expecting heavy or longer rain, you may need to buy the Osprey rain cover separately. At least with this, you won’t have to worry about unexpected rain on your hiking trip.
9. Sun Protection
As I’ve mentioned before, Osprey Poco Plus comes with a built-in shade that slides out from a zippered pocket to cover your baby’s head. So if you’re worried about sunshades during your hike, don’t be.
The sunshade doesn’t just block out direct sunlight; with a UPF 50 protection, it also protects your baby from harmful UV rays. It even comes with mesh panels on the side, so although it’s sunny, your baby won’t be hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable.
10. Versatility
Although I’ve been talking about how the Osprey Poco Plus child carrier is one of the best for hiking parents, it’s not just limited to hiking trails. You can use it while going to the farmer’s market, a vacation, or just strolling. You can use it anytime you want your hands free and your baby safe, without the need for a stroller.
Yes, other baby carriers are lighter for everyday use, but if you want one that can be used for both adventures and everyday use, you can’t get better than this.
11. Value
Honestly, the Osprey Poco Plus child carrier is expensive. Someone had to say it. It’s currently retailing between $320- $350, but it was previously sold for about $395. But then, when you take into consideration the safety, the comfort, and durability it offers, it’s worth it.
This Osprey baby carrier is a long-term investment. You can even use it to carry all your kids through all the years it’s needed. And if you love hiking or camping with your baby, you already see the benefits of this investment.
12. Warranty & Repairs
Now, you don’t need to worry. Osprey usually has a 7-year all-mighty guarantee for most of its products, including the Poco Plus. And if there’s are damage, issues, or defects during this period, Osprey promises to fix it free of charge.
But let’s say it can’t be repaired? No problem, Osprey says they will replace the carrier or give you any other Poco carrier you want. You see? They strongly believe in the Poco Plus durability, and so should you.
Pros and Cons of the Osprey Poco Plus
| Pros | Cons |
| It has an adjustable harness and a child seat for safety and comfort | It’s heavier and bulkier than some other carriers |
| It has a built-in UPF 50 sunshade for excellent sun protection | It takes up more storage space when packed |
| It comes with a removable, washable drool pad | The kickstand must stay out when using the lower compartment |
| It has lots of storage (26L) with multiple pockets | It can sway on uneven terrain, so you just have to get used to it |
| It has an adjustable torso length for different adult heights | It has a rain cover, but the rain cover is sold separately |
| It has a padded hip belt with quick extender wings for comfort | It’s way pricier than many other child carriers |
| It has a strong, lightweight aluminum frame with an integrated kickstand | It’s not so easy to move on steep inclines/descents |
| It comes with good ventilation and breathable mesh panels | |
| It’s used for kids from 6 months (~16 lbs) up to 48 lbs |
Conclusion
You can see that Osprey did a huge thing when they designed the Osprey Poco Plus child carrier. Now you don’t need to look for a more reliable, safe, and comfortable baby carrier for your baby when you’re going hiking, camping, or even to the farmer’s market. But with that price, is it worth it?
Well, that’s for you to decide. All I will advise you to do is to weigh its advantages against its disadvantages before you make a decision. Remember that the Osprey Poco Plus is a long-term investment that has long-term value.
