Deuter Kid Comfort Vs. Osprey Poco: Best Child Carrier?

Can’t decide between the Deuter Kid Comfort and the Osprey Poco child carriers? Then you’ve come to the right place because this detailed comparison covers all the similarities and differences between the two carriers!

What are they made from, how sturdy are they, and will they be comfortable for the wearer are just a few of the things that are covered in this comparison. You can also see all the different features they have for the children sitting in the carriers, and hopefully, all of that will help you decide which baby carrier is ultimately the better option for you and your little one!

Materials And Construction

The materials and construction of a child carrier are very important for both your and your kid’s comfort. The Osprey Poco is made from heavy-duty nylon, a material with excellent water and abrasion resistance. The Deuter carrier, on the other hand, is made from Polyamide – a material that boasts very similar abrasion and water resistance and is a little more lightweight than nylon.

Also, both carriers feature a sturdy aluminum frame for perfect load distribution and improved ventilation. It helps create space between the wearer’s back and the back panel, which really helps with breathability and ventilation, especially when there’s a child in the carrier. The frame also doubles as a kickstand and makes it easier to load the child into the carrier safely.

Most of the other build features are very similar on both child carrier backpacks. They both feature a proprietary suspension system with lots of padding and breathable mesh, a padded and ventilated hip belt, a sternum strap, adjustable shoulder straps, load lifter straps, and more. When it comes to the comfort of the wearer, neither of these two carriers will disappoint.

Additionally, both carriers allow for quick and easy torso adjustments on the go. If something starts to feel wrong, you can just play around with the different straps until you get the fit just right, and you don’t even have to stop wearing the carrier.

However, it is important to note that both manufacturers state that you should make sure the carrier fits you properly before you put a child in it, to avoid any accidents. If you don’t get the weight distribution right and you put a 30lb+ child in the back, you’re going to suffer from some nasty back pains the following day.

Carrier Size

The best child carrier is the one that’s just the right size for you. That’s why it’s important to check the dimensions of both carriers and compare them against your body. Also, the weight of the carrier is equally important. You’ll be carrying a child, plus all the extra gear on your back for who knows how long and it’s essential that you stay comfortable throughout your hikes.

The padding, mesh, and countless adjustable straps on both carriers will certainly help keep you comfortable throughout your adventures. But, every ounce counts with these carriers, and since the Deuter carrier is smaller and lighter, it’s definitely the better option for men and women of smaller build.

On the other hand, bigger people require bigger carriers for the most comfortable experience, and the Osprey Poco is certainly the next best thing.

It’s also important to note that both of these carriers are available in bigger models. There’s the Osprey Poco Plus and the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro – both are bigger, heavier, pricier, and come with a few additional features. In case the two basic carriers are too small for you, be sure to check out their larger counterparts.

Child Cockpit Features

Both of these carriers feature a comfortable child cockpit with a stowable sunshade. The sun canopy has its own compartment in both carriers, and it’s made from UV and water-resistant materials.

You can also use it to partially protect your little one from rain or snow – because the canopy doesn’t provide much protection at the sides, it’s not the most effective kind of protection in heavy rain and snow. Both bags also have adjustable stirrups, so you can make your kid super comfortable inside the carrier.

The Poco also features a removable drool pad, which will come in handy with babies and toddlers. The Deuter carrier has an identical feature, but it’s called a chin rest instead of a drool pad. It’s soft and removable for easy cleaning, and it’s an excellent feature that will keep your little one a bit more comfortable when they join you in your hiking adventures.

Additionally, both carriers feature a pillow in the back of the cockpit, which lets your little one rest their head while napping. The Deuter carrier also has thick padding on the sides of the cockpit, so your child can comfortably rest their head pretty much anywhere they want.

In terms of cockpit features and the comfort of your little one, both of these carriers are excellent. They have all the necessary features to keep your little one happy while they’re in the carrier. If that was your main concern, you’ll be glad to know that either one of these is an amazing option worth considering.

Weight Limitation

The maximum weight limit of a child carrier is one of the key factors to consider. The Deuter Kid Comfort child carrier is made for kids who weigh up to 48.5 lbs, while the Osprey Poco is suitable for children up to 40 lbs. The Deuter carrier is more suitable for older children because of the higher maximum load, so it’s the better option if you want a child carrier that you can use for several years.

On the other hand, 8 lbs isn’t really that big of a difference, and it could give you an extra year with your kid in the carrier. But you might not even need a carrier at that point, since the child will be big enough to have their own little hiking backpack!

Also, consider whether you’d actually be capable of carrying a 48-lb kid on your back for the hike. That’s why you shouldn’t dismiss the Osprey Poco just yet, even if you might not be able to get the same amount of use from it.

Additionally, it is important to note that both carriers can only be used with kids who are able to stand upright on their own. The Poco is recommended for babies who are at least six months old or weigh 16 lbs, while the Kid Comfort works best for children who are at least eight months old.

A minimum weight is not listed for the Deuter, but it’s somewhere around 16-20 lbs as well. In case you need a child carrier for immediate use and your child is still not old enough for the Deuter, the Poco is an excellent alternative.

Storage Capacity

What else can you fit in these carriers, apart from your most precious cargo? Both carriers have a storage capacity of 14 liters, but the Deuter one has a lower maximum weight limit for cargo. The Osprey Poco can hold up to 8.5 lbs of extra gear, while the Deuter Kid Comfort can only hold an additional 4.5 lbs.

If you need a child carrier with roomy compartments and lots of space for additional gear, the Poco seems like a better option.

The Osprey carrier features open mesh pockets and small cord loops that can be easily accessed by your child. They’re perfect for toys, pacifiers, and other things that your child should be able to grab without your help. There’s also a zippered stash pocket with a key clip, an external hydration sleeve, open hip belt pockets, and the lower zippered compartment that will carry the bulk of your gear.

The Deuter Kid Comfort boasts a bottom compartment with a removable base, plus three zippered pockets for smaller gear. It even has zippered pockets on the hip belt, and they’re perfect for the items you want easily accessible even with a child on your back.

Additionally, the Deuter carrier also features open side pockets that can be easily accessed by your child, which is very convenient. It also boasts a hydration sleeve in the back that is compatible with 3-liter reservoirs, as well as all the loops and straps you might need to set up hands-free hydration on the go.

Overall, the Poco looks like the better option if you need extra space for your gear. It has more pockets, a larger total capacity, and a hydration sleeve that can be used by both you and your child.

Rain Cover And Other Accessories

Rain covers aren’t included with either of the carriers, but you can purchase them individually and they’re a great investment if you plan on taking your child along for hikes in wet weather. The rain covers for both carriers are designed specifically for them, and they can be stowed in the dedicated pocket on the bag.

Both rain covers are 100% waterproof with see-through materials at the sides, so your child can still observe their surroundings even when they’re entirely sheltered. It’s worth noting that the Deuter rain cover is more expensive than the Osprey one, and it’s the same with other carrier accessories.

One thing that Osprey offers and Deuter doesn’t is a carry case for the child carrier. If you want a special case to put the carrier backpack in while you’re traveling to your destination, you might want to consider the Osprey more carefully.

When it comes to extra stirrups, sun shades, and chin pads, it’s worth noting that they’re all available for purchase individually from the carrier backpacks.

Pricing

If you’re on a budget, then it’s a no-brainer – get the Osprey Poco. It’s the more affordable out of the two, and the price difference is consistent throughout all the products in their child carrier range. The other variants of the carrier are cheaper than their Deuter counterparts, as are all the accessories you might want to purchase for the child carrier.

It’s worth noting that the price difference isn’t really that drastic – the Deuter carrier is about $25 more expensive than the Osprey one, and the difference between the plus/pro versions is some $50. But, keep in mind that all the accessories are also pricier, so it’s generally better to get the Osprey Poco carrier if you’re trying to stick to a budget.

It’s also important to mention that Osprey offers a much better warranty on their products. Their backpacks (child carriers included) are covered with a lifetime warranty, and the brand pretty much promises to fix any damage that occurs with natural use, and in some cases, they’ll even send you a brand new product if they can’t repair it.

When it comes to customer support you can expect from the brand after the purchase, Osprey is easily the winner.

Deuter Kid Comfort Vs. Osprey Poco: Final Thoughts

The Deuter Kid Comfort and Osprey Poco are both excellent child carriers. They’re made from water and abrasion-resistant materials that hold up very well over time, and they’re very comfortable for both the wearer and the child in the seat.

Both carriers feature ample padding in the back system, a sturdy aluminum frame, and lots of breathable mesh for excellent ventilation. Also, both backpacks have padded child seats with adjustable stirrups, a removable chin pad, and side pockets the little ones can easily access.

You’ll also have ample space in both carriers for your other gear, but the Osprey bag offers more pockets and a higher storage capacity. It’s also the more affordable alternative out of the two, which is why it’s the child carrier we’d recommend in most cases.

Head over to Amazon to check out more photos of these two child carriers, and see their exact prices. In case you’re not that impressed by either of them, you’ll find some other great alternatives in our related posts!

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