Last Updated: August 29, 2022
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Osprey Poco Plus Review: Should You Get It?

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Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier Backpack

Osprey Poco Plus is a child carrier backpack for hiking. It features an adjustable back system, an adjustable child cockpit, multiple pockets for gear storage, and a few convenient accessories. View Latest Deal

Considering getting the Osprey Poco Plus baby carrier? Then you’re definitely in the right place because this detailed review will tell you all you need to know about it!

What’s it made from, how comfortable is it, and how much space you get for gear storage as just some of the things covered in this detailed review. We’ve examined every aspect of the Poco Plus, so this is the only Osprey Poco child carrier review you need to read to figure out if it’s the best option for you and your little one!

Pros

  • Adjustable and comfortable back system
  • Adjustable child cockpit
  • Large gear storage capacity
  • External hydration sleeve
  • Rain cover and sunshade included

Cons

  • Hydration bladder not included
  • Not suitable for infants
  • Takes up a lot of space when stored
  • Expensive

Product Rating

92Overall Rating
Parent Comfort
10/10
Child Comfort
10/10
Gear Storage Space
9/10
Durability
9/10
Value For Money
8/10

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 29” x 16” x 19”
  • Weight: 7.89 lbs
  • Gear Capacity: 26 liters
  • Material: 210D Bluesign Nylon Diamond
  • Min/Max Child Weight: 16-40 lbs
  • Gear Compartments: Two zippered
  • Zippered Hipbelt Pockets: Two
  • Hydration Sleeve: Yes, external (hydration bladder not included)
  • Adjustable Back System: Yes
  • Droolpad: Yes, removable

Parent Comfort

AirSpeed Suspended Mesh Backpanel And Aluminum Frame

Parent comfort is one of the most important things to look for in a baby carrier. The backpack needs to be comfortable enough so that you can carry your 20lbs+ child for hours without getting sore or tired. That’s why the Poco Plus is one of the best baby carriers around – it’s extremely comfortable for both the children and the parents.

The baby carrier backpack features an AirSpeed suspended mesh back system. The mesh panel is continuous and it extends from the top of the back panel all the way to the lumbar. Its construction is seamless and it easily contours to the shape of your body, ensuring that you have plenty of back support.

The back panel also offers excellent ventilation so there’s plenty of airflow even in warm weather. Also, the entire back system is adjustable and when it’s set up just right, it doesn’t restrict your movement at all.

The Poco Plus baby carrier also boasts a lightweight aluminum frame for excellent load support. The frame also means you have a stable platform when you want to set the child down, plus it makes it much easier for the little one to climb inside the carrier.

Straps And Hip Belt

Osprey Poco Plus Sternum Strap

Other features that guarantee that parent’s carrying comfort are the heavily padded shoulder straps, which can easily be adjusted even while you’re wearing the backpack. They’re lined with breathable mesh, for excellent airflow in warm weather.

There’s also a padded hip belt that transfers most of the load onto your hips, as well as a sternum strap that guarantees the shoulder straps stay in place. You get zippered hip pockets on the hip belt and they can easily be accessed without taking off the backpack.

Overall, the Osprey Poco child carrier is amazing when it comes to parents’ carrying comfort. You can adjust every aspect of the back system, which is designed to provide support and excellent airflow while you’re on the trail with your little one.

Child Comfort

Child comfort is just as important as parent comfort in child carriers and the Osprey Poco Plus does an excellent job in that aspect as well. It boasts a deluxe child cockpit that’s fully framed and padded. It’s also ventilated at the sides so that the little one doesn’t get too hot inside the carrier, plus it boasts an anatomical fit for excellent support.

The child cockpit also boasts adjustable stirrups that provide support for the bigger toddlers. Smaller kids will make use of the removable drool pad with a soft-to-touch fabric, while all the kids will appreciate the built-in sunshade. The shade protects from both UVA and UVB rays, and it stores inside a dedicated zippered pocket so it doesn’t get in the way when not in use.

Your little one will stay comfortable even on rainy days, thanks to the included rain cover. It extends over the sunshade but it’s see-through on the sides so that your child can still enjoy the views while being protected from the rain.

Gear Storage Space

Zippered Front Compartments

The Osprey child carrier has two zippered gear compartments on the front panel. The top compartment is exclusive to this carrier backpack and it’s the main reason why it has more capacity than the Osprey Poco.

The lower zippered compartment on the Poco Plus is bigger than the same pocket on the regular Poco, so there’s generally more room for gear in this child carrier backpack. You can easily fit plenty of diapers, snacks, and all the other gear you might need for you or the little one, so you don’t need to carry an additional bag.

External Hydration Sleeve

The Osprey Poco Plus features an external hydration sleeve with an opening just above the back panel. It’s recommended for Osprey 1.5-liter hydration reservoirs, and it’s possible to set up hydration so that both the child and the adult can use it. It’s extremely convenient for easy hydration on the go, but it’s worth noting that a hydration bladder is not included in the purchase.

Other Pockets

The Poco Plus child carrier has many other smaller pockets for gear. It boasts two zippered hip belt pockets that the parents can easily access while they’re wearing the carrier. This is an upgrade over the basic Poco child carrier, which has open mesh pockets instead.

The Poco Plus features a zippered slash pocket with a key clip just above the top front compartment, as well as stretch mesh pockets on the sides. The backpack also has pockets inside the child cockpit, so your kid can easily access their favorite toys while they’re sitting in the carrier.

Durability

The Osprey child carrier backpack is made from 210D Bluesign Nylon Diamond. It’s a very durable material with excellent tear and abrasion resistance, plus it’s made with a minimum environmental impact.

Nylon is usually one of the most popular materials in the manufacturing of backpacks and luggage because of its excellent durability and strength. The material is also water-resistant without any additional coating, but it’s worth noting that a rain cover is included in the purchase of the bag.

The excellent durability of this child carrier is backed by a 7-year warranty.

Osprey promises to repair any damage on the backpack for the first seven years from the manufacturing date, and if they can’t repair something on the pack, they will send you a new one. All the repairs covered by the warranty are free of charge.

It’s worth noting that Osprey usually offers a good warranty for its products, as well as excellent customer service.

Value For Money

Osprey Poco Plus is an excellent child carrier but it’s also very expensive. It’s one of the priciest options on the market, so it makes sense to wonder if it’s actually worth the money. Whether it’s worth it for you depends on what exactly you are looking for in a child carrier backpack.

The child carrier backpack is extremely durable and covered with a great warranty, so you should be able to use it until your kid grows out of it. It’s made from premium materials, it’s extremely comfortable for both the kid and the parent, plus it’s got a generous gear capacity.

If you’re looking for a child carrier backpack that you’ll be able to use for your kid for years to come, the Poco Plus is definitely worth considering. Also, it helps that a sunshade and a rain cover are included in the purchase – you don’t always get these accessories with other brands, so even though you’re paying less for the carrier, you need to spend additional money on accessories that you already get with the Osprey Poco Plus.

Verdict

Should you get the Osprey Poco Plus child carrier? If you want a sturdy kid carrier backpack for hiking that you can use for years to come, then you should definitely consider it. This is one of the best child carrier backpacks money can buy, but it’s also quite pricey.

But you’re getting great value for the money. It has so many pockets which aren’t usually included in child carrier backpacks, plus you get a rain cover and a sun shade with the bag. It’s also extremely comfortable for both the parent and the child, and because the child cockpit is adjustable, you can use this with multiple kids of different ages.

When you’re done with the Poco Plus, you can even resell it. The child carrier holds up very well over time plus Osprey will fix any damage done to the carrier in the first seven years. So, you can eventually get some of that money back!

Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier and Backpack for Travel, Blue Sky
  • Premium efficiency and design
  • Storage tuned to the each season

Head over to Amazon to see the exact price and more photos of the Osprey Poco Plus. If you’re not sure this is the right child carrier backpack for you and you want to see some more options, you’ll find great alternatives in our related posts!

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