A hiking friend told me that: a kid can walk their age in miles( 19 months/1 year old=1 mile) Definitely get a pack. We haven't used our pack yet since 7 mo old is only 13 lbs, but we baby wear in her SSCs
Make sure you get a good brand. And there's a really good chance you can find one used. I bought a $300 backpack for $50 and it was so comfortable despite having a toddler. Did many 3 mile hikes with him on my back. He would usually fall asleep 😂
We have a deuter one The structure is great for weight distribution in comparison to say a soft structure carrier like an ergo If you’re doing more of a child led hike you can get away with not having a structured carrier If you’re on a mission… get the carrier it’s a game changer
I live our osprey poco lt for my little man. He's average weight for a 16 month old but you can barely feel it.
I have the Osprey poco plus. 100% worth it. I have used it now for two kids starting at 6 months. It is so adjustable that myself (5’2) and husband (6’) can use it comfortably. We have gotten so much use out of it and have done many hikes with it.
I’ve been looking at the Ospry. All my friends have said they are glad they had a backpack for when the baby got tired