Gear Review By Susanne (@the cupidos)
When you’re a family who loves the outdoors, having gear that keeps up with your lifestyle — and your kids — is essential. For our latest 8-day camping trip to Nakusp, BC, we brought along the Osprey Poco Soft Child Carrier to put it through the ultimate test: camping, hiking, biking, beach days, and everything in between.
Let’s just say — it passed with flying colors.
Whether we were navigating forest trails, setting up at camp, cruising on our bikes, or grabbing coffee in town, this carrier went everywhere with us. And more than that, it made every moment easier, safer, and more enjoyable with our toddler in tow.
First Impressions: Built for the Adventure Life
Right out of the box, the Osprey Poco feels thoughtfully designed — as you’d expect from a brand known for quality outdoor gear. It’s sturdy without being bulky, intuitive without being complicated. We appreciated how easy it was to adjust the fit between both parents, and how secure and comfy it felt for our daughter.
With a full camping itinerary ahead of us we were excited to see how it held up. Spoiler alert: it became one of the most used items of the entire trip.
Around Camp: The Ultimate Helping Hand
At the campsite, the Poco proved invaluable. Whether we were cooking, unpacking gear, or wrangling our older child, being able to strap our toddler into the carrier made it easy to keep her close (and safe) while still being productive.
The Waterfall Hike: From Front Snuggles to a Hug on the Way Back
Our hike to the waterfall was where the Poco really shone. On the way there, our daughter was cozy in the front carry position — ideal for little ones who want to stay close and take it all in. When it was time to head back, we switched to the back carry position, and it felt like walking with a long, comforting hug. The adjustable harness and sternum strap evenly distributed the weight, while the fold-away headrest offered support when she dozed off again. It made the hike up feel lighter.
Beach Days and Wildflower Wanders
During our lakeside days, the Poco was a lifesaver. With our toddler busy digging in the sand and our dog wandering around, I could carry our youngest one on little adventures to explore wildflowers and shoreline textures. The carrier helped contain her safely and securely, giving her the freedom to look around while I had both hands free.
The breathable materials kept things cool, even under the summer sun. And let’s not forget the removable drool pads — perfect after snacky breaks or when the beach got a bit too exciting. I also loved the easy-access hipbelt pocket, which held some toys, dog accessories and my phone within reach.
Camp Life: The Real MVP
Whether we were cooking dinner, tidying the site, or making bathroom runs with our 3-year-old, the Poco was always in use. Having our youngest safely strapped in meant fewer meltdowns and more focus on getting things done. She loved being up high and watching all the action — and I loved not having to juggle a toddler on my hip.
The secure fit and ergonomic design made it easy to wear her for long stretches without discomfort, even while bending or reaching. And when things got messy around camp (as they do), we didn’t mind if it got dirty because the entire carrier can be tossed into the wash which is an added bonus.
Comfort All Around — For Parents and Baby
We used the three different carry positions depending on what we were doing and how our daughter was feeling: facing in during naps and cuddles, and forward-facing when she wanted to see the world around her. The transitions were seamless and the flexibility meant we could adapt on the go.
Trail-Ready Features That We Loved
Deployable Sunshade (UPF 50+): This built-in feature is a game changer, especially since most soft carriers don’t offer one. It provided instant protection on exposed trails and sunny beach walks and tucks away neatly into the front pocket when not in use.
Removable Drool Pads: Let’s be real — toddlers drool, snack, and wipe their faces on everything. Having soft, machine-washable drool pads was a game changer, especially after a few beach days.
Large Hipbelt Pocket: We loved the front hipbelt pocket — it had two stretch openings, which were perfect for stashing quick-access items like tissues, a phone, or even a snack bar without taking off the whole pack.
Even Weight Distribution: The adjustable sternum strap and harness buckle kept everything balanced, even during longer hikes or when switching between parents. It made carrying a toddler feel way less tiring than it has with other carriers we’ve tried.
Machine Washable: After 8 days of camping, biking, beaches, snacks, and sunscreen, the fact that we can toss the whole carrier in the wash at home was honestly a dream.
Final Thoughts: The Carrier That Carried It All
If you’re an outdoor family looking for a soft-structured carrier that’s as trail-ready as the rest of your gear, the Osprey Poco Standard is absolutely worth it. It’s not just something you bring along — it’s something you use constantly.
From naps in the woods to biking beside the lake, it gave us freedom, flexibility and a front-row seat to every trail, town, and lakeside moment with our daughter — whether she was awake and exploring or cuddled up for a nap.
So here’s to more trail cuddles, mountain bike rides, and beach adventures — with the carrier that carries it all.
