Osprey Poco LT: The Lightweight Carrier That’s Changing Our Hiking Game (and Airport Runs!)
ReviewOkay, real talk: as a parent who juggles a love for the great outdoors with the, shall we say, unique challenges of toddler-wrangling, I’m always on the lookout for gear that simplifies life. And lets us actually enjoy those precious moments of freedom. That’s where the Osprey Poco LT Lightweight Child Carrier strolled into my life, promising to be a game-changer. After weeks of putting it through the wringer, from muddy trails to chaotic grocery runs, I’m ready to spill the beans.
My first thought? “Wow, this thing is actually light!” Seriously, after lugging around what felt like a small mountain on my back with our old carrier, the Poco LT’s feathery 5.5 pounds was a revelation. And the color? The “Tan Concrete” is surprisingly stylish – a welcome change from the usual cartoon explosion you see on kid gear.
But how did it handle the real world? We’ve tackled everything from winding forest paths to crowded supermarket aisles. And let me tell you, that AirScape back panel is a godsend. I’m a human furnace, but the ventilation kept my back surprisingly cool and dry. Plus, my little adventurer seemed perfectly content, happily surveying their kingdom from up high.
What really won me over, though, was the adjustable fit. My partner and I are built differently, to say the least, but swapping the carrier between us is a breeze. No more wrestling with straps for half an hour!
Then there’s the folding frame – pure genius. We recently crammed into the car for a weekend getaway, and the fact that the Poco LT folds down relatively flat saved us a ton of space. I’m already dreaming of stress-free airport trips in the future!
Now, is it perfect? Not quite. If I’m being picky, I wish it came with built-in footrests. On longer treks, my little one’s legs were just dangling there, which can’t be super comfy. Osprey sells stirrups separately, but it feels like a bit of an oversight not to include them.
And while I did grab the rain cover (because, you know, life), it’s a bummer that it doesn’t protect the bottom storage compartment. Minor annoyances, though.
Bottom line? The Osprey Poco LT is a fantastic investment for active families. It’s light as a feather, comfy for both parent and child, adjusts in a snap, and folds down small enough to actually fit in your car. If you love hiking, traveling, or just getting out and about without feeling like you’re carrying a ton of bricks, this carrier is a no-brainer. It’s made our adventures infinitely easier, and I can’t recommend it enough!
The Good Stuff:
- Crazy lightweight and compact
- Seriously good ventilation
- Adjusts to fit different body types like a dream
- Folds flat for easy storage – hallelujah!
- Built-in sunshade for those sunny days
A Couple of Hiccups:
- No footrests included (you’ll have to buy them separately)
- Rain cover leaves the bottom compartment exposed
My Verdict: 4.5 out of 5 stars – Get ready to explore!