A Comprehensive Review of the Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier

The Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier has become an essential piece of kit for our family adventures. Over the past two years, we have used it extensively on everything from little local hikes to larger trips. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of why we love this backpack carrier and how it has enhanced our outdoor experiences.

Why We Chose the Osprey Poco Plus

Choosing the right child carrier is crucial for any parent who enjoys outdoor activities. After extensive research and comparisons, three core reasons led us to choose the Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier over other options:

1. Features

One of the biggest deciding factors in choosing any product today is the features it offers. The Osprey Poco Plus excels in this area by offering an array of features designed to enhance both comfort and convenience.

Important Features:

• Reasonable Additional Carry: This was important for me particularly as I always have equipment to carry. I can fit my smaller drone bag in the bottom of the carrier and keep my camera around my neck, sometimes eliminating the need for an entire camera backpack.
• Logical and Conveniently Located Pockets: The strategically placed pockets make it easy to store and access essentials quickly.
• Quickly Accessible and Easy-to-Use Elements: Features such as pockets, stand, and sunshade are designed for quick access, minimizing any additional stress.
• Proper Support for Back, Shoulders, and Waist: The carrier is engineered to provide excellent support, ensuring that both the carrier and the child remain comfortable for extended periods.
• Comfort for Both Carrier and Child: The child cockpit is plush and provides a smooth, comfortable ride for the little passenger.
• Growth Use Range: The carrier is designed to grow with your child, from six months up to around three years old, and potentially a little older.
• Versatility with Weather and Sleeping Child: The integrated sunshade and rain cover offer protection from the elements, and the design allows for a cozy sleeping environment for the child.

The features of this carrier not only align with the essential elements for outdoor activities but also address the additional challenges of bringing a child along.

2. Brand

Osprey is a well-respected brand known for its reliability and durability. Their history of research and design, combined with robust warranty and product support, makes them a trusted choice for outdoor gear.

Key Brand Attributes:

• Reliability: Known for producing high-quality products that stand the test of time.
• Durability: Built to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures.
• History of Research and Design: Continuous innovation to improve functionality.
• Warranty & Product Support: Excellent customer service and support.

3. Aesthetics

While aesthetics may seem like a superficial reason for choosing a product, they play a significant role, especially for photographers like myself capturing our experiences.

Aesthetic Appeal:

• Visual Appeal: The sleek design and color options make it visually appealing.
• Psychological Impact: When something looks good, it feels good to use, which can enhance the overall experience.
• Inspirational Value: A well-designed product can inspire others to explore and engage in family travel, promoting positivity and a healthy lifestyle.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High-Quality Build: Durable materials and construction.
• Excellent Storage: Ample storage space for essentials and additional gear.
• Comfortable Ride: Plush cockpit and ergonomic design ensure comfort for the child.
• Adjustability: Highly adjustable to fit various body types.
• Integrated Sunshade and Rain Cover: Provides protection from the elements.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for a wide range of activities and weather conditions.

Cons:

• Pricey: Higher price point compared to some other carriers.
• Bulkiness: Can be bulky, making it less ideal for travel by plane.
• Weight: Heavier than some other models, which could be a concern for extended use.

Personal Experience and Conclusion

Our personal experience with the Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier has been overwhelmingly positive. It has allowed us to continue our outdoor adventures seamlessly with our child, providing both comfort and convenience. The carrier’s design minimizes friction and stress, enabling us to focus on enjoying our time together in nature.

In conclusion, the Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier is a fantastic investment for any family that loves the outdoors. Its thoughtful design, robust features, and the reputation of the Osprey brand make it a standout choice. Despite its higher price point, the benefits it offers far outweigh the cost, making it a highly recommended product for adventurous families.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a parent looking for a reliable and comfortable child carrier for your outdoor adventures, the Osprey Poco Plus is worth the cost.

It has been essential for our family adventures, providing better access to outdoor experiences with a toddler, offering comfort, durability, and easy storage for gear, clothes, and of course snacks.

Perfect for tired little legs, napping during longer day trips, or if you don’t have the extra 3x time it takes to “hike” at a toddlers pace.

Adjusting for kids six months to three years (or 48.5lbs which we will be talking full advantage of…), it’s been an excellent investment for our family excursions.