Osprey Poco Premium Baby Backpack Carrier Review

Bottom line

The Osprey Poco Premium, or as our three-year-old gear analyst calls it, the “monster truck” of child carriers, truly lives up to its name. It is the most feature-rich option in Osprey’s revamped Poco lineup, combining all the best elements of their designs into one powerhouse pack. With unmatched storage capacity, abundant comfort features, and thoughtful details like a fully integrated sunshade and a massive 36L of storage space, this is the only carrier we’ve tested that feels viable for overnight trips.

That said, all this comes at a cost—both in terms of price and weight. The Poco Premium is the heaviest and most expensive pack we tested, but for families who want a carrier that does it all, the positives far outweigh the negatives. If you’re looking for the ultimate child carrier for extended outings or carrying lots of gear, this pack is hard to beat. For more options, check out our guide to the best baby backpack carriers.

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How We Tested

We tested the Osprey Poco Premium over several months in various environments, from snowy trails in the Colorado mountains during winter to the rugged desert coastline of Baja California Sur, Mexico. These diverse conditions allowed us to evaluate its comfort, durability, and functionality across different terrains and weather extremes.

Comfort

We found the Poco Premium to be surprisingly comfortable for such a heavy and, if we’re being honest, somewhat bulky pack. This holds true for both the caregiver and the little passengers. Our caregiver testers and our opinionated young analysts both agreed that this pack delivers impressive comfort.

For caregivers, Osprey’s signature adjustable suspension system shines. It features a padded, breathable back panel, cushy shoulder straps, and a wide, supportive hip belt. The adjustable torso length accommodates a range of body sizes, making it easy to achieve a secure, customized fit. During a full day of hiking in Colorado, this system kept our testers comfortable, even with a fully loaded pack and a toddler nearing the weight limit.

For children, the cockpit is a throne of comfort. The plush, padded seat and adjustable stirrups keep little ones secure and content, even during naps on the trail. Our three-year-old tester adored the spacious seat and headrest, while our smaller rider valued the chin pad for unexpected snoozes.

Yes, it’s heavy, and that does impact overall comfort, but we found that the pack’s excellent weight distribution and supportive design minimized the burden, outperforming many other packs we tested.

Features

The Osprey Poco Premium has every feature you’d want in a framed child carrier, combining convenience, comfort, and safety into a thoughtfully designed pack. One standout feature is the Double Halo harness with front-facing arm loops, making it easy to secure your little one while ensuring they’re snug and safe for any adventure. The deluxe child cockpit adds an extra level of comfort with its fully padded and framed design, creating a cozy ride for your child. Bonus: the cockpit is removable and machine washable, perfect for handling inevitable messes.

For parents, the adjustable torso length provides 6 inches of adjustment to accommodate caregivers of different sizes, ensuring handoffs are smooth and hassle-free. The AirSpeed™ suspension system features lightweight, tensioned mesh that contours naturally to the body while delivering excellent ventilation to keep you cool and comfortable.

Safety and sun protection are well-covered. The built-in sunshade offers UPF 50+ protection and features mesh sidewalls for added coverage and a convenient spot for naps. However, fastening and unfastening the toggles at the front of the sunshade can be unnecessarily tricky. While it’s a small inconvenience, it doesn’t take away from the pack’s overall functionality and thoughtful design.

Durability

The Poco Premium that our analysts tested has endured an absolute beating. It hitched a ride for a month-long road trip from Colorado to Mexico in the back of an uncovered pickup and still looks brand new.

From the rugged trails of the Colorado Rockies to the sandy, salt-laden air of Baja California, Mexico, this pack has faced it all. The bluesign-approved materials and durable 210D nylon construction have proven to be both tough and resistant to wear and tear. Even the zippers and stitching, often weak points in gear, held up flawlessly during our extensive testing.

Despite heavy use and exposure to the elements, the pack’s fabric shows no signs of fraying, and the frame remains sturdy. This level of durability ensures that the Poco Premium is built to last through years of adventures with multiple kids, making it a dependable investment for families who love the outdoors.

Storage & Organization

Storage is truly the Poco Premium’s bread and butter. With an impressive 36 liters of storage capacity, we found that users are more likely to reach the Poco Premium’s weight limit before using all its compartments. The pack is filled with thoughtfully designed pockets, including a large lower compartment ideal for bulky items like jackets, blankets, or a day’s supply of diapers and snacks.

Above that, two mid-sized zippered pockets and an external mesh pocket offer easy access to essentials like sunscreen, wipes, or a first-aid kit. The hip belt features dual zippered pockets for quick-grab items like keys, a phone, or a snack bar. Lastly, there are four additional external mesh pockets that can be used for water bottles and more. 

There’s also a sleeve for a hydration bladder, which is a game-changer for long hikes. With numerous compartments and smart organization, the Poco Premium feels like a mobile basecamp, ideal for families who need to carry a little extra on their adventures.

Weight

At 8 pounds 5 ounces, the Osprey Poco Premium is the heaviest child carrier in our lineup. That weight isn’t surprising, considering the pack’s robust construction, 36 liters of storage capacity, and premium features. While the heft might deter ultralight enthusiasts, we found that the Poco Premium carries its weight surprisingly well.

Osprey’s AirSpeed suspension system and generously padded hip belt evenly distribute the load, keeping strain off your shoulders and back. During our testing, even when fully loaded with a toddler and gear, the pack remained comfortable on long hikes in the Colorado mountains.

Certainly, the added weight is an important factor to consider for steep trails or extended outings, particularly for smaller caregivers. However, if you’re prioritizing storage, comfort, and features over a minimalist design, the Poco Premium’s weight is a reasonable trade-off. It’s a pack designed for all-day adventures, and it delivers.

Should You Buy the Osprey Poco Premium?

The Osprey Poco Premium is a fantastic choice for families who prioritize comfort, storage, and top-tier features in a child carrier. With its spacious 36-liter storage capacity, integrated sunshade, and deluxe child cockpit, this pack is perfect for all-day hikes, travel, and even gear-heavy outings. It’s especially well-suited for parents who need ample space for essentials while keeping their children safe and cozy. We also found this to be the only viable option for overnight adventures. 

That said, the Poco Premium isn’t for everyone. If you prefer a lightweight or minimalist design, the pack’s heaviness and bulk may feel excessive. Similarly, families who only require a carrier for short, casual outings might not fully benefit from its extensive feature set.

For those seeking a durable, comfortable, and feature-rich carrier suitable for frequent use and long adventures, the Poco Premium is an excellent investment. For more comparisons, check out our guide to the best baby backpack carriers.

What Other Baby Backpack Carriers Should You Consider?

If you’re considering the Osprey Poco Premium, there are a few other standout options to explore. Each offers unique features, making them worth considering based on your specific needs. For more details, check out our guide to the best baby backpack carriers.

Deuter Kid Comfort Pro Review: The Deuter Kid Comfort Pro rivals the Poco Premium with excellent comfort and premium features. It includes a built-in sunshade, an integrated daypack, and exceptional ventilation. While it has slightly less storage capacity than the Poco Premium, its thoughtful design and high-quality materials make it a top choice for all-day hikes.

Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite Review: The Kelty PerfectFIT Elite offers a balance of comfort and storage, featuring a lined bottom pocket for easy cleanup and an integrated sunshade. It’s slightly less bulky than the Poco Premium, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a feature-rich pack that’s a bit more streamlined.

Thule Sapling Review: The Thule Sapling is a premium carrier featuring robust storage and excellent adjustability. Its fully padded child cockpit and ergonomic harness system ensure incredible comfort for both caregiver and child. Additionally, it is significantly lighter than the Poco Premium.