{"id":6447,"date":"2024-06-17T18:01:25","date_gmt":"2024-06-17T18:01:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/?p=6447"},"modified":"2024-06-20T09:07:47","modified_gmt":"2024-06-20T09:07:47","slug":"plenty-of-room-to-grow-osprey-poco-plus-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/index.php\/2024\/06\/17\/plenty-of-room-to-grow-osprey-poco-plus-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Plenty of Room to Grow: Osprey Poco Plus Review"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" alt=\"(Photo\/PJ Solomon)\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IMG_0288-700x525-1.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><b>There are so many options for baby-wearing and child-carrying, and I, <\/b><strong>for one, was overwhelmed when I first looked into carriers.<\/strong> When I finally found the Osprey carriers, I felt a little more confident that my need to explore outdoor spaces would not be inhibited by my new tiny roommate. <\/p>\n<p>This leading brand in backpacking gear delivers in all the ways I have needed to stay comfortable, protect my child, and have a great time walking through wild places on both day hikes and backpacking trips.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve been using the Osprey Poco Plus for almost 3 years. I\u2019ve taken my now-30-pound daughter on steep day hikes, long backpacking trips to alpine lakes in and around Yosemite National Park, where my partner and I live, and even through the Castro in San Francisco. This pack always delivers for me and has allowed my family to continue to seek adventure outside, even after having a child.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In short:<\/strong> With a sturdy build, rigid frame, and versatile storage options, the Osprey Poco Plus gives the option to explore short distances or deep wells of wilderness. It offers premier technology in adjustability to support a variety of bodies and includes features that make both carrier and kid comfortable and happy.<\/p>\n<p>For these reasons and a few more mentioned below, the Osprey Poco Plus gets the top spot in GearJunkie&#8217;s guide to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gearjunkie.com\/outdoor\/hiking\/best-baby-carrier-for-hiking\">the best baby carriers for hiking.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"product-info \" id=\"osprey-poco-plus\">\n<div class=\"product-info__content\">\n<h2 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.avantlink.com\/click.php?tt=cl&#038;mi=10248&#038;pw=7185&#038;ctc=gjbgoutdoorhikingbabycarrier&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F164405%2Fosprey-poco-plus-child-carrier%3F\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOsprey Poco Plus\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<div class=\"product-info__image-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"c-entry__thumbnail wp-block-image\" href=\"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/osprey-poco-plus.jpg\" rel=\"bookmark\" aria-label=\"Product Affiliate Link\"><br \/>\n<img width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"attachment-ldm-product-thumbnail size-ldm-product-thumbnail not-transparent wp-post-image first-image lazyload\" alt=\"Plenty of Room to Grow: Osprey Poco Plus Review\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" data-dominant-color=\"b6bbd2\" data-attachment-id=\"282364\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/gearjunkie.com\/product\/osprey-poco-plus\/attachment\/osprey-poco-plus-3\" data-orig-file=\"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/osprey-poco-plus.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1500,1000\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/images.gearjunkie.com\/uploads\/2023\/08\/osprey-poco-plus-300x200.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/images.gearjunkie.com\/uploads\/2023\/08\/osprey-poco-plus-700x467.jpg\" data-src=\"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/osprey-poco-plus.jpg\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex-grid-inner product-info__details\">\n<div class=\"flex-grid-column\">\n<h3 class=\"product-info__details-header\">\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n<div class=\"product-info__details-list\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"product-info__item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Pack weight<\/strong><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>7 lbs., 14.4 oz.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"product-info__item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Max weight<\/strong><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>48 lbs.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"product-info__item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Adjustable torso length<\/strong><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Yes<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex-grid-column\">\n<h4 class=\"product-info__details-header\">\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-info__details-pros\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Comfortable suspension system<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Integrated sunshade<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Lots of storage<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Includes mirror to easily see baby<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex-grid-column\">\n<h4 class=\"product-info__details-header\">\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-info__details-cons\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Expensive<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>A bit big for shorter day hikes<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>If using bottom storage, kickstand has to stay engaged<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div>\n<p><span class=\"author-meta screen-reader-text\"><br \/>\n\t<span>PJ Solomon<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"product-info__footer\">\n<div class=\"product-info__button-box\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.avantlink.com\/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=10248&amp;pw=7185&amp;ctc=gjbgoutdoorhikingbabycarrier&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F164405%2Fosprey-poco-plus-child-carrier%3F\" class=\"avantlink-buy-button c-button c-button--large\">Check Price at REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-osprey-poco-plus-review\">Osprey Poco Plus Review<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fit-and-comfort-perfect-for-tag-teaming\">Fit and Comfort: Perfect for Tag Teaming<\/h3>\n<p>They say it takes a village, and it definitely takes at least two to get anywhere in the backcountry with a squirmy kid. Thankfully, the Poco Plus makes swapping carrying duties easy. The torso and hip belts easily adjust to comfortably fit my partner, myself, and most of our family and friends, ranging from 5\u20192\u2019\u2019 to 6\u20191\u2019\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Adjustments are easy to make in the cockpit as well, by lifting or lowering the seat. With a max weight capacity of 48.5 pounds, this pack can see you through all of your child\u2019s toddler years and likely even multiple kids.<\/p>\n<p>The pack panel offers breathable mesh, and the shoulder straps, while padded and comfortable, are not bulky or inhibiting. The only negative aspect my husband and I both experienced was that the kickstand portion of the frame would rub a little against our butts as we walked. It wasn&#8217;t enough to cause pain or change our plans, but just enough to notice. When I checked in with some less-endowed friends who also own or tested this pack, they did not have this issue.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large alignfull\"><a href=\"https:\/\/s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/images.gearjunkie.com\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG_1071-1.jpg\"><img data-dominant-color=\"78756c\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"The Osprey Poco Plus with Kickstand\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-281236 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IMG_1071-1-700x525-1.jpg\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Photo\/PJ Solomon)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Balancing the load is an essential duty of any pack, and in the case of a child carrier, you want to feel as stable and in control as possible for the safety of your most precious cargo. The folks at Osprey get it, so the Poco Plus has a frame that&#8217;s solid and keeps the center of gravity low. <\/p>\n<p>On our last trip, hiking out of Mammoth, Calif., my family and I encountered many creeks that required coordination and balance to cross on logs or stepping stones. This pack is built to support the balance of the carrier and feels almost exactly like a regular backpacking pack.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-comfort-for-the-kid\">Comfort for the Kid<\/h3>\n<p>My little one, Juniper, has been comfortable in the pack from day one. When she was about 6 months old and was sitting up independently, we put her in for the first time, slid each of her chubby arms through the shoulder straps, and clipped the buckles in the back. It was fast and painless, and most importantly, tear-free. <\/p>\n<p>Having used other carriers with different harness systems, I continue to return to the Osprey design because it is easy to adjust and doesn\u2019t require any fidgeting with arms and legs to get a kid sitting and strapped in securely. <\/p>\n<p>The adjustable stirrups help keep her legs from falling asleep and give her a more grounded and safe feeling. She is also able to push on the stirrups to adjust herself in her seat to stay comfortable. She loves getting her feet in them!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized alignfull\"><a href=\"https:\/\/s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/images.gearjunkie.com\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG_0257.jpg\"><img data-dominant-color=\"7b7d88\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Stirrups on the Osprey Poco Plus\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-281241 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IMG_0257-700x525-1.jpg\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stirrups help kiddos get comfortable and adjust themselves mid-hike; (photo\/PJ Solomon)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-features-and-storage-plenty-for-the-day-just-enough-for-an-overnight\"><strong>Features and Storage<\/strong>: Plenty for the Day, Just Enough for an Overnight<\/h3>\n<p>This pack is on the higher end of many budgets and for that, it remains one of the most feature-rich packs on the market. It boasts 10 pockets in addition to the main storage compartment. I find there to be plenty of space for all the supplies I need for a kid-centric day hike. I can fit extra clothes, diapers, and diaper supplies, along with layers and snacks for both of us. <\/p>\n<p>There are hip belt pockets, and hydration pockets for water bottles and for bladders. It even includes mesh toy\/snack pockets at the level of the cockpit so your little one can reach for what they want while you are busy navigating a creek crossing or a switchback.<\/p>\n<p>One of my favorite features is the mirror, which I use all the time to check in on Juni, especially to see if she\u2019s sleeping \u2014 or eating something she shouldn\u2019t be. For long summer days, an integrated sunshade with thick mesh on the sides protects her from getting sunburned from every angle.<\/p>\n<p>Although this pack is big, weighing in at 7 pounds, 14.4 ounces, it is easy to travel with. It has locking hinges and rotating side arms, which allow the frame to fold open or closed. <\/p>\n<p>The first year we had this pack, it required a lot of muscle to get the hinges locked. But once the material was a bit more broken in, it became easy to fold up the frame and put it in the truck. <\/p>\n<p>I still don\u2019t like that you can\u2019t collapse the kickstand if the main storage compartment is full, although it\u2019s only a nuisance if I\u2019m stopping into a busy permit office or market before or after a hike.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-in-conclusion\">In Conclusion <\/h3>\n<p>The Poco Plus is a versatile, do-it-all carrier that can accommodate your child through several growth stages. With loads of storage options, it&#8217;s well-suited for the most ambitious hiking families. With its comfortable harness system, sunshade, and stability, it&#8217;s also great for picnics and sporting events. If the price is in your budget, the carrier is an excellent choice, and it will last. <\/p>\n<p>There are some scenarios where this carrier could be more than what you need. With its sturdy frame, it doesn&#8217;t pack away as small as a frameless cloth carrier, which you may want to consider when space is limited, like on a flight. Frameless carriers are generally lighter, and could be a good option for times when your toddler can hike much of the way, but they may need to be carried for just a little while.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve also hiked with the <a href=\"https:\/\/gearjunkie.com\/kids-gear\/osprey-poco-lt-child-carrier-review\"><strong>Osprey Poco LT,<\/strong> <\/a>which is equally comfortable and offers many of the same features as the Poco Plus. However, it just doesn\u2019t have the storage space for an overnight without completely relying on a hiking partner to carry just about every piece of gear needed to camp.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If you plan to carry your tot on long day hikes and want the option to take them out on backpacking trips, the Poco Plus will prove to be comfortable, versatile, super easy to use, and long-lasting.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-article\"><a id=\"post-245221\" class=\"related-article__wrap\" href=\"https:\/\/gearjunkie.com\/camping\/camped-1000-nights-with-kids-lessons-learned?sce=post-related-link\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"related-article__thumbnail\"><img width=\"2550\" height=\"1700\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"attachment-small size-small not-transparent wp-post-image lazyload\" alt=\"Family camping and adventure parenting; (photo\/Chelsey Magness)\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" data-dominant-color=\"acafb0\" data-attachment-id=\"254949\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/gearjunkie.com\/camping\/camped-1000-nights-with-kids-lessons-learned\/attachment\/my-project-26-3\" data-orig-file=\"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/My-project-26.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2550,1700\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"My project (26)\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Family camping and adventure parenting; (photo\/Chelsey Magness)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;(Photo\/Chelsey Magness)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/images.gearjunkie.com\/uploads\/2023\/06\/My-project-26-300x200.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/images.gearjunkie.com\/uploads\/2023\/06\/My-project-26-700x467.jpg\" data-src=\"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/My-project-26.jpg\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"related-article__content\">\n<h2 class=\"related-article__wrap-title\">I\u2019ve Camped 1,000 Nights With My Kids: Here\u2019s What I Learned<\/h2>\n<p>Taking the family on camping trips doesn&#8217;t have to be complicated or stressful. Here are a few tips from a professional athlete on how to make it easy. <span class=\"related-article__more\">Read more&hellip;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- .related-article__content --><\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- .related-article --><\/p>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/gearjunkie.com\/outdoor\/hiking\/osprey-poco-plus-review\">Plenty of Room to Grow: Osprey Poco Plus Review<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/gearjunkie.com\">GearJunkie<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are so many options for baby-wearing and child-carrying, and I, for one, was overwhelmed when I first looked into carriers. When I finally found the Osprey carriers, I felt a little more confident that my need to explore outdoor&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6449,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[12],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6447"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6447"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6447\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6455,"href":"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6447\/revisions\/6455"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6449"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6447"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6447"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/kevinfell.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6447"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}