The Deuter Kid Comfort Pro and the Osprey Poco AG Plus are premium hiking baby carriers in a very similar price range and overall levels of performance.
However, there are so many small features built into the designs of these backpack carriers that they will best suit different hiking environments, child personalities, and parental conveniences to get the best out of your day.
In this post, we take a detailed look at these features and provide a direct performance comparison so you can decide whether the Osprey Poco or the Deuter Kid Comfort will be the best child carrier for you.
Quick Summary
If you wanted to skip the detailed comparison and want the fast answer for who would best suit each of these hiking carrier models, then we can sum it up as follows:
- Buy the Deuter – If you want the most comfortable seating area for your child, a slimmer carrier with a detachable daypack, and don’t need as much total storage.
- Buy the Osprey Poco Plus – If you want the lightest hiking carrier with the highest weight capacity, lots of storage space, and convenient features, with great ergonomics.
Osprey Poco vs Deuter Kid Comfort
In this section, we will provide a detailed assessment of 9 different points of comparison.
The overall tally of wins will determine our recommended hiking carrier. However, you may not care about each of the criteria used and can instead add up the points on those points that matter most to you.
This will ensure that any subjectivity in the ratings is removed and the result is more likely to suit what you want.
Cost
We think it is important to set price expectations early in this comparison due to the complex design of these two hiking carriers.
You will then be able to judge each feature and accessory based on whether you think you will be receiving value from your purchase.
Both carriers can usually be found in the $300-$350 range. While there is not much separating them the Deuter is usually around $20 cheaper vs the Osprey Poco (5%-7% of the retail price).
So Deuter gets the first point, but the difference is so small compared to the size of your investment that you really should prioritize the carrier that you will get the best value from the features.
Stability
Both carriers take on a familiar shape when they are placed on the ground and cover a similar amount of space to create the foundation.
There is one key difference that only matters when off the ground again.
- Deuter Kid Comfort – Collapsible kickstand to help keep the pack upright and freestanding.
- Osprey Poco – Kickstand part of carrier shape and does not retract.
The flexible stand included in the Deuter Kid Comfort makes the pack slimmer when in use and does not sacrifice anything in terms of stability.
This extra design feature gets Deuter the point.
Storage
These carriers are serious pieces of hiking gear that need to be able to handle all you need for a big day out. This means lots of storage capacity in addition to the cockpit area for your child.
Both carriers have a lot of extra space!
- Dueter – 22L (10L + 12L)
- Osprey Poco – 26L
The Osprey Poco AG Plus has more storage pockets overall (all with fancy names) with some very clever positioning for maximum convenience.
When you add them all up the limit is a full 4L higher than the Deuter:
- Hip belt Pockets
- Shove-it Front Panel Pocket
- Extra Large Lower Zippered Compartment
- Dual Stretch Mesh Side Pockets
- Zippered Main Compartment
- Zippered Slash Pocket
- Waterbottle Side Pocket
The Deuter Kid Comfort still has plenty of storage space, but it just doesn’t have as many pockets.
- Large lower compartment
- Outer pockets x3
- Daypack x1
- Pocket compatible with 3L drinking bag
The inclusion is a removable daypack is a big plus. This allows you to either assign it to your hiking partner to wear as a backpack – giving you some weight relief – or wear on your front to help balance the load.
Osprey gets the point for having the most space, but Deuter offers more in terms of flexibility in the load.
Weight Capacity Range
Deuter does not specify a minimum weight in their guidelines. This means that it is generally one to assess based on your child’s head and neck strength.
I think you will find that the 16 lb minimum for the Osprey would apply:
- Deuter – 48 lbs
- Osprey Poco – 16 lbs to 48.5 lbs
So, we have to award the point based on the highest weight limit. The difference is only 0.5 lbs. But the limit is higher with the Osprey nonetheless.
Carrier Weight
Both are super lightweight considering the size of the frames and large storage pockets. They look intimidating to lift but I am always surprised at just how light they are.
For the purpose of the comparison, this measure is black and white:
- Deuter – 8.3lbs
- Osprey Poco -The 7.89lbs
Osprey Poco is the lighter of the two weighing nearly half a pound less. That can make a big difference after hours on hiking trails.
Material Quality
Both carriers are made from 210 denier polyamide fabric, a type of Nylon.
You will barely be able to tell the difference in terms of feel, and durability.
Of far more importance for your choice will be the comfort of the wearer and your baby.
Ergonomics & Comfort (Parents)
Both carriers have advanced ergonomics that is designed to provide amazing back support for the wearer.
This alone makes one of these carriers worth the investment when compared to some of the cheaper hiking carriers on the market.
Each brand has their own name for this, but the targeted experience is the same. Ergonomic support with excellent ventilation to prevent excess perspiration and fatigue: :
- Deuter – aircomfort mesh construction
- Osprey – 3D tensioned mesh back panel
I prefer the Deuter, but this is a subjective judgment and I really think that there is not enough to separate the carriers on this measure.
The other key elements are the hip belt and adjustable shoulder straps. Both have similar designs and padding thicknesses. So overall we have little option but to call this a tie.
Ergonomics & Comfort (Child Cockpit)
The ultimate comfort for a parent when using any baby carrier is a happy baby!! Both of these carriers provide the most deluxe baby experiences you will find in just about any carrier design anywhere.
We will summarise the main features and then provide our own point of view.
Osprey cockpit features:
- Cords and mesh pockets so that there is easy access to a toy and pacifier
- Mesh-covered ridge foam to improve ventilation
- Fully framed and padded seating with soft contact surfaces, anatomical fit
- Ventilated side panels provide comfort
- Easy to adjust child seat height
- Safety leg loops
Deuter cockpit features:
- Easily adjustable child seat that grows with your child
- Cushioned chin pad made from a plush material that is very soft and comfortable
- Height-adjustable footrests
- Side entry panels
This one is a tough choice. Your child may feel more entertained with the Osprey Poco and the range of distractions you can keep nearby.
However, ideally the great outdoors is the distraction! The cushions around the Deuter seat are very comfy and for this, we will be giving them the point for kid comfort.
Included Accessories
Both include a built-in sunshade – standard for this style of carrier but a handy feature nonetheless. The Osprey especially has a very slick look to it.
They both also have a compatible compartment for a hydration sleeve (sleeve not included).
From here, the Osprey pack has a couple more features that the Deuter does not.
- Toy attachment loop – this allows you to keep your little one’s favorite toy close by without worrying about losing it on the trail.
- Removable drool pad – very handy if you start using your carrier with an infant or a little one who may be teething, keeping the drool on the pad and off the carrier, which may be a bit more difficult to clean.
The Deuter includes a rear view mirror which can be a fun novelty for your child, and give you some reassurance that you can see what they get up to back there!
Individual Child Carrier Reviews
On our like-for-like comparison, the Osprey beat the Deuter 4 points to 3 (with two being a tie and no points awarded).
However, given that your own scorecard may have a different result we also wanted to provide a more detailed review of the Osprey and the Deuter carriers in this section.
We have not commented on all of the performance points that are the same.
- Light aluminum frame
- Both can be used entirely hands free
- Both are made from 210D strength nylon fabric
- Both include adjustable foot stirrups
- Very similar maximum weight (approximately 48 lbs)
As you can see, the general function is similar, but there are a few key differences that will help you get the best out of your kid carrier.
Osprey Poco Plus Review
I love the slick black appearance of the Plus model. But where this hiking carrier really excels is the level of convenience that is built into the design through accessories or well-thought-out storage pockets.
The options within the seating area can be a godsend if your child is getting restless.
We have mentioned the toys and pacifiers already, but what about a small Bluetooth speaker? Lots of possibilities to keep your little one happy.
The Osprey Poco Plus does have more storage options as well as the anti-gravity mesh that helps to support the wearer’s back.
The integrated sunshade looks and will also allow lots of ventilation to keep the seating area cool.
Outperforms vs Deuter Kid Comfort
- Higher weight capacity
- Feature-packed cockpit area
- More accessories
- Slick appearance
Underperforms
- Bulky kickstand
- Smaller hydration bladder space (1.5L)
- More expensive
Deuter Kid Comfort Pro Review
The Deuter has a simpler and skinnier design that allows you to be more nimble on a narrow hiking trail.
The comfortable cockpit area is a huge selling point with the Deuter. The plush cushions are so soft on the skin that a tired baby will have no problem falling asleep in a safe position.
With side access your kid can step in and out of the seat easily and once in place will be safely held by the child harness system.
While it has less total storage capacity than the Osprey, you have the choice of the removable daypack which allows you to flex your capacity up and down depending on your plans.
This allows you to remove unwanted extra storage when you don’t need it.
Outperforms vs Osprey Poco
- Comfortable seat area
- Larger hydration sleeve space (1.5L)
- Retractable kickstand
- Removable kid comfort pack
- Cheaper price
Underperforms
- Fewer accessories
- Heavier frame
Alternative Child Carriers
If you are interested in seeing other hiking carriers on the market then you can see our full list of hiking options here.
For those not sure if they wanted a hiking carrier or a regular soft structured carrier then we have done a comparison of these designs here.
Final Word
While the Osprey Poco won on our points comparison I personally prefer the Deuter and have used one for many years!
So we really emphasize the need to go through the scoring and discard the criteria that is not important to you.
Both the Osprey and the Deuter are strong and sturdy carriers that offer great value for money despite the price tag.
Read more:
