Sapling Child Hiking Backpack Carrier
$
379.95
Free shipping & returns for Babylist orders $45+
color
Agave
1
Overview
Description
Designed for outdoor adventures, the Thule Sapling Child Hiking Backpack features the ErgoRide child seat for extra comfort. The smart design keeps your little passenger (16-40 lbs) comfortable and cool with ample under-leg support and a ventilated back panel and sitting area. The UPF 50 sunshade also provides shade on sunny days.
For your comfort, the Sapling has a fully adjustable torso and hip belt for a comfortable carry, and offers a quick transition from parent to parent. Your child can go in through the side panel opening or the top.
Another good-to-know: the child seat and drool pad are fully removable and machine washable.
What we about it
The ventilated and supportive ErgoRide seat allows for longer hikes in comfort.Details
- Child weight: 16-40 lbs, up to 48”
- 13.8” x 12.2” x 28.7”
- Backpack weight: 7 lbs
- ErgoRide child seat with ample under leg support and a ventilated backpanel/sitting area
- Fully removable, machine washable ErgoRide child seat and drool pad for easy clean up
- Access the 22L gear compartment (while wearing it) through convenient side zippers
- Deployable UPF 50 sunshade
- Fully adjustable torso and hip belt provide a comfortable carry and quick transition from parent to parent
- Fully ventilated backpanel keeps you comfortable and cool
- Dual access lets you load your child from the top or the side panel opening
- Hydration compatible design features drink tube exit port in the gear compartment (reservoir sold separately)
- Made with PFC free fabrics and recycled polyester
- bluesign approved 70D Nylon
- Lifetime warranty (under original owner)
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Q&A
Have a question? Ask an expert.
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how long does the hip belt extend?
The belt will fit 27"-51" waist.
Customer reviews
37 Ratings
1-10 of 37 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5
Feb 24, 2025
Great for Family Adventures
I bought this over a month ago and have taken it in a few hikes with my daughter and she loves it. I tried a few other brands but I think that the Thule is worth the price. The only downside side is that there is not water bottle holder you have to use a bladder which on shorter hikes I don’t normally bring. But over all it’s great.
Rated 5 out of 5
Dec 2, 2024
Thule Sapling backpack
This is now my go to baby shower gift. Great for the active couple. They will be able to hike with there baby for 4 years with this backpack. Then they can use it with their next child. The gift that keeps on giving! Great quality product!
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 8, 2024
Perfect for a Hike
I bought this a few months ago and absolutely love it! My son is comfortable enough in it to fall asleep while I hike, it has SO MANY pockets, and it isn't too heavy.
Rated 2 out of 5
Jun 6, 2024
Received a return
I very clearly received a return. I like the product but I have no clue if I’m missing anything. I should not have inspect that everything is in working order the price. If it was for myself would be one thing but not for my little one. Very disappointing.
Rated 5 out of 5
Feb 10, 2024
Favorite baby gear
We go to amusement parks, long rucks, hikes, family walks etc, and we use this each time. There is so much storage, we packed snacks, diapers, wipes, bottles of water, our wallets, phones, and still had some room. My daughter has used this for the last two years, and she gets excited to get in it. My husband and I take turns on rides at amusement parks and we easily switch the carrier without issue. It is well balanced, and when adjusted correctly, it should not cause discomfort.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 16, 2023
Amazing carrier!
We all love this carrier! Mom, dad, baby and toddler. It accomodates both our 35 lb 3-year old and 22 lb 1-year old with ease. It's a versatile product which has become a staple in our family's outdoor life.
Rated 5 out of 5
Apr 10, 2023
A must for families on the go!
The Thule Sapling was the perfect pack for us to carry our little one on hikes, vacation, through the airport, anywhere when we needed to be hands free but bring her along! We tried a few other backpacks and I think this was the most comfortable for her and us! The storage in the back was great for trips and the sunshade protected her on hot days. Highly recommend!
Rated 5 out of 5
Apr 10, 2023
My ALL TIME FAVORITE child carrier!
I've used several hiking packs over the years, but the Thule Sapling is my very favorite! I've hiked countless miles with it, and have been using it 2-3 times a week for the last 12 months for my 18month old. Here's what makes it stand out from my last child carrier packs:
- COMFORT: This is HUGE. My last child carrier would give me large welts on my hips when carrying a heavy child for longer than 6-7 miles. Last summer I had some long back to back days carrying my heavy child for 14-16 miles each day. I was worried.. but no welts! Also, I believe the cockpit of this is more comfortable than the other types of cockpits on the market. My little guy seems happier to be in here for longer periods of time than in other carriers. The adjustable fit of the pack also accommodates my very tall husband and my frame as well.
Side Openings: The sides of this pack TOTALLY open, to allow for bigger feet/boots to fit. This is different from other packs we've tried! I no longer have to struggle to fit in boots (even ski boots!) of my kiddo no that he's in bigger shoes.
Packs Down: This pack is so easy to travel with- it packs down totally flat! LOVE THIS.
I can't rave about this pack enough! I've been carrying kids almost non-stop for the last 8+ years- I wish I would've had this exact pack from the very beginning.
- COMFORT: This is HUGE. My last child carrier would give me large welts on my hips when carrying a heavy child for longer than 6-7 miles. Last summer I had some long back to back days carrying my heavy child for 14-16 miles each day. I was worried.. but no welts! Also, I believe the cockpit of this is more comfortable than the other types of cockpits on the market. My little guy seems happier to be in here for longer periods of time than in other carriers. The adjustable fit of the pack also accommodates my very tall husband and my frame as well.
Side Openings: The sides of this pack TOTALLY open, to allow for bigger feet/boots to fit. This is different from other packs we've tried! I no longer have to struggle to fit in boots (even ski boots!) of my kiddo no that he's in bigger shoes.
Packs Down: This pack is so easy to travel with- it packs down totally flat! LOVE THIS.
I can't rave about this pack enough! I've been carrying kids almost non-stop for the last 8+ years- I wish I would've had this exact pack from the very beginning.
Rated 5 out of 5
Feb 2, 2023
One of my favorite baby item purchases!
My husband and I have loved going on hikes together for years and years, then we had our little one and thought our hiking days were behind us for awhile…not with this! This carrier has been awesome! We used it last summer and fall on many hikes and it worked perfectly-uphill, downhill, 5 miles, 10 miles (haven’t tried it for more yet but plan to). I usually carry our little one (figure it’d also help me kick some of that baby weight) and have no issues. It’s a workout of course but Ive found this to be a very comfortable carrier. It’s super light and easy to toss into a trunk and it’s got very ample storage space. It fits all my and babys essentials as well as our lunchbox and my camelbak. It even has the loops/straps in the right places on the backpack straps for camelbaks/water pack hoses which I love! It gives little ones a great vantage point during hikes and it’s definitely a conversation starter when you run into other hikers on the trails! People couldn’t help but smile and/or say hi. Our little one loves being in this, coos and babbles happily the whole time. We’ve only used it for 2 seasons so far but I can’t wait to break it out again when the weather warms up a little soon! Definitely recommend this, it is one of my favorite baby item purchases for sure. Another winning item from Thule!
Rated 5 out of 5
Jan 23, 2023
Thule Sapling - Pretty Great
This has become our new stroller, it's that versatile. Our toddler loves sitting in it for extended periods of time so it seems extremely comfortable. The way the seat is shaped moves their hips forward into a more ergonomic seated position. The pack does not have foot stirrups like I have seen with others, but because of the position of the legs I don't think it's necessary.
There is tons of storage space that is easy to access without help and I appreciate how adjustable it is because both my partner and I can pass it back and forth without delays for strap fittings.
My only qualm with the pack is the side sleeves. In order to get your child in and out you have to take these apart each time. They're a struggle to slide back in and buckle up, especially so if the pack is heavy or full of child.
All in all though I would highly recommend, we've been renting various brands for ages and I'm so happy we finally decided to purchase.
There is tons of storage space that is easy to access without help and I appreciate how adjustable it is because both my partner and I can pass it back and forth without delays for strap fittings.
My only qualm with the pack is the side sleeves. In order to get your child in and out you have to take these apart each time. They're a struggle to slide back in and buckle up, especially so if the pack is heavy or full of child.
All in all though I would highly recommend, we've been renting various brands for ages and I'm so happy we finally decided to purchase.
