I reckon a carrier would be a must have when planning a hiking trip when you have kids. Great cardio work out for yourself with the added weight

I used a Tula and loved it. Once you get the hang of them thru are pretty handy for short or long walks.

I would buy one suitable from birth to toddler. That way at least it won’t be a waste because you’ll be able to use if for any children you may have in the future

I admire your enthusiasm to hike with a toddler! I’d consider kids group and you can hike as much as you like or just take the easy trails

It will depend on the weight of your child, a Tula can carry larger children but there are some pretty sophisticated hiking packs available too

maybe a small light weight pram if your not going up to many hill or rocks

there are some good comments here

I think it would depend on the size/weight of your 4 year old!

Most soft structured carriers like an Ergobaby, Tula etc have a safety weight recommendation of a maximum of 20kgs, and that includes the Toddler Tula. It seems to be the same for those frame backpack carriers too.

I am a seasoned babywearer but by 4 years old, my daughter was 20kgs and was too tall and heavy even the most accommodating of my carriers and even with a supportive toddler carrier, 20kgs is a lot of weight.

So maybe a cheap stroller, or as you said a whole lot of piggy back rides! (There is actually a contraption for that too!)

Thank you for your help, by the sound of it i will be piggy backing a lot.

Goodluck with your decision I think they are a strain on your back and it would be better to take breaks for your little one and have a stroller

See a hiking store and see what suggestions they have. It would have to be a sturdy carrier to carry a 4 year old.

Piggy back or shoulder carry is the best way around for your child and for you you. No extra luggage to carry!

I think 4 years old to heavy using carriers. You need to find something more easy to bring your child for hiking. Try to Anaconda or Kathmandu shop.

A four year old would be quite heavy for a carrier I think.

can you check with your hotel that you are staying at and see if they hire out strollers etc? or maybe take yours with you if you use one? not sure if it would be too expensive to take your on the plane or if you still even use one, but i would imagine you would be doing lots of sight seeing etc and even if it is not “hiking”, a stroller might be a better alternative while you are seeing the sights etc than lugging around an extra small human being on your back….

i use one and they are super great! however I think 4 year old is a bit too old for it and it will hurt your back

Yes they are worth it I would have a look online to find somewhere that sells the Toddler Tula which you will find easy to use and very comfortable and doesn’t take up much room either when packed

They are great if you use them from birth as your back builds the strength to use it. I’m not so sure it would be good popping it straight on with a four year old. It might hurt your shoulders as you aren’t used to it.

My friend used one and ended up leaving it at the motels. they do hurt your back if your not totally fit and then you are left carrying this as well as the toddler

I would suggest duck to your local Kathmandu store, and have a look. It may not be worth the cost and the extra baggage etc just for a couple of hikes.