I have owned the Trail Magik Carrier for multiple years and have used it backpacking, traveling, and hiking with my kids. Here are my thoughts on it, when I use it, when I don’t, and why it’s a great carrier option.
Today I’m sharing about the revolutionary Trail Magik carrier, the ultimate lightweight solution for adventurous families seeking to explore the outdoors with toddlers. I love this carrier and have used it for years. Of course, the carrier has it’s downsides which I will chat about. But if you have ever seen the Trail Magik carrier and wondered if it is a good option for you, keep on reading and find out.
If you do decide to purchase the Trail Magik, you can use my discount code HaileyOutside10 for 10% off.
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What Is the Trail Magik Carrier?
The Trail Magik carrier is a lightweight and compact carrier for carrying toddlers during outdoor adventures. It was originally designed to give kids a break on backpacking trips and easily clip to your backpacking pack. But it can be used on day hikes, around town, and when you’re out traveling.
The carrier is made from strong, durable materials yet is light enough to be easily portable, weighing less than a pound. It cannot be worn on it’s own and needs to be attached to a hiking style backpack that has upper load lifters.
Trail Magik Carrier Specs
- Age Range: 1 year minimum up to 43 pounds
- Weight Limit: 43 pounds
- Carrier Weight: 9.8 oz
- Material:
- Compatibility: The Trail Magik carrier is intended to be used with a backpacking backpack or 30+ Liter hiking backpack with waist straps & upper load lifters.
- Price: $95 before tax. You can use my discount code, HaileyOutside10 for 10% off making it $85.50.
Pros of the Trail Magik Carrier
I love the Trail Magik Carrier and it has solved many pain points on my hiking and backpacking with kids journey. Here are some of the reasons I love it:
Backpacking With Kids Is Possible with the Trail Magik Carrier
I backpacked with my oldest before I had a Trail Magik, but it was tough. Now I am able to backpack with my kids while still being able to carry everything I need. I can load up my backpacking pack with our gear and carry my toddler on the front. I don’t have to try and fit all of my gear in my framed Osprey Poco and strap things to the outside.
It also allows me to go further when backpacking. Because I can easily give my tired toddler a ride, we can hike further and to more places.
The Trail Magik Carrier is Lightweight and Portable
This is an extremely lightweight carrier and it packs down nice and small. This is especially great for backpacking since every ounce counts, but it also is an easy decision to bring on my hikes. I don’t have to worry about it taking up too much space in my pack.
It’s so easy to travel with. Again, it’s extremely portable so you can just throw it in your bag and bring it along.
It Makes a Great Emergency Carrier
I like to be prepared on my hikes, especially with my kids. I see the Trail Magik carrier not only as a convenient way to carry my kids, but also an essential piece of gear for emergencies. If my kids were to roll an ankle or break something, I could easily carry them out with the Trail Magik.
So even when I don’t think I’ll need it because my 4 year old can walk to the whole way, I still bring it.
The Trail Magik Carrier Makes Double Carrying Possible
A question you might be wondering is “Can I double carry with the Trail Magik?” In case you don’t know, carrying is just what it sounds like, wearing both of your kids. And the answer is yes! I have carried both of my kids with one in the Osprey Poco Plus and one in the Trail Magik many times.
I will say, it’s a lot of weight and not very comfortable, but it’s doable. And a much better alternative to carrying a toddler in your arms.
You can double carry with any framed carrier on your back. It does not work with a soft carrier like the Ergobaby carrier since it doesn’t have the load lifters for the top attachment.
Cons of the Trail Magik Carrier
No carrier is perfect and the Trail Magik is not my end all be all carrier. These are some things to consider before purchasing the Trail Magik.
You Can’t Wear the Trail Magik On Its Own
You can’t wear it on it’s own, it has to be worn with a hiking style backpack. I have seen people use it on it’s own by clipping the straps together and wear it like a backpack, but this way hasn’t been tested and it’s not an endorsed way of carrying by Trail Magik.
It Can Only Be Worn for a Short Period of Time
The Trail Magik Carrier has a short usage window. It’s only for about kids ages 1-4 years so not a carrier that you can use from birth until they are done being carried.
The Trail Magik is Not the Most Comfortable Carrier
The Trail Magik isn’t the most comfortable carrier I’ve ever used. This again comes with the lightweight and minimal design. It puts a lot of the weight on your shoulders rather than being evenly distributed, but again, the idea of the carrier is for it to be used in short bursts.
It also offers little support for you and your child. The idea of the Trail Magik carrier is to give your walking toddlers a break, not to carry them for hours on end.
I find wearing it with my backpacking pack to be the most comfortable.
It Can Only Be Worn One Way
With how the Trail Magik is designed, your child can only be worn facing you. This isn’t a huge deal to me, but if your little one only wants to be worn looking out, that isn’t an option.
Backpacks Compatible with the Trail Magik
Trail Magik recommends using their carrier to be used with a backpacking backpack or 30+ liter hiking backpack with waist straps & upper load lifters. Here are some good day pack options:
My Overall Thoughts on the Trail Magik Carrier
For backpacking alone, this carrier is worth it to me. It makes those backpacking trips with both of my kids possible (I didn’t say easy). I love how lightweight and compact it is and how I can go further on the trail because of it. While it’s not the most comfortable carrier option, I don’t need it to be. I have a comfortable carrier, but it’s not a better option in my mind for my outdoor activities where my toddler just needs a break.
If you are looking for a lightweight solution to help your toddler go further on the trail with you, I highly recommend trying out the Trail Magik Carrier. You can use my discount code HaileyOutside10 for 10% off.
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Looking to get a day pack that’s compatible . Any recommendations?
Anything with load lifters will technically work. But something with at least 30 L carrying capacity or more will be most comfortable. The Gregory Juno is a great option!