Ergobaby 360 Baby Backpack Carrier Review

Bottom line

The Ergobaby 360 stands out in our lineup as a unique type of carrier. While most of our top picks are structured carriers with frames, resembling traditional hiking backpacks, the Ergobaby 360 is a soft carrier without a frame. Soft carriers like this one are generally more versatile for short hikes and around-town use compared to their bulkier counterparts. They also excel for younger children. While structured carriers typically accommodate children six months and older, soft carriers like the Ergobaby 360 work well for newborns and up, making them ideal for parents eager to explore the outdoors with very young babies.

The Ergobaby 360 is also incredibly travel-friendly, taking up significantly less space than a structured carrier. Its standout feature is versatility: you can front-carry with your child facing inward or outward, back-carry in both positions, or even hip-carry. The Ergobaby is well-padded and breathable, ensuring comfort for both caregiver and passenger.

However, there are trade-offs. The Ergobaby 360 offers no storage capacity, so you’ll need to find creative solutions for carrying extra gear. It’s also less suitable for older children and has a lower weight limit compared to structured carriers. Despite these limitations, it’s a great option for parents who prioritize portability and versatility.

If you like the sound of the Ergobaby 360 but want to explore more of our favorite baby backpack carriers, be sure to check out our full in-depth gear guide.

And for more info, check out some of our other popular gear guides:

How We Tested

We tested the Ergobaby 360 across a variety of terrains and climates, from the chilly Colorado mountains to the sunny beaches of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Over a month-long road trip, we used it for everything from short hikes to long days exploring towns, ensuring we could evaluate its comfort, versatility, and performance in different conditions.

Comfort

Our parent analysts have tested countless soft-sided baby carriers over the years. Although the Ergobaby is a favorite among parents, they had never tried one until testing the 360 model. We can confidently say that the Ergobaby 360 is one of the most comfortable soft child carriers we’ve used. The shoulder straps are plush and well-padded, while the hip belt features a wide piece of padding that effectively distributes weight across the lower back or stomach.

Equally important, the Ergobaby 360 is very comfortable for the child. The soft mesh back ensures breathability, while the seat and under-leg padding keep the little passenger cozy. A thick padding behind the neck and lower head offers additional support and comfort.

As with all child carriers, things can heat up when the wearer and passenger share body warmth, but that’s just the nature of close-contact soft carriers.

Features

By design, soft-sided carriers have far fewer features than their structured counterparts. That said, the Ergobaby 360 does have a few built-in features we really like. Most notably, it includes a built-in, stashable hood that offers both privacy and sun protection. While hoods like this are fairly common on soft carriers, we appreciate this one for its lightweight yet dark material, which works exceptionally well to keep things dim during nap time. The hood easily snaps to the shoulder straps, making deployment smooth and hassle-free. Additionally, this carrier features a breathable mesh panel that promotes airflow, helping to keep both caregiver and child cool during outings.

Durability

Ergobaby offers two versions of this carrier. The first is made of cotton, which is a great option for those who prioritize natural materials. The second version, which we tested, is the mesh variant. While Ergobaby doesn’t provide extensive details about the materials used in the mesh version, the tag identifies the predominant material as a type of polyester.

In terms of durability, our experience has been largely positive. The outer material feels lightweight yet withstands abrasion well, as we observed during testing in the rugged Baja desert. The stitching is neat and high-quality, and we haven’t noticed any obvious points of failure.

Ergobaby also offers a limited lifetime warranty on this carrier, covering manufacturing defects but excluding normal wear and tear. With proper care, we believe this carrier will last through multiple children and continue to perform reliably for years to come.

Storage & Organization

As we’ve mentioned, storage is not a strong point of any soft-sided carrier, and the Ergobaby 360 offers exactly 0 liters of storage capacity. Unsurprisingly, this is the lowest amount of storage among all the carriers we tested. If you’re looking for a carrier that lets you bring extra gear, this isn’t it.

That said, you can get creative in how you carry essentials. Our gear analysts often pair soft-sided carriers with a hip pack, which is a convenient way to bring along a diaper, some wipes, and a few snacks. Another option we’ve tried is using a small hydration pack-style backpack while front carrying with the Ergobaby. Is it the most comfortable solution? Not really. But it works—and let’s face it, parenting isn’t always the most comfortable gig. If minimalism and portability are your priorities, this trade-off might be worth it.

Weight

The Ergobaby 360 is the lightest carrier we tested. However, it’s not entirely a fair comparison since structured carriers belong to a different category. Still, at just 1.5 lbs, this carrier is incredibly easy to bring along on any adventure. With a carrying capacity of 45 lbs, it’s versatile enough to handle various situations.

We often throw the Ergobaby into a daypack as a backup carrier for our 3.5-year-old gear analyst. He usually insists on walking, but when he decides he’s done, there’s no negotiating—walking is over. In those moments, we pull out the Ergobaby and back-carry him to the car. Its lightweight and compact design makes it a perfect contingency plan for unpredictable toddler moments, ensuring you’re never caught unprepared.

Should You Buy the Ergobaby 360?

The Ergobaby 360 is a fantastic choice for parents seeking a lightweight, versatile, and comfortable carrier, especially for younger children or quick outings. Its soft-sided design makes it ideal for newborns and infants, and it’s compact enough to take anywhere, whether you’re running errands, traveling, or heading out for a short hike. With multiple carry options—including front, back, and hip—it adapts to your child’s needs as they grow, offering flexibility that structured carriers can’t match.

However, it’s not for everyone. If you’re planning longer hikes or need storage for extra gear, the lack of built-in storage is a significant drawback. Additionally, it may not provide the same level of support or comfort for older, heavier kids as a structured carrier.

For parents who value portability and close contact with their little one, the Ergobaby 360 is a solid investment. For more robust adventures, consider a structured carrier from our guide to the best baby backpack carriers.

What Other Baby Backpack Carriers Should You Consider?

If you’re exploring options beyond the Ergobaby 360, here are three alternatives that cater to different needs. For more comparisons, check out our guide to the best baby backpack carriers.

ClevrPlus Cross Country Review: This budget-friendly structured carrier features key elements like a sunshade and foot stirrups, making it a great choice for casual outings. While it may not be as durable or comfortable for longer hikes, it serves as a cost-effective starting point for families looking to try out a structured carrier.

Osprey Poco SLT Review: A lightweight and streamlined framed carrier, the Poco SLT is ideal for families prioritizing portability and compact storage. While it lacks extensive storage space and stirrups, it offers a sleek, comfortable design for shorter trips and urban adventures.

Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL Review: Ideal for smaller-framed caregivers, this women’s-specific framed carrier offers exceptional adjustability and comfort. It’s a great choice for families seeking a lightweight yet supportive option for moderate hikes or outdoor activities.