Osprey Poco vs Poco Plus Compared: Complete List [Guide 2023]

This time, we would like to compare the child carrier Osprey Poco vs Poco Plus and share the key differences between them. The first concern of new parents is determining which baby carrier bag is appropriate for their infant. They always wonder which child carrier backpack is the best.

Therefore, we will present to you the key differences between Osprey Poco and Osprey Poco Plus. Actually, these backpacks are extremely similar, and they both rate near the top of Kid Packer’s child carrier bag ratings. Indeed, the main difference between Osprey Poco and the Plus is the volume. Therefore, the Plus comes with slightly more features and it is more functional since larger volume is better.

We have put together following chart to help you better understand the key differences between the Osprey Poco vs Plus:

There are a few essential distinctions to be aware of to choose the best backpack for you and your child. Based on customer feedbacks, the Osprey Poco Plus is our leading kid carrier bag. Yet, the Osprey Poco is also a darn good child carrier.

Similar Article: Osprey Poco vs Poco LT Compared

Key Differences Between Osprey Poco vs Poco Plus

Even though there are lots of similarities between Osprey Poco and Poco Plus, here we highlighted the important ones. Generally speaking, the key differences between Osprey Poco and Plus is all about the storage-capacity, feature & weight, and pricing. Considering the Fit & Adjustability, sun-protection, child comfort, child safety and durability, both Osprey Poco and the Plus is the same. So, let’s take a brief look at them and see which one is the better option: Osprey Poco or Poco Plus?

Here is the summary of the key differences between Osprey Poco vs Poco Plus:

• The Main Difference is the Capacity: Poco Plus is 26-liters, whereas the Poco is 20-liters. The more volume is always better. The weight is almost the same for both, it is about 7.8-lbs! The load range is almost the same for both the Osprey Poco Plus and Poco which is around 23.8-lbs to 48.5-lbs.
• The Osprey Poco has a thinner shape which is better for public gatherings.
• The Poco Plus has a larger gear storage and on the hip belt it has zippered pockets for your phone or notebook.  On the other hand, the Osprey Poco has open mesh pocket on its hipbelt.
• Both, the Poco and Poco Plus feature “Fit-on-the-Fly-Hip-Belt” which ensures custom fit.
• In terms of child comfort, both backpacks are manufactured to the same standard.
• There is no difference in kid safety between these two packs.
• The Poco Plus has maximum sun protection that provides full sun protection with side mesh panels.

The Storage – Comparing the Capacity of Poco and Poco Plus

One of the main differences between Osprey Poco and Poco Plus is that Osprey Poco Plus has more gear storage with 26 L, while Osprey Poco has only 20 L.

Besides, on the hip belt, there are zipped pockets for things like your phone or notebook, but when it comes to design because it has less storage, the Osprey Poco has a thinner shape that is better for public gatherings, even so, large gear storage is an important feature that a parent should not overlook. That is why this is an inevitable feature of Poco Plus.

The Features & Weight Comparison for the Poco and Poco Plus

We would like to start with the common features of the Poco and the Poco Plus:

• Built-in sunshade
• Lower zippered compartment
• Lightweight folding aluminum frame
• Zippered Slash Pocket
• Adjustable and removable stirrups
• External hydration sleeve
• Washable soft-to-the-touch drool pad
• A ventilated tensioned mesh back panel

It is good to note that the lower zippered compartment of Poco Plus is larger than the Osprey Poco. Also, you can check out the picture below to see the details of the common features.

The Osprey Poco Plus has two big mesh stuff pockets behind the shoulders, which are ideal for holding large water bottles. They fit perfectly in the mesh pockets behind your hip.

During nap time, the mesh upper pockets are ideal for holding toys or phones, so we must safely say that in your pack you can easily carry two water bottles (one for child, one for adult), rain jackets, lunch and snacks, your child’s toys and various small entertainment items, you can even carry your DSLR camera inside if you want.

Because of the additional space, the Poco Plus is a better alternative for longer vacations or journeys. There is no doubt that Osprey Poco Plus carries all these safely and comfortably. Don’t worry about the weight resistance of this backpack that can carry all of these, because Poco Plus’s double lift handles, which are used to help put it on and take it off, are extremely durable. Even when fully filled, there are no worries about the weight.

In the below picture, you can see the additional features that comes with the Poco Plus, but not with the Poco:

The Price – Osprey Poco Plus vs Osprey Poco

Considering the capacity and some additional features, the Poco Plus is more useful than the Poco, and we can say that Osprey Poco Plus is a little on the pricey side.

You can check out the links below to get the latest deals and discounts on Amazon:

The Sun Protection

The sunshade is an important feature to consider when choosing the best child carrier backpack for your needs. The sunshade on the Osprey Poco Plus and Osprey Poco is the greatest of any child carrier backpack. Both models provide this feature and they are made to allow your child to nap by giving her a place to rest their head (on the side mesh panels). However, Osprey Poco Plus has more advantages than Osprey Poco. Let’s look at these great features of its sunshade.

Why does the Poco Plus have the best sunshade?

First of all, it has maximum sun protection that provides full sun protection with side mesh panels. Thanks to this, the quality of your baby’s nap improves, and it keeps your baby cool and comfy so they can sleep longer! We know that no parent wants their baby’s eyes to be damaged due to the sun’s rays and their baby’s sleepiness to be lost. Then the Osprey Poco Plus has just the sunshade you need.

The Fit & Adjustability

The Osprey Poco Plus and the Poco have two excellent qualities that make it one of the most adaptable top-rated baby backpacks available. Let’s look at the adjustments for the torso and shoulders.

The mesh back panel has a quick-release buckle that can be instantly adjusted from a small frame to an individual with a very large frame (6 “ready to adjust the torso). The mechanism is tuned by a quick-release clasp, so you can slide to adjust any setting from S, M, L, or XL. The ‘Fit-on-the-Fly-Hip-Belt’ is another fantastic customizable feature on the both Osprey Poco Plus and Poco (You can also check out the Osprey backpacks features the Fit-on-the-fly-hip-belt). This hip belt can be adjusted to fit a variety of waist sizes. For a top-rated baby backpack, this is an essential element and ensures the top comfort.

Also, here is a useful video which explains how to operate chest harness buckle of Osprey Poco and Poco Plus:

Child Comfort

In terms of child comfort, both backpacks are manufactured to the same standard. Both come with a fully cushioned child cockpit with a drool pad, comfortable foot stirrups, and a high-quality sunshade. Your child’s seat is simply adjustable, allowing the pack to grow with them. When children are small, they like to sit up high so that they can see clearly, and then lower as they get older.

The built-in foot pedal is a great feature for child comfort. It gives them a more natural sitting position and promotes circulation in their legs so they don’t fall asleep. The built-in sunshade is the genuine star for child comfort.

The greatest baby backpack sunshade is made by Osprey Poco Plus as we mentioned above. Clips on quickly and firmly, providing not only superb sun protection but also a hammock for your child’s head to rest in when they nap. One of the many reasons why the Osprey Poco Plus is the best child carrier backpack is because of this.

Considering Child Safety

There is no difference in kid safety between these two packs, just as there is no difference in child comfort. Both backpacks are designed to keep your child safe and secure in any situation.

We can easily say that your child is safe thanks to the soft, plush, padded materials used throughout, the sturdy but lightweight aluminum frame, and the secure double halo harness, but of course despite these similarities, Poco Plus is at the forefront also in child safety.

With Osprey’s Double Halo harness, your child will be safely secured within the Osprey Poco Plus. When set up properly, your child will essentially lock in place and let you go wherever you want with no doubt in your mind.

Moreover, Poco Plus has a solid kickstand with a reassuring “click” to indicate that it is fastened and stable. This allows you to lay your child down without fear of them collapsing.

The Durability

The fabric material of Poco and the Plus is the same. Therefore, from the durability stand point, they are the same. You can check out the table below about the materials being used in their built:

Bottom-line for Osprey Poco vs Poco Plus

Our verdict for Osprey Poco vs Poco Plus: When everything is taken into consideration, the Osprey Poco Plus ranks among the top as The Kid Packer’s best leading child carrier bag to date. The amazing features that we listed such as gear storage, pockets availability, allow you to choose the Osprey Poco Plus with peace of mind.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a more budged option, you can also consider the Osprey Poco. The Osprey Poco is also a darn good child carrier which comes with the same standard child comfort, safety, fit & adjustability, sun protection and the durability. This is exactly the pack to go with if you are searching for a pack to use on a regular basis!

Here is a useful video about the Poco series of Osprey: