How to Use Trail Magik

Meet the Easiest Kid Carrier for Active Families

Grab your Trail Magik.

Reach for your Trail Magik Kid Carrier — most customers carry it in their water bottle side pouch, or another easily accessible pocket. Make sure your backpack is 30 liters or greater with a hipbelt and “load lifters” on the shoulder straps (external webbing that attaches to the frame of your backpack).

Strap it on.

Orient your carrier so that the two carabiners are on the bottom and the logo patch is on the top right facing away from you. Clip the carabiners to the bottom webbing of the shoulder straps. The un-laden carrier should rest just below the adult's rib cage. Loop the Trail Magik’s upper strap through the backpack’s upper “load lifter” webbing and snap the buckle.

Put your kid in.

At least one strap must be buckled before starting to load a child into the Trail Magik Kid Carrier. Lift your child up, facing the adult, and place them into the carrier with their legs supported by the padded section of the Trail Magik. Secure and tighten the carrier’s upper straps to position the child at or above the adult's waist.

Go!

Once your child is securely loaded, let them rest, hydrate and snack while you continue hiking to your destination at a safe speed. Don’t forget some trail kisses and whispering secrets!

Helpful Tips & Tricks

Important:

At least one strap must be buckled before starting to load a child into the Trail Magik Kid Carrier.


Before loading a child: 

  • Confirm the adult’s hipbelt is snug and sitting higher on their waist, not loose and low on the hips.
  • Loosen the “load lifters” on the shoulder straps a bit so the pressure is not directly on your shoulders

Child fit tips:

  • Knees and legs are above their bottom, in a chair-like position.
  • Body should be centered upright and not leaning to any side
  • Face should be “close enough to kiss” the adult they’re riding with
  • Arms can be tucked inside or rest out beyond the straps, depending on your kid’s height and preference

WARNING:

  • This product is not for children under 12 months. Children need to be able to fully hold their head up, and their airways should be visible at all times.
  • Make sure the child does not curl into a position with the chin resting on or near the child’s chest. This position can interfere with breathing, even when nothing is covering the nose or mouth.

FAQs

What age and size of kid is Trail Magik best for?

Trail Magik is for kids age 1 year+, and up to 43lbs.

What are the technical specifications?
  • Weight: 9.8oz
  • Dimensions:  15 in  x 14 in
What material is the Trail Magik made from?
  • Durable Cordura® Nylon Body
  • Heavy Nylon Webbing Straps
  • YKK buckles
  • Metal carabiners
Is the Trail Magik Kid Carrier safe? Has it had safety testing done on it?

Yes! The Trail Magik Kid Carrier complies with all US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)  safety standards. To achieve our certification and ensure safety and reliability, we collaborated directly with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, undergoing extensive testing on various backpacks and confirming our carrier’s suitability for children aged 12 months and older. Committed to the highest standards, we adhered to all safety regulations, including static/dynamic weight testing, flammability testing, and securing necessary certifications, to provide our adventure community with a dependable and innovative product.

What kind of backpack do I need with my Trail Magik? Can I wear the Trail Magik Kid Carrier on its own?

The Trail Magik cannot be worn on its own. The Trail Magik Kid Carrier is an attachment that is designed to clip onto a 30 Liter or greater hiking backpack with a robust hipbelt & “load lifter” webbing on the shoulder straps. Our customers use their Trail Magiks with a variety of brands and types of backpacks; however a robust hip belt and “load lifter” webbing on the shoulder straps is required.

How do I best position my kid?

Make sure to position your child so their bottom is cupped in the Trail Magik and their knees are above his bottom.

Make sure the child does not curl into a position with the chin resting on or near the child’s chest. This position can interfere with breathing, even when nothing is covering the nose or mouth.

Check often to make sure the child’s face is uncovered, clearly visible, and away from the caregiver’s body at all times.

How can I tell if the fit is right?

Follow our directions and load your child into the carrier. Take pictures with your child inside, and look at the photos. Make sure the feel is comfortable for both you and your little hitchhiker.

A couple keys to comfort:

  • A snug waist belt that is positioned higher on your waist—not loose and low on your hips.
  • Loosen the “load lifter” webbing straps on the backpack’s shoulder straps, so the pressure of the Trail Magik is not directly on your shoulders.
  • After years of carrying our 3 children in the Trail Magik, we personally love a 30 liter backpack with an internal frame to give the backpack some structure.
I already have a backpack kid carrier. Why would I need a Trail Magik?

Gear is a highly personal decision, and there’s lots of great options out there! Here’s why we created Trail Magik:

Keeps Kids Hiking: Backpack kid carriers often keep kids off the trail, since loading and unloading can be a pain. We wanted our little hikers to gain experience and strength hiking for as long as they’re able, with an easy on/off option to rest while being carried. We all want self-sufficient kid hikers, and Trail Magik is a great tool to help kids get there.

10x Lighter: Backpack kid carriers add a ton of weight to your setup, averaging over 7lbs—before your kid is in it! Trail Magik weighs only 9.8oz, which is 10x less weight.

A Fraction of The Cost: New backpack kid carriers start at over $300, which is a substantial investment in a piece of gear that may only last a season or two. Trail Magik is only $95 (one third the cost) and is commonly used by our customers for multiple years and seasons per child. Our durable construction means it can be passed down to siblings for years to come.

Multi Use: Backpack kid carriers are so bulky, you generally only want to use them on a hike. Trail Magik unlocks flexibility to carry your little one in any setting, from the beach to the chair lift queue to the farmer’s market to the hiking trail. Some of our customers even bring their Trail Magik to Disneyland!

Maximizes Capacity: Backpack kid carriers significantly reduce the adult’s capacity for carrying other essential gear, food and water on their back. For active families attempting substantial trips, a backpack kid carrier is simply not an option. Trail Magik makes these trips possible by creating a comfortable way to carry little hikers without robbing space for other gear.

Essential for Emergencies: No parent wants to be caught unprepared for an emergency, especially in a remote location. Backpack kid carriers are far too bulky to bring along simply for emergency purposes. Trail Magik is a piece of lightweight gear that can fit in your backpack’s brain or water bottle pouch, that will give you peace of mind in case you need to carry your child for any reason.

What if Trail Magik doesn’t work for me?

If you need help troubleshooting your fit and use of Trail Magik, we’re here for you! Shoot us an email (with photos) at help@trailmagik.com and we will evaluate your fit, coach you on the right backpack to pair with it, etc.

If you’re unsatisfied with your Trail Magik for any reason, we’ll make it right. Contact us at help@trailmagik.com and we can assist you with making a return.