In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Thule Sapling Elite Review

Comfortable fitting pack with cozy seat and useful features
gearlab tested logo
Thule Sapling Elite Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $430 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Thule
By Wendy Schmitz, and BabyGearLab Review Team  ⋅  Sep 16, 2020
88
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Parent Comfort - 30% 10.0
  • Storage - 20% 9.0
  • Child Comfort - 25% 9.0
  • Ease of Use - 25% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Thule Sapling Elite is a high-end baby backpack carrier for little ones from 16-48 lbs. It features a cool mirror for spying on your passenger and lots of pockets for the organization of all your supplies. This backpack includes a sturdy waistbelt and shoulder straps that offer enough adjustment for a good fit for most users. The design helps take the weight off any pressure points and helps the wearer to keep going for longer periods. The cockpit is also adjustable and fits most children with ease and comfort. The Elite is somewhat expensive, with a price higher than most competitors. However, the features and quality seem to justify this price when compared to the packs. We love what the Elite has to offer and think most families will, too.
REASONS TO BUY
Useful storage features
Comfortable fit and seat
Removable day pack
REASONS TO AVOID
Stiffer shoulder straps
The Thule Sapling Elite is no longer available. We are now linking to the Thule Sapling (non-Elite).

Editor's Note: We updated this review on April 29, 2022. You can read more about the Sapling in the tip tag below.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Sapling Elite Vs. Sapling
The Sapling Elite is no longer available, and we now link to the regular Sapling (non-Elite). These packs are similar in size and structure but vary in their features for storage and convenience. One of the main differences is the non-Elite Sapling does not have a detachable daypack. It also has a U-shaped kickstand and a larger bottom storage compartment. See the comparison photos below Sapling Elite (below left) and the Sapling (below right).

The Thule Sapling
The Thule Sapling

Thule, a Swedish company, was started in 1942 by those with a passion for life. They work to design and create gear that is easy to use, safe, and stylish for transporting everything you need for fun for an active lifestyle. The company makes bike trailers, cargo carriers, strollers, and backpacks for carrying kids.

Performance Comparison



thule sapling elite - the elite is one of the most comfortable backpack carrier in the...
The Elite is one of the most comfortable backpack carrier in the group.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Parent Comfort


The Elite is very comfortable for the wearer with multiple adjustment points and unique features for an ergonomic fit for most wearers. These features include adjustments you can make while wearing the pack with your baby in place.


The Elite includes comfort-related adjustments that you won't find on the competition. These features give you a custom fit that can improve the wearer's comfort as the day progresses.

thule sapling elite - the elite includes features for increased airflow along the back to...
The Elite includes features for increased airflow along the back to make it more comfortable for the wearer in hot weather or longer trips.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This backpack has a breathable back with a padding design that provides support but allows airflow for breathability.

thule sapling elite - the torso adjustment on the elite is super easy and has 4 adjustment...
The torso adjustment on the Elite is super easy and has 4 adjustment points.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Sapling Elite has a torso adjustment strap that is easy to move and stays in place without shifting. This feature helps the pack fit parents of different sizes better than competitors without torso adjustment options. There are 4-adjustment options over 6 inches.

thule sapling elite - the waistband on the elite is comfy and the strap pulls forward...
The waistband on the Elite is comfy and the strap pulls forward which is very user-friendly.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Elite has a structured waistband for additional support and it adjusts with pulls inward which is natural for the wearer. The belt fits just over the hips for most wearers in our tests and it helps distribute the weight of the passenger well increasing the comfort for the wearer.

thule sapling elite - the elite shoulder straps are stiffer than the previous sapling, but...
The Elite shoulder straps are stiffer than the previous Sapling, but still comfortable and supportive.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Thule shoulder straps can be adjusted on the fly and are padded and stiff for added support. The chest clip pulls the straps together providing more adjustability and support. It helps improve weight distribution depending on the size of the child and wearer.

thule sapling elite - the cockpit on the elite is cozy and well-structured for little ones...
The cockpit on the Elite is cozy and well-structured for little ones to feel secure when riding.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Child Comfort


The Sapling Elite offers a lot by way of features for passenger comfort.


The Elite has a stable cockpit for passengers and testers were even able to jog with the pack on without too much disturbance for the passenger.

thule sapling elite - the child seat and harness adjustments on the elite are largely...
The child seat and harness adjustments on the Elite are largely under the drool pad.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The supportive side straps on the Elite can be tightened with a child in the seat. This feature makes it easier to secure passengers and prevents excessive flopping around inside the cockpit. Overall, the feature makes it easier to carry little ones and gives them a feeling of enclosed comfort.

thule sapling elite - the elite cockpit sides and be tightened for smaller passengers to...
The Elite cockpit sides and be tightened for smaller passengers to prevent excessive flopping in the seat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Elite includes a removable face rest or drool pad. This pad is comfortable with adequate padding but is no longer designed at an angle, so it is potentially less comfortable for napping than the old Sapling. It hides all the straps for seat adjustment underneath and there are more Velcro straps in the way than the older version.

The passenger shoulder straps are soft and adjust between the frame and the headrest. The seat bottom is firm but padded well for passenger comfort. You can adjust both the seat and harness with your child in the pack, which is convenient and useful in most circumstances.

thule sapling elite - the headrest on the elite isn't as contoured as the old sapling, but...
The headrest on the Elite isn't as contoured as the old Sapling, but still supportive and comfortable. It also has a bottle or treasure pocket within reach of the passenger which is very useful.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The headrest isn't contoured, or as well-padded as the previous Sapling but it offers adequate support nonetheless. In our experience, children use the back headrest less frequently than they do the front drool pad/face rest.

thule sapling elite - the elite stirrups are height adjustable for a custom fit for...
The Elite stirrups are height adjustable for a custom fit for comfort or leg length.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Elite has similar stirrups to the previous non-Elite backpack; feet fit inside easily and they can be adjusted for height or passenger comfort. This pack is one of the few options we've seen that comes with a canopy.

thule sapling elite - the canopy for the elite has its own storage pocket.
The canopy for the Elite has its own storage pocket.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

It has its own storage pocket and is easy to attach to the pack when you need it. We love a good canopy for protection from the sun and rain. This canopy has an open side and mesh above them to help decrease the sun and wind exposure near the eye-line of most passengers.

thule sapling elite - being able to remove the day pack on the elite makes this packs's...
Being able to remove the day pack on the Elite makes this packs's storage more user-friendly.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Elite has a variety of features and functionalities you'll need a guide to decipher, but once you sort it out, you'll be glad you have them.


The wearer waistband has a forward pull adjustment that works well and can be changed while walking for minor comfort adjustments. The belt is cushioned and comfortable with two parts that provide a more customized fit.

The new seat height is only adjusted from the front but is easily done with a child in the seat. The adjustments are easy to identify, are under the drool pad, and move without any trouble.

thule sapling elite - the elite has two handles for holding, positioning, or storing the...
The Elite has two handles for holding, positioning, or storing the pack.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Sapling Elite has two carry handles at the top that can be used to carry an empty pack to hang it for storing. There is a place to put your foot for added resistance to make it easier to do adjustments to the buckles and straps.

The canopy connects with a process of legs and toggles, it isn't...
The canopy connects with a process of legs and toggles, it isn't difficult, but it does seem convoluted.
The canopy connection on the Elite is a convoluted process with more...
The canopy connection on the Elite is a convoluted process with more steps than feel necessary.

The canopy folds down easily and stows behind the baby in its own pocket. It has loops on the front, and Velcro that attaches to the back. The ends fit snugly in the front slots provided. While attachment is difficult, it is more convoluted with a higher number of steps than the competition.

thule sapling elite - the included mirror accessory is great for checking on a sleeping...
The included mirror accessory is great for checking on a sleeping passenger without taking your pack off or requesting help.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This model also includes a handheld mirror that lets you check on your passenger without taking the pack off. It is a small but ingenious idea and we wonder why we never thought of it.

thule sapling elite - the sapling elite has a lot of storage options and we fit loads of...
The Sapling Elite has a lot of storage options and we fit loads of supplies inside.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Storage


The Elite has more storage than most of the competitors.


Better storage in your backpack means you can bring more supplies and keep them better organized for quick retrieval when you need them. This translates to easier and longer adventures with your little ones.

thule sapling elite - the waist pockets on the elite are so large you can fit all your...
The waist pockets on the Elite are so large you can fit all your quick access items inside.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This pack includes storage in two ways, a large compartment and a mesh pocket on the pack itself, plus there is a removable day pack that includes a large zippered compartment, a small zippered pocket, and a medium-sized mesh pocket. The pack also includes very roomy waistband pockets that you can use for snacks, phone, keys, wallet, or other quick-access items. While the main pack doesn't have any kind of internal organization pockets, during testing we fit a jacket, snacks 2 water bottles, diapers, wipes ad sunscreen in the main compartment. The removable day pack will fit all that and more.

Manufacturer Video



Wendy Schmitz, and BabyGearLab Review Team