Baby Backpacks

[Close2Me]

DD 7 months spend a lot of time in my Ergo Carrier which can be front or back carry and she's into seeing the world but back carry is low visually as they ride low on back. Love my Ergo nut it does have some back wearing limitations.

Being the outdoorsy family that we are I've found myself searching for a true fit in framed backpack carriers. I just sold a 6yr old Kelty Base Camp daddy used with my son. This time around I'll be the prime carrier so it's gotta fit like glove and 6yrs later the market has made some improvements.

So- shopping from my laptop bringing several brands to my doorstep to try out has been fun with little to no hassle returning carriers I don't like. I've shopped via Amazon mostly cause I'm a "Prime" member and get free 2 day shipping. I also found Backcountry Edge has great prices/free shipping/free returns via FedEx.

Here's the ones I've tried and returned so far:

Sherpani Rumba Superlight: liked it and it's designed for Women but this model does not have an adjustable waist belt (slide up/down) and the pack stand does not retract so when you turn you bowl people or things over! It does boast a cavernous diaper compartment though and has kiddie foot stirrups as well as a sun/rain hood all included and I paid $119.00 RETURNED

Tough Traveler Stallion *Made in USA which I love, but just as our Auto makers the design is so 'old school' tinny and cheap feeling to me. This was $250.00 in which part of it was the $45.00 sun/rain hood you buy separately! It also had a musty warehouse smell to it. RETURNED

Deuter Kanga Kid backpack soft frame which is novel idea but no kickstand to assist inserting child which can be real difficult alone and pisses off child! around $100.00 RETURNED

I KEPT a relatively new product from KOKOPAX which really is more of a city trek pack for MOMS not for the Wilderness at $175.00 and it weighs 3lbs, but no sun shade of 5 point harness, just 3. My Remy LOVES this and what cute fabric choices! Think outing at Farmers Market...

I'm still seeking the best fit in a true hiking pack and have two coming to try still: Deuter 2 and a Deuter 3 and let me tell you I love Deuter (German engineering!) so we will see which model stays in our household!

Happy Baby Backpacking

[calpurnia]

i didn't know deuter made baby backpacks! we have a little life (?) which dp uses - i can't stand it, i feel like i'm going to topple over backwards when i have dd in it. but it does give her a much better view than the ergo.

[jocelyndale]

Well, I can tell that I LOVE my Deuter KidComfort III. I finally took it out in the woods last weekend. :

I'm 5'2" with a short torso. DH is 5'9". We're both fine in it, though DH hasn't ever worn a frame pack before and doesn't understand how to adjust it so that he's comfy. I tried to help him out, but finally just decided that he'll have to settle for trial/error.

The built-in sunshade is pretty kick ass, though you need help pulling it out (or you can do it before putting the pack on your back). The stand doesn't auto-retract, but I have no problems pulling it in. DH couldn't do that as easily, so perhaps my hypermobility is an advantage for me.

Kiddo enjoys riding in it because he can see. In the Ergo, he can't see where we're going, just where we're passing. On the other hand, he IS two, so there are times when he's just plain ol' done. As in, "No more hike. Go home now. No more mountain. NO DEUTER. NO NO NO." And that's usually a couple miles (and a thousand feet in elevation) downhill from the parking spot, y'know?

I think I might try making him some stirrups, though he didn't complain about his feet and the seat is a pretty good position, not so much dangling as sitting.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jocelyndale/3489484255/

I was messing with it this weekend and realized that I can put DS in there a bit more securely. I was giving him too much wiggle room.

I'm going to buy a hydration bladder, too. That will rock so much.

[Close2Me]

I can't wait for my Deuters to come! If you are 5'2 that is promising! The III might be the keeper over the II then with the shade being so handy. I think it will pay for itself over time due to it's brand integrity.
Thanks!

[Close2Me]

Great Pix Jocelyn!! Now I can't really wait for mine to come! Woot! Great poles too!

[Close2Me]

Now I have the Dueter II & III sitting side by side as I have to make a decision on one to return. The II is smaller since it does not have that high back and it fits better but I think I have some adjusting to do on the III. Baby has waaaaay more cushioning to fall asleep in the III so I think that one is the keeper!

[RunnerDuck]

Don't rule out the Kelty line based on one model... We have 2 Pathfinders and like them but I know there was another Kelty with a totally different suspension that didn't ride as well - I think it might have been the base camp but I can't recall for sure. It was a long time ago when we got the Pathfinder... and happened to find a 2nd on Craigslist for $25 so didn't do any additional comparisons at that time...

I have a Beco I love for back carries around stores and the house and such but there is something about a frame carrier...

[Close2Me]

Thanks RunnerDuck! Off to check craigslist! Sent the Deuter III back...just too darn big. Keeping the II model!

[ewalker]

Kokopax question

Hello,
I'm wondering how you feel about the Kokopax after using it a while.

I have never liked baby carriers that don't have a hip belt to help move the weight off the shoulders and to the hips, so I'm wondering if the Kokopax does this weight distribution some other way, like the back cushion. Or is all the weight in the shoulders?

I have a 23lb 11month old daughter and I'm pregnant again and soon I won't be able to use a belt... so I'm hoping that the Kokopax might be the solution for a beltless back carrier, that still isn't shoulder-heavy.

Can you please give us your insight???

thanks,
Elena

Originally Posted by Close2Me

I KEPT a relatively new product from KOKOPAX which really is more of a city trek pack for MOMS not for the Wilderness at $175.00 and it weighs 3lbs, but no sun shade of 5 point harness, just 3. My Remy LOVES this and what cute fabric choices! Think outing at Farmers Market...